I may make mention of my previous horse, an OTTB mare named Alta. She came into my life when I was 14 and she was 4. We struggled through the toughest times in both of our lives together. Me, being a less than popular teen and her being a scared and misunderstood racetrack reject. It took YEARS of work to train her into a sharp and winning show horse and she, in turn, trained me to have patience, perseverance and humility. She was never easy, but I appreciate what I gained from that.
I lost Alta back in 2000. It was from an overnight colic and pre-planning for her death was not something I had ever given much thought to. When I was called to come to the barn at 7:30 in the morning and I saw how bad she was, I knew we could do nothing to save her and it was time to end her suffering. After she was euthanized, she was to be picked up by a service that handles removal of large animal remains.
The vet was a caring person and insisted I let her cut a swatch from my mare's tail for me to keep. She told me she had heard from many owners in the past that it was something they would never have thought of but were so grateful to her for having given them.
So, years later, with this carefully saved lock of hair, I began to investigate what I could do to make something more "lasting". Here are two ideas I found, that if I had the funds at the moment I would consider. What a lovely and unique way to keep your memory close to your heart:
Suzanne Storms Hairwork Artist
This equine hairwork jewelry artist is one of - if not THE best I have ever seen.
Life Gem Memorial Diamonds
LifeGem is truly amazing - I would LOVE to have a diamond created from my mare's tail hair!
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2 comments:
I also lost my best horse Erik, last April to colic. I have some forelock and tail hair as a keepsake. The vet had a girl at the office braid some of it into a bracelet for me. It was a very nice gesture and I will keep it with the rest of his things. The sites are nice, but I think just the braided bracelet is good enough for me.
Hi grey horse,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how it feels. I think any keepsake of one of our equine friends is special. That you have one you can wear and always have as a reminder is what makes it unique.
Alta's tail swatch is resting in a laquer wood box I bought on a business trip to Hong Kong. I have been satisfied with that but I love jewelry and was surprised to see what ways other people have found to create something personal and beautiful from the memento.
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