Re: Shortie's last ride

Trishmare@aol.com
Wed, 19 Nov 1997 11:23:37 -0500 (EST)

In a message dated 97-11-18 08:43:27 EST, you write:

<<
I can see this...... Together you had a strong understanding about life
and a strong understanding about death. And as we know, death is a part of
life... >>

Death is a part of life, but taking one's faithful old pet pony (or horse) up
to feed a bunch of lions seems an extremely poor way to show gratitude for
all the years at best, and inhumane at worst. Was Shortie in poor health?
Was being put down the kindest thing? If so, what is wrong with being put
down at home, in familiar surroundings, with friends around? Instead of at
some strange place, where he had to warily eye a bunch of lions while looking
over a manger of hay?
I have had more than one boarder at my farm who paid board month in and month
out on an old horse who really was no longer rideable, but in good health,
just to say "thank you" for years of service. Last winter we put down an old
TB mare, she was 32 years old, whose owner had retired her from a career of
show jumping at age 21. This mare was occaisionally ridden by the owners
young niece, but not that often--the owner said that as long as Lady was in
good health she would continue to pay her board, and if the time ever came
when life was more a burden than a joy to the horse, put her down on our farm
and she'd pay for the burial etc.--but she did NOT want the horse to go to
the knackers or anything like that. " I couldn't stand knowing that Lady's
last moments were one's of fear and confusion, unloaded at a strange place,
with strange people, and frightened horses . . ."
Lady's last days were spent dozing in the sun by the side of the barn, or in
the shade and breeze of the barn aisle, and grazing with her friends. Her
last day was spent similarily. She did not end up as lion shit, as did poor
Shortie. My horses won't either. I gotta agree with Tracy, this seems a poor
way to end an old horse's life.

Trish & "pretty David"