They moved in and tackled the barn and property first. They cut down overgrown weeds and trees, slashed vines and poison ivy that strangled a storage shed behind the barn, leveled the stalls, laid down rubber mats, put up fencing, and installed a hot water heater (Moony cannot take cold showers, for the safety of all involved, he must be bathed in warm water). Every Saturday morning was spent loading up the truck with cut down weeds, trees, or debris from the barn and sheds and taking it to the local dump. The house also needed major work, in the form of a new roof, new water system, a repaired septic system, and indoor and outdoor paint.
After two months of fixing the place up, the horses moved in. They gobbled up the lush, green grass in the paddock. Victoria tucked them in every night, tossing them extra hay and fluffing up their bedding. She was beyond content that she, her horses, and her husband were all finally together.
Olivia Jane Shade was born August 3, 2015. Olivia met Moony when she was two weeks old and continues to visit him regularly. She laughed happily when she petted him for the first time, while he kept his head low and steady. He has always been tough with adults, especially men, tossing his head and sending their hand flying, perhaps head-butting them in the stomach whenever someone tried to pet him on his nose. But he is a completely different horse with babies and children. When Olivia delicately caressed his nose, which he kept carefully still, his eyes softened.
Victoria and Moony see each other every single day. He still has his attitude, always insisting on being the first one to come in from the paddock. He is also tough with those who try to pet him. But when someone wants to ride him, he takes care of his rider. He still enjoys the spotlight.
When Victoria isn’t in the barn, she often looks out the kitchen window and watches Moony grazing in the paddock. He frequently pops his head up at the same time and looks back.
Moony and Victoria with their 2nd place ribbon at the AHSA/Cosequin 1997 Junior Dressage Team Championships.
Moony meeting Olivia with Victoria and Brian, 2015.
Moony and Olivia bonding, 2016
About the Author (and Moony)
Moonshine retired from the show ring in 1997, and became a beloved family companion.
After college, Victoria went on to graduate law school, and is licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey. She focuses on animal law and personal injury protection. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association Animal Law Committee, as well as the Animal Law Committee’s Legislative and Publications subcommittees. Victoria also sits on the board of the Hudson Valley SPCA, is a member of the ASPCA’s Horse Action Team, and is a district leader for the Humane Society of the United States.
She earned her U.S.D.F. Bronze and Silver medals aboard Luino, and competed with him at the Regional Championships. Victoria then met her future husband, Brian, another horse-lover.
The pair purchased a house on a horse farm, where Moonshine and Luino were retired—Moon Shade Farm. They then adopted two dogs, Rex and Daisy, and were later adopted by two cats, Sochi and the Kitten. In 2015, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world, Olivia Jane, who had her first ride on Moony when she was in mommy’s belly.
Tragically, Luino passed away on June 17th, 2016, just three days after his 23rd birthday. Victoria was with him when he passed. He was a treasured member of the family, and he will be sorely missed. He was affectionate and loving, a loyal companion who was happiest enjoying the retired life with Moony and the rest of the family.
The Tale of the Dancing Slaughter Horse Page 28