My old hunter - PTS yesterday

[Christmas Crumpet]

Am feeling terribly sad because my old hunter was pts yesterday. He has carried me across the biggest and toughest country and been a total joy to have around and was the best friend I've ever had.

He went hunting on Sat for a morning ambling with me and had a lovely time. He went hopping lame after cantering across a field and so I took him home. The vet came yesterday and said there was nothing he could do so the KH came straight away and put him to sleep. The hunt staff were so professional and amazing and I take my hat off to them. They gave me time to say goodbye and gave me time with him on his own.

He had a very good innings and he will be remembered by all that knew him as the most wonderful handsome hunter with "issues"!! I didn't mind about those issues because he more than made up for it in other ways. I've managed to hold it together mostly until this morning when I let the mare out and she was running round calling for him and trying to find him. That really made me cry.

But at least we had one last day out together and he was happy. I think he knew it was time to go as well which made it easier.

Have to stop writing because I'm at work and have tears pouring down my face and don't want anyone to see!!

 

[Haniki]

How sad for you but an honourable end for your lovely horse. It's the empty stable that always makes me sad. Lots of sympathy being sent your way.

 

[amandathepanda]

poor you, that is so sad. At least your boy had one last day doing the thing he loved most - hunting! What made him go lame? At least you know you did the best for him and he went out a happy horse. Big hugs x x

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

He was an old horse who had had various injuries all to the same leg. He did a tendon last year and although the tendon was ok everything else started falling apart. We aren't 100% sure what happened because I didn't think it was fair to investigate hugely. He was nerve blocked from the fetlock down but was still hopping lame so must have been some soft tissue damage. He was too old to turn away and try and bring back again and I wanted him to go with some dignity after having a lovely day on Saturday. I didn't want him to suffer anymore.

God I miss him!!

 

[MadMacher]

God bless you, it must be so hard to say goodbye.
But at least you know it was for the very best intentions.
Chin up.
xx

 

[amandathepanda]

So sad but I think you did the right thing. I hate it when people try to keep old horses alive for their own selfish reasons, it is far better to let your horse go out in the humane way that you allowed to happen and have the knowledge that he had quality of life up to the very end. It will be hard but at least you can take comfort knowing that you did the best thing you could for your horse and he will be happy hunting in the sky with now with no pain. Big hugs!!!

 

[atot]

I'm so sorry. *massive hugs* Sounded like a really special guy. xxx

 

[steph21]

reading that has made me cry, I cant imagine how hard that was as I love my hunter to bits aswell, but you did the right thing by letting him go, BIG (((((((hugs)))))))

 

[Maesfen]

I know it's a hard time but don't feel sad, feel priviliged that you had such a wonderful hunter for so long and that he gave you so much pleasure through those years. He had a wonderful life too, don't forget that either and did not suffer at the end, your hunt staff made sure of that.
Have a drink to him and cherish your memories; you both gave each other a lot of fun.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Well said MFH09. It seems to me that all the horses on this forum are blessed in that they have caring owners who know when it is time to say goodbye.

 

[peakpark]

I'm really sorry to hear your sad news, Guildford.
However, let it be of some consolation to you that he will have had a marvellous life and was lucky to have a loving and knowledgeable owner like yourself.

I hope we see all our pets again in the Next World

 

[tractor]

So sorry to read this, it's so sad when you lose one. I think hunting really brings you closer to your horse, you get yourselves into and out of trouble with them.

I only hope that when it is my boy's time to go, that I am lucky enough to lose him after a day's hunting and that he is cared for by the hunt staff.

I had a horse put down last year, and I know he's always with me out hunting. Hope you can get back out soon, time is a great healer x x x

 

[wizzi901]

totally unselfish, and well done you for letting your old boy go with dignity, respect and letting have one more party...xxx

 

[martyna]

so sorry to hear your news . whata wonderful day to end it on though, hes a lucky horse to have had a owner like you .

 

[brighteyes]

Huge (((Hugs))). And so very sorry. Each one of these 'goodbye' posts brings me ever closer to our pony's time to go. I only hope I have the courage of those of you who have been through it with conviction and dignity. My hat off to you all. God bless.

 

[ponymad45]

so sorry for you. sending big hugs xx