please hold my Lucy in your hearts and prayers

[Fred]

and help her on her way. This morning the vet is coming to put my dear Lucy down. I am numb with grief and disbelief, although I have known this day has been coming for years, and been dreading it for years. I have finally accepted that there is nothing more that I can do, and that Lucy can not go through another Canadian winter.
Lucy is a special horse, beautiful, incredibly brave, full of spirit, charisma and life, a great jumper,
a great horse to go cross country (so brave, so feisty, so much fun!)
and a great mother. I have had the best rides of my life with Lucy. I felt honoured and deeply moved the magical moment she came into my life and drew her first breath. To be with her now as she draws her last... it's almost too much to bear. I have to go now..the vet will be here in a few hours, and then the back hoe.
It would be a great comfort to me to know that
she is being whispered softly out of this life.
thank you. Gail

[Fred]

and help her on her way. This morning the vet is coming to put my dear Lucy down. I am numb with grief and disbelief, although I have known this day has been coming for years, and been dreading it for years. I have finally accepted that there is nothing more that I can do, and that Lucy can not go through another Canadian winter.
Lucy is a special horse, beautiful, incredibly brave, full of spirit, charisma and life, a great jumper,
a great horse to go cross country (so brave, so feisty, so much fun!)
and a great mother. I have had the best rides of my life with Lucy. I felt honoured and deeply moved the magical moment she came into my life and drew her first breath. To be with her now as she draws her last... it's almost too much to bear. I have to go now..the vet will be here in a few hours, and then the back hoe.
It would be a great comfort to me to know that
she is being whispered softly out of this life.
thank you. Gail

[lawndart]

Go gently Lucy, and know you are loved. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

(((Hugs))) for Fred http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

OLD FRIENDS FARM-Equine Retirement-We LOVE Seniors!!http://www.sphosting.com/oldfriends/farm.html

[Quinn]

Oh Gail, I'm so sorry. I tried calling but you must be in the barn. My heart is breaking for you. I know they are your children and I also know sweet Lucy feels safe and secure. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

"If you are going through hell, keep going." ~Churchill~

[FairWeather]

Oh Fred, I'm so sorry to hear this. Big, squeezy hugs and strength for you and Lucy.

[Kryswyn]

{{{{{{{{GAIL}}}}}}}}}

Step boldly Lucy into your new pasture where the clover is lush and the wind soft upon your velvet nostrils. Until your special person joins you, wait in comfort and among our dear equine friends who have gone before. Know that you were never loved more than you are this day.

Love and courage to you Gail, it is the hardest decision in the world, but of course, it is the right one.

Kryswyn

[Layne Farm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Love and courage to you Gail, it is the hardest decision in the world, but of course, it is the right one<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

HUGS your way from Fla

[June]

A very long hug and sigh goes out here towards you, Gail! The Old Man will greet her with a twinkle in his eye and a giggle in his expression and will tease her into chasing him through the most beautiful pasture towards the rest of the buds waiting for her!

While he does that, we are all here for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers today.
much love, June

[Ghazzu]

Horses like Lucy are lucky to have owners like you, who will stick by them and make the hard decision, rather than passing the buck.

Hugs. I know how hard it is.

Unashamed member of the Arab clique...just settin' on the Group W bench.

[VivaBaby]

Keeping your in our thoughts.

Peace to your heart.

Run free, Lucy.

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[HSM]

Thoughts and prayers and hugs coming your way and Lucy's. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

------------------------------
I'm just the mom....

[monstrpony]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Know that you were never loved more than you are this day.

Kryswyn<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Will be thinking of you today. Godspeed, Lucy.

___________
He's not really a pony, and I'm really not "pony aged" either.

[ToolTime]

thinking and praying for you and Lucy today (hug)

[Louise]

My most sincere sympathy to you, Fred. I hurt for the pain you must be feeling.

For Lucy I wish good passage. She knows that she has been a lucky mare, and that the green pastures that she is going to will be the perfect place to wait for you.

