RIP Danny 4/4/1987 - 4/17/2014

Danny, my big chestnut Thoroughbred gelding, had to be put down this afternoon at the ripe old age of 27. In his youth he failed as a racehorse, so badly in fact that he never made it to an actual race because he wouldn't run without a tail in front of him. After he was kicked off the track and stuck in a field for three years to grow up, I bought him 22 years ago as a green-broke five year old. I was fresh out of college with my first real job, I had taken riding lessons for many years, and I was finally in a position to have a horse of my own - my lifelong dream.

The next few years were... interesting. We finally did manage to figure each other out after a bit more formal training with dressage instructors, a few trips to the ER (for me), and a lot of wet saddle blankets.

Danny eventually became a nice not-so-little trail horse, willing to do things that other horses refused once I took the time to show him that it was ok. I also used him in search and rescue, where he readily accepted dogs running under his feet and helicopters flying low enough overhead that we could feel the wind from the propellers.

Danny spent the last few years of his life at Idylwood Farm, an equine retirement facility in White Post, Virginia. The owners are wonderful people and I have them to thank for spoiling him rotten during his final days. We had learned a few weeks ago that he had heart problems, and I agonized over the decision of whether or not to put him down, as he was not in pain and still enjoying life. This afternoon the tumor near his heart ruptured, so he made the choice for me.

Godspeed my beautiful boy, you are running in greener pastures now.

Awww so sorry for your loss!!! He sounds like a great horse!

I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like Danny had a long, varied, and well-loved life with you - much better than what he would have had if he'd succeeded at the track. RIP.

I am very sorry for your loss. It sounds like you gave him a wonderful life.

Awww. I am so very sorry for your loss. Horses are such majestic and beautiful creatures. I love them so much, have ever since I was just a little girl. It has always been my dream to own one but that is so far out of reach. I can only imagine what you are going through right now.

That has got to be so hard to lose him. I'm so sorry. :(

I am so sorry for your loss, Horses are unlike any other animal you forge deep bonds of trust and love. It has been 4 months since I loss my horse Philip and his companion Pocos, both from separate issues. I would love to say it gets easier with time but it is truly hard. If you need anyone to talk to, I am here.

Hang in there; sorry to hear this...

His story warmed my heart, and he will be remembered. I'm sorry for your loss and wish you well in this difficult time.

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Originally Posted by crazypythonlady

I am so sorry for your loss, Horses are unlike any other animal you forge deep bonds of trust and love. It has been 4 months since I loss my horse Philip and his companion Pocos, both from separate issues. I would love to say it gets easier with time but it is truly hard. If you need anyone to talk to, I am here.

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Thanks. I was at the farm today for the burial - they have enough land to do that fortunately - and so far I'm ok with how things have worked out. Danny's was a "good death" - if losing a dear friend can ever be deemed good - in that he fortunately was not in any pain, and I admit I'm relieved that he ended up making the tough decision for me. The barn owner and I had been waffling over this decision for a few weeks, but we figured that as long as he was not depressed, not in pain, and eating, we would give him another day.

I had some time for a private goodbye, and once the ground settles over his grave I can plant some perennial flowers on it.

So I will grieve Danny's loss, but knowing that he was made to feel special right up to his last moments on this earth makes it easier to let him go.