Tragic news from Tracy G, who adopted and loved Chance:
I can’t believe I am writing this and I don’t even really know what to say… so, here goes whatever. I lost Chance, my fur baby and best friend, on Saturday. We were doing some really great groundwork at liberty (no halter or lead) and I let him loose to run in the arena. He was doing laps, and suddenly slipped and fell, somehow landing horribly wrong and breaking his right front leg. I called his vet who thank goodness was able to come out immediately. There wasn’t much hope of fixing it and he was suffering, so I decided I had to let him go.
Through an unimaginable feat of bravery and strength, in so much pain, he bravely walked with me outside. When I think about what it means that a giant prey animal trusted me enough to follow me, injured and scared, because I asked him to, I am humbled and amazed. The sun was shining on him and storm clouds came in from the east as he munched a few last bites of green grass. He laid down with dignity and as his big thoroughbred heart slowly came to be still, the thunder rolled in and it started to rain. I finally got to pet his fuzzy ears.
There was something I read a long time ago about how because horse hearts are so huge and the beat is slower than ours, it can actually physically slow our heartbeat by being near them. He had the ability to calm my worst anxiety and depression simply by standing with me and letting me cry into his big furry shoulder. He was genuinely happy when we played, and proud when we learned new skills together. He tested me sometimes but only needed gentle reminders to use good manners. I had grand plans to get him back on the trails someday when I have time again… and now I won’t.
He was my first horse. I had never felt this kind of love and I’m not sure I ever will again. My heart hurts and it’s hard to breathe. I love him so damn much and (as we always say when we lose a loved one) I only wish I had spent more time with him. I hope he knew how very special he was to me.
Run forever free in green pastures, Chance. You were one in a million.
Tracy, we are so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for giving him a home filled with love and care for so many wonderful years.
