We recently had a conversation (which felt more like a debate ) with an individual who was asserting, with a heavy dose of arrogance that we wouldn’t find a better home for one of our horses, then we would with him. Our response was, we already have…50 of them. Basken was one of those lucky 50, adopted into a loving family of responsible adults and darling, doting children. Our field visits found him to be well cared for and adored by a family who affectionately called him their “country horse”, he had the real luxury of a simple life in their back yard with a buddy and an abundance of attention and affection. He had come a very long way… from arriving as a starving stallion, with over grown feet which still had training plates hanging on to two of his feet, worn so thin, that one actually snapped in half…..to the life of beloved family horse. When he first arrived he didn’t know what a carrot was, but he lived his remaining days with a forever family who thoughtfully froze his carrots on hot summer days, as special refreshing treats. Basken lost his battle with colic last night, we are heartbroken for the Barner and Dale families, who loved him.