I put my beloved 28 y.o. Paint gelding down in July. WE were together for 21 years. His arthritic knee finally lost flexion and was losing control of his hoof. I thought the vet jumped the gun when she said it was time, but she was right, of course. I wasn’t going to pursue more vet care because I didn’t want to turn him into an old man. He was still abundle of energy. I did three things.
First, I talked with the vet about what I wanted to avoid because it grossed me out. She was able to adapt her usual procedure. He was on a bed of hay. She sedated him first so he was really relaxed. She gave me some time, then the second shot and he didn’t fall as hard. Everyone had some time before she gave him the final injection. Her tech massaged his eyelids so they were partially closed, no whites showing.
Second, I picked a time late in the afternoon so a young friend who rode him for over 10 years could come after work. He was well-known to many people in the area, so I sent an email and the word got around that I would welcome friends - a few dozen came. I was encircled by many friends who crushed me in huge hugs at the toughtest moments.
Third, I have worked hard at creating an image of my living horse in my mind. I don’t have one of a dead horse lying on the ground, whites of his eyes showing. I have an amazing photo of us where I can see it whenever I need to. I could feel him behind my left shoulder for a couple of months. He is no longer that close, but he is still nearby.
I had him composted rather than cremated because he couldn’t be buried on the farm. I picked up a few buckets yesterday and will plant a tree in my yard. I’ll share some with a few close friends who knew him well. I’m going to post about composting. It was a good decision. Friends stayed with him when he was picked him up. They were impressed with how sensitive they were moving him into the trailer.
