A horse with a name - The story of Josie

There's a story that just needs telling...
I hope I can do it justice, because it is a bit beyond imagination...

This is a photo of a very special horse, her name is Josie.

And here is her owner....  kind of.... You may recognize him as Pepere.







Shortly before Thanksgiving my Dad (AKA Pepere) came across a couple riding their horses through Apache Junction, Arizona, near where Dad lives.

Now you have to understand something about my Dad and Stepmom, Susan.  They are two of the most social people I know.  Given the opportunity to meet someone new, or experience something new, they're ready!  They have travelled the U.S. and seen more than most of us will see in a lifetime, and they have met countless people they now call friends. 

This is how this story came to be.  My Dad saw these riders coming through town.   He struck up a conversation, asked to take their picture for his granddaughter (AKA my Jocelyn, or as Pepere calls her, Josie), and what started as a simple photo op is now a friendship for life.

This couple, Art and Sue, are travelling the country on horseback, with barely an itinerary, and depending on the kindness of strangers to make their way.  When they came across my dad, they had fallen on hard times, and couldn't have found a more generous and willing person to come to their aide.     My Dad contacted some of his friends around town, and ultimately helped Art and Sue find a place to stay and a place to rest their horses. 

As days passed, my Dad had the chance to get involved with the horses. You see, my Dad is a cowboy at heart and was thrilled with the chance to delve into the horse world.  And what about that horse named Josie?  Well, the hard times I mentioned, included the death of one of Art and Sue's pack horses.  Having two pack horses was really necessary for them to manage their travels and carry their supplies.  So what did Pepere do?  He bought them a horse, a 5 year old mare, at an auction!  His only request...  name her Josie, for his grand daughter. 

After Josie came along, she needed to be shoed, and trained, and given a chance to bond with Art and Sue.  And of course, Dad grew quite attached.

As the group became fast friends it seemed natural to spend Thanksgiving together, after all, isn't that what the holiday is about?

But after all this, and Thanksgiving too, it was time for Art and Sue and their now, 4 horses to resume their travels.  

But some time in the future, maybe months, maybe years, when they have seen all they want to see, and done all they set out to do, they will settle down, probably near family in Illinois.  And then, Josie the grand daughter will travel to meet the horse with that special name, and amazingly generous story.  And without a doubt Pepere will be there for the introductions.