Friendship
Horse with a rocky past gives a heartfelt ‘goodbye’ to the only man he ever trusted
This is a beautiful window into how strong a bond with a horse can be. 💘
Michael Dabu
12.19.23

Training and taming wild horses demands patience and a meticulous approach.

Transitioning a wild horse to a point where it’s prepared for a beginner rider necessitates several months, potentially stretching up to a year.

Comparatively, domesticated horses accustomed to human interaction may require a shorter taming period.

Pexels - Dids .
Source:
Pexels - Dids .

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential risks inherent in handling wild animals, particularly in close quarters.

Taming horses like mustangs demands a cautious approach, given the potential dangers associated with their untamed nature in confined spaces.

Above everything else, it takes a kind heart to tame them.

Pexels - Edward Eyer
Source:
Pexels - Edward Eyer

Introducing Major, a horse with a harrowing past that could send shivers down anyone’s spine.

This is a heartwarming story about trust and companionship.

Some traits that we often see in tales circulating on the internet, involving both humans and their animal companions.

Pexels - Brenda Timmermans
Source:
Pexels - Brenda Timmermans

Today, we turn into the touching story of Major, a horse whose troubled history took an unexpected turn thanks to the intervention of a dedicated man.

Major’s past was filled with cruelty from previous owners who believed in a brutal method of “breaking horses.”

Pexels - Vedran Miletić
Source:
Pexels - Vedran Miletić

They subjected Major to severe treatment, binding his head tightly between poles and depriving him of food and water for an entire month.

This horrific ordeal left Major aggressive and deeply distrustful of humans.

Pexels - Pixabay
Source:
Pexels - Pixabay

Enter Max, a man with a heart of gold.

Despite being aware of Major’s aggressive behavior, Max made the decision to purchase him.

Janna Grapperhaus, Max’s daughter, vividly recalls her mother’s concern about this decision.

She feared for her dad’s safety, saying, “I’ll never forget the day my mom called me in a panic ‘Janna, you’ve got to convince your daddy to get rid of that horse, it’s gonna kill him.’”

Major was named as such because Max’s wife considered the horse a “Major Deal.”

Pexels - Lum3n
Source:
Pexels - Lum3n

Despite the odds, Max saw potential in Major and was committed to helping him overcome his traumatic past.

The journey to gain Major’s trust was arduous.

Upon arrival at his new home, Major’s behavior was challenging and even dangerous.

However, Max remained patient, spending countless hours every day working to earn the horse’s trust.

Max’s dedication paid off. Within two years, the once-aggressive Major transformed into an affectionate creature who trusted Max enough to allow him to ride.

Pexels - Bas Masseus
Source:
Pexels - Bas Masseus

Janna recalls, “My dad never broke him… he earned his heart. Every single day, for hours and hours dad worked to earn that abused horse’s trust.”

The bond between Max and Major grew stronger with time. Major, who initially lashed out at anyone near him, now showed affection by lovingly kissing Max on the head.

Their friendship exemplified that deep wounds can heal with love and patience.

Unfortunately, in October 2020, Max passed away, leaving a void in Major’s life.

To honor their special bond, Max’s family allowed Major to bid his dear friend a final farewell.

Facebook - Janna Grapperhaus Midwife
Source:
Facebook - Janna Grapperhaus Midwife

Janna captured the emotional moment when Major gave Max a last kiss and shared it on Facebook, expressing, “It seemed only fitting to let Major say goodbye. This is Major’s last kiss.”

The tale of Max and Major serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of love and patience.

It underscores the notion that even the most shattered spirits can find solace and joy with understanding and compassion.

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