The king of stallions
Kitoko, the PRE stallion that lives in France, is quite possibly the most beautiful and majestic horse I’ve ever seen. He is adored and cared for by Lila. She refers to him as the King of Stallions and it is a worthy title for him. Lila is a very accomplished side-saddle rider and when she and Kitoko dress up in their finest and ribbons to perform it is a sight to behold.
Kitoko came to Lila from Normandy about six years ago. They have developed a most remarkable relationship. Theirs is a mutual adoration and respect. While Kitoko could be a very difficult horse for others to manage, with Lila he has become like a kitty cat. Even riding side-saddle, she feels quite safe on his back cantering through the forest. After Lila injured her shoulder and was unable to lift a saddle to his back, Kitoko learned to drop down to his knees and bow so that she could place the saddle upon him. He has learned many many tricks and charms everyone at the stable.
Two years ago Kitoko developed a swelling in one hind leg. Perplexed, the vets were unable to accurately diagnose or treat the condition. Lila has tried everything she can to reduce the swelling and restore the leg to its previous healthy state. When she contacted me, her words were “You are my last hope.”
My work with Kitoko is still in process and improvement is slow but steady. I always try to remember to consider what may have caused the condition. I’m not referring to the slip or trip in the pasture, but what REALLY is the injury about? Often there is a deeper cause and unless that can be addressed true improvement cannot occur. I probed Lila for more answers and learned the following. Kitoko’s previous owner had come for a visit and to ride him two years ago. Shortly later the stallion developed the condition in his leg. Could he be using this injury to dissuade this man from reclaiming him and taking him from his beloved Lila? Once we considered this possibility and shared with Kitoko that that outcome was not likely we began to notice improvement. His condition is one that is very difficult to treat but we are both grateful for each degree of improvement we see.
Kitoko’s story illustrates the incredible bond between a woman and a horse. Working from a distance with Kitoko is exciting as I feel his tremendous spirit coming through. I am thankful that Lila brought both of them into my life.
Sometimes healing is a long slow process. It can take patience and persistence on the part of everyone. But those successes are the most profound. When I received the most recent update from Lila she concluded her message with: “You have changed our lives.”
I could not feel more humbled.