---------------------------
"This it be die most importante thing in die world, that someone they loff us."
Willem

[Simkie]

Oh, Gail, I'm so sorry. &lt;hugs&gt;

Springer will meet her and show her where all the good spots to snack and roll are http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

[ken]

Know that she couldn't have had a better home than the one you've given her. Prayers and peaceful thoughts sent your way.

[War Admiral]

godspeed to a wonderful sounding mare, and hugs to all her family. she will be in wonderful company up there... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

______________

sorry about lack of caps. i'm typing one-handed. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[treasmare]

Oh my....my heart is breaking for you.Such a hard but selfless decision to make for a dear friend. This spring I whispered to my Orchid that we would eventually be together again as will you and your wonderful Lucy. It is so very very hard to let them go but let them go we must. She knows how hard this decision was for you....I really feel they know these things and I am sure she is thankful that you have made the kindest decision of all to let her go with dignity and respect. I will whisper to her as she goes on her way.

[Horsaholic]

Bless your heart.. She sounds like a wonderful horse and how lucky for you to have been there when she took her first and her last breath..
My heart goes out to you.. Some very special thoughts for Lucy as you send her off to gallop the green pastures until you meet again..
(((Hugs to you)))

[Small Change]

I am so sorry. Even when you know it is right and fair, it is never easy. I'll be thinking of you.

Half the failures in life arise from pulling in one's horse as he is leaping -Julius Hare

[desilu]

More hugs to you from Florida. I also put my sweet old mare Lucy down this year. She was my first horse and taught my daughter and me how to ride and also how to be a responsible horse owner. It was probably the hardest thing I've had to do but I rest easy knowing it was the right thing. I'm sorry

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

I am so sorry! Many prayers to you and your special Lucy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amy
Owned by:
Cute as a Bugsear (Bugs) JC OTTTB (Isella x Annie Somebody)
Pippen (Frodo) ATA Anglo Trakehner (Paramoure x Cute as a Bugsear)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Everythingbutwings]

Dearest Fred, cyber hugs for you and Lucy.

I wish I were a horse and was in your care.

Friendship is Love without his wings
-Lord Byron

[Elliesmom]

Oh Gail, I'm reading your note through buckets of tears. Even though I've never met you, I feel that I know you through your BB notes (and your husband's music), and think of you as a friend. I am certain that if I were Lucy, I would be in the best possible hands with you. May your wonderful memories of her help heal this terible pain. Go softly sweet Lucy. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

{{{{{Gail and Lucy}}}}}

Cindy

[Scuttle]

So sorry. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I will be thinking of you and Lucy today.

-Kelly

[reefy!]

Godspeed to Lucy and hugs to you, Fred http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[canadian eh?]

Goodbye sweet Lucy, say hello to my darling Matthew, he is the beautiful grey TB with the pink nose. He'll take care of you, just like he took care of me.

*~* Not the sharpest crayon in the tool shed, are we? oh wait... *~*

[Heather]

Go quietly Lucy. Know how much you are loved. Say hi to the big white dog for me.

[SpiritInTheSkye]

Peace and godspeed to you Lucy, hugs and warm thoughts to you Gail......

[Duffy]

{{{{ HUGS }}}} to you and your family, Gail. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

"B***h in training"

[Pendeen]

Love and hugs to you Fred.

A peaceful end is the kindest gift we can give to friends like Lucy. Although she cannot say think you with words, know she is saying thank you in her heart for your years of love.

[Lisamarie8]

Fred, Your post hurt just to read. I am so unmeasurably sorry for your loss and so respectful of your bravery. I know first hand how hard that decision is to make and how much it hurts to the core. Doing the right thng is so hard. Know we're all thinking of and caring for you.

XOXO,
Lisa

--- "We're putting you on what we call sudden death academic probation."

[Sobriska]

Godspeed to your dear Lucy.

I'm not crazy. I'm just a little unwell.

[Beck]

I am so sorry, Gail. But how lucky Lucy was to have a whole lifetime with you. You know it was the best a horse could have.

