One of our horse babies died Saturday morning

[csziggy]

Actually Halo was no longer ours, though we bred and raised her. She was a beautiful bay filly, but she did not fit in my breeding program. Even so, I kept her for years because she was so beautiful and had a sweet personality. The family that is taking care of our farm for us fell in love with her, so I worked a deal. Their son mowed my lawn and worked off the value of the filly. I was pleased that she would still be here and have a family that would love her and give her the love and attention I can not.

The loved that horse and trained her - he was the first to put a saddle on her and the first to climb on her back. He was beginning to train her to rope. The young man had grown up showing three day eventing and wanted to have a horse for Western style riding and Halo was perfect for that. He is a talented rider and was doing a great job training her.

Friday night Halo colicked. They got the vet out and he tried to treat her but finally in the middle of the night they trailered her to the vet's office so he could put her on IVs and continuous medication. At 5 AM they thought she was getting better and headed home for some sleep - they only made it a few miles before they got a call and had to turn around and go back. At 7 AM they and the vet thought there was not much choice and the son made the decision to give her relief from the agony she had been in for so many hours.

While surgery is a possibility for horse with colic, it usually is not practical. Few towns have clinics that can do the surgery - here it is a three hour drive to one of the veterinary schools with the facilities. And by the time you are sure that the horse needs it, usually the horse is so stressed, it is too late. Recovery is about 50%. For survivors a useful life without future complications is dubious. And it costs thousands of dollars.

I think they did the right thing. We've shared tears and will all miss her. Their big regret is that they could not bring her home to be buried where she had always lived.

Halo was four years old, but I will always how she looked the day she was born:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear csziggy...

I am so sorry to hear this sad news...

She must have been a wonderful horse to be around...

I think you did the right thing...or rather, they did. When they're suffering horribly, and the problem can't really be fixed, then it's time to let them go.

She was such a beautiful baby!

Safe passage to her...

:hug:

[csziggy]

2. Thank you - I was hoping she would have a long and well loved life

And so happy the family fell in love with her. I know they did the right thing. We will all miss her horribly.

[BlueIris]

3. RIP, Halo. nt

[xchrom]

4. very hard to lose a loving companion.

Eternal Spirit, we bring you our grief in the loss of Halo and ask for courage to bear it. We bring you our thanks for Halo who lived among us and gave us freely of her love. We commit our friend and companion Halo into your loving hands. Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. Amen.

[Lost4words]

5. Bless you,.....

[Call Me Wesley]

6. Safe passage to Halo.

May she be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours.

[mix]

7. How sad, I am sorry to hear about this.

Colic is such a mysterious illness with horses...and it seems to strike at anytime with young or old ones.

Goodbye Halo.

[hippywife]

8. That is so awful.

I'm so sorry, hon. She was a beautiful little filly and had lots of love from all who cared for her. I hope you can all find peace in that much. :hug:

[yellerpup]

9. So sorry to hear such sad news.

She brought joy while she lived and will be fondly remembered always. It's never easy to lose a friend (no matter what species) but I hope they can take comfort in knowing that they did everything possible for her. My sympathy.

[laylah]

10. I'm so sorry!

:hug: to you and her new family.

Jenn

[barb162]

11. I am very, very sorry

[foxfeet]

12. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I wish you peace and comfort.

[femmocrat]

13. That is just heart-breaking.

I'm so sorry they couldn't save her. She was very beautiful. :cry:

[GCP]

14. What a sad story

I'm in tears over a horse I don't know. How I wish they wouldn't get colic.

[Withywindle]

15. I am so, so sorry.

What a beauty, and so young. That young man who bonded with her so much and worked so hard must be devastated. Hugs to all of you.

If it's any help or comfort, know that at least there was a lot of love in her short life. Too many animals never get any.

[applegrove]

16. What a pretty colt. All legs. So sorry.

[kimi]

17. Oh, I am so so sorry

She and her mama look so beautiful, and I know you all are in such grief.

Safe passage to her, and peace to your family and the family who also loved her. Hugs.