We have lived on this farm for just about 30 years and never have we had just 3 horses on the property. For over 25 of those years I had 6 of my own with a few boarders. Usually 8 or 9 altogether.
This morning I asked PC what I should do and he told me loud and clear as he hobbled out to the pasture. He fought the good fight and it was just time. Called the Vet at 8 and he was at peace by 9.
The three girls knew something was up when I led him out of the pasture...one step at a time.
I think it was the hardest on Abbe...they were all calling for him. Of course I was a basket case, even tho I knew it was the right thing to do.
So now there are three.
After I got myself together, went over to Apple Creek Farm and mowed the lawn. Must have some allergy thing coming on as I was still plugged up and not feeling normal. Been this way since Saturday...I think I was really worried about Masterpiece and it was having quite an impact on me.
Got home, took a shower and then attempted to rest.
Went out to check on the ponies and they seemed to be alright.
See that smooth stone? It makes me think of Annette out at Aspen Meadows. Maybe she will write me an ode to Masterpiece.
Dinner hardly existed. A tomato salad and mac and cheese. Didn't care.
A beautiful evening. Took off the masks, put on the shed lights and will let the girls hang out for awhile. The temperature was perfect.
Gary and Woody are getting down to the home stretch with the house. A fair amount of the trim has been painted now.
Gary was painting a window up on the second floor until it was starting to get dark.
Goodnight Masterpiece.
...and many thanks to all of you who have helped make this day a better one for me. You have shown me great compassion and it is truly appreciated.
You were very strong to not wait when he told you it was time. I'm glad you have the others - they won't make up for his absence but they will provide some comfort.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have read your blog. I love animals and horses are a favorite of mine. Oh my at the courage you must have had today...This horse was one lucky horse to have had you. I was in tears after reading this thinking I don't even know this person. If I was close I would have to give you a hug...My heart goes out to you....Blessings...
ReplyDeleteAwww, I'm so sorry. What a sad, terrible, no good, very bad day. That decision is so difficult to make - but isn't it good that we can help an animal pass peacefully and not suffer any longer? Bless you!
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough decision to make but it was the right one. May he gallop and graze on green pastures forever.
ReplyDeleteBless your heart!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to do what is needed sometimes in life, But your animals feel & live in your love.
Thank you for touching my heart once again, Lori
warmest Aloha
Of course I will write an ode to Masterpiece. He deserves no less. It may take me a bit... I need to let the images come and mesh together. But know I'm working on it. And thinking of you. How is Jen holding up?
ReplyDeleteSweet Masterpiece. May you gallop in green pastures with friends old and new.
ReplyDeletePC may be physically gone, but he will always be with you in your soul. You knew it was the right thing to do, and so did PC, but it's never easy for the humans. Horses seem to accept life and death a lot better than we do. There's always so much we can keep learning from them. Focus on the wonderful life he had with you and may peace be with you both. Take care Lori.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, you made the right choice for sweet Masterpiece. Hope you will be feeling better soon and thinking of you!((hugs))
ReplyDeleteOh Lori, I am so sorry. It's never easy to say goodbye. Especially after so many years. But he's able to run again with all the other's that have gone before him. My heart goes out to you and Jen and many hugs for you guys too. Godspeed Masterpiece!
ReplyDeleteLori....these are the words I used for my "Attila"...they comforted me so much; I hope they will do the same for you...!
ReplyDeleteSomewhere in time's own space
There must be some sweet pastured place
Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow
Some paradise where horses go,
For by the love that guides my pen
I know great horses live again.
~Stanley Harrison
un abbraccio elvira
The right choice for our beloved animals is often the most horrible thing for us..I am so very sorry, Lori.
ReplyDeleteThis is always a hard decision...glad he told you when.
ReplyDeleteImagine is the perfect song.
Sometimes the veil is thin and you will see your friend galloping through the pastures with his friends, pain free and happy.
My heart is with you.
We know.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the death of your horse.
ReplyDelete:(
sj
Oh, I'm so sorry, Lori. I cannot imagine the strength it must take to make that decision and to be there at the end. That sweet, sweet Masterpiece. Your photos of flowers and moon are a fitting tribute. Bye, bye, beautiful Masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteKnow that my thoughts are with you and for the last, most difficult, gesture of love that you gave to your wonderful friend, Masterpiece. He's free of pain now. My sincere sympathy for you loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this Lori. Masterpiece was a wonderful boy and he had a good caring and life with all of you and was well loved. It's so hard to make the decision to let them go to a better place but he is at peace now. Think of him running through green meadows and drinking from crystal springs with all his friends that went before him. You will have good memories of him to keep him with you always.
ReplyDeletep.s. here is a poem I've always found comfort in, I hope you do too.
ReplyDeleteWhere to Bury a Horse
If you bury him in this spot,
the secret of which you must already have,
he will come to you when you call;
come to you over the far, dim pastures of death.
And though you ride other living horses through life,
they shall not shy at him, nor resent his coming,
For he is yours, and he belongs there.
People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass
bent by his footfall,
who hear no nicker pitched too fine for insensitive ears.
People who may never really love a horse.
Smile at them then, for you shall know something
that is hidden from them
and which is well worth the knowing
The one place to bury a horse is in the heart of his master.
So sorry to read this post. But you did what you could because you loved the horse. I am sure he would do as much for you if he could have. He gave you his life in human years. That has to be comforting - to share all the experiences.
ReplyDeleteVale, Masterpiece. And, peace to Lori and all who loved him.
ReplyDeleteUgh...such an awful moment in time when we know we have to let them go. But such a gift to them to allow that peacefulness to wash over them finally, releasing them from pain. He will always be in your heart along with the other beautiful souls who have been lucky enough to share their lives with you, Gary, Jenny, and the rest of your family. Sending lots of love your way...
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Sue and the crew
So sorry Masterpiece is gone. It's such a difficult decision to make, but it's the right one. He's lucky to have spent such a long, beautiful, happy life with you. You're a wonderful horse "mom". I'll be thinking of you and I hope your sinus thing goes away soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to a great horse's life!
ReplyDeleteDearest Lori...my profound condolences on the loss of your beloved Masterpiece. Nothing can fill the void at this time, and maybe nothing will. Do know, we may have never known M, but we do know you and can feel your pain. Take care. Ron Jim and Sophie
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about this. My sincerest condolences.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry ....
ReplyDeleteMaybe your horse is some green and nice place together with my horse (who I lost some years ago)now...♥♥
Sorry, Lori. Just read your comment on my Mum and Dad's blog and understood that Masterpiece had passed on.
ReplyDeleteSov gott Masterpiece.
Your photographs are a beautiful memorial to him, Lori.
Our thoughts are with you.