well, yesterday, October 2nd, I put my oldest thoroughbred down to rest... he was 28 years old. I took him at 22 years old. The day he came to the barn.. will never forget... he was happy to be with other horses.. ran like a young horse, rolling, yelling for the others.. very happy! I put needed weight on him... spent alot of time with him, and rode him about 6 days a week.
I was looking for a horse to ride since my Appy, Poncho was lame with navicular, back problems, etc.. loved to buck you off....
so, I rode Nash... he loved to be ridden.. couldn't wait to put the bridle on, and go in the ring... just loved it... never really wanted to stop riding...
He was never worked hard, just had fun....
I then got another thoroughbred, from a friend of mine - he is much younger, and I decided to retire Nash, the oldest one.
Although during his retirement, he carried around little kids... and he did so carefully.
Nash was just that way.. I think he knew when there was someone young, or a beginner on him.... so patient... so sweet
the past few years I noticed his sight was going more... spooked more, would almost run into me... he would see me the last minute and move... we fed him 3 meals a day, to keep weight on him... when he seemed tired, spooked too much for kids, I retired him....
He still went out every day... when he wanted to come in, we let him in... when he wanted out, we let him out...
He was funny...if something was wrong - cut, needed his bug mask, fly spray, whatever it was, he would find me... he wouldnt' leave until I found out what he wanted... once I patched up a boo-boo or gave him fly spray, he would then leave to see the other horses... if he wanted attention, he would follow you... chase you, etc... it was pretty sweet!
I knew yesterday would be hard... I had friends with me, and a caring vet...
I spent the morning at the barn... brushed him, scratched his bug bites, fly spray and treats.... he would follow me around....
He looked tired... really tired... I could see it in his eye....
when the vet got there, I made sure I hung on to him as long as I could..hugs, kisses....
Karen and Elizabeth, along with the vet, walked him to his place of rest...
I almost yelled out for them to stop... I hated watching him walk away... I knew I would never see him again.
I have a piece of his tail... I will keep it forever...
RIP - Nash.... 1982-2010
:-(
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