I have three horses buried in my back pasture. I would not hesitate to sell and move if that’s what I wanted to do. I rarely think about the horses in relation to where they are buried. I have keepsakes, photos and memories. Even though it’s been five years for two of them, I still miss my old mare a lot, but a pile of bones under the dirt means nothing to me. After the pain eases you may find you feel the same way.
We will be selling our place next year, we have 2 horses, 2 dogs and several cats buried here. A little bit of me will feel like I am leaving them behind but that is just the emotional aspect of moving on. This farm was their home and where they lived most of their lives, I’m sure they would prefer to be buried here but that is not reason for us to continue to stay here. Their souls or spirits have crossed over and will be waiting on the other side and not at the old farm. As difficult as it may be it is okay to move, don’t let emotional attachments keep you from doing something that is in your best interest for your future. That was something we had to realize and accept. You have memories of your time at the old place with your horse.
Sorry for the loss of your horse.
nothing to add but sending lots of cyber ((hugs))… have had that thought/realization myself… let us know if you need anything.
I’ve got two mules buried on my property and will sell when the time is right without giving that a second thought. Obviously, I saw, and handled, both bodies after they were euthanized and for me, that made it perfectly clear that the bodies were just empty receptacles once the spirit was gone.
So sorry. I have to say the emotional part of me understands. I had my last 2 15 year old shepherds cremated (I always thought I’d bury them at my farm in PA) because I couldn’t bear “leaving” them if/when I move from Indy back home.
However, I’d move.
I’d sell the land my parents were buried on for the right price 
The property (not mine) where my mare is buried will be sold at some point. If someone decides the back field would make a nice place for a house with a basement, the excavators will find a lot more than dirt. I know of at least 6 horse buried there in the last 10-15 years. I’m sure there were several before that.
[QUOTE=phrgirl4;8959590]
I lost my “forever horse” last week to a torsion colic. He is buried on my property. My plan was to build a house there in the spring. However, a property just became available that is quite nice and wouldn’t require building a house.
Ordinarily, I’d wait several months before any decision making, but the real estate market doesn’t tend to lend itself to that. The thought of leaving the property where he is buried (and where “his” barn, and “his” arena are) brings me to tears. But I fully recognize that the pain is still very fresh.
So I’m asking the question to gauge whether I’m likely to feel differently down the road - have you sold a property with a special horse buried there? Or have you chosen not to? Would just like some outside ideas and opinions as I’m still very scattered.[/QUOTE]
I suppose the burial site might be more important if there is no other memorial. If I had planted a tree in his honor, I might stipulate that it be given the chance to flourish in the next owners’ hands.
The property I bought had a history with a family for 40 years. There were no particular stipulations, but if one was presented and it was reasonable we would have respected it and been stewards toward that promise.
Easy for me to say - we’ve never buried a horse on our property. Our dog has been a few years now and we could choose to take her headstone or insist it remains there.
David
We did sell ours with my Geymirad buried there. Also a mini mare, and two dogs: Zoe and Frankie. Plus several cats. I do look on Google maps, as they are mining the area. Annie and Geym have professional headstones. The new owners seem to know they are there- a driveway built in their resting area goes around their graves. :sadsmile:
I have a cat and a dog buried on our farm. Honestly, I would be more upset about leaving the magnolia I planted on the grave. The animals are gone and free of pain (bone cancer and kidney failure). I’m sorry for your loss, and it is hard right now because you are so close to when it happened, but your horse’s body is just a shell and your memories will go with you wherever you may move.
I actually passed on a ten acre property because they had buried a baby. In the only spot the arena could go. It was very disconcerting, I didn’t even know that was legal.
Not helpful to your situation, but 55 years ago when I was in elementary school in IL, sis and I walked down an alley each day to our school. The alley went behind numerous backyards. Where one yard was boarded by the alley, there was a huge lilac bush. Just under it and a little hidden was a small headstone that had “Spot” engraved on it --it was just like the headstones one sees in a graveyard. All the kids would leave things on that little grave. There were dog toys, flowers now and then, an occasionally a dog treat or two (probably Milk Bone since I don’t recall there being other brands at that time). The house owner must have picked up the stuff, because there never was too much on the little grave, but usually something. Eventually (after I’d grown up) I asked about it. The people had bought the house, never knew the dog (guess it could have been a cat), but had found the little headstone when cleaning out the yard. They just left it. I guess my point is that you might put a marker on it. Maybe the new home owner will care for it too. I was last in that area in 1980 --marker was still there then. Don’t know if kids still leave stuff or not.
I sold property on which my dogs were buried, and I felt sad about leaving them. Ever since then I have had my old friends cremated and have nice cherry wood boxes with their pictures on the front so that they always stay with me.
Even my horses — but make sure you ask for only a small amount. George’s ashes came back to me in a 30 pound box!
I do plant trees in their names and (I have always intended to) get a plaque with each name on it to put in front of each tree. So as long as I am on the property I can look at the trees and smile.
Have done it several times- left 3 dogs and a cat or 2 at our 1st farm, 4 horses, 3 dogs and 3 cats at our last farm, and already have 2 horses, 4 dogs and 2 cats at this place.
If it’s THE property for you, don’t let the thought of leaving an empty shell of the animal behind stop you from living your best future.
I think of it this way - You buried your horse at his home - the home he knew when he was alive. That doesn’t mean it’s your home or that you’re grounded here forever. Before I bought my farm, I was going to bury my old girl at the boarding barn because that was her home. I would have to leave her there because it wasn’t my property and that’s ok. Your horse will rest in peace in familiar surroundings while you grow from the experience you gained from him.
I just wanted to come back and say thank you to everyone for the opinions and the hugs. On closer inspection, the “new” property did not suit me as well as I thought it might, so I will be staying where I am for now. But I very much appreciate all the thoughts and input.
