My mare died last night

[Brynda]

So sorry to hear this. My deep condolences to all of you.

[StGermain]

Irish seems to be doing better, although after I fed him last night, he still went to the run in and called for her. Hopefully after a few more days he'll be back to himself.

StG

[Surly Chick]

Originally Posted by StGermain

I still feel like I've been punched in the gut. It doesn't help to have her body laying in front of the house waiting for the removal men.

How horrible for you. I know that would devastate me. I'm so sorry.

[StGermain]

Surly chick - She's supposed to be picked up today. I hope they do, after more than 2 days in the sun, it's beginning to be unpleasant. That sounds heartless, and but it's the unfortunate reality.

StG

[Clockwork Jackal]

I'm so sorry. I feel really really bad for you and Irish.

[Soylent Juicy]

I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. I pray that Irish's pain and loneliness, as well as your own, heals quickly. Animals become part of our souls.

[purplehorseshoe]

Originally Posted by StGermain

Surly chick - She's supposed to be picked up today. I hope they do, after more than 2 days in the sun, it's beginning to be unpleasant. That sounds heartless, and but it's the unfortunate reality.

StG

Not heartless at all. Death is a reality, as is the aftermath, both physical and emotional.

[Surly Chick]

Having to sit there and watch your beloved horse decompose is just beyond imagining. I'm sorry you have to deal with that.

[StGermain]

Surly Chick - They picked her up yesterday while I was at work.

Irish is doing better, but still not himself. Normally when I got home, by the time I got my car parked and in the house to change out of my work shoes, Irish and Nalota were waiting at the back gate for dinner. When I got up in the morning, they were waiting for breakfast ( I had that foreboding when Nakota wasn't waiting for me on Saturday). If I had to call them, they'd usually come trotting or cantering up. This morning I called Irish but he didn't come (my heart just sank). I had to walk out to the pasture.After he saw me and I kept calling, he just sort on plodded in and ate. Plodding isn't generally in the thoroughbred repetoire of gaits.

StG

[Poysyn]

I was so sorry to read about this, poor Irish.

[Infovore]

I just read this today. I'm very sorry for your loss.

[StGermain]

Poysyn and Infovore- Thanks.

Irish seems to be doing quite a bit better, although now he's hvering over my mini mare, Daisy. I don't want him to get as attached to her as he was to Nakota, in part because she's very old, has scoliosis and lordosis (curvature of the spine and hunched back) and is insulin-resistant. She's in far better health than when I got her last year nearly starved to death, but she won't last forever.

StG

[Sarabellum1976]

Maybe it would be best if you did get another mare one of these days (when you feel ready) for Irish's sake. Sounds like the poor guy is going to be terribly lonely without his pal, especially if anything should happen to Daisy.

At the rescue farm near where I live, there is the "odd couple" as I like to call them, in the front field - an elderly-looking gelding that's cream/white colored, was probably a very handsome horse in his heyday though he's kind of old and grumpy and bony-looking these days, and his gal-pal and polar opposite, a little black shetland pony that's probably no older than 10 or 12. Apparently they are BFFs for life - and it's not like there isn't plenty of other horses they could buddy up with.

Horses are weird folk.

There is another farm/ranch a little further out, around here, that is home to a handful of zebra-horse hybrids. I have noticed that the "Zorses" never seem to have a buddy horse - maybe they are socially inept? They always seem to be "loners". Maybe being a Zorse is the horse equivalent to Asperger's? LOL.

[Merneith]

StGermain - I'm so very sorry to hear this. So so sorry. I hope you and Irish find a new love, soon.

[Hello Again]

Originally Posted by Sarabellum1976

There is another farm/ranch a little further out, around here, that is home to a handful of zebra-horse hybrids. I have noticed that the "Zorses" never seem to have a buddy horse - maybe they are socially inept? They always seem to be "loners". Maybe being a Zorse is the horse equivalent to Asperger's? LOL.

The only thing I know about Zorses is that they are very, very aggressively territorial, towards horses and also humans, while being 2-3 times more powerful pound for pound than a horse. You know how they say a wolf-dog hybrid will always be unpredictable? Zorse has the same problem, except it weighs 1,000 pounds.

Zebras are actually quite bad tempered and vicious. They don't like to fight but they will fight the shit out of anything if they have to, and will attack people.

[Sarabellum1976]

Originally Posted by Hello Again

The only thing I know about Zorses is that they are very, very aggressively territorial, towards horses and also humans, while being 2-3 times more powerful pound for pound than a horse. You know how they say a wolf-dog hybrid will always be unpredictable? Zorse has the same problem, except it weighs 1,000 pounds.