Hugs from Becky and Fleur.

[Backstage]

I'm so sorry. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif
My coach had to put down a beloved schoolie this fall. He was the first horse I ever rode, and, later, the first horse I ever evented. We were all devastated. But, we all know that it was the only fair thing to do.
I'm sure Lucy knew she was loved, and thats the most important thing.

"Those are my principles. If you don't like them I have others."
Groucho Marx.

[Robby Johnson]

Lucy was so lucky to "own" you. From the time you foaled her until now she has only known the unconditional love that you give to all of those around you - human or animal.

I've cried a few tears this a.m. since reading your email. Maybe it's the season, maybe the fact that I've gotten to touch Lucy (I've lead her in and out from turnout), and maybe it's just because I have a mental picture of you on that farm, having to say goodbye to another bay mare.

Keep your chin up and focus on the horse that lived, not the one that left you.

Robby

So I'm a sistah, buy things with cash
It doesn't mean that all my credit's bad

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

[Wicky]

{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[BeastieSlave]

so sorry....
Like everyone else, I write with tears in my eyes and ache for you.

I can tell you feel lucky to have had Lucy in your life. I think Lucy is also lucky, not only to have you care for her and make that difficult decision when the time came, but also that you are there with her and remember her in her prime.

I have had to put down two horses that were in my care in the past couple of years. While I loved them, cared for them, and enjoyed them in their retirement, it made me sadder that their owners weren't with them and that I had not known them in their prime. I contacted one of the old guys' past trainers. She came to tell him goodbye and showed me a pictures of him at a show as a fine young thing. Somehow I felt better knowing that someone was remembering him as I'm sure he would want to be remembered at his passing.

You honor Lucy with your memories {{{{hugs}}}}

[Sandbarhorse]

So very sorry Gail. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif Sending you many, many cyber hugs. It is evident from your post how special Lucy is and you deserve extra hugs for your bravery.

I'm sure Lucy knows how much you love her and appreciates your selflessness. I'm sure my Red and all the other COTH horses who have gone before will show her around and take care of her until you meet again. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

[Spot]

Oh sweetie - I am SO sorry for you http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

Big Huge {{{HUGS}}} coming your way.

It's the right thing to do Gail - you know that. It's still just so damned hard to do isnt it ...

Donna

[fleur]

oh fred, {{{{{{hugs}}}}}} http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif here's one of my favorite poems that springs to mind:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints in snow,
I am the sunlight and ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning hush,
I am the swift upflinging rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

-mary e. frye<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

[frugalannie]

I am certain that Lucy knows by your decision to do this how very much you love her. We are holding both of you in our hearts today.

[shmon]

Hugs to both you and Lucy today, Gail. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I'm sure Lucy will appreciate the dignified and loving way she'll go - just like the way she lived her life.

------------------------------
"Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life."

[canyonoak]

ahhhhhh, there is hardly anything harder than to stand by our friends to the end, to not turn away, to not refuse to believe what we see in their hearts.

You are doing the right thing--the only thing.

That does not make the hole in your heart any less..

So hard to let go, to make memory be enough where before it used to be the smell, the sight, the touch..

my thoughts are with you.

[Portia]

Oh Gail. If there's one thing I'm sure of, it is that Lucy had a wonderful life with you, with the best care and loff possible, and that your loving and thoughtful care of her continued until the end. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

She will rest easily and happily across the Bridge. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[agedbayhunter]

How fortunate for Lucy that she had a loving guide to be with her as she began her journey to the Bridge and that meadow full of our old friends that lies beyond.

You're both in my thoughts and prayers, Fred.

[A Splash of Color]

A prayer for Lucy; {{{{{hugs}}}}} for Gail. So sorry.

Joan S.

[Tin]

oh Fred I'm so sorry http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Everytime you spoke of her I could always feel how special she was to you and how much love you both shared.

love for Lucy and love for you

~ they tease you cause they like you ~

[fernie fox]

Huge hugs to you.

