Valley Miss 3/7/1988 - 10/14/2011

Well over the last few weeks I've had a lot of stuff keeping me busy and distracted.  Dressage shows, the new boy and playing with baby Titus, all gave my a chance to put something out of my mind.  But it's time to face to reality.  A couple weeks ago Bonnie and I really talked about Miss.  She's just not been doing well lately.  She's losing weight and she's not herself.  Her breathing is getting really bad again.  We agreed the best thing for her would be to let her go before winter got here.  She doesn't need to go through another cold winter.  And I don't want to wait too long.  It's not fair to Miss to keep her around just so I feel better.

Still even after making the decision we couldn't quite make the call yet.  A couple weeks passed and we still didn't call the vet.  But then Miss told us it was time.  Her breathing was steadily getting worse and she kept losing weight no matter how much grain we gave her.  When we saw her almost lose her hindquarters just walking out to the arena we knew it was time.

I went out and spent a couple of hours with her this week.  I groomed her and gave her as many peppermints as she would eat.  I cried into her mane for the last time.  It was a good evening and I got a chance to say my goodbyes to her.

Dr. Maro came out Friday and Miss was put to sleep out behind the arena.  She buried out back with her friends.  She was reunited with Vinny, Tru, Jade and all the others that we've lost.  I know she happy to finally be able to run free without any pain or discomfort. 

Thank you baby girl for taking care of me as I was learning to event.  Thank you for showing me how much fun this sport is and what a terrific partner can be found in a thoroughbred mare.  Thank you for trusting me to take care of you.  I'm glad I was able to keep you happy and comfortable these last few years.  I'll never forget you baby girl.

One of my favorite Miss photos.  Her and Maura at Virginia

Bonnie with Miss in Kentucky

Maura and Miss at Pony Club Champs in Kentucky

 In Loving Memory

Valley Miss

March 7, 1988 to October 14, 2011

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Imperial Jade Lady

Rest in Peace Girl

Really still in a bit of shock.  Bonnie had text messaged me earlier this week that Jade was down.  But I never knew it was anything serious.  I kinda just figured it was a bit of a colicky thing and she would be fine.  Bonnie didn't really give me any details and then I didn't hear anything else from her.  Well it wasn't so simple.  I guess she went down Monday afternoon in the pasture.  Bonnie couldn't get her up, finally she got Rich over and they managed to roll her over onto a tarp so they could get her into the arena and out of the rain.  Dr. Maro came out and checked her out, drew some blood to test.  Nothing.  Bonnie figures she must have fallen or slipped or something out in the pasture and had spinal damage.  She hung on for a couple of days before passing yesterday evening. 

I really feel so bad for Ari.  Her parents had just bought Jade for her about a month ago.  She was already so attached to the mare.  And I know how excited she was about having a horse of her own to love and care for.  She was really working to help pay for her expenses, and she was out at the barn three or four days a week, cleaning stalls and taking care of Jade.  I can't even imagine how she must be feeling. 

It at least makes me feel a little better to know that Jade spent her last 6 weeks or so just really being loved and cared for.  It has been a while since she really had anyone pay that much attention to her.  Yeah, Bonnie and I always had a kind word for her, and a treat or two.  And when I had the time, I would get her out and groom her a bit.  But Ari really doted on her.  At least she knew that towards the end.

Good-bye Imperial Jade Lady.  I know Vinnie was waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

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