Thank you for saying that. She was such a special horse to us and I feel lucky that we could retire her at home and care for her as long as we did.
12 Likes
{{{{starhorse}}}
1 Like
You made the best choice for her with the advice you had from your vet, and you have a wonderful picture of her with your child that will allow him to remember a kind equine friend.
What was your horse’s name?
4 Likes
Her name was Lilly. She was my first horse, got her when I was 12. She got me through middle school, high school, college, grad school, lived in three states, marriage, my first home, and my first kid.
The safest thing you ever saw in her later years. She gave so many people their first ride. None more important to me than my own kiddo.
She is sad today, but just now acknowledged that she likes the other two horses “a little bit.” So, maybe new friendships will come of this.
47 Likes
What a fabulous life you had with Lilly. So many years and so many accomplishments and memories. The photo of her with your toddler is precious and I hope you have it framed and hanging on the wall in a special place. ((( Hugs ))) on saying good-bye to a dear friend. 
6 Likes
Such a beautiful mare, my condolences on the loss of such a dear friend. She lived a lovely life with you and I find it wonderful you got to share her with your child. What a special connection, hugs to you.
2 Likes
In “A Tale of Two Horses” by A. F. Tschiffely he writes that the gauchos (cowboys) in Argentina told him that there IS a horse heaven called Trapalanda where horses’ souls go after they die.
In Trapalanda they can run free over endless pampas, with good grass and other horses.
Your mare’s soul is there now.
I have put down several older horses. The worst one was my first horse who died at 33 years old, my angel from heaven who taught me how to ride, train horses, be a good horsewoman, a good parent, and helped me raise my two boys. My oldest son insisted on holding the lead rope when the vet put him down when he twisted his intestines. I was NOT going to put the love of my life through an operation at age 33.
I cried many days thereafter. Everybody understood, because Hat Tricks was SPECIAL.
Your mare sounds like she was special too.
It is hard to lose the good ones even when they are so old that you know it is just a matter of time.
11 Likes
This sounds a lot like Lilly. I hope she’s somewhere special, but if she’s not, I know she’s not hurting now and we never let her get too painful. So, I am grateful I was given the gift of saying goodbye on these terms.
My amazing husband held the lead rope and I stayed inside with the kiddo. I know time will make this easier bit by bit, but the messages from all of you mean so much.
9 Likes
So very sorry @starhorse! It is never easy to lose them, and you gave her a wonderful life and kind transition. It is such a hard decision, which never feels quite right, but you did the kindest thing for her.
3 Likes
My sympathy for your loss. It’s never easy, even when the decision is obvious. 
5 Likes
What an absolute beauty Lilly was. I adore a buttermilk buckskin. And what a gift to have her weave herself through the fabric of your life. You cannot ask for more than that. And you did her justice. With grace and love. . Thank you for sharing her with us.
5 Likes
A very beautiful horse!
My previous horse’s name was Lillie (short for Lilliesleaf). She was a bay TB, and I had to euthanize her at 23.
Here’s a picture of her when she was about 18, with my son (then 14) riding her (taking a lesson):
10 Likes
I’m so very sorry for your loss. It’s always so hard to lose them no matter the age.
I had something similar happen to my 32 year old mare. Colic symptoms, brought her to university for medical management. Like your mare, lactate levels were high suggesting that this was a surgical colic. I had to let her go.
There’s a saying (I might have seen it on here) that gives me comfort: the greatest act of love is taking their pain and making it your own.
9 Likes
I’m so sorry for the loss of your very special friend. You gave her the gift of a peaceful passing. As you recall 30 years of memories, take comfort in that.
2 Likes
Lilly lived a full life with you! What a lucky mare.
3 Likes
You had an amazing partner for so many years, so many firsts. It is going to hurt, give yourself grace and time.
And on another note, I was that toddler to a horse loving mom and I was about your kiddo’s age when we had our palamino. I remember her. I can recall the dapples of her coat, the pattern of her chestnuts. (I used to sit under her while she grazed and my mom would let me roam on my own) I was raised as a free-range kid.
Your little may very well remember Lilly. I hope she does.
6 Likes
Thank you all she is asking about her and trying to understand and I cry every time, and then she asks why I’m sad so I cry more. But I know it gets better with time.
It’s very comforting to hear from people who understand our love of horses.
7 Likes
Lilly was SO beautiful and that picture of her with your daughter is precious. I lost my old guy at 28 after 20 years together and it’s hard, so hard, at first. Love all the other pictures too. She really loved you.
2 Likes
Very beautiful mare. So sorry for the hurt you are going through. It’s very difficult.
1 Like
