Sadie






8 year old Thoroughbred

Crossed the Bridge January 25, 2007


One day in April of 2006, I was at the barn on a normal day having riding lessons with my son and daughter. After being totally scared of horses to the point I shook when I was near one, I decided it was time to get over that fear. I pushed myself every lesson to just get on the back of the horse. I would stand so that there was no way a foot could get stepped on. And far enough back so that I couldn't get bit. I barely moved hair when I brushed because I stood back so far. I now look back and I must have looked quite funny.

A truck pulled up towing a horse trailer and I could hear the poor horse that was in the back "screaming" to get her out of there. When she came off the truck, I was completely awestruck. Here stood this poor horse covered with so much mud and mats that you couldn't really tell she was a grey thoroughbred. She was so skinny and so wounded and scared. She had been placed in a pasture with a very mean stud who ran her through barbed wire. She had basically been left to die. When she came to the farm, her wounds were festering on her back legs. She couldn't barely bend them. It was very evident that the wounds were a couple of weeks old and had never even been washed out. I had commented about how sad she looked. And also knew then, this horse would be mine.

After a few weeks of washing her wounds every day and brushing her, it was amazing to me how such a beautiful animal could be so neglected. She became mine on April 17, 2006 and Sad turned into Sadie and also the beginnings of a DIVA. She quickly became the lesson horse of choice by not just me and my children, but anyone else who could ride her. And I think she knew when she began to see purple coming at her it meant it was time for her to shine. Everything from Sadie's halter, brush sets, saddle pads, winter blankets, etc. were a very bright purple. She looked good and she knew it. Within only a few weeks,  Sadie taught me compassion, love, confidence, responsibility and reward. I no longer shook with fear when I was near her. My children learned so much on her. Both of them blossomed on her. Jess couldn't wait to jump her. Then winter settled in...

My little princess, the one who had her grain twice a day, the best winter blanket made, a heated 100 gallon water tank and free-choice hay (I vowed she would never miss another meal!!!) began to colic. I called the vet immediately on Saturday morning when I noticed the signs of looking at her side and pawing. The vet said it was a soft impaction (she was probably eating snow and not enough water) and that we caught it in plenty of time. Fast forward to evening...she ate her bran mash mixture right up, was very chipper, and there was evidence that someone (I have 2 horses) definitely went to the bathroom several times in the run-in. We mistakenly assumed that she had passed the impaction.

The next morning it was -10 degrees out when I woke up at 6:30. I bundled up tight and went out in the dark to check on her. My baby was down and completely frozen and very, very sick. After administering some banamine and wrapping her in hot blankets from the dryer, we moved her back to the farm we bought her from as they could help me warm her up better. She went into a stall with heat lamps and more blankets. Still no droppings. Once we had her warmed and stable enough to make the long trip to Cornell University, we were on our way. Again, the team of doctors who took care of her said that although it was a soft impaction, it was quite large and she would never pass it on her own. Sadie spent 2 days in the ICU unit at Cornell to make sure she was okay and then came home on Tuesday. My baby was healing and on a lot of medicine and 24 hour care from the farm. She stayed in her stall except for short walks to help keep her system moving. On Thursday night - January 25 - on my way home from work, I received the call. I knew when I saw the number that something was wrong. Oooh how I didn't want to answer that phone, "Sadie is down, she is in a lot of pain and shock, it appears her bowels have ruptured internally.  We need to put her down."

I was at the farm within 20 minutes and held my baby and cried my eyes out as I said my goodbyes and my thank yous to her. Sadie, you were so happy for the last 9 months of your life. You were my teacher, my best friend and confidant. And we spoiled you absolutely rotten and I think you knew it. I will never forget the look in your eyes as your head laid in my lap when they gave you that shot. I was only able to love you for such a short time, but you made such a big impact on me and my life. I'm not sure if I will ever find another horse whom I will love the way I did you, but one day I hope so...as I would do it all over again for the love that was returned.

You took care of me and my children and I will forever be grateful for that. We miss you and love you and can't wait until the day we can be with you again...














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