Horses, Horses, Everywhere

Now that Mark is back home for the winter, our horse population has increased signifigantly. We are keeping "his" horses seperate from "my" horses. Mark takes care of "his"horses, and I take care of "my" horses. Actually, since I am still not able to do much because of my broken/healing ankle, Tom, Alysia and Joe are taking care of "my" horses! I never know each morning and sometimes afternoon, where Marks horses will be. He moves them around between our different paddock locations. Sometimes they are across the street, sometimes in the back "wooded" area, sometimes in the riding ring, and sometimes in the main paddock. Now that winter is approaching, I would suspect that "his" horses will be kept nearer the barn, where there is a place to plug-in the water heater. It reminds me of the prize in a Cracker Jacks box--You never know what you'll win! This morning, I noticed "his" horses were in the main paddock. I wonder where he put "my" horses today?

Old Friends

It was a beautiful fall afternoon. Alcott and Sage each were fed a bag of apples. The vet arrived at 1. There were lots of hugs and tears. After being led to a hole that had been dug in our old apple orchard, they were humanely euthanized. If you have never seen a horse euthanized by a veterinarian, it is very peaceful. The horse lays-down, and "falls asleep". The defination of Humane is "characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for other beings, especially for the suffering or distressed; merciful". Euthanasia is defined as "an easy or painless death". This is how it should be for all our equine friends. Afterall, they have served mankind throughout history. Is there any other animal (maybe a dog!) that evokes more emotion? Movies, books, songs, toys, designs on clothing, huge expositions and shows. It seems that every young girl wants a horse. Some will have a horse as their first "love"!
I know the horse was my first love. My mother told me that as soon as I could walk, I'd try to wander down the street to a local horse farm. I have been present for the euthanization of many horses. It never gets any easier, but in my heart I know it is a fitting end to a special friend that has given me so much joy throughout its life.
Rest in Peace my old friends. You will be in my heart forever.