10/15/2024
BUTTONS. The time has come to let those who loved her know, that last weekend, our magnificent Queen, Buttons, passed on. Recently discovered arthritis in her entire neck, coupled with the same in her front feet, and, also most likely, other joints, had made her uncomfortable enough (while still being stoic and carrying on) that her closest care team, decided it was time to let her go. She was 28 years old. Never an easy decision, at any age, and certainly incredibly heartbreaking, it at least gave many of us a chance to say a final THANK YOU and ‘goodbye’ and set her free.
Buttons was an incredibly generous mare with the best work ethic of any horse we have ever known. She was BIG and impressive, while incredibly gentle and calm(most of the time!). This combination of character and athletic ability earned Buttons a large and far reaching fan club over close to two decades with Methow Valley Riding Unlimited. She was popular with the littlest riders, three of whom (maybe four?) could ride her at once, all the way through to both our largest and most accomplished riders. She was our long standing vaulting horse, beginner kid, teen and adult horse, dressage and jumping horse, and even helped move cattle when needed. Buttons played a special role in the Let ‘Em Ride program, for elementary age kiddos and Horse Power for teens.
Two years ago, after a long history of adventures and mutual admiration, Jasmine Minbashian officially adopted Buttons, with a borrow back arrangement for MVRU. Buttons’ most recent home was Jasmine’s beautiful DragonFly Farm in Twisp, along with her best friend, Sparks. MVRU is grateful to Jasmine for ‘loaning’ Buttons back for riding lessons and Equine Facilitated Mental Health and Learning, and the wonderful care she has given Buttons in her golden years. Our final good bye was on a spectacular morning. Buttons was accompanied by her best human friends, Annie, Jasmine, Tulie and Bob, and, more importantly, her two best living equine friends, Sparks and Ginger.
These are only a few of the MANY wonderful photos, showing her incredible character. Buttons was magnificent and is already so sorely missed. Please comment and share your stories and photos, so we all may celebrate and honor her life.
With only the greatest amount of gratitude that we have had the honor and privilege of sharing this special soul for 17 years,
