Hoping that someone is going through a similar stage to me. Today i had to say goodbye to my beautiful mare, Calico. She was suffering from colic. She was 26, my family have owned her for 17 years and i just feel so lost. Our other old pony had colic in February and we had to let him go too. The vet advised us that it can occur at this age due to the teeth being in a poor condition with age. We haven't changed a thing with our husbandry and they have lived in the same environment for the past 11 years, so at least we can feel assured that nothing has caused this other than old age. I feel as if our life has crashed down as she was our last surviving horse, after a lifetime spent with them. Our days will be so empy, as we went to our horses twice a day, every day. I absolutely love and treasure our dogs, but this just feels different to when we have had to let our dogs slip away, as our horses, ust like our dogs, have such a huge part in our lives, and are so majestic. It's just too surreal to see your big, beautiful friend lying lifeless in the grass. I feel so lost. Has anyone else gone through something similar to this recently?

I know how you are feeling,I had to have my old boy put to sleep 2years ago now.He was a once in a lifetime pony and was truly a star.He had a growth on his jawline and it was time to let him go.The decision was made on the Thursday and agreed for the monday.Those days inbetween were just awful.2pm was the time and the vet arrived at 1.30pm.I was horrified and asked him to leave and come back.That last half an hour was so vital I couldnt be denied it.It does seem surreal,they are so big and the end is so traumatic for the owner.We still talk about him all the time and I really wouldnt want to have to go through it again.Unfortunately it is something we have to see through to the end and you should be proud that you owned such a wonderful mare for all those years and had the strength and courage to let her pass to ease her suffering.

Hi,

I do know exactly what you are going through, although we had to have my pony Rocky put to sleep several years ago.
We have other ponies now, but think about him so much. He was 26 when he died, had rectal cancer. He was my first, second and best pony. Taught me to ride, but was had plenty of 'go-go' juice in him for the shows, sponsered rides. Went hunting (first and last time) when he was 22!! he  loved it, we were the smallest there, but we had a go at everything that everybody else did.
My only regret? I wasn't with him when he was shot. My dad was there-I just couldn't face it. But I dream of him often, and they are usually the same - I go to his field and he's not there, or he's got hugely overgrown hooves!
Time is a great healer, treasure the memories.

Yes, I had my old pony Annabel pts 18 months ago. One of the hardest decisions I ever made, and certainly one of the hardest days of my life. I cried for days after, and even now it brings back paintful memories. I do have other horses and they kept me busy, and I recently took on a little rescue mare who was absolutely starving and watching her come back to health and putting weight on every day is incredibly heartwarming. She is the spitting image of Annie aswell.

There is something different with horses - they truly give because they want to - and they leave us heartbroken when they go :(

Thanks so much for your kind replies. It's good to know you're not alone. I never usually post, i just read but tonight i felt i needed to share my thoughts with members. I'm glad you understand what i meant by a different grief when you've lost your horse. It dosen't hurt any more than losing your dog but it dosen't feel the same. They are just magical. Anyways, thanks again guys, xx