Thursday, October 8, 2009

Horses and Heartbreak

You can't fight the inevitable, even when it's at it's most painful... Last night we had to put down the barn owner's mare. She was 28 yrs old. Most likely she had some sort of kidney or liver failure, with a bit of colic. After 7 hours of walking, 2 buckets of water and mineral oil and many injections, it was time... She was panting and sweating and we all knew she needed rest.

The owner had owned this mare for 22 years. She was her everything. She was there before the kids, the husband, she was her best friend. 14 years ago the mare gave birth to a filly who 8 months later succumbed to colic and died. It was said that even though she was pregnant again, she never got over the loss of her filly... She had a colt a few months later who now has become one of Western Washington's fasted patterned horses in his division. No one can touch him and his Dam was no different. A few years ago, while on the beach the her owner was riding her and her husband was on her current speed horse. They decided to go for a run and before he knew it he was eating sand being kicked up from the mare and her beloved friend. She never slowed down and taught countless children and adults how to ride. She was a one of a kind mare. The kind of horse you can only dream to have...

When it was time, we walked her to where she would be buried and he son screamed out for her, the horses all looked somber and it was a clear chilly night. Every star in the sky was visible and the moon light up the pasture. The vet injected her and she laid down with all the grace she'd had while she was alive. We said our goodbye's and left with red eyes and broken hearts... Death is funny that way. Though we try to be brave when we put our beloved, trusted friends out of their pain, the pain suddenly consumes us instead.

Last night at 11:45 she finally joined her filly in Heaven. Today was a gorgeous fall day with a beautiful sunset and we laid her to rest behind her pasture. She's always been the Matriarch of the farm and always will be. We'll always feel comforted knowing she's looking over us, running through lush green fields with her darling filly and feeling no pain...

10 comments:

Jenny said...

We have a 35 year old Morgan that my barn owner has had since he was 3, so I definitely understand where you are coming from.

Please tell your barn owner that there are people all over the country, and probably the world, who have read this post and are thinking supportive and comforting thoughts.

maiden53 said...

Jenny is right.. I am in Northern AZ and my thoughts are with you. Your friend and her horse were very lucky to have each other for so long.

OneDandyHorse said...

Sorry for the loss... I feel your pain, we rescued a mare that was in foal, a month after she was brought home, she foaled of a jet black colt, the colt had lacked important nutrients and had a deformed hind end, was weak and very thin, we did everything to save him, knowing he couldn't ever be ridden, but I was determined. We helped him nurse for a whole week, day and night... 9 days later, he passed, there must've been something wrong with his organs. Broke my heart, I was getting so attached to him, I bottle fed him... I doctored him. Poor little guy, I hope he knows I love him dearly. It's always sad to see them go, but deep down, we know they are better off... Humans truly have a hard time with death.

Dusty Devoe said...

I am so sorry for you loss. It is never easy. Your friend will cherish all the wonderful memories.

SweetPea said...

The first horse I ever owned is only 12 years old. I bought him as a yearling. I dread the day I have to say good-bye. He is one of those horses as well...

His sire died at 19, his grand-sire at 43. I'm hoping he takes after his grand-sire :)

Unknown said...

Here's to high grass in heaven.

She had a wonderful life here, and wasn't alone when she trotted across...

Merideth said...

aww i'm so sorry...give her owner a big hug for us, and tell her to look to her right and know her horse is there (always works for me)

FlyingHorse2 said...

Bless you all for being so thoughtful to this horse. He has his wings now and will light the sky with all the other stars!
openhorseshowjudge.blogspot.com

Hoof'n It said...

Please let your barn own know there is another one out here who is so sorry for the loss of her best friend. It sounds like the mare was one I would have loved to meet!
Remember all the good things...

Tammy Vasa said...

A very beautiful post & lovely tribute to what was obviously a once in a lifetime kind horse.