Why I Love Debbie and Brentina (UPDATED)
My very good friend, Guenter Seidel, called today with very sad news. Brentina had to have colic surgery last night and while she survived the operation, she will be in critical condition for the next 24 hours. It is always sad to hear about a horse going through this, but Brentina holds a very special place in my heart as in the hearts of most all dressage enthusiasts. It’s not just because Brentina has had an amazing carreer, bringing our country medals in Olympics, World Championships, World Cups and Pan American Games, something I believe no other American horse has ever done. It is more because — unlike 99.9% of horses — Brentina truly loves to be in the arena with her beloved partner, Debbie, and proved this again and again through her fantastic willingness to fight for her rider for every last point. All one ever had to do was look deep into her eyes to set Brentina apart from the rest. Her look of confidence sprang from the most sound training of the basics and the true harmony which was supremely evident in most every test I ever saw them do.
In the end the story of Debbie and Brentina is a love story of the highest kind. It is the reason why horses who loved their masters have always done such amazing feats for them and this speaks to what also makes Debbie so special. You see it is not only Brentina who has an amazing heart. Debbie is the mother who imprinted that characteristic on her baby, even though she may have always called he MaMa. Debbie truly has almost the same qualities which I just mentioned that make Brentina so extraordinary. She may not be huge in body but she is as smart as a whip and has a heart as big as the universe. And if you are not sure who I meant when I said that, Debbie or Brentina, it doesn’t really matter because the statement applies perfectly to both! My thoughts and prayers are with Brentina, Debbie and her family and the Thomas Family.
RD
An Update for Everyone from Deb
Hi Everyone,I had to give you all an update again, Mama is doing fantastic! Ruben and I took her out for a walk today she was so excited to have us there. We had rain all day and when we went to take her out there was bright sunshine for about 15 min. She mostly wanted to groom us which made me so happy because that meant she was feeling more like herself. Button was my photographer today and caught a few pictures of us together. I wanted to share them with all of you since everyone has been so concerned. Again, I can’t thank everyone enough for all your prayers, I really believe that they have been heard and hopefully answered. I also wanted to Thank my friend and teammate Robert Dover for writing such an emotional letter on his website. I have never had such wonderful things written about us. I will keep you all posted.
Thank You Again!!!!
Love Debbie
Bernie — February 12, 2009 @ 8:30 am
That is indeed very sad news. Thinking of all concerned too. R, you express the nature of Debbie and Brentina’s partnership beautifully here. B
Debbie Mcdonald — February 13, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
Robert,
I can’t remember anyone saying such beautiful things about us? You have touched my heart and I am honored more than you know. Thank you so much for your support over the years and seeing beyond just success!
Love, your teammate
Debbie
Renee — February 15, 2009 @ 8:14 am
Robert - I don’t believe such feelings and expression could have been any more eloquently communicated than you have done in your letter to Debbie & Brentina — indeed a great love affair that only the very fortunate,deserving and privileged get to experience in their lifetimes. We are so happy and relieved for everyone involved that Brentina is doing so much better and well on her road to recovery. Thank you for the opportunity to comment, and Godspeed to Brentina, Debbie, the Thomas’ and everyone who has been touched by this amazing pair.
Wandamae Lombardi — February 15, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
My all time favorite horse and rider Debbie and Brentina…I will be thinking of all of you. She will pull thru because she has the strength and heart.
Nancy Orr — February 15, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
Will we still see Brentina in Las Vegas? She and Mrs. McDonald are also my favorite partners, I’ve never gotten to see them in person, but I watch the you tube video al least once a week. Talk about R*E*S*P*E*C*T!!! Thank you so much for the beauty you have brought to the world.
Darrell Charlton — February 16, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
Both Brentina and Debbie are living testimony of the beauty, grace and strength that is manifest by the feminine life force. My experience with equines has shown me that nothing can compare to the female ‘heart’…
~”To see her is to love her, And love her forever, For Nature made her what she is.” - Robert Barns~
RDover2 — February 16, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
I love all the wonderful things people have written wishing Brentina, Deb, and the Thomas family well. Your thoughts and prayers have worked their miracles so far and, last I heard, Mama was making a great recovery and knocking the door down for attention.
We all know how hard life with these amazingly strong but just as fragile animals can be, so we feel for anyone going through what Brentina and her people have endured. Debbie and I will continue to keep you all updated with the mare’s ongoing recovery.
And thanks to everyone for your concern!
RD
Nancy Clare Lischner — February 17, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
This has been a very moving story. I just lost one of my favorite horses because of colic. He had served well as a police horse in his earlier years. Then I was lucky enough to buy him and he proudly pranced around with 4H kids and many children and adults had their first ride on him. He was close to thirty years old and sadly wouldn’t have survived the surgery. We did everything else we could think of doing for three days. I’m so pleased that the outcome of your story is a happy one for a great horse and owner. Nancy
Robin Lubert — February 20, 2009 @ 9:39 am
A special prayer and thanks to all the advances made in veterinary medicine and the people who stop at nothing to see that their animal partners and companions get the very best!!!!! Godspeed. Robin
RaiulBaztepo — March 31, 2009 @ 5:41 pm
Hello!
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PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo
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