THE time has come again.

Fools Motto

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It is sadly a goodbye time. But, in a way a happy relief goodbye time. I just hate being in charge and doing the deed.

Some here may remember my posts and concerns about The Old Horse. He is my fathers, and for some time I have been looking after him, yet the decisions are not mine. I can only feed him what father says, I can only get his feet trimmed when father says and I can only rug him when father says... you get the picture.
Well, he has been fed, he has been rugged and he has had his mane and tail trimmed. He gets daily polos from me too, and how I love his whicker! He has been living out - it keeps his legs from filling and him getting stuck laying down in his box as he can only get down and up from one side. He has had my two girls and his herd of cows for company. He is looking old, tired but there is still a glimmer of a sparkle in his eyes.
This coming week will see his passing. I don't know what day it will be yet, but I will catch him, (he won't let father) the kennel man will come and he will be led round the corner. I will give him a pat and a hug for I have known him a long time and I have him to thank for many things. Father will be with us too, but he is unlikely to stay to see him off.

I feel terribly sad for my girls, for they have seen the passing of their old friend Juno 16 months ago, and this is happening again to them, seemingly so soon.
I have to be brave, again. I know, as many of you do on here that this deed is now long over due, but it is at last happening.
I am so happy that it is.
 
Well done for finally being able to organise this.
IME, horses are much better at 'getting over it' than people are. They tend to live in the moment and if they were in the wild, survival would dictate that they spend very little time grieving.
 
The right thing for your old boy, I am pleased your father has made the decision before we get into the winter, I know you had a hard time last winter when he was not doing so well. He has had a great life, a good summer and going before he goes downhill again, thinking of you.
 
Well done for finally being able to do the right thing, and I guess well done to your father too for finally realising this has to be done. I remember reading your posts some time ago about how your father rules the roost on decisions about this horse.

I will be thinking of you all this coming week, I'm sure it will smoothly and you will have the knowledge that the right thing has been done. X
 
So glad that you managed to persuade your father to let you look after this old horse and to make the final decision. As another with a rather stubborn aged father I can sympathise with your difficulties.
 
I remember your posts and your dads horse has been so well cared for but its better with an oldie to go out standing, before he can totally not get up. That was my dread with my old boy that I would find him down(although my horrid stupid vet thought that I should wait until athritic clicky old boy was down unable to get up..eek...er NO). Still a hard decision when you have a nice horse and bond, but its the right one. Its about what is best for your horse not us, isnt it?You are a good owner and its true when people say you will know when the time is right. Will think of you all this week.
 
The plan is, that the kennel man is coming on Thursday lunch time. Horse is now in his stable so dad can fuss over him over the next 36 hours. I have groomed the mud off his neck, combed through his mane and washed his legs. He has a deep bed, some fresh hay and plenty of water.
My mare is looking for him though. She knows something is up, and is pacing the fence a bit. (unless of course she thinks she can hear the hunt!) All the same, both my girls gave him a kiss before they were separated! Bless.
 
I think its lovely when owners really spoil them with a good groom and scratch and of course the most important thing for any animal...nice food! I let my good doer on restricted grazing stuff his face on some nice grass beforehand. Will be thinking of you, your dad and of course your lovely horse. X.
 
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