What an honour for you and this special lady,to have you as her gardian from the beginning, to end of her life here on earth.

God speed Lucy. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

fernie fox
"I have lived my life-it is nearly done-.I have played the game all round;But I freely admit that the best of my fun I owe it to Horse and Hound".

[Heidi]

Oh, Gail, I am so very sorry. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

As painful as it must have been, your decision was the greatest tribute to Lucy's spirit.

Godspeed, Lucy. And much love to you, Gail.

[Gubgub]

I will always remember meeting Lucy and all of your wonderful family when we visited you. You have such love for all of them and I believe they know just how lucky they are to have had you in their life.

Going to give my old girl extra hugs this weekend for you, and try not to think of the decision I will have to make for her one of these days.

Take care.

[lilblackhorse]

I am so sorry. It is the hardest thing to do for our friends, I know. I am dealing with the impending death of our dog from cancer, and while you know the end is coming, it is still really difficult.

Be assured that this IS the right thing for your friend-she will cross the Rainbow Bridge knowing that you did not make her linger in pain, and will enter horse heaven with love in her heart. {{{{big hugs}}}}}

Elippses Users Clique........"I hate stall rest" and Grammar Nazi Cliques"

"What the fuh?" Robby Johnson

[Dancing Lawn]

I can only echo all of the sentiments already expressed. Many, many hugs to you, and Lucy.

less hard work, more fine dining.
www.dancinglawnhorses.com (http://www.dancinglawnhorses.com)

If guys can do it, how hard can it be?

[Cinnybren]

I am so sorry...((HUgs)) to you Fred and God Speed lovely Lucy to a place where the grass is green and deep and the water, cool and sweet.

[Linny]

Hugs for you and Lucy as she makes this journey. She has friends across the bridge welcoming her. Cactus Kate and Dublin will surely love and care for her. Willem will be sure she goes to all the right parties and the many equine friends of bber will be there to run and play with her.

Losing a special friend is always hard but far worse during the holiday season. You have my sympathy and prayers. What have have to do for Lucy is the hardest part of animal ownership but it is the best thing for your beloved friend.

Godspeed Lucy. If you meet a flirty red chestnut stallion called Foolish, give him a hug for me.

Resident racing historian
Founder of the Mighty Thoroughbred Clique

[Draygonfyne]

Gail...so very sorry to read this news. You and Lucy will be in my thoughts today.....

My kingdom for a horse
CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE:
www.draygonfynedesign.ca (http://www.draygonfynedesign.ca)

[relocatedTXjumpr]

God Speed Lucy. Watch down on your family from the great pasture and give all of the other BB horses a nicker...tell Silver, Willem, and Show Biz there moms miss them so!!


~~B

B & B Sport Horses

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

Dont put the cart before the horse, unless he knows how to push it of course. ~~ Pat Green

[The Pie]

I am so sorry. You, Lucy and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today. I hope my boy was there to greet her on the other side.
hugs

"Throw your heart over the fence and your horse will follow"

[Merry]

God's speed to Lucy. My, we're amassing a herd of great horses in the other world, aren't we? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

[Coreene]

Godspeed, dear Lucy. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

Gail, sending you all the love we have, and blessings for being so selfless. What a blessing it was for you to have each other.

[AWIP]

Gail ... I'm so very sorry.

[Killian]

So very sorry....love and good thoughts for Lucy & you.

[LEP Enterprises, LLC]

Beautiful post Fred, I can tell that your lucy was well loved.

Frolic happily and without pain over the rainbow bridge Lucy!

________________________
*London*Hannah*Kirsche*
*Gryphon Bay & foal on the WAY!!!*

[PaintBy#s]

Hugs and prayers from MD.

She knows this is right, and she loves you.

You know you always have your COTH BBers for support!

So many sayings about life! The most important? LIVE IT UP!

