Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Throwing in the Towel


I've spent the last two weeks trying to bring Riesling back into work. And while he stays sound on the lunge for a short period of time, after 15 minutes under saddle he goes lame. The damage has been done to his fetlock and as much as I want to fight to keep him sound and showing, it isn't fair to him. 




I've poured an enormous amount of money in him last year between injections, supplements, body work, x-rays, nerve blocking, new tack and the rest. He had all winter off. However he damaged his fetlock last spring, it's effects are here to stay. The silver lining is that he is pasture sound and will be able to live out his retirement happy and spoiled rotten in my backyard. 





I came to this decision yesterday and consoled myself between endless red wine and crying. I love this horse. I've had him for 8 years this year. I know I can hop on him and he will melt all my stress away. I know him so well. Despite his shark fin, I loved spending hours riding him bareback. 



Its not that I still can't hop on him in pasture and toodle around, but I'm going to miss the challenge of figuring this whole dressage thing out with him. I selfishly wanted one more year out of him, but after consulting with my team, I don't need to invest myself financially and emotionally into a horse that has done his job for me for the past 8 years. It is time to let him just be a horse.  




15 comments:

  1. That sucks and its okay to wallow for a bit. I am glad that he'll be able to stay with you through his lovely retirement!

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  2. I'm sad you are joining the club with me but know I understand ALL the feelings that go with retiring your equine partner before you expected to. I try very hard to think positively about it (and purposely was positive in my retirement post). He will be one gorgeous beast in my yard soon! Hugs to you.

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  3. I'm so sorry Micaylah. You two were a great team :(

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  4. Well that really sucks but many kudos to you for making the right decision for your guy.

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  5. That's super unfortunate but it's great you have the option to retire him at home ♡ There's no place else he'd rather be!

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  6. It sucks that you had to face such a difficult decision, but his retirement sounds well-deserved.

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  7. Awful. :( But at least Ries will get to see you every day, and you him, and educate all them young suckers that come to visit.

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  8. Oh I am so sorry to hear this. Sounds like you made the right decision by him, doesn't make it any easier though.

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  9. That is heartbreaking. I love that you are able to keep him and enjoy him for himself.

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  10. Oh, I'm so sorry. What a tough decision to make. :0( I am super happy he can still live with you and you can continue to spoil him for many, many years.

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  11. I'm so sorry. It's nice that you're able to retire him with you though.

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  12. Damn :(
    So sorry to hear. I am glad you guys will be able to still enjoy eachother though

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  13. It's a hard conclusion to come to. Although, it sounds best for him! I'm sorry it was earlier than you expected :(

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  14. This is such a hard decision, but shows how much you love Reis. I hope you get to enjoy many years of retirement together <3

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