Hi there,
Have not done much to my blog at present as been busy washing lots of horse rugs. Its nice being busy.
We have had an unenviable job of having a horse put to sleep. I use the words put to sleep as most people have their horses shot, we did not have a lot of choice in the matter, as Sabre, my old horse of 35 or so years, a loyal friend, but still bit of a sod had decided it for us, he lay down and had had enough. The day before he was bright and very perky, but like all of us who have animals we know the day will come that will not only bring sadness and loss but also a large vets bill. The vet was already at our yard, sadly putting a friend's loyal servant to sleep, the knackerman was ready to collect that horse, when I got the call from my groom saying "come quick". Being the coward, I sent Graham, my husband, he is always the one to have in any emergency, being over 6ft tall and very calm he was great. As he left me, he did say, you know this might be the end of him. Again, with any horse,you never know when you might get that call, so you are always prepared.
But anyway, back to Sabre, apparently, the horse is always sedated prior to the last injection, so there is no need to panic, it is a very civilised and gentle way to let them go. I am crying as I type this, and have not been able to talk about him to friends yet, I am not sure when I will be able to think about him without sadness.
As I think of the last great favour we can do for our animals, it makes me wonder why so many people pass on their old friends (some perhaps enemies!) to the sales and auctions, knowing what they know, but that the horse does not, and seeing some of those horses that get so upset at being away from their own little stable and field, it makes me wonder how and why people are so cruel. Yes,it is hard making that ultimate decision, but that is what owning animals is all about. The responsibility comes with the animal. Its welfare, and the end. We should be brave enough to say to these people who advertise their oldies in the horse and hound and other mags why are you so cruel to your horse? Why not even get a friend who is braver than you to be with the horse at the end? Why do you have to put your horse who has been loyal and faithful to you through the auction ring to get a few pounds, I really don't get it.
Incidentally. did you know that to put an obit in the horse section of the Friday-ad paper you need a death certificate? I knew you needed one for people who had died, but didn't realise that I needed one for horses, apparently, it is still upsetting for people to read about it!!! (Tell me about it)
Let me know your thoughts.
Keep on hacking
I do have pics of Sabre, and they show him at his very younger age, we have had him for over 25 years, but I have included the picture of Harry, my friend Sandra's horse which was the other one put down on the 31st July 2007. A very sad day for all.
Amanda
