Alas, our grand old man is gone

[Hounds]

Thanks so much again, everyone, for taking the time to read about Snaffles, and to Beverley for sharing a bit about her old hunt horses, too! I love hearing about people’s horses and their personalities, and I’ve got a special place in my heart for the old ones.

I’m back home now and am heading out to the barn to give my “young” horse, now 16, a big, big hug!

Thanks again for all the kind comments.

[NeedsAdvil]

what a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing, I cried my eyes out. RIP Snaffles.

[nicbarker]

I read this post when it first came up, then a couple of days ago I was in the position of having to have my own “grand old man” put down, and it had even more resonance. Definitely helps to share the memories, and think of all the times they made us smile:)

http://rockleyfarm.blogspot.com/2010/08/end-of-era.html

[Hounds]

Such sad news!

Nic, I’m so sorry to hear about your horse’s death! I’ve read your blog post about Ghost, and he sounds very similar to old Snaffles–even looks a bit like him! It does help to tell their stories, doesn’t it? You’re lucky you have so many pictures of Ghost, too. Sadly, I have very few of my old man, and I am making sure to take more of my younger horse.

Thanks so much for adding your Ghost’s obituary to the thread!

And thank you, NeedsAdvil, for the kind comments. We miss him terribly but are happy to report that he’s buried on a lovely spot on the farm. It makes it easier to know he’ll become part of the land he lived on for so long.

[nicbarker]

Hounds, yes, we were fortunate in having so many great photos - 2 of the ones on the blog were only taken in June, when Ghost and I went hunter trialling, and were taken by a good friend of ours. She told me yesterday that she had a feeling that that day would be the last time, so its a extra special that she got such lovely shots.

You can never take too many photos - or video clips come to that.