Euthanized my horse today

[RMJacobs]

I had a great mare who did fine into her mid or late 30s (she came from an auction, and we didn’t know exactly how old she was). We had her for 14 years. Then, she suddenly got aggressive with my husband, whom she’d previously worshipped, was picking on my pony with whom she’d always been best buds, and couldn’t seem to figure out where the hay was when it was right in front of her. Of course we euthanized her.

I know my mare’s life had gotten to be intensely unhappy, and I think it’s the same for your mare. You and I both gave them the hardest gift there is–a peaceful end to suffering. Please don’t second guess yourself for even a minute.

Rebecca

[EmilyM]

I’m sorry for your loss and the feeling of guilt. It sounds like you did best by all beings involved.

[beowulf]

Hey. Welcome to COTH. I am so sorry your first post is such a difficult one. On COTH we have a saying, “better a day early than an hour too late.” Take it from someone who waited too long – you did what you felt was right. Godspeed to your mare, and kick on. You did your very best, and your mare was lucky to have you.

[Eventing_my_ottb]

I’m dearly sorry for your loss! I’ve been in the same position as you. We had to put down my childhood pony who was 34. He was a QH/Welsh pony X and I loved him to death. It was so sad to see him go, but it was for the best. He had recurring colic

[Mango20]

I’m sorry you had to go through that!

I had a somewhat similar situation. I had a gelding with uveitis who eventually went blind in one eye. He was fine with that. Years later, he went blind in the second eye and became extremely anxious and a danger to himself and others. He’d lose his herdmates and panic, run into things, and was flighty and dangerous to handle on the ground. He was miserable most of the time. He was 17 and otherwise extremely healthy. It was a tough decision but I still feel like I made the right choice.

[Alex_and_Bodie_s_Mom]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

As we sometimes say here on COTH: This, it be right. You really have nothing to feel guilty for. You knew your mare best; you owned her for most of her life. You gave her every chance, and in the end, you gave her the kindest gift of taking away her pain, her fear, her anxiety. I know that doesn’t help right now, but I hope in time it does.

[CharlotteGirl]

Thank you everyone for your kind words. They mean a lot

It will get easier with time, it always does.

[TWH_Girl]

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mare No maybe their job or role in life, they are our companion and we are responsible for their care and well being. It is an awesome and wonderful responsibility. Godspeed sweet mare.