Pets

Bayard

(28,528 posts)

15. Oh, my......

Wed Dec 17, 2025, 01:25 PM

Dec 17

I understand.

I haven't been horseless for 30+ years now, but its been close a few times. I've lost six since being back in KY. Three were rescues. One had a freak accident where he was running and playing with the others, ran into a tree and broke his neck. The other three were all my retired dressage horses. One mare died a few months after moving here when a freak snowstorm and subzero temperatures hit. We didn't have the barn built yet. Coming from Calif, she just laid down and said--nope. My other mare was 35 years old, and I'd had her since she was five. My gelding, one of the great loves of my life, colic'd severely, and the vet refused to come out. She is no longer my vet.

Right now, we have 2 mini horses, 2 mini donkeys (all rescues,) and my big guy.

I am SO sorry to hear your sad news. It is gut wrenching, and you never quite get over the loss. I hope you'll consider taking in a rescue. There's plenty out there that need good homes, and it sounds like you can provide that, and lots of love.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

4 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

hamsterjill StarryNite HeartsCanHope Duppers

55 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Lost my last horse on Monday- I have "empty barn syndrome" [View all] biophile Dec 17 OP

Sorry to hear that. dem4decades Dec 17 #1

Thank you- it's sad but a part of life biophile Dec 17 #8

I lost my 2 dogs this year, first time without a dog for 50 years. dem4decades Dec 17 #10

😢 biophile Dec 17 #42

I dog sat my son's dog for a weekend, it was like my sweethear came back to visit. dem4decades Dec 17 #49

Deepest condolences SheltieLover Dec 17 #2

Maybe eventually- I'm going to see how things go biophile Dec 17 #7

Maybe then you can visit the horses, get some quality equine time in? SheltieLover Dec 17 #9

Bless your heart - and I do mean that. Thank you. hamsterjill Dec 17 #13

I retired 3 years ago - nearly 70 now biophile Dec 17 #41

I'm so sorry for your loss. I felt so empty after my last dog passed in 2018. I'd never sinkingfeeling Dec 17 #3

Thank you- it's definitely a change in life biophile Dec 17 #6

I am so sorry UpInArms Dec 17 #4

Thank you- it is sad but not tragic - it's just an adjustment in routine and attitude 😏 biophile Dec 17 #5

I'm sorry cate94 Dec 17 #11

Its so kind of you to offer that sentiment- thank you biophile Dec 17 #26

Somewhere StarryNite Dec 17 #12

That is beautiful- what a lovely thought; thank you biophile Dec 17 #25

My heart is with you! Hope22 Dec 17 #14

Thank you! biophile Dec 17 #27

Oh, my...... Bayard Dec 17 #15

Your understanding is so much appreciated! Thank you biophile Dec 17 #29

My deepest sympathies irisblue Dec 17 #16

Thank you for your kind words! biophile Dec 17 #30

Two years ago, after 27 years, I became a horse-less mom. Often times I had between 10 and 15 horses on property, in2herbs Dec 17 #17

Good advice! I appreciate your gracious reminder of all the memories! biophile Dec 17 #31

My neighbor's teenage son is learning to be a bee keeper. In my area it seems that wasps are more prolific than in2herbs Dec 17 #50

I'm sorry to hear of your loss nuxvomica Dec 17 #18

How true! The little things in our daily routine that we miss! biophile Dec 17 #32

Pets are like children that never grow up. patphil Dec 17 #19

It's a feeling every pet parent will know. Thank you very much for your expression of sympathy biophile Dec 17 #33

I'm so sorry for your loss. Hope you find comfort in knowing he is out of pain now. tazcat Dec 17 #20

Thank you - Yes, he is with my horse who passed 6 years ago biophile Dec 17 #34

Sorry to hear the news. calimary Dec 17 #21

Thank you, Calimary! biophile Dec 17 #35

There are many Animal rescue agencies just type in horse or animal rescue and your state or county's name Botany Dec 17 #22

Thank you! Yes, volunteering seems like a better option at this time biophile Dec 17 #36

I am so sorry for your loss, biophile Grim Chieftain Dec 17 #23

Your kind words are much appreciated! biophile Dec 17 #37

My deepest condolences, biophile. HeartsCanHope Dec 17 #24

Thank you so much! biophile Dec 17 #38

I'm so sorry to hear that wendyb-NC Dec 17 #28

Thank you, yes, indeed, Wendyb biophile Dec 17 #39

That's right wendyb-NC Dec 17 #44

So sorry montanacowboy Dec 17 #40

True that! I never really minded the cold weather work biophile Dec 17 #46

I'm sorry for the loss of your companion and perhaps a way of life. yonder Dec 17 #43

Indeed it is best not to make hasty decisions after a loss biophile Dec 17 #47

My condolences Dear_Prudence Dec 17 #45

Thank you, Dear Prudence! biophile Dec 17 #48

Sorry Rebl2 Dec 17 #51

Thank you, Rebl2 biophile Dec 18 #53

I'm sorry you lost him biophile. That is hard on a horse mom. George McGovern Dec 18 #52

What a beautiful image! biophile Dec 18 #54

You are welcome. 🫶🏼 George McGovern Dec 18 #55