[NoGreatMischief]

I can never find eloquent enough words to describe them when we lose them...so I'll just say Godspeed, Lucy. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[Galileo1998]

Gail - I am so, so sorry. Lucy was a very lucky horse to have lived her life with you http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[horsegirl33]

I always think of this poem when I hear about someone loosing someone and it always makes me feel a little better. My deepest sympathy Gail, we're all here for you...


Along the shore I spy a ship
As she sets out to sea;
She spreads her sails and sniffs the breeze
And slips away from me.

I watch her fading image shrink,
As she moves on and on,
Until at last she’s but a speck,
Then someone says, “She’s gone.”

Gone where? Gone only from our sight
And from our farewell cries;
That ship will somewhere reappear
To other eager eyes.

Beyond the dim horizon’s rim
Resound the welcome drums,
And while we’re crying, “There she goes!”
They’re shouting, “Here she comes!”

We’re built to cruise for but a while
Upon this trackless sea
Until one day we sail away
Into infinity.

***God forbid that I should go to any heaven in which there are no horses***

[Libish]

Hugs to you as you let her go today.

Proud New horse-mom of Cricket
http://www.geocities.com/mattandelizabeth@sbcglobal.net/horses.html

[Windsor]

Stay strong for Lucy and for yourself--God bless!

[hitchinmygetalong]

There is nothing I can say that someone else has not already said much more eloquently. You are very brave to let Lucy go with dignity. My deepest condolences. Many hugs.

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship."
-Louisa May Alcott

[Jaguar]

I am sooo sooo sorry for your loss,
Godbless both Lucy and yourself in this time of great sadness.... http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif you will both be in my prayers tonight

"I hope you will grow up to be gentle and good, and never learn bad ways, do your work with good will, lift your feet up well when you trot, and never bite or kick even in play."
-Duchess, Black Beauty, Anna Sewell

[sprite]

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

She sounds like a lovely grand mare. My heartfelt condolences on this sad day.

****Da doo doo doo
Da dah dah dah
Thats all I want to say to you.****

[LoriO]

Gail,

Hugs to you, and I'm sure my Bandit will be waiting at the foot of Rainbow Bridge to meet Lucy and escort her in.

__________________________________________________ __________
**"You are under arrest for operating your mouth under the influence of ignorance!" MPD Officer Beck
**"Member of the COTH Law Enforcement clique!"
**"Member of the Western clique"

[ShowBiz]

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif RIP Lucy...may you always watch over your Gail.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My love ShowBiz, RIP 8/17/99 - 10/28/03. You are in my heart forever.

[Frank B]

Godspeed, Lucy.

If you see a somewhat overweight sorrel QH mare named Lucky, please try to teach her how to be a lady. I couldn't!

[Jeannette, formerly ponygyrl]

Lucky Lucy, to be loved by Gail, and hugs to you, Gail. The hole they leave behind sure gapes, doesn't it? Take care, Jeannette

[FionaJ]

I'm so very sorry.

[jilltx]

God speed, Lucy. Love and comfort to your human family.

~Jilltx
http://doobage.redirectme.net/horses/kelly2.jpg

"I wonder if they are using the same wind that we are using?" - The Princess Bride

[RodeoHunter]

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif I'm so sorry for your loss. She was well-loved.

**Member of the Ocularly Challenged Equine Support Group**

[sascha]

So sorry for your loss - hugs from just a ways up the road

[Eileen Miller]

Like others, I am sitting here in tears, feeeling and sharing your pain and loss. Oh that we could freeze them all in time, and keep them with us forever physically. Their spirits never leave, and that we can be thankful for.

I am sure Dutch will be there to greet Lucy, as will all of the past horses in all of our lives.

I have this vision in my mind of Lucy in the sky, with diamonds. I like it.

My condolences to you and yours Gail. God speed, Lucy, you are loved and truely blessed.

Eileen


"Always saddle your own horse." Connie Reeves 1901-2003 Member of the Cowgirl Hall Of Fame

The Long Island Horsemen's Society web page
http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/lihs/

[big boy]

Huggs from South Carolina. I'm very sorry for the pain your going through. It's sounds to me that Lucy has wonderful parents that love her very much. Lucy, you sweet mare go with God and run through the green pastures of heaven.


