Horses!

[Skye'sDucks]

Well, sadly, this summer I had to say goodbye to my two oldsters.

Komet my former eventer was 31, with Cushing's, cataracts and arthritis. He finally got to the point where he couldn't get up and down in spite of pain medication, his rear suspensory ligaments could not support him any more. He just stood in one place in the pasture, and having been his person since he was a baby, I listened to what he was telling me - he was ready to go.
At the same vet appointment, Fiona (27 OTTB) who already had heart valve insufficiency and a benign thyroid tumor, was diagnosed with EOTRH, which caused gum pustules and was painful for her. Some horses with this can get their incisors removed and do well, but with Fiona's other health issues and her age, I didn't think it would be fair to her to put her through a major surgery. So after taking a couple weeks to decide (wanted to wait until I was less emotional after euthanizing Komet) I let Fiona go, too.
Both of their deaths were very calm and peaceful. One second eating treats from my hand, the next second gone.

I am so sorry to hear you lost your horses, that is so tough but I'm very glad to hear they had peaceful endings with you. That is always a blessing when they do not suffer. We just lost one of our lesson horses a few weeks ago, the vet believes he had a tumor and he had begun to act colicky and very off (I mean, he was about 30yo). I wasn't super close with him, but I definitely was grateful the vet put him down before he began to suffer.

I think with time, obviously, it does get easier. And I am glad to hear you have already found a new horse to ride! She sounds lovely. I agree with you that it is best to try to rely on our knowledge of our horses and make that judgement call, I know my boss had to go through that with her mare of 21 years who got laminitis really bad. Ariel always fought it so she kept fighting for her, but finally my boss felt like it was the right time to call it, before her mare began to suffer over the summer heat once again that was coming up. This was a few years ago now, but still. It's hard but necessary to ensure we give them the best quality of life possible.

 

[Loveshorsesandglee]

Sorry about your horses I’ve had to do that it’s never easy losing any animals.

 

[MROO]

It's hard to lose ANY animal you love, but I sometimes think a horse is the hardest. I'm not really including dogs and cats, here, because they're like immediate family, but horses are a special commitment of time, space - and let's admit it - money. The hole they leave, whether it be in your heart, your home, your time (even, dare I say, your yard?) is HUGE! And it's not like you can pop in the car, take them to the vet and bring them back home in a nice little box with a pretty little hoofprint plaque. It's a different sort of mourning ... and it's very intense.
So, @casportpony, and anyone else who has loved and lost a special equine, I am genuinely sorry ... and I understand.

 

[MROO]

My last post left me seriously melancholy, but it reminded me of something I saw online awhile ago that I think will bring some warm nostalgia:

"If you could throw your leg over any horse (pony, mule, donkey) one more time, who would it be?"

My choice would be Chuckles, "Chuckles the Clown," a big, buckskin pinto who taught a timid, abused little girl about trust, joy, confidence and the love of all things equine. His eyes - one blue and one brown - were the kindest I've ever known on any horse before or since. I can still feel his rocking walk and see the black dorsal stripe that only showed on his withers and down his massive rump. Fingering the little black tuft at the base of his mane gave me the confidence to attempt new things - like dropping my reins and stirrups, or the terror of that first jump! I learned to french-braid on his long, tri-colored tail.
Oh, Chucky, for just one more ride ...

 

[Folly's place]

I miss Bunny, my 'steady Eddie' Arabian mare, born into my hands (literally!) out of my first horse, a cute little Arabian mare, also loved.
Whatever she did, it was easy to stay with her, and when she died, I was done riding.
She's buried here on our farm, along with her sister and brother, all remembered very fondly.
Mary