[mkevent]

I had to put my heart horse down this morning. I've owned her since she was a yearling and she was the type of mare that would make you a mare lover.

She taught me so much and kept me safe. I did some pretty stupid things (not knowing any better at the time). I backed her when I was pregnant, ponied her out on open trails and she was the first horse I started under saddle. At the time, my only reference sources were magazine articles. I truly think she was sent to me to watch out for me.

Because of her, I got into eventing. I never thought I would love a sport that seemed so scary to the uninitiated. She made it fun and I trusted her completely. She loved cross country and would "high blow" during our xc lessons, her ears perked forward happily carrying whatever rider was on her. She was the confidence builder horse whenever my instructor needed to borrow her for one of her students. She took me from Novice level to Prelim. We had some truly great times together.

When I retired her from eventing, she gave me two really nice foals. One is a successful hunter, and the other is my current horse, who I've competed through Prelim/Training. Like his mom, he is a trier with a great heart.

Desiderata (Cassie) then was used for lessons at the farm next door. She taught beginners the basics, always patient. She was a caretaker type of horse and a partner to whoever was riding her.

When my daughter wanted to try riding, Cassie was a great teacher. Jess got her first taste of jumping from Cassie's back.

Recently, my close friends daughter had been riding her, hoping to compete her at a small hunter show at the end of this month. They looked great together.

Cassie was 23, but she looked and acted much younger. A twisted intestine claimed her life. I really thought I would have her for many more years. I'm still in shock.

Thank you Cassie for all that you have given me all these years. I will miss you and you will always be in my heart.

Godspeed Cassie.

[TimelyImpulse]

I'm so sorry.

[Wraper2]

I am so sorry to hear this! It is always heart-breaking to loose one....but doubly so when it is unexpected. (((hugs)))

[arabhorse2]

My deepest condolences on your loss.

What a lovely tribute to a fine mare.

[Watermark Farm]

What a wonderful mare and a beautiful tribute you wrote. I am so very sorry for your loss.

[Arcadien]

Oh no, I'm so sorry!

I remember you and Cassie when you were competing her Prelim. I was just getting into eventing, and I remember watching in awe as you and she flew over the Prelim course at Flora Lea, making it look so easy.

You and your mare were inspiring to me then in more ways than one.

Godspeed big mare.

[ohrebecca]

So sorry for your loss

[monstrpony]

So very sorry. Hard to lose one who has given you so much, but you did right by her.

[BasqueMom]

Hugs and Godspeed your beloved girl.

[SMF11]

Oh, I am so sorry. How lucky you were to have her in your life.

[MistyBlue]

Oh geez Mkevent...so very sorry for your loss.

[HenryisBlaisin']

I'm sorry to hear about your Cassie girl. She was so obviously loved, and that is the greatest gift a horse can ask for.

Sleep well, dear Cassie.

[BoomerButt]

So Sorry! Hugs!

BB

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I am so, so sorry. But she will be in wonderful company today.

[trubandloki]

So very sorry for your loss.

[fivehorses]

Hugs to you. I think that is just the worse way to have to let a horse go. Its too sudden, and doesn't give you time to get ready. Give yourself some good and cry and do what you need.
She sounded like a super horse, the kind we may only get once in a lifetime. I hope you write down your memories of her.
Godspeed Cassie~

[mkevent]

Thank you all for your sympathy and thoughts.

This has been so difficult and it's comforting to have people who understand share in your sorrow.

She was a once in a lifetime horse.

[Laurierace]

My irreplaceable horse is also 23. It's so hard to think of life without him, I can only imagine how awful you must feel. Godspeed. I guess her work here was done and there were more pressing issues for her to tend to on the other side.

[Vesper Sparrow]

Very sorry for your loss... hope she's galloping and jumping free of pain and care with all her friends over the bridge.

[Somermist]

So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.