Zebras are actually quite bad tempered and vicious. They don't like to fight but they will fight the shit out of anything if they have to, and will attack people.

Heh - that is funny, no wonder the Zorses have no friends. They are neat looking guys, though. I wouldn't own one on a bet, though.

[StGermain]

I know it's too soon, but this was on Craigslist today.

$700 Big grey registered Thoroughbred mare for sale- 14 years old, and right at 17 hands tall! Has been ridden at Wranglers and on other trails by beginner riders and is a baby sitter- follows calmly, no spook. Very well bred, sire is a full brother to Triple Crown winner Unbridled. She is NOT hot like a lot of thoroughbreds are though. She has been shown english and show jumping up until last year. We purchased her strictly for trails and she has been wonderful. Loads in and out of trailers and stands well for saddling, mounting, even lowers her head for bridling. She's a good trail horse for beginners. easy to catch and loves bathes and attention. respects fencing, and is ok with cows. She's bottom of the pecking order in the pasture, too, not your typical "mare". Feet are trimmed, well kept, and coggins is up to date. She MUST go this week- we have found a walking horse we want to purchase. Email for photos or call to come out & we'll go on a trail ride. Motivated seller. 9314360695

I have no idea about her soundness, and would have a pre-purchase exam done. But is it too soon?

StG

[FloatyGimpy]

I don't think it's too soon at all. You're able to give a home to an otherwise unwanted horse. You give them very good care and I think helping another horse would help to mend both yours and Irish's hearts.

[araminty]

No harm in going to see her. Try not to think of a new horse as replacing Nakota - think of adding to her legacy.

[PapSett]

Sweetie, no one can answer that but YOU. If she feels right, go look at her. Your heart will know.

Best of luck whatever you decide. (((Hugs)))

[bobkitty]

Geez, with that description are you SURE she's a TB mare??!!?? If nothing else, I'd look at her for curiosity's sake!

You stumbled across the listing for a reason. I say go for it.

[PapSett]

Agreed with Bobkitty... she sounds too good to be true.

[Hello Again]

We had a TB mare - quite closely related to Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem, actually - who was the most dead broke sensible horse you ever met. At the grand old age of 7 and without any special training she was used as a therapy horse for riders who lacked complete muscle control (so they would flap the reins uncontrollably, or thump their legs, or make random schreeching noises.) The average kid wasn't strong enough to make her canter, no matter how hard they tried.

TBs are not all "flighty" that's just a prejudice. You never know.

And in this economy people are giving away nice horses for next to nothing, or nothing at all (hell in this economy, people are euthanizing nice horses). My friend has a barn with a good reputation for care, and her last 4 or 5 lesson horses -- all sound and under 12 years old -- were given to her free. So the ad doesn't really seem "too good to be true" to me. But, I would take a friend and if possible a vet to keep me in reality-land when I saw the horse.

[Zsofia]

Absolutely no harm in looking! Just don't get your heart set.

[Tamerlane]

Originally Posted by StGermain

But is it too soon?

You're the only one who can answer that.

But I don't think it could hurt to go look at her and see how you feel.

[StGermain]

I just got pics from the owner. Why can't people learn to take pics that show their horses? (Of course, I say that and I'm the world's worst photographer.) Her name is Grace, which makes my heart melt, because I lost my doberdog Grace to congestive heart failure two years ago.

StG

[FloatyGimpy]

As I was reading that, Amazing Grace came on. So it's a sign.

[PapSett]

I am a big believer in signs. Last night, exactly 24 hours to the MINUTE of having Cricket euthanized, Arms of the Angel came on the radio. I felt like she was reaching out to me.

Maybe this is Grace AND Nakota letting you know they are with you?

[Sarabellum1976]

Grace is a nice name, especially for a gray horse.

She does sound like an outrageously good deal, but then again, this economy has left a lot of really nice horses homeless, and a lot of nice owners unable to fulfill their responsibilities as owners.

Have a look, maybe she'd be a good fit for your little equine family.

[StGermain]

Reader, I married him. I went to see Grace, and she seems like a sound, sane mare, who's about as close to 17 hh as I am. She's probably 16.1, so she's an internet 17 hh. If all things go well, I'll buy her. She'll make a good companion for Irish and hopefully a good riding horse for me. She's been raced, but not much, from what I can see.

I won't claim to have some mystical connection with her right off the bat, but in 50 years filled with many animals, I've never had one that didn't work out. I don't expect them to be perfect, and neither am I. All I hope for is that our imperfections go together.

