After 15 beautiful years together, my little New Forest pony, Tiffin, died peacefully at 7:30 pm on the 6th of May 2012.
After arriving down at the farm earlier that morning we found him suffering from bad colic. We immediately got the vet out and tried the usual drugs. After noticing the pain killers not doing anything we made a decision to travel and get an ultra sound. Being 29-years-old we wanted to know if anything could be done before we made the heartbreaking decision.
I have never seen a horse so brave, and he held on as long as he could. After hearing from the hospital his stomach was now twisted and there was nothing that could be done, we said our final goodbyes. My father was there as it happened, as I couldn't bear to see someone who I have loved since being 5 leave me. I stayed with him for a long time after he went and he looked so beautiful and peaceful. His eyes were always my favourite, light brown. And his "boof" mane as we loved to call it.
When I was five-years-old a lady asked my grandmother if she could free-lease her two horses on our property. As I had always wanted a pony, she accepted. I used to walk around the paddock with him following me, he was so big to me back then, but I wasn't scared. Not long after we started Pony Club together and we achieved more and more as the years went by. He gave me the confidence to jump higher, work longer and be fearless. He never refused anything in cross country or show jumping. All in all, he was the perfect horse.
For the last 11 years he had done Games for our club, and never made any mistakes. He loved it so much it made me so happy to be on him. I'll never forget him getting faster and more determined with age, and his favourite race being flag and drum. I was very lucky to get into the state games team and come 7th overall with him last year. The very last time I rode him was two weeks ago at our zone games. He got one more day to prove to the young ones how good he was. He was so cheeky; he threw me off with a little pigroot.
Tiffy, I never thought I would have to go through this for a long time, but I will never forget you. You were my first ride, my first pony and the memories with you will stay in my heart forever. I love you baby boy.
Love,
Georgia
Tiffin 
