The Last Gift

(*Disclaimer- most of this post was written earlier, I knew I couldn't do it all today) 

Today we said good bye to the best red head I've had the privilege of knowing. 

he had the most handsome head

 I've had Irish since 2003. In all the ways that matter I have been the only person for his entire life. When we moved to our farm I promised him that that would be his last move. 

Irish was always the sweetest horse. When he was young he loved to buck. He still is the horse that threw me off the most. And no one was more upset when I came off than he was. 

he always looked so innocent

When he was older he was the safest horse I've ever known. I could put anyone on him and he would do his best to keep them safe and happy. If he didn't think that they could trot yet he wouldn't. It was hilarious to watch. 

he adored children

and being on the trail

When he was diagnosed with his neurological issue back in 2012 I was sure that our time would be limited. I am so happy that we had another 10 years together.  I've been fortunate to have other who have ridden him. He loved to be ridden and felt proud any time he was in a lesson. 

Last winter it became apparent to me that Irish's condition was worsening and that he simply could not handle our winters anymore.  It sounds like it was an easy decision, and in some ways it was. In others it was incredibly difficult. I didn't share it broadly that this was my plan. Mostly because I wasn't looking for anyone to weigh in on my decision. I have seen others in my situation experience people trying to give them advice. I am comfortable that I have exhausted all medical options for Irish. This summer he improved but not to his previous condition. His hind legs were less secure even on grass. 

back when he could  fly across the snow

Is it possible that he would make it through the winter? Yes. But it was even more possible that he'd fall and seriously injure himself. My rule was that he had to be happy. Last winter he was not happy- he was frightened and worried. It was important to me that Irish had a death that was as painless and easy and I could manage. He deserved it. I firmly believe that it's better to be a week early than a day late. I owed Irish a kind death. 

This spring/summer/fall we gave him the best time we could. 

HIs last week was spent getting groomed and being fed treats. He was lavished with love. I had told some people who he touched ahead of time. They came to say goodbye. My niece came for the week. 

the most boopable snoot

October 28 the vet came and we  let him go. The weather was sunny and cool. A perfect fall day. 

he always looked so handsome in the fall

It was hard. We were all in bits- including the vet. She was amazing, talking me through the process. Irish, as always, was a complete gentleman and went quietly and easily. He was surrounded by myself, Ed, Julia and Caelen. We all cried and told him how much we loved him. The vet gave him a kiss. She said 'you did such a good job of keeping him going as long as you did'

As he passed I had a vision of him running and jumping like he used to. 

He was laid to rest beside Steele. 

these three are gone but still hold a piece of my heart

During his passing, the horses were quiet but as he left Carmen began to call and call and call. Julia, Caelen and I brought Quaid and Carmen down to see him. As soon as Carmen came out of the barn she knew.  She would walk a little, settle, walk a little closer. Both of them touched his muzzle. 

When they seemed settled I put them in the barn until Ed put Irish's body in the grave. We then led them out to the field and let them go. At first it was quiet and then Quaid came down to the corner close by the grave and began to call. Carmen watched but stayed away. I walked down to him and she followed. We all stood there looking at the grave. 

don't tell me horses don't grieve

The three of us sat on the ground keeping watch and that reassured Carmen and Quaid because the left and grazed nearby. 

They settled and then Carmen began to run and call and run and call. I walked up to her and she ran a little more but called. I know she's grieving. I just told her that it was hard and that was okay. I stood and breathed and we all stayed quiet and she calmed down. 

The next little while will be a big adjustment. It's okay to grieve- he was a grand horse and deserved it. He passed without pain or trauma,  surrounded by so much love. We all should be so fortunate.  

Irish Gold - May 2000-October 2022

God Speed my love, until I see you again

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