Charmeon at the 2013 SAFE Show, by Monica Bretherton
Our hearts are aching this morning as we say goodbye to an amazing mare, taken from us far, far too soon. Last night, adopted SAFE horse Charmeon was lost to colic. She fought so hard, and every effort was made to help her pull through, but in the end, her beloved friend and owner Helga had to let her go. We are heartbroken for Helga and her daughter Anna-Lynn who loved Charmeon so much and who deserved many, many more years together.
It feels so unfair to lose Charmeon just when her life had reached such perfection. It hurts to have to tell you of her passing just five months after we happily announced her adoption. The picture of Anna-Lynn holding up her blue ribbon while proudly sitting atop her lovely white horse will still bring a smile, but there will be tears as well. We won’t forget the joy we felt seeing Charmeon and Helga together in the Dressage arena or hearing Helga’s students talk about their amazing rides on this horse, but we’ll have to settle for memories instead of dreams now.
But one dream we had for Charmeon did come true and it does bring us comfort: she did find her forever home, and she did know what it was to be loved completely and unconditionally. And for that we are so grateful to Helga…for recognizing the connection she shared with this horse, for honoring that connection, and for making an unbreakable commitment to her because of it. Helga and her family are feeling tremendous grief and pain at the loss of their horse, but only because they loved her so much.
Rest in peace, dearest Char. The world is a little smaller without you in it.
So sorry. Hugs to all. Jayne
I lost a mare when I was 12 years old to colic after only having her for 4 months. It’s a horrible feeling but I’m sure Char felt so loved. Condolences to you all, but find solace knowing her life was loads better after your care. May her memory live on with you forever.
This is so heartbreaking. Charmeon was such a sweetheart, and Pete and I were so glad that she had finally met her match. I’m in tears as I write this. My sincere condolences to Helga and Anna-Lynn, and my thanks to them for making the last months of her life so happy.
Tears of sorrow and comforting thoughts go out to Helga and her Dutch Mills family. Char was an incredible mare and will be greatly missed
Char was the first horse I met when I began my volunteer work with SAFE in April 2011, and my first introduction to horse care and handling. What a great way for me to begin. Such a gentle soul and kind heart she had. So very sad.
She was beautiful, RIP sweet girl.