Faro (Lighthouse), born 10th June 1996

Love at second sight

When I first saw Faro (at that time he was fifteen years old) nearly seven years ago, I noticed a horse that snapped a little bit at another horse that was also waiting to be brushed. He was not nasty – he just needed his own space.

During our trail ride I was deeply impressed because he was so relaxed and levelheaded. On the second day, I fell in love with Faro in an instant and we really connected. Maybe it was when he rubbed his head on me while I untacked him (I know you should not let the horses do this because we are supposed to be showing them who is the boss, but I did anyway). Perhaps it was also his absolute reliability and his loving character. I quickly knew that I wanted to provide Faro a comfortable retirement home.

Thanks to all of you; especially to Niki, Dani and Rudi, on the 24th September 2011 I was offered the most wonderful present in my life: Rudi brought Faro to me!

In the first few months, Faro did not want to leave the yard on his own. He did not trust me (why would he, he barely knew me?), he stayed with the herd, became friends with a Friesian and played beautifully with him. Many times, I came to the riding stables and I would not see a flea-bitten grey, but a black and brown horse that has been rolling in the mud again.

Now after six and a half years: Faro is still frequently brown. Nothing changes! He is now twenty-one and a half years old, but still a complete rascal. He is playful with his friends, uses our walks to try all of the tasty plants in the woods and we go on hacks all by ourselves. He is my soulmate, my lighthouse, my greatest treasure. He has a delightful character, he surprises me over and over again, he makes me laugh and he knows my weaknesses without ever taking advantage of them. Being with him brings great joy to my life, no matter whether I just look at him, smell his beautiful furry nose, go for a walk with him or ride him. Faro is simply best thing to ever have happened to me in my life!