Trisha

[fullmoon fever]

Fred,

My deepest condolences to you. I share your pain; I had to put down my stallion a number of years ago (age 24) because with his arthritis I knew it would be just plain cruel to put him through another Canadian winter.

Take care.

Founder of the Olde Farte Clique; Member of the Dented Thigh Clique http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
If it ain't tack shopping, it's a waste of time and money.

[Melzy]

WOW, Lucy was well loved by you here on earth. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif Her spirit will stay with you forever Fred. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif I am so sorry for your loss. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[LoriO]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by fleur:
oh fred, {{{{{{hugs}}}}}} http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif here's one of my favorite poems that springs to mind:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints in snow,
I am the sunlight and ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning hush,
I am the swift upflinging rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

_-mary e. frye_<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank you posting this poem Fleur!!! I'm going to print it out for myself.

__________________________________________________ __________
**"You are under arrest for operating your mouth under the influence of ignorance!" MPD Officer Beck
**"Member of the COTH Law Enforcement clique!"
**"Member of the Western clique"

[equescool]

Blessings to Lucy and to you. May she become the horse that lived, and may comfort come for the horse that died. equescool

[Beezer]

Dear Lucy, know that you were loved here and know that "up there," dozens and dozens and dozens of our special friends are waiting to welcome you to the herd. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

Godspeed, Lucy. And a very big hug to your hu-mom. You and she and all of us know that she did right by you till the very end.

***** Dear Santa: All I want for Christmas is two good knees. *****

[DH]

Oh Gail, I'm so so sorry to hear about Lucy.

I'll never forget that beautiful face of hers and also wish I knew her at her prime.

How fitting that you were there for her arrival, and for her passing, and all the ups and downs in between. I'm sure she never could have dreamed of a life so good. May she live on in your memories and in her beautiful babies. Take care of yourself.

~Mighty TB Clique~
"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." ~ Ellen Parr

[BustersMom]

Hugs to you all.

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group

[Albion]

Hugs to you - and here is part of one of my favorite poems, "From Blossoms" by Li-Young Li. I think it is very fitting in many instances - we DO take what we love inside of us, and carry it with us forever.



O, to take what we love inside,
to carry within us an orchard, to eat
not only the skin, but the shade,
not only the sugar, but the days, to hold
the fruit in our hands, adore it, then bite into
the round jubilance of peach.

There are days we live
as if death were nowhere
in the background; from joy
to joy to joy, from wing to wing,
from blossom to blossom to
impossible blossom, to sweet impossible blossom.

'O lente, lente currite noctis equi' - Ovid

[Nirvana]

There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been beautifully said by my fellow bb members. I wish your dearest mare a safe and comfortable passage, and I wish you many hugs from friends and nuzzles from the rest of the horses you take such wonderful care of. As someone else said, I would dearly love to be a horse in your care. You are one in a million, and we are all here to give you big cyber shoulders to cry on. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

______________________________

*Formerly known as LeapOfFaith*

[Mustang Sally]

Fred, your lovely Lucy was in my thoughts today even though I didn't have time to post. I'm sure that Silver, Willem, Showbiz and a host of others were waiting to greet her and show her how the rainbow bridge makes limbs and hearts young again.

I'm so very sorry.

Amanda

"Waste no time arguing what a good person shall be, be one."
-Marcus Aurelius

[Jewels]

I am so sorry http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

"You could say I'm a few flakes short of a bale" http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif
*Member of the Short Stubby Leg Clique* & *Teen Clique* Finally a place where I belong! *wink*

[Ainsley]

My heartfelt condolences to you Fred.
May her memory live on in your heart. It is always so hard, and you will never forget, but fond memories will keep her with you forever.
So very sorry.

[EquiMom]

Dear, dear Gail; I grieve with you and know, all to well, the pain that you are going through.

I have held you and your sweet girl in my thoughts all through this sad, sad day. I could barely read your post through the tears, feeling the ache, right along with you.

