Kathleen finally showed me a note she wrote about Cash last night. She writes as well as she photographs. Tears were pouring down her cheeks as she handed it to me. And now I’m sobbing again. It reads: “He’d be alive if we kept him in a stall. Letting him live freely meant that we understood the risk that letting him live as a horse should live would expose him to, the risks that horses have when living as they should. Would he have been Cash if we kept him in a stall? Would he have been so happy? Would he have been so curious? Would he have been so thankful for the opportunity to finally live freely? We gave him the choices he richly deserved and he took full appreciation of those choices and thanked us with his complete trust. We should certainly celebrate this profoundly complex relationship we have been honored to experience. There…I said it. – Kathleen”
What Kathleen wrote is so true. My RamblinMan has never been in a stall. He’s in the pasture 24/7, from which he contracted lepto from the wildlife that also inhabit the property and as a result recurrent uveitis. Despite modern technology and treatment I am afraid eventually he will be blind. He’s also had EPM, also from the wildlife, and been treated, but has some residual nervous system damage. But would I have put him in a stall to protect him…never. He’s doctored more than he’s ridden but he has taught me it’s not about the ride but the relationship. If I never ride him again, I am thankful for the 10 years I’ve had him and the lessons he’s taught me. I am profoundly sorry for your loss of your friend.
Joe & Kathleen – there are NO words I can say to make things better – You’ve already gone thru this once with Noel’s baby. But I’m sure with Cash – its even harder.
Its been 12 years (yesterday) since I had Chico put down – but at the time I knew it was the right thing. Having this happen out of the blue – I am so sorry.
I know people say its hooey – but I’m sure the rest of the herd misses him, too.
I think his life was just the best it could have been – you did everything you possibly could have to make it that way.
And you’re right – you DO need to celebrate this great honor that you were given. It is a great honor.
Joe and Kathleen, I’ve had a hard time writing as I’ve also lost heart horses in my life. I just want to say I’m sorry for your loss, and I truly believe my horses and your Cash lived better, happier, healthier lives than most horses, based on their “free” lives. Granted, their lives were shorter than expected or we’d have liked, but I had to respond to the blog entry.
Yes, Cash was happier, healthier, and lived a better life with you.
Hugs.
It is always so very hard when we loose the ones we love. And horses are no exception to this. Seems they hit our hearts the hardest. I am so sorry for your loss…..
Joe & Kathleen
Cash was one of the special ones. I know how if feels to say goodbye. It feels like your heart is being tore out of your chest. The memories of him will make you cry and sometimes make you laugh. The hardest part I loving them, is when it’s time to say goodbye. God has a awesome herd of horses.