My sad news...

[Joie]

Yesterday morning I received a phone call from my Lessee in Louisiana regarding my beloved stallion, Wicklow Highlands. Yesterday evening, while playing at pasture, he took a bad step, tumbled, and fell. He got right back up, and was a bit off and "sore" but he wasn't overly dramatic. He was given some bute, and put up for the night. He was checked on several times through the night. In the morning when Damon went to walk him out of his stall, he could hear a "crackling" sound, and he very quickly put him back and the vet came right away. The vet took some x-rays of his shoulder and elbow, and found a radial fracture of the elbow, involving the joint.

Wicklow Highlands is a true warrior, and he displayed stellar bravery and acted as if he could keep on keepin' on despite what must have been terrible pain. It is heartbreaking for me to know that this wonderful, hard-knocking horse who ran on a fractured sesamoid, fought through a bowed tendon, and still went on to have 98 starts and $628,803 in earnings only to bow again, and be retired, and STILL continue with retraining and everything fought yet again to convince everyone that he was allright. But we know better, and the prognosis for surgery at this time, due to the location of the injury, the type of fracture, and the fear that he WILL fight, even as he suffers has left us with the only decision we can make. Through many tears Damon and I discussed out options, and called Valerie, who concurred that the only fair thing we could do was the thing that hurts us so, so much. I am so heartbroken right now that I can barely breathe.

Sadly, as well, Wicklow's first son was stillborn today. Hallie Creek delivered a big, handsome chestnut sabino colt, with a terribly twisted cord. It is heartbreaking to see a perfectly formed, handsome colt and know he would have had such potential which will never be fulfilled.

My only consolation in my losses is that Wicklow and his son will comfort each other across the Rainbow Bridge, where they will run like the wind and keep watch over those left behind...

Joie

[SilverBalls]

What sad news! I am very sorry for your loss. He was a very strong, resiliant, and determined horse.

[cyriz's mom]

Oh Joie,

I am so, so sorry for the loss of your boy and the foal. After the hell I've been through this year, I know how hard it is just to breathe. Please take care of yourself and allow yourself to grieve.

Hugs to you and those who loved your boy!

[moonriverfarm]

So sad for you. I am sorry.

[BBowen]

I am so very sorry. How heartbreaking to lose your stallion and his first born colt. Hugs.

[Quinn]

My heartfelt condolences.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[Fairview Horse Center]

This is so sad. I am sorry for your loss. This spring just needs to stop. I almost can't open threads any more.

[Louise]

Oh Joie, I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. I know how much you loved this wonderful horse, and how your heart must hurt. My most sincere condolences to you.

[Hillside H Ranch]

I'm very sorry for your double loss, and I know both you and Valerie must be heartbroken.

[pintopiaffe]

Oh, Joie, I am so, so sorry. The double loss must be staggering.

Thoughts and prayers...

Godspeed Wicklow and little one. :cry:

[Blonde Filly]

So sorry for your loss!!! :cry:

[Over the Hill]

I am weeping with you . . . so very sorry.

[VirginiaBred]

:( I'm so very sorry. :(

[3Dogs]

I am so sorry - what a tragic day for you - :cry:

[Jessi P]

I am so sorry. Hugs & condolences. :sadsmile:

[copper bay farm]

I'm so very sorry. :(

[Home Again Farm]

I am so very sorry about your stallion and his first foal. :cry: Sending hugs.

[Sassenach]

:( I'm so sorry *hugs*

[johnnysauntie]

oh, no! I am so sorry to see this. I'm an avowed OTTB lover and love to see them excel in other disciplines. I checked out your website, and was planning on contacting you for a visit to see your horses sometime when I go through Sterling (I'm on I-88 a lot.) I was hoping to meet your stallion! I'm so sorry. :no:

[CathyKb]

I am so so sorry. :cry::cry::cry:

[Norcrest]

Joie,

Reading this brought tears to my eyes! I am so sorry about Wicklow! and then to read further and hear about the colt..what a tremendous loss. As someone else mentioned take solace in the fact that Wicklow and his son are frolicking together over the Rainbow Bridge.
Tons of hugs from both of us in NY!

Gerry

[genevieveg17]

I am so sorry.
Godspeed Wicklow and little one.

[horsetales]

I am so sorry for both of your losses.

[Joie]

Thanks everyone...

I hate posting sad news, but telling everyone is part of my grieving process. I appreciate the kind words.

[risingstarfarm]

Sending you my sincere sympathy. Such sad news.

[Nootka]

I am so sorry:cry:

~~~~Hugs from Fla~~~~~~

[Waterwitch]

So sorry to hear about this double tragedy. I thought your stallion was lovely.

[Cinnybren]

I am so very sorry for your loss.
Godspeed Wicklow and colt.

[Daydream Believer]

I am so sorry. {{{hugs}}}

[Equilibrium]

Joie,
I'm so sorry for both your losses. That's really hard especially when he was such a tough horse on the track. Big hugs to you.

Terri

[sporthorsefilly]

Joie, I am so terribly sorry to hear you lost both your stallion and his beautiful son. Life seems filled with sadness this year. Please know that my thoughts are with you, what an awful loss, especially when was a horse who tried so hard, all his life. He and his son are free on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

[Tiki]

This one really brought tears to my eyes. I'm sooooo sorry. TB's have so much heart and are soooo stoic. He never told you last night just how much he was hurting. Godspeed him and the little one.

[Kimberlee]

I am very sorry for your loss.

My consolation in lossing my mare (to an accident in the pasture that sounds very much like this one) is that her injury happened because she was running around like a ding bat, and that that was the only way for her to go. Running like the wind.

[TWF]

Tons of sympathy to you today from Maryland. Most of us have been there. Please have your farm clip a shank of hair for you. I know it's a bit of help to have a bit of your boy with you ...

joan

[spacely]

I am so sorry. My condolences on both losses. :cry:

[summerhorse]

I'm sorry to read this, he was a lovely horse. Terrible loss of a nice foal too.

[Tiempo]

I'm so sorry, what terrible news :cry:

[Faiths CremelloWB]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I have know you pain quite well having lost a stallion to a frature a couple years ago. I went through several surgeries and months of trying to save him only in the end to let him go. I understand how tough it is to put down a horse who is so tough and willing to fight to live. Some times there are just reasons beyond our comprehension as to why these things happen. Someone sent this to me when I lost my stallion and I cry everytime I read it. So grab a few tissues before you read any further. Just brought tears to my eyes again.

God looked around his garden and he found an empty place,
He then looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest,
God's garden must be beautiful he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering he knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb
So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered "Peace be thine"
It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone
For part of us went with you the day God called you home.

[Irish Momma]

What a brave boy he was! - Im so very sad for your double loss - jingles to you. :(

[blackstallion]

How heartbreaking for all of Wicklow Highland's connections. Letting him go was a brave and self-less decision. I am sorry for your loss :(

[Laurierace]

Wow that is a double heartbreaker. I am so sorry for your losses.

[talloaks]

What sad sad news. I am so sorry for your double loss. Lots of cyber hugs and godspeed to your loved ones.

[tullyleague]

I wish I could say something more helpful, but I'll just stick with this - I am so very, very sorry.

[Blue Yonder]

I know what it feels like to lose a favorite stallion unexpectedly.

It is a horrendous feeling that sucks the air out of you for a while.

All my very best thoughts to you as you cry, cry, and start to heal. I am so sorry for your losses.