I hope that you know all that I want to say, even when words fail. I sent an e-mail to you wherein I tried to convey some small comfort.

Please know that your dear Lucy is being held close within all the hearts here. Her good fortune in being yours has followed her through all the days of her precious life--and never more than now. Your good stewardship over her has ever been her blessing. Please, let this knowledge give you some peace in your resolve. Her bright spirit, even as it flies, will always remain, as a part of you.

[M.K.Smith]

Gail,

Hugs from MD for you and your husband
during this difficult time. My father said that one of the most difficult things about having pets (I'm going to include horses here too--- if we love them, they're a pet) is that they don't live as long as we do and we have the pain of loosing them.

I found this quote earlier this year and it sounds like it relates to your wonderful mare

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>“Some horses come into our
lives and quickly go... Others stay a while, make hoof prints on our hearts and we are never quite the same.”

-anonymous<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Rest in peace dear Lucy.

MKB...

http://www.leakycreek.com/
- new & improved (over 1000 pics in Photo Gallery)

[Bentley]

Oh Gail, this must be such a hard time for you. Hope our words bring some small comfort http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

We will fly, you and I,
Up above the moonlit sky,
Silver wings to take you high,
Hooves to dance your sad goodbye.

Godspeed dear Lucy,

Alixe

[AHC]

So sorry.....

[Fred]

thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and words, and for holding thoughts of sweet Lucy in your heart.
I'd like to think your prayers helped her passage.
The bitter cold let up for a few days, so the ground was not so hard and unforgiving, even though they had called for freezing rain, that too held off, and it was mild and breezy, with the sun coming out for a while.
As everyone who has been through this knows, part of this is all the details, how to do everything to minimize any stress or possible fear, and to make everything as normal and gentle as possible.
Lucy and her daughter Oohlala and her friend Emma were turned out in the field where we intended to put Lucy down and to bury her. She ran as best she could, tail up and snorting, staring off into the horizon - and then settling down to graze.......
I do feel privileged and honoured to have known Lucy and for having her in my life. For those who may not have heard the story, Lucy was in a way a miracle baby. Many years ago, I went to look at a 3 yr old OTTB who was for sale. In the same barn was this incredibly beautiful mare, his mother - who had been barren ever since foaling him. We bought the big grey colt, my Bob, but I could not get that beautiful mare out of my mind, and tried to get someone to buy her (we did not have a farm at the time, and two horses seemed to be enough)
A year later this mare came up for auction at the Woodbine Mixed Sale - she had a wonderful pedigree, and since these were the heydays of the astronomical TB prices we did not think we would be able to afford her -
but once again she was barren - five years in a row - so were able to buy her.. against all common sense.
the next year we bred her to an extremely unfashionable Irish TB, just 16 h, athletic, catlike and springy.. the mare did not catch .. until the August cover... and the next August, Lucy (short for the Elusive Foal) was born.
The afternoon she was born, I was alone with Mom, Bob and Rhet and the little incredibly beautiful Lucy. The barn was silent - the two boys almost holding their breath as Mom licked both her baby and me....
I tried to explain to my husband yesterday as we sat sobbing on the couch how magical that moment was, how privileged I felt to have been able to glimpse and participate in a miracle..
He said something that has been a comfort to me.. it is like a door opening, just a crack, and you glimpse that light beyond, and Lucy slipped into our life.. we travelled along the passage with her.. to another door, that opened yet a crack, and once again, she slipped through... leaving us missing her, behind the door......
I had so much fun with Lucy, fun with her at the racetrack, fun going cross country with her .. she was so tough and brave, I used to imagine I was on a trek (the Civil War/ across the steppes something..) and Lucy was my brave mount, marching along.. snorting with every breathe .. looking for a hedge or a split rail to jump...
She was a horse who would veer off the track towards the jump, dragging you with her... and you never had to ask, just HOLD ON..
Her biggest drawback was that she had me for a rider.. everyone who saw her jump thought that she was phenomenal.. perhaps not GP, but at least an Open Jumper..
but she started her new career as a broodmare, and she excelled at that too, she was wonderful - and she has had beautiful babies...
I have decided to keep her Holsteiner filly Oohlala, show her in the jumpers and keep her as a future broodmare. I would like to have that legacy from Lucy. I feel lucky to have had her, her brothers Bob and Fred and her sister Cricket.
Reading your posts has had me crying my eyes out, and unable to respond until now.
Thank you again kind hearts for your words and prayers for a good horse.

