[JLR1]

This was certainly not the way I envisioned spending Christmas Eve. My 20 year old mare got kicked in the femur and it was fractured. Thank goodness it was discovered quickly and she did not suffer long. Her health was failing due to Cushings and IR so in some ways she did me a favor by making the decision...but another pasture accident was not what I expected.

I am feeling especially guilty about this and am wondering if the pasture living isn't meant to be for my horses. I lost my heart horse several years ago in a freak pasture accident....and I guess I hoped lightning wouldn't strike me twice. I am trying to give my horses a happier quality of life being able to roam freely, but I think I have failed them miserably.

[Bristol Bay]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. How sad for you! But please don't beat yourself up over this. If you had come on here and asked for advice up front about whether your old horse should be allowed to roam free, the answer would have been a unanimous yes, even knowing the risks.

You did give them a happy life, but $hit happens. She could have kicked a stall door and had the same thing happen.

Feel sad, but don't feel quilty!

[monstrpony]

Very sorry you had to deal with this today. But you're right about it saving you having to make the call later. I don't think you're wrong to think that pasture living is best for your horses. Just unlucky; hopefully that is behind you now.

[rtph]

Sorry. Just remember what a good life you gave her. Right now she is running in the most beautiful pasture she has ever seen on legs that never tire. My heart goes out to you this Christmas Eve....

[lilitiger2]

Aw, not at ALL what you wanted for Christmas Eve. A mare was kicked at a barn where i boarded, same situation, femur broken and she had to be put down, totally freak thing. Just sorry it happend to you.

[Hawks Nest]

So so sorry! And I thought my morning was bad enough when I found our old guy three legged lame this morning (thankfully it looks like his was just a strain) but everyone is right, she had a happy life living out, don't feel guilty for that.

[Bluey]

We lost our 30 year old to a misstep coming in bucking and playing along.

Accidents happen so easily ...

Sorry it happened to you, again.

[zakkandtoto]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Please don't second guess yourself.

[Plainandtall]

I'm sorry for your loss. I know the shock of losing an old horse to a sudden accidental death- and the fact that they were old, or had other health issues really doesn't make it any easier at all- you just don't have the burden of deciding when... it's still a terrible traumatic shock to your system and heartbreak none the less. I hope that there are some bits of Christmas peace and joy that manage to console you in this sad time.

[Laurierace]

Godspeed.

[HorsesinHaiti]

((((((((HHHUUUGGGSSS)))))))) The oldsters really need the space to move and stretch their legs, even if that carries it's own risks. Like I told one of our vets once, choosing the best course of action for an animal is often a dice roll and sometimes the dice roll falls against you.

[Marshfield]

I am sorry for your loss

[MunchingonHay]

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your heart heals quickly.

[fargaloo]

So sorry for your loss.

[Miss J]

Awww I am so sorry for your loss((((many hugs)))). As hard as it is, accidents do happen, so don't punish yourself, take comfort in that you found her fast. RIP to your old gal.

[SillyHorse]

I'm so sorry. You did everything you could to give your mare a good life. Unfortunately, accidents are just beyond our control.

[goneriding24]

I'm so sorry. Everyone's post is right. Sometimes poot happens and you can't stop it. Grieve a bit and then chin up.

[shea'smom]

I always find a way to blame myself at first, and then I usually come around to realizing it is just life with horses. Please give yourself a break. Hugs to you.

[Rallycairn]

This is so sad and I am so sorry, but please don't feel guilty. Pasture living is what makes them happy.

[nashfad]

I am so sorry. At least she was loved and had a person unlike so many horses.