I haven't updated this in years, partially because I just didn't have the time, and also because I didn't want a toxic person I'd cut out of my life to know as much about my life, and my child's life. But now I'm back to write one more post...
Monday morning I arrived at the barn to feed and hopefully get to ride UK afterwards, as I'd been riding bareback a lot because of #nostirrupnovember. Instead I was delivered devastating news.
I don't have the energy or the heart right now to write it all out. Instead I'm going to post what I shared on facebook over the last couple of days.
"I just lost my best friend, my rock who I leaned on when times got tough, my partner ever ready to join me on an adventure, Jakob's best friend and pony ride mount. UK had a horrific accident and had to be put down this morning. He was so good to the end. He waited for the vet with me, said his goodbyes to Jakob and Neil, let me take pictures, and savored a few last treats. I can't believe he's gone, but at least he left surrounded by love. #thediversifieduk#restinpeace #imissyousomuchalready"
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| Saying goodbye to his boy. |
"Thank you to everyone who has sent their sympathy and offered to help, it is greatly appreciated. And extra thanks to everyone who helped this morning.
For those who wanted more information; sometime during the night UK was injured, and was found this morning in the ring (not his paddock) with a broken leg. It was broken in a very bad way, so there was no other option than to put him down.
Words cannot properly express how I feel, to be honest I'm still in a bit of shock. This was very sudden, and not something I thought I would have to deal with for many years more. I miss my friend, and I'm very sad that he suffered in any way.
Once again, thank you all for your sympathy, prayers, etc."
Maddie, who I started teaching right after I first purchased UK, and who UK loved dearly wrote this:
"Today around 10am I recieved a text telling me that one of my favorite horses ever had been in an awful accident. About 3 years ago, little 12 year old me would come, tack up, and ride around on UK. He always saved my butt when we were riding, he always took good care of me. UK was one of the biggest influences on me and my riding when I was younger. He was my babysitter. Three years passed by while I was off riding other horses and I was blessed enough to come back a few weeks ago and ride him again for the first time in years. Not only did he recognize me but once again, he saved my butt every time I made a mistake. He took care of me even though I hadn't seen him in a long while. UK was and always will be one of my favorite horses that I have ever had the privilege of working with and I still haven't processed the fact that he's gone. My love and prayers go out toJessica and thank you so much for letting me be a part of UK's life. UK is one horse I won't ever forget and he will forever have a special place in my heart. ❤ Rest in peace buddy."
And I posted some photo collages of UK over the years.In the midst of a truly awful day - little crystalline moments stand out and take up residence in your heart - a small child's voice, quite calmly saying "my horse, UK, is hurt"; the feel of a beloved's tears on your skin; the soft lips of a well-loved horse saying goodbye; the unique smell that only he had; the feel of the sand in the ring as you kneel to say your last goodbyes; the honey bee buzzing nearby as you rest your hand on his soft neck; the fierceness of your beloved child and grandchild's hugs; the grief in her shaking voice as she shows her admirable strength even while consumed by grief; the quiet strength and support of her husband; family and barn family drawing near, giving love and support . . .
In the past month we'd had a lot of good rides. We accidentally went on a trail ride that was over six and a half miles long, barely making it home before dark. Maddie who had been away got to come up and jump him around a couple times, which made him ridiculously happy. We had a routine worked out where I would ride, and then my son, Jakob would ride UK to cool him out. He was sound barefoot, everybody was always commenting how soft his coat was, and he was happy. My last ride on him was bareback, with a friend on her horse, who UK loved to have as a buddy on the trail. We free lunged them together when we were done, which UK enjoyed.
My heart is broken, but I have the consolation that he was happy being part of my family. He got to say goodbye to his boy, and cuddled with me until the bitter end. I don't know what I'll do without that big heart to help me get through the tough times, let alone how Jakob is going to handle losing his first best friend.
I've been very blessed the past five and a half years, things just won't be the same without him. Going to the barn and calling his name always meant his head popping up with those ears of his perked right up in greeting, it was so odd not to see that this morning.
Thank you to everyone who ever took an interest in this badly kept blog. Thank you to everyone who touched his life.
Thank you, and farewell.
-Jessica
