Barns kind of quiet tonight.

[QRTRHRS]

Well, we had to put down another older horse this evening. "Wildfire" colicked about 3 this afternoon. Wife and I worked with her until the vet could finally make it around 7pm. When he palpataed her, he found her to be full of tumors. We'd been treating her for several years for melanomas around her rectum. "Greys" (white) horses are prone to melanomas. Coming up on 28 years old this may, we decided that it was the best thing for her and for us financially to do.

My wife bought her at about 2 1/2 or 3 years of age. I have been around her for 17 years now. The other seven horses saw all of this going on of course so they were somewhat subdued when I got them in the barn for the night. It is a mixed blessing to loose an old horse. The higher priced senior feed, the medicine, the extra care, I won't miss any of that. I will miss the big bright expectant eyes that greeted me in the morning at feeding time. I will miss the horse that stood quietly while I brushed her. We will miss her cavorting around the fields this summer while we sit on the porch and reflect on the setting sun.

The first photo is Wildfire almost shedded out maybe three years ago. The second was from a training session for up and coming show judges maybe six years ago.

View attachment 304251View attachment 304250

 

[Marty38]

Sorry for the loss..great looking mare and field

 

[groundcover]

Sorry for your loss, sure leaves a hole in your heart, looks like she had a wonderful life with you guys though.

 

[ljohnson778]

I am truly sorry for your loss.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Thanks for the thoughts. She had what is known as a club front foot so we never showed her. She did ride well though and was relatively easy to live with. (As opposed to this flashy, all "chrome" flaxen chestut "brat" we have). This is the fifth one to go in the last three years, all up in years. I am realistic about it, it is what it is. To work with horses even at the end when they could unintentially hurt you puts you at a "higher plane" so to speak. The latest and greatest have no meaning.

 

[treman]

I am very sorry for your loss.

 

[HarryN]

Our condolences for your loosing such a beautiful horse. We truly feel your pain as we have lost 2 to colic in the last two years.
It is such a helpless feeling watching them suffer. RIP Wildfire.

 

[camshawn]

We are also sorry for your loss. We lost our horse 2 years ago and I still miss her.
Cam

 

[LJH]

QRTRHRS, my condolences. She was a beautiful girl and I wish that all animals could have such good care, especially at the end of their lives.

treman, for you and your wife as well. It just sucks so much to lose them.

 

[Western]

Like loosing an adopted family member! Unfortunately the meds, vet's, special feed are part of the deal, just as for our kids. Price we pay for companionship. Appears she had 17 years of great care, wish you luck!