FROM THE HEART WITH GINI RIFKIN: September 2026

Monday, September 14, 2026

A forever home for Bucky the horse..

If you've visited the Murdoch's store in Longmont Colorado, you must have seen Bucky. He's pretty hard to miss. He has stood watch for more than 40 years at this store, and the prior store Country General.

Bucky has had an exciting life, greeting customers (especially the children), seeing many seasons come and go.

He's been in the Horse Expo

and the Longmont Christmas Parade.

When the store felt Bucky needed to find greener pastures, one remarkable, longtime employee, stepped right up. Carol has been at Murdoch's nearly 25 years and is your go-to person for knowledge not just about the store products, but about various animals and their care. She's also rescued numerous "real" animals, and stated, "what's one more. This one is an easy keeper, and the clean up is a breeze."

The big day came, and Bucky took one last look at the bright lights and tile floor, and was pretty excited about retiring to a nice barn with lots of hay and other animals to get to know.

Suited up for protection, and lets face it he looks great in blue, Bucky was ready to go, and the transport was on the way....or so we thought.

Roz and Dennis were just coming off a busy road when the flatbed and the truck parted company. Fortunately the safety chains were in place and held until they got onto a side-street.

Yep, we're going to need a different hitch.

Murdoch's had what we needed. The first one was the correct size but not enough drop. Second one was perfect. Back on the road, and made it to Murdoch's loading dock area.

Being a professional, and of good breeding, Bucky remained calm as he waited.

One final check, and time to load.

A big thank you to all the helping hands at Murdoch's,

you guys were great!

Thomas really had a knack for securing our Bucky for a safe smooth ride.

Ready to roll.

We got a few stares and concerned looks as Bucky now appeared to be a deceased equine as we slowly made our way to Carol's.

The last tricky part of our caper was to maneuver the flatbed as close to the barn as possible. Bucky was a heavy

Go left. No right. No straight.

Oh just pull forward and start over!

Yay, you're home Bucky.

Now if Dennis and I can just figure out

how to loosen these cargo straps.

First peek into the barn and his new home.

Finally safe and sound and all in one piece. Diego, Carol's real horse, was watching. What must he think of this strange horse and new barn-mate. Bucky, you were fortunate to land in a great place for your forever home. Wishing you a long, happy retirement.