what a shock

[babymare]

went up to yard 2 fetch my 2 in this morning and one of the horses was in the corner of empty field dead. Obviously been put to sleep and was covered up. He was an old man but was out in the field and was fine yesterday evening so no idea what as happened omg such a shock. Really feel for the owner :-(

[racaille]

How sad. It's awful seeing their still, lifeless bodies, isn't it? My poor friend has to get her young horse PTS this week (it has a kind of kidney failure). She is trying to arrange it so the vet comes at the same time as the knacker as she so doesn't want his poor body lying around outside her house .....

[babymare]

It was the not knowing who it was as he was covered. But it must have happened late last night and sudden as he was out grazing in the evening. Poor Rachel she had him for many years - dread anything happening to my 2 horses

[slinky]

Very sad news Try not to worry about yours too much.
These situations are a good reminder of how lucky we are when our horses are in good health.
Heres an online hug from me (((((((hug)))))))

[kitcat]

Babymare, how awful for both you and Rachel. Big hugs from me too.

[fimacg]

It must have been a shock for you, were your horses turned out with him?

Speaking from experience though, seeing the horse that was put down and realising that it had gone may help your two adjust to his absence, Fig was taken away in a trailer and never came back and I think if he had seen Fig's body he may not have gone quite as loopy as he did.

[babymare]

by all accounts he had a blockage and due to his age - he was 32 - the decision was made to put him to sleep as he would not be able to cope with an operation - i believe it was very peaceful and he had a good long life. He was a bit of a loner in the field but used to take strolls round the field :-)

[Maes Seren]

Jun 24, 2008 6:34:12 GMT racaille said:

How sad. It's awful seeing their still, lifeless bodies, isn't it? My poor friend has to get her young horse PTS this week (it has a kind of kidney failure). She is trying to arrange it so the vet comes at the same time as the knacker as she so doesn't want his poor body lying around outside her house .....

A couple of years ago, a friend had to have her 18m old gelding
PTS because of that. Horrible isnt it

I really feel for owners whove had tohave horses PTS, and i think its even worse when the horse gets put to bed one night and owner comes up next morning to find it died in the night

[babymare]

I have vowed that i will be there with my 2 beautiful horses when the time comes - no tears till after they have gone - just being strong an calm for them. But it is an owners worse nghtmare having to make that descision

[popsicle]

That is sooooo sad. Something we all dread. He was a great age though and presumably had a great life and then at the end the kindest thing was done for him. Many are not so lucky. xx

[finefilly]

that is so sad. i dread anything happening to my old boy as i cant imagine life without him. he is part of the family.

[Becca]

Aww how horrible, I hope i am strong enough to make that decision when the time comes, i would hate to think i had left my baby to suffer.

32? just think what a lovely long life he had

big hugs your way

[racaille]

I'v got to face it one day (soonish, I guess) with the beastly Triangle. He is way over 40 now but as 'ornery a shet as they come. Maybe he'll see me out just to spite me!
Racaille's adoptive dad dropped dead in his field one night. He was old and died eating - he still had a mouthful - and dropped straight down next to the haybale. As good a way to go as any, but still shocking and upsetting for us.
My trainer's TB - a truly magnificent horse - had to be PTS last summer due to colic. She was distraught, obviously. But his death at least was swift and very touching. I swear he seemed relieved to go, after the suffering he'd endured.
We'll all have to go through this trauma one day or other. All I hope for, for myself, is that I can stay strong for my boys and if I have to make the decision, I make it bravely.

[babymare]

I think the majority of people would make the right I found the poem below really is beautiful and puts into prospective that last act of love - have tears in eyes just reading it

Time to say goodbye

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can’t be won.
You will be sad – I understand
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears.
You’d not want me to suffer so,
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they’ll tend
Only stay with me until the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you too will see
It is kindness you do to me.

[zara]

That must have been really upsetting for you babymare and a terrible time for Rachel ((((hugs))))
Making a the decision is so hard, it is13 years since I had my beautiful TB mare pts and I think about her every day. Every responsible horse owner will one day have to deal with losing their friend but we have to be strong and do what is right and kindest for the horse Zx

[ronansmum]

Thank you babymare for that poem, that is very moving and touching.

Yes, poor old boy but he obviously wasnt allowed to suffer for long and at 32 he has had a very full life. And, I hope, a happy loving one.

It is, unfortunately the one thing in the whole world we can all be sure of, that sooner or later death is inevitable....so all we can do is make sure we give them the best we can and do the best we can too....be decent and treat everyone (including our horses) as we wish to be treated ourselves.