[LawnOrnamentLuvr]

Dear Gail,
I just read your post and I'm so sorry.
What a beautiful story about Lucy. Hold her near in your heart and remember her at her finest. {{{{{Hugs}}}}}

Lawny

[June]

Dear Heart,
our words, love and prayers are for you, too.
&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;hug&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;
prayers continue.
June

[Gubgub]

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

You are my hero, Gail.

Susan

[JulieMontgomery]

Bless you and yours.... and rest in peace, Lucy.

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of his devotion."
Author Unknown....

[Hexel]

Oh Gail I'm so sorry for your loss and heartache. You are in my thoughts and I'm shedding tears with you. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[Coreene]

Dearest Gail, thank you for sharing that about Lucy. What a wonderful life she had! Big kisses for you again, the first days after always seem to be the most bewildering.

&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;HUGS&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;

[Silly Mommy]

I have kept this quote because it brings me comfort through the tears (and years). It's been just over 3 years since I had to make the same decision for my soulmate Mandarin.

"They take part of our soul when they leave us and keep it safe for when we join them"

-Sabra Wolf

She lives on through her babies - so glad you're keeping one to keep the legacy.

Most people who go around fanning the flames of crises are themselves the problem.


http://groups.msn.com/WolfdenFarm/shoebox.msnw

[Nikita]

Oh Gail I'm so sorry. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif
Lucy couldn't have had a better life than the one you gave her. You were there from the beginning to the end with all the ups and downs and in betweens. And I remember the first time I heard the story of Lucy, thinking you were both very blessed to have found each other.

{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}

Laurie

[Heidi]

Gail, yet again, you have me tearing up. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

What a glorious joy and marvel Lucy must have been. I envy you that experience and know that the wonder of Lucy will live forever in your heart.

I think I know you well enough to know that you will be stronger for this, your heart will always embrace these maganificent beasts; you will continue being the loving breeder and mommy to your brood of horses.

You told me once that breeding was not for the faint of heart - well, darling, you have proven yourself, time and again, to be one kickass horsewomen of courage, conviction and integrity. I am in awe of you, Gail.

Kudos, hugs, and best wishes to you. We must plan to do something really silly together in the new year.

[arnika]

Oh Gail............................

I've just found this thread and wanted to add my condolences to all the rest. I've read so many of your posts here and your love for all your horses shines through each one. Hugs to you and prayers for Lucy as you go through this hard time.

Your husband sounds like a love and I'm glad you have someone close who understands how heartbreaking this can be. Keep those wonderful memories tight and find comfort in them. God bless you and your courage.

Terry

[BarnBrat]

So sorry for your loss, I'll keep you in my prayers.

-Mares Rule!
SaluteTheTruthColt (http://members.aol.com/HtaeD0/ultrasound.jpg)

[num1train]

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. BIG HUG!!

Dana and Les

Don't just appear in life, STAR in it!

[Weatherford]

You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers, too!!!

{{{BIG HUGS}}}}

It's OUT! Linda Allen's 101 Exercises for Jumping co-authored by MOI!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[MAD]

For Lucy

I'm Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took God’s hand when I heard the call;
I turned back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Life up your heart and share with me –
God wanted me now, God set me free.

[Nikki^]

I'm very sorry for your loss. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif


***Hugs***

Kioko (http://www.geocities.com/area51/crater/5267/HeartofGold.html)

Look up your TB's bloodlines (http://www.dmtc.com/dmtc98/Pedigree/)