Losing a Horse

 

  Leaving a horse because you sell, move, stop leasing or through various other reasons is always hard. But, having to put a horse down is the hardest. I have had many pets and understand the grief and loss that comes with losing a pet. However, the bond that one has built with a horse through riding and working with them often brings the loss to a different level. I have known a few horses that have had to be put down, however until recently I had not actually witnessed the process. This changed when a horse I had just started riding shattered her leg and needed to be euthanized. The circumstances were extenuating and the barn managers made the decision they thought was best.             Anyways, after we spent a little time with her and gave her all the treats she wanted, the vet and barn staff took her out and put her down. As she went down I felt a sadness that I hadn't felt since my first rabbit died. Though it was a somber day, I learned a few things along the way.

                                                                                                    morguefile.com

    Don't feel like you have to hold it in

 Everyone expresses sadness differently and everyone bonds with horses in their own way. Just because someone is not openly emotional does not mean you cannot shed tears and vice versa.

 Learn but don't dwell on it

There are so many ways which you could blame yourself for the loss of a horse.  Though you should learn from any mistakes and try your best to improve, you cannot dwell on the past and what could have happened. Learn and move on to the best of your ability.

Don't try to replace them.

You may feel the need to immediately get another or and feel frustrated when you can't seem to bond with one right away. More often than not, these things take time. Comparing every horse you come across with your old one won't help with the grieving process. Appreciate each horse for what they are.

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Remember the good times

All things pass over the course of time. Every horse, show, and good experience often end in order to make way for the future. Even bad times help us grow and appreciate the good ones. The best way to handle your loss is to smile fondly on the good times and look forward to those that are ahead.

                                                                                       Devon -May 4 2015                   

Have you lost a horse that you loved? How did you deal with it? Tell me in the comments and please subscribe.