I thought perhaps there was a beautiful animal under all that long hair and caked on manure. The horse's feet were cracked and broken too; heaven only knows when last a blacksmith had trimmed her feet. Her mane and tail were full of cockleburs and she was so thin I could see her hip bones and ribs sticking out. All I could tell about her was that she was a Leopard Appaloosa and she was as close to death as an animal could get and still be breathing.

I bought her at an auction sale. The mare's condition was so deplorable the auctioneer couldn't get any bids on her so I bid ten dollars. Just like that the horse was mine.

It took a long time to return the mare to her beautiful self; and she was beautiful. She was a Leopard Appaloosa with large black and brown spots over her whole body. I named her Carmen because she was beautiful like the leading character in the movie Carmen.

At first, Carmen didn't trust me or anyone else. No doubt it was because of the abuse she had been through. I was patient with her and gradually convinced her that she was now in a safe place.

Carmen and I became the best of friends and had a mutual love for one another. I used her for a parade and trail horse for many years. Carmen never failed me no matter what I asked of her.

I found Carmen dead in the pasture one morning. Her loving heart had finally given out. I'm so grateful I was able to give her a good ending to her life. Carmen was a beautiful and loving animal and deserved the best. I will never forget her.