StG

[PunditLisa]

Crossing my fingers that it all works out for Irish and Grace.

[PapSett]

Best of luck to all of you. Will be waiting for pictures. :-)

[PapSett]

Any word yet on Grace?

[Rhiannon8404]

I hope she works out for you. Let us know!

[StGermain]

Grace should be delivered Sunday. But I found out after I made my offer for Grace that Georgiafina, Nakota's 2008 baby is up for sale. I'm sure I won't be getting her, but it let's me see what might have been, especially as Odin, the stud I bred Nakota too was a chestnut, too. But I honestly don't see myself spending $6K for a horse when I won't compete.

StG

[Sarabellum1976]

Congrats on Grace! She has a certain something, doesn't she? She looks like good folk.

I hope she makes a good friend for Irish.

[Merneith]

Congrats on acquiring Grace! She sounds like she's in good condition. I hope Irish and the little guys likes her, too.

[PapSett]

She has a very kind face. I hope the 2 of you (and Irish!!) have a long, happy life together!

[FloatyGimpy]

I'm so happy for you! And for Grace who has found a new home and for Irish who will have a new girlfriend! Post lots of pictures and updates please! Good luck on Sunday.

[StGermain]

Grace was delivered today. Irish was tremendously excited when he saw her come off the trailer. Unfortunately, I think maybe he thought it was Nakota, because Grace is the same color and similar size. I had him in a paddock that adjoins my back yard. As I walked her down to the main gate, he raced up and down the paddock calling, and she was calling back. Good girl - the ill-fitting halter they shipped her in came off, when she wasn't confined at all, but even with the drama she let me put the lead rope around her neck and lead her to the paddock I'm going to keep her in until the get to know each other.

After she was secure, I let Irish out of the paddock. He raced to her and they touched noses. Then I think he realized it wasn't Nakota. He stayed there for a little bit, then walked away from her paddock. He is interested enough to keep her in sight, but he doesn't seem to be hanging all over her. Which is probably for the best. He's not aggressive, and he's interested enough to keep an eye on her.

I took some picture (with her head in a bucket of feed), but it's a new camera. I took maybe 8 pictures and it said the memory is full! What crap is that? I knew I'd need a memory card, but I expected better than that. When I get pics saved I'll post them.

StG

[Shadez]

I am not a camera person, but perhaps check to see what size pictures it is set to take? I lowered mine so each would take up less space.

[Tamerlane]

Originally Posted by StGermain

I took maybe 8 pictures and it said the memory is full! What crap is that? I knew I'd need a memory card, but I expected better than that. When I get pics saved I'll post them.

Most compact cameras have teensy-tiny amounts of internal memory, small enough that they might as well have nothing at all. Memory cards are absolutely required - 8 shots actually sounds better than average.

But that's besides the point. Congratulations on your new horse!

[Rhiannon8404]

Congratulations on Grace! She's sweet looking. I hope she and Irish enjoy each other's company for years and years.

[StGermain]

Pics taken with new camera.

Grace 1

Grace 2

Grace 3

She could gain a few pounds. I'd be glad to donate.

StG

[carnut]

I am sorry this has happened StGermain. You have my condolences.

[EddyTeddyFreddy]

Oh, no -- I just now saw this thread, and my heart breaks for you, my friend. It's almost seven years now since I lost my Nick and just today a bout of tears, unbidden, welled up over him; the raw fresh pain of Nakota's loss must gnaw at you, even with your lovely new girl to offer comfort.

She's nicely put together; her disposition sounds wonderful; and it's good to hear that Irish is being drawn, however imperfectly at first, from his dull funk of grief. May he come to love Grace and find happiness in her company. I know you will.

[PapSett]

She is a very pretty girl. I'm sure she will go a long way toward healing both you and Irish.

[Merneith]

She sounds like a winner. She hasn't even dumped her feed out of the bucket yet. I'm sure Irish will come to love her in time. Have the little guys met her yet?

[StGermain]

Thanks, everyone - When I went down to feed, Irish was in the runin and Grace way in the back of her paddock. I think I"ll leave her up for another day, then turn them out together. Peanut (the mini gelding) was very interested in her. Daisy didn't seem at all interested. I guess he was pulling away all the attention from her.

StG

[Sarabellum1976]

Gorgeous Grace is indeed, a little on the skinny side! Glad to hear that Irish is interested to meet her, and I hope that they will be BFFs soon.

Hey, StG, think you could start a new "Welcome Home" thread for Grace? I'd like to be able to follow her progress.