In Memorial
Ashes competing in distance driving
This morning I had to put down my pony, Ashes. We’re not sure how old he was, but certainly older than I had been led to believe.
According to Dr. Meyer, he was probably more than 25 while I had been led to believe he was 15 or 16.
Last year he developed Cushings. Three weeks ago we discovered an ulcer on his eye. Examination revealed a very deep ulcer and a good chance that the eye would rupture.
I treated diligently for 3 weeks with no improvement in the eye. This morning when I went to treat him he was sweating and could barely stand. Obviously, the onset of founder, which we had gone through a couple of years ago, with success.
Consulting with Dr. Meyer I was told that the Cushings reduces the immune response and may be contributing to the eye not responding to treatment. It would also interfere with his ability to overcome the founder.
Since he was obviously suffering, not responding to the eye treatment, and surely older than I had thought, we concluded the most humane action would be to help Ashes go peacefully.
Good Bye Old Buddy! We’ll miss you!
I didn’t know about Ashes until we saw Norm and Marie at the Steam and Gas Show yesterday. Ellen was telling us how a horse pulling a load of pre-schoolers collapsed and died on Friday. Her granddaughter was one of the kids on the wagon and was quite concerned about the horse, even thought the helpers were trying to get them off the wagon and away from the situation. This cool weather makes me tired and Dennis naps a lot. Of course, it doesn’t help that we’re trying to get things organized for the “hitching” in a few weeks. I think all of us (Ben and Hilary, also) will be happy when it’s over and done. That is a sad thing to say, because it should be a happy time for all; but, it has gotten way out of hand. I’m just hoping nothing else pops up before the big day. Take care of yourself and call if you need anything. Say Hi to Marguerite and I’m so glad you are trying to help her enjoy some different activities. The fresh air is good for her, I’m sure, and you can do some things outside, too. Dennis thought his second batch of sweet corn wasn’t going to amount to anything, but there are some small ears, so let us know if you’d like some.
Sorry to hear about Ashes. Hold on to your happy memories of Ashes
Your grandson, Jacob, took the news hard. He might have been the last one to ride him.
I’m pretty sure that Jacob was the last to ride him. I had a hard time accepting the fact that he was just not responding to the medication and when he was obviously in pain Saturday morning it was almost unbearable.
The vet told me that his eye would have ruptured in a few more days and that would have made him even more miserable.
Hard to believe that he was as old as the vet thought he was, but if he was in his mid to upper twenties it would explain a lot. For instance how he could be such an unflappable driving animal. And why he suddenly got Cushing’s (that is generally age related).
The boys had pretty much outgrown him, but Ana and Katya will surely miss the chance to ride him.
I have ridden Ed just once since you left, but he behaved very well. I just have a hard time getting up the energy to saddle or hitch.
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So sorry to read about Ashes. The girls were just talking about him the other week. They will both be sad to hear this news. Katie was just talking about riding him even though I really think she was too afraid of him to actually ride him when Morgan did a few years ago.
Take care and have a good rest of August.
We will miss ashes as well. The spirit he displayed when faced with a challenge will stay with me always.