Pictures My lovely old horse has died

Spotherisk

Spotherisk

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You have all been so very kind that I am sniffling again.

Harley’s companion was also put to sleep. His owner and I had recently discussed when would be the right time and I’d started looking at other companions for Harl as it was decided to let him go before the winter. Today he stood next to Harley’s body all day, he was calm and relaxed, and he has been pts next to his friend, whilst eating some lovely food. It is devastating but the right choice given the circumstances, it would have been unfair to have moved a 31 year old and introduce him to a new herd.

Tomorrow night we are going to have a wake, and drink gin, and probably cry a lot more.IMG_7120.jpeg
 
PurBee

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Sorry to read your loss of Harley. What a fabulous life he’s had for so long together with you and the others. The best life a horse could wish for. That takes a level of dedication i think only horse owners know the sacrifices made to give them the best life we can. That’s a level of loyalty to be proud of.
I hope the days onwards fill the silent hole they leave in our lives when they leave us, with memories of the good times you’ve had as a crew. xx
 
PurBee

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Spotherisk said:
You have all been so very kind that I am sniffling again.

Harley’s companion was also put to sleep. His owner and I had recently discussed when would be the right time and I’d started looking at other companions for Harl as it was decided to let him go before the winter. Today he stood next to Harley’s body all day, he was calm and relaxed, and he has been pts next to his friend, whilst eating some lovely food. It is devastating but the right choice given the circumstances, it would have been unfair to have moved a 31 year old and introduce him to a new herd.

Tomorrow night we are going to have a wake, and drink gin, and probably cry a lot more.View attachment 116856
Click to expand...
Gosh, you’ve had a double loss…😢…with kindness they went together…
BIG hug xx
 
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Debsflo1

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Spotherisk said:
Love the bones of him, 31 was a great age, and only last week I celebrated owning him for 26 years. There was some unusual late night neighing yesterday - to cut a long story short he was passing blood and the vet said he was broken inside, it was his time. Two hours from the neighing to his final breath.

My first horse, and almost certainly my last.

Goodnight my beautiful friend Harley, gone over to be with Tinner and Smurf once again.View attachment 116808View attachment 116809View attachment 116810View attachment 116811View attachment 116812View attachment 116813
Click to expand...
so very sorry x
 
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SO1

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So sorry for your loss. He was lucky to be loved and in the same home for 26 years. It is so hard saying goodbye.
 
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twofatladies88

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So very sorry for your double loss - it is truly heartbreaking. My eyes are leaking terribly as I type this. What wonderful lives they had - I loved your photos when you posted them. Not many horses get to stay with the same owner for so long - you gave him a wonderful life.
 
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Dreamer2020

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Sending you hugs ... what a wonderful life Harley had with you & you were with him right up until the end. It's heartbreaking to lose your best friend ... I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos of him xxx
 
Sealine

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So sorry. There is nothing wrong with a good cry. Better out than in. Bottling up emotions never helps in my experience. Take care x
 
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Fransurrey

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Really sorry to read this. My boy was in my life for 25 of his 27 years, so I totally get the odd feeling you have when they're suddenly gone. He looks like he was a fantastic little horse!
 
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meggymoo

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So sorry for your loss, so hard for you after all those years. But you are the very best sort of owner that can put your own heartbreak to one side in order to make the correct decision immediately. He was a lucky boy.
 
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Annagain

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I'm so sorry STR. What a great age though and, for him, what a lovely way to go, quickly, peacefully, at home and surrounded by love.

It's such a terrible shock at the moment but as time goes on, I hope you take a lot of comfort in the fact that his suffering at the end was the absolute minimum. I lost my old boy (20 years ago) very unexpectedly to colic. He was fine going into his stable the night before but was down when I got there at 7am. He'd eaten all his hay except for a handful (which was normal) so can't have been in pain for long. The vet arrived within 30 minutes and 15 minutes later it was all over. Once I was over the shock, I was very grateful that it was quick and I never had to make a decision. I really hope you feel that too in time. Hugs.
 
Birker2020

Birker2020

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Spotherisk said:
You have all been so very kind that I am sniffling again.

Harley’s companion was also put to sleep. His owner and I had recently discussed when would be the right time and I’d started looking at other companions for Harl as it was decided to let him go before the winter. Today he stood next to Harley’s body all day, he was calm and relaxed, and he has been pts next to his friend, whilst eating some lovely food. It is devastating but the right choice given the circumstances, it would have been unfair to have moved a 31 year old and introduce him to a new herd.

Tomorrow night we are going to have a wake, and drink gin, and probably cry a lot more.View attachment 116856
Click to expand...
It is so sensible that you showed him the body and that he was given the time to grieve and understand what had happened to his friend. And also that you made the best decision given his age. What an amazing and brave owner. You did them both proud. So sorry x
 
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