I’ve owned and trained many a horse, though until now, all have been domesticated and for some reason, my feelings toward them were different.
The way I was raised, horses come and go – you can always make another one…. Well that all changed recently when I had to put down one of the two wild mustangs that we picked up in January for the Extreme Mustang Makeover to be held in April.
Val was the bigger and more docile of the two mares. EVERYONE that saw her loved her. She was loving and friendly with a softness about her eyes that just drew you in.
When a horse that belongs to a client has health issues, the client, not me, makes the call to put a horse down. But when a horse comes from the wild and has been entrusted to you to keep it safe and alive, that’s an entirely different ballgame. Even though we did all we could to help her pull through, I had to make the call.
After consulting with our veterinarians and coordinating with the Bureau of Land Management, the decision was made to put her down humanely. She is now free to run again in that big prairie in the sky.
When I say we did all we could do, I REALLY mean we did ALL we could do. Staying up giving her IV’s and pain medicine through day and night for a week in rain and snow. It takes a toll on your body and your soul and your mind.
My family and I would like to send a special thanks to the DVMs for all their help and support. We would also like to thank everyone, for all of their help, support and hospitality for myself and my family during this very difficult time.
And finally, we would like to thank each and every one of our friends for their continued support and friendship.
