I had to put down my two horses in March. They were old, had a rough winter and my vet agreed that it was time. I was there for everything and still can't talk about it. My mare (Appendix QH) was my heart horse and I miss her terribly. I miss my gelding (Arabian) too, of course, but I'm sure most of you know what I mean about "heart horse". I will have horses again someday, just not any time soon.
Horse history - I started taking lessons when I was 15 (1995) and ended up buying one of the lesson horses when they closed. I took him to college with me, where I earned a B.S. in Equine Studies. While there, I bought a young colt (QH) and sold him to a friend. I also did an internship at one of the largest Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding farms in IL. They are closed now, but I learned so much there. I was also a polo groom that summer. That's where my mare from above came from. I showed IHSA hunt seat and rode 3rd level dressage.
After graduation, I worked at a Belgian Warmblood farm in IN. One of the "top" breeders, but she was horrible to work for. I only lasted one summer. I figured out quickly that I had completely different ideas and couldn't bear to do some of the things she wanted done. It was mutual and I was happy to go.
Came home, worked at a bank for 7 years, quit when I had my son. I also had a lovely paint filly. I sold her when she was 4. I hear she's a really nice ride.
ETA: Of course, now that my horses are gone, and I've sold almost all my tack, all I want to do is ride. I don't know anyone around here for that, unless I start lessons (not in the budget). I really don't have the desire to ride a pay-by-the-hour trail horse either.
Pic of my mare, Kobe, in her younger years: