Introduction
“Polishing the Diamond: Never Ride for Second” by Jasper L Creakbaum tells the touching tale of Diamond Amus, a young Arabian horse, and his human companion. It’s more than a story of horse shows; it’s about passion, effort, and the deep connection between a person and a horse. Creakbaum shares key moments that shaped his life, describing training, competitions, and the emotional challenges he faced. Through these experiences, he shows how they transformed his journey.
The Beginning: A Lifelong Passion for Horses
Creakbaum’s love for horses started when he was a child on a small farm in the Midwest. Being around horses early in life sparked a passion that grew into a dedicated career in horse training and blacksmithing. Inspired by the famous Roy Rogers, young Jasper was fascinated by horses. His first pony wasn’t just a pet; it was a key moment that fueled his enthusiasm and set him on a path to professional and personal fulfillment.
As Jasper grew up, his passion for horses became even deeper. He spent a lot of time at a nearby stable, working hard and soaking up as much knowledge as possible. These years were crucial for him because they marked the beginning of his career with horses. His experiences taught him the importance of perseverance, even during tough times, and the value of caring for horses. These lessons influenced how he trained horses and worked as a blacksmith.
The Journey with Diamond Amus
Central to the book is Jasper’s relationship with Diamond Amus, a young, talented, and beautiful Arabian horse. The story unfolds with Diamond choosing Jasper as his human companion, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey. Together, they navigated the competitive world of equine exhibitions, facing numerous challenges and triumphs.
The story clearly explains the careful preparation needed for top-level horse shows. You can see Jasper’s strong connection with Diamond Amus in every part of their journey. Getting ready for competitions wasn’t just about physical training; it was also about building trust and understanding between the horse and rider. This bond was very important for their success in the show ring, where their teamwork often led to amazing performances.
Highs and Lows of Competitive Riding
The book shows the real challenges of competitive riding. Jasper talks about the thrill, difficulties, and eventual success of taking part in big events. Each competition tested their commitment, ability, and bond. Winning was exciting, but it took a lot of effort and determination to get there.
However, Jasper encountered tough challenges along the way. He dealt with serious back injuries, money problems, and personal hardships that really tested his determination. These difficult times made him think deeply about his life, much like how he reflected while writing the book. Despite everything, his connection with Diamond Amus stayed strong. This shows how much determination and strength it takes to succeed in the Arabian horse world.
The Heart-Wrenching Decision to Sell Amos
One of the most emotional parts of the book talks about Jasper’s tough decision to sell Amos. Because Jasper had a serious back injury and money issues, he had to make the heartbreaking choice to let his beloved horse go. He did this because he wanted to make sure Amos could keep living a happy and active life.
The book talks about love, loss, and sacrifice. Jasper had a strong bond with Amos, which made the decision very difficult. But it showed how selfless Jasper was and how much he loved the horse. The story shows the emotional struggle of saying goodbye to a beloved friend, highlighting the sacrifices we often make for the well-being of those we care about.
Michelle’s Journey with Amos
Michelle’s journey with Amos proves how much resilience and determination are needed in the world of horse sports. The chapter highlights how she developed her skills and built a stronger bond with Amos, emphasizing the rewards of persistence and hard work.
Reflecting on Amos’s Legacy
Jasper talks about how much he cares for Amos. He remembers their special times together and talks about Amos’s unique qualities and accomplishments. Jasper appreciates the moments they shared, realizing the valuable lessons he learned and the happiness Amos brought into his life.
Amos wasn’t just a horse to Jasper; he was a dear friend and companion who had a profound impact on Jasper’s life. This chapter celebrates Amos’s legacy, emphasizing the special connection between humans and animals and how they can deeply influence each other. Jasper’s reflections remind us of the importance of recognizing the beauty and marvels of nature, often seen through a bond with a beloved animal friend.
About the Author: Jasper L Creakbaum
Jasper L. Creakbaum is someone who wears many hats—he’s a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a passionate lover of horses. He grew up on a small farm in the Midwest, where his deep affection for horses began and stayed with him throughout his life. His career in horse training and blacksmithing allowed him to work closely with these incredible animals, and he achieved considerable success in horse shows and competitions.
Jasper Creakbaum and his family live in Alaska and love its beauty. They’re excited about creating new memories with their great-grandchildren in the Lower 48 states. Jasper’s deep love for horses shines through in every part of “Polishing the Diamond: Never Ride for Second.” The book warmly honors the special connection between people and horses.
Conclusion
“Polishing the Diamond: Never Ride for Second” by Jasper L Creakbaum goes beyond being just a tale about a horse and its rider. “Polishing the Diamond: Never Ride for Second” by Jasper L Creakbaum is a touching tale about passion, determination, and the deep bond between humans and animals. The book follows the ups and downs of competitive riding, showing the commitment and love required to succeed in the horse world. Jasper’s experiences with Diamond, Amus and Amos demonstrate how these amazing creatures can change lives, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the unique connection between people and horses.