Tribute to apollo

It is with a heavy heart that I write this, knowing how much Apollo meant to so many people. On Christmas Day, our old sage (he was well into his 30’s!) began his journey across the rainbow bridge.

​Twelve years ago, I intercepted him as he was being passed from sale barns to horse traders. Giving him a soft place to land, surrounded by love, allowed him to truly flourish in our care. I named him Apollo after the Greek God of healing…little did I know how much he would fulfill his namesake. 

Early in our journey together, he became gravely ill, and we nearly lost him just three months after his arrival. You can read more about his miraculous healing journey here: Apollos Story of Healing. From that moment on, Apollo became a force of connection and transformation. He brought people together. He changed lives. He was a steady rock, and he remained full of life right up until the very end.

Apollo’s life taught me the power of resilience, gratitude, grit, and determination. He showed me the profound healing that can happen through community, and the importance of embracing the present moment and the precious gift of life. Through his story and his life, I formed many meaningful connections and friendships with people I otherwise may never have crossed paths with.
He taught many people about the power of emotions, often reflecting back their own hidden or unspoken energy. He helped timid riders overcome their fears by being a calm, steady, and predictable presence. He was an intuitive and natural healer in equine coaching, and a peaceful, sturdy partner in equine-assisted therapy.

Apollo also brought endless laughter and smiles with his perpetual flatulence. Every time we picked up his back hooves, he’d pass gas—so much so that we started calling his hind legs the “fart levers.” He was the best for fuzzy, warm hugs and warming up hands in his long thick winter coat. He was endlessly tolerant of our games and obstacles, the undisputed king of backing up, and incredibly smart.

In the summer, he was laid-back and lazy; in the winter, he came alive with joy and occasional bursts of overzealous energy. He thrived in the cold and absolutely loved the snow—true to his breed. For many, he sparked a love and passion for the Norwegian Fjord breed, perfectly embodying the kind and dependable demeanor they are known for. With his black and white mohawk mane and perfectly sun-kissed highlighted forelock, his unique look was a common topic of conversation!

The barn feels empty and quiet without his sweet whinny greeting me at every feeding time, his bucket knocking against the wall as he eats, and him peering his head out of the stall watching the comings and goings of the barn activities.  

I have set up a memorial poster on his stall to share messages, stories, and pictures when students return from winter break; please also feel free to share your memories in the comments. The stories we share in memoriam is what helps heal our hearts.