Animals in War Memorial

A day late but still worth checking out. I came across this site awhile ago and thought the monument was lovely. Animals in War Memorial The web page is an interesting read and gives information about all the animals who served their countries in conflict.

This painting of "Goodbye Old Man" by Fortunino Matania is one of my bittersweet favorites.



This is the accompanying poem from the same page by the Great War poet Henry Chappell (1874-1937) called "A Soldier's Kiss":



Crying now? I am.

Horse Show Ribbon Pillow

That's what I Googled. I want to gather up the little handful of ribbons Monty and I earned in our time together and have something meaningful done with them. I think I have enough for a pillow but will need to search thoroughly to be sure.

Has anyone reading this had a pillow made from their horse show ribbons? Who crafted it for you? Were you happy with the end result? What was the approximate cost? I'm looking for references, contact information and prices and would really appreciate any help from the horse blog community. I have found a few websites of people who do this but would also like some actual commentary from anyone who had one made.

BTW, the pillow above is an example taken from Show Throw.com.

I love you Rugby

Rugby 2004 - 2010
There is a painted angel who galloped through the gates of heaven today to run free in green fields and wait for the day we meet again. R.I.P, my Big Guy, Rugby.

A Year Ago, Everything Changed

A year ago today, I set Monty free from his pain to soar with the angels. I never realized when I wrote the poem for him to put on his memorial page, that the last two paragraphs would be so prophetic. Monty's Memorial

My Angel

I can't believe it's 4 months now since I set Monty free from his pain and suffering. I feel the pain every day since he's gone. My Good Horse, I miss you so.

A Horseless Horseman

This is the first time in almost 35 years that I have no horse of my own in my life.
I wrote this today for Monty.

A Horseless Horseman

In my hand only a pen
yet my fingers feel the
tension of the reins.

I sit in my chair
motionless, yet
I feel the rhythm of hooved feet.

Though our communication was
always in silence,
the silence now is deafening.

My partner has gone to
a place I cannot yet follow
and I am lost.

I will find another
but I will have to
master his language
mold his skill
and meet his expectations.

When all I want in the world
is the comfort of one more ride
with my old friend.

- Brigitte

A Goodbye - To My Good Horse

Solitaire (Monty) 1995 - 2009

It is with such sadness that I share my bad news. I had to have Monty euthanized this morning.

While I was away on my business trip, I got a call from the vet at my barn telling me that my horse couldn't pass manure. As I have posted in the past, Monty suffered from melanomas, some of which have become very aggressive and in recent years there have been complications from them.

In this latest instance there was infection and he was in a lot of pain. My husband had gone there and he also told me it was pretty bad. My vet made him comfortable with mushy food and pain meds for the two days I still had to be in Las Vegas until I could see him again when I came home.

I went to see him at 9:00pm last night and I knew I had no other choice. The tumors had become so large both inside and out that there was nothing more to do to help him.

My sweet boy crossed the rainbow bridge this morning. I will miss him so much. I know he will be happy to meet Dandy and to have his good friend with him while he waits for me on the other side.

R.I.P. Dandy

It has been awhile since I last posted. Seems the level of busy in my life hasn't left much time for quiet reflection and sharing of thoughts and experiences. But the sad news of my friend E.W.'s beloved Dandy's passing has me wanting to dedicate a post to the closest I have ever come to an equine saint.

This old fellow was the reliable rock we all looked to when heading off property to trail ride. He was the trail buddy that you always knew would not misbehave in any way and his calming effect on other horses was enviable. Never took a misstep with a child on his back and always carried his doting E.W. with care no matter what adventure the two of them embarked on. With personality plus, he could make you smile even on the worst day. E.W. was blessed to share his life and Dandy was blessed with the most loving and attentive human to protect his. I am saddened to know of his loss but the knowing that it was a peaceful passing, that his great heart simply gave out, gives some comfort.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, E.W. in your time of loss and sadness. Perhaps, when you are ready, you will consider posting your own memorial to Dandy. I'll share my tribute to my mare, Alta on Critters.com. This is a lovely place to keep your pet's memory alive.

A Beautiful Memory

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!