Conference noted::equitation

Andrea,

Sorry to read about the loss of your horse.

Karen

Hi Andrea,

My thoroughbred Neo died 2 years ago January 17th at 4:00 in the afternoon and I
can honestly say it was the worst experience of my life. He had been my best
friend and partner for 11 years and his death came totally by surprise. He
basically dropped dead in the middle of a rearing-playing session with my other
horse Zeus. One minute I looked and they were playing - the next I turned around
to pick up a hose, I heard him cry out and he was down. I ran to him but he was
in convulsions and was dead as a door nail in about 45 seconds. I seemed like an
eternity.

Talking to my vet later - she told me that it was not as uncommon as I would
have thought. She said that he probably had a massive heart attack - or a brain
anurism that burst. It reminded me that I had seen another thoroughbred die in a
similar way a number of years ago. He broke out of his paddock - ran down the
practice track, disappeared behind the bushes on the backside and never emerged.
When we got to him - he was gone. I guess Thoroughbreds are particularly
susceptible to these congenital types of problems. 

You are right about the mourning - it will take time. But someday you will be
able to think about him without feeling sad. Just take some solace in the fact
that he went quickly, you were there to help him not be scared, and that he
lived a good life. And I am sure he is up there playing with Neo and Willy right
now...

JoAnne

    I feel so bad for you and also the noter who lost the foal. 
    I ride the same horse every week at lessons, and even though he
    isn't mine, I love him like he was. (He reminds me so much of
    my last horse, many years ago).  Sometimes (although I try not
    to) I think about what I would do if something happened to him,
    and it makes me cry just to think about it.
    
    But, just like many years ago, when I no longer had my last
    horse, and felt like I'd never find another like him, I finally
    did, and after time passes, and you feel better, I'll bet you
    will too.   
    
    The loss is really awful, but after a time, you may find
    another horse that reminds you so much of EO, it will be
    like he came back to you.
    
    Hope this helps..
    
    Gail

    Sorry to hear about your loss.  Reading your note reminded me
    of the first horse I took care of.  I loved this horse dearly.
    He died at the age of 20.  You could tell he was sick because
    of he weight loss and the color of his coat.  At the time I
    was to young and the old man that owned him didn't seem to notice
    since he was having problems of his own.
    Twinkle died at a friends barn I had moved him to two months
    prior his to his death.  Me and two other girls spent the night
    in the barn with him flipping him over every hour since he 
    couldn't get up.  One of the girls happened to be the old mans
    grand daughter.  She finally called the vet in the morning.
    The vet didn't get there until that afternoon.  Before the
    vet had gotten there, I had to run home to call work and tell
    them I wouldn't be in, by the time I got back, the vet had
    already put Twinkle to sleep.  I never got to say my goodbye
    to him.  After 15yrs I still miss him.  
      
    After all this time, I still have dreams about him.  In my
    dreams I'm either watching him, brushing him, or even riding
    him.  Sometime he'll just walk up next to me and start nudging
    me with his nose.  Strange thing is, the dreams feel so real.
    
    /shannon  
      
    

    Andrea,
    
    Having just lost my foal, I know the hurt you are feeling right
    now. But time does heal, and some day you will be able to think of him
    and a smile will come to your face.......
    
    So sorry,
    Tina
    
    

    
    Oh, it is SOOOOO hard to lose a friend like this. 
    
    I don't know which is worse--finding one dead.  Or being with them 
    while the vets try everything in their power to save them.  And have
    that all fail. 
    
    The pain will ease.  But your friend will never be forgotten by you. 
    Hearing something like this causes me to feel the pain and the loss
    all over again.  Even after many years. 
    
    Wishing you the best. 
    
    Mary Jo 
    

    Thanks to all who replied.  It has been over 2 weeks since EO passed. 
    Luckily I had a vacation to Florida 5 days after this happened.  While
    I was on vacation it was a lot easier not to think of him.  But, as
    soon as I came home he was the first thing I thought of.  I now have to
    figure out what to do with my time.  I usually spent my nights with EO
    since my husband works second shift.  I am going to try taking a lesson
    tomorrow night on another horse.  I still want to ride and my
    instructor is looking for another horse that I can lease.   
    
    I guess time is the only thing that will help.   As most of you can not
    forget your horses who you lost, I will not forget EO.
    
    Thanks again!
    
    Andrea