Long story short. Last year my friend asked me to take her Icelandic mare, Kolka, because she was dying. At that stage, I said no, because we had just come through a hellish winter, I had too many horses, and I couldn’t have another female with a stallion about too. I felt very bad but could see no way to help. I offered to put the mare to sleep, though as she is old (27?) and I also thought a big change moving to a new herd would be horrid for her.
A few months later my friend died. I sold Taktur (and Dreki) and every day I drove past this mare to visit my Minions. It struck me that if I had died, someone would possibly put Haakon, Iacs, Vitamin and Fivla to sleep because they were old too. They are all around the same age – 27 to 29.
And then I envisaged myself doing just that – putting this mare to sleep just because she is old and I couldn’t do it.
I also remembered that Kolka had lived here for a couple of years when we were a riding school many years ago so she knew Haakon and Iacs, but not Klaengur. I went to talk to Kolka in her field (she was another horse’s companion) and she was just the same as she ever was when she was with us. Quiet, easy to do and kind. So I phoned my friend’s husband, now the owner, and offered Kolka a retirement home here for the rest of her days.
Today Floss and I went to fetch her home to Thordale.
The boys were interested – lots of sniffing, a little squealing and stamping from Kolka.
I went out later to see what the herd dynamics were doing.
Klaengur is very taken.
Haakon is furious. He hates change. He came up and complained. I told him to get on with it.
And Kolka pretty much rules them all. She tells them where to stand and what to do.
Iacs dreams of cake and staying out of the way!
This was a few minutes later when I had run out of carrots. I am hopeful they will all sort themselves out with minimum fuss.
Later on I let the “vampire ponies” out for the night and they started all over again. Waffle loves the ladies! It will be interesting to see where they all are tomorrow morning.
I hope I’ve done the right thing by my late friend. What’s one more geriatric?
You have done a really kind thing, for the mare but also honoured your friend ❤️
Blessed are those that take the elderly pets into their homes. Well done you. Hope Kolka adjusts well to the new herd. She looks lovely.
There will always be a place in pony heaven for you, Frances. This is a wonderful post. Thank you.
She’s a lucky horse – she’ll have the best care that any old horse could wish for. Such a kind thing to do, Frances.
How kind you are, and caring
She’s lovely and I’m glad you were able to take her in. I hope she is a positive reminder of your friendship.
What a lovely, kind thing to do. Kolka will have a happy and well deserved retirement and you have honoured the memory of your friend. Her husband must be pleased to see such a happy outcome too.
Oh Frances, this brought tears to my eyes. I remember reading about Kolka on your blog when she was also a companion (and moral support) to Bra while on her weight-loss journey after losing her last foal. She seems like a sweetheart and a nice old lady.
It’s a tough emotional burden you’re shouldering – losing any animal is difficult, and you’ll no doubt bond somewhat with her while she’s with you. But this is a good thing you’re doing and it’s worth it, for Kolka and for the memory of your friend.
what a lovely thing to do. and who knows haw many years she has left. I am sure she will enjoy it in the company of her new friends. Mt son in law has mare who is 27 or maybe 28 which he still rides lightly and some days she is just full of herself!
You’re so kind, both to horses and to your readers, who get to heat about good people. So hopeful!
It must have been a hard decision to include her in your herd. I am so glad she is ok with them.. We have our oldest at 23 now and still going strong and ridden regularly. We lost our KIng Karrot a couple of years ago at age 33. He was able to be ridden until age 32. and before that Sierra who lived to be 26 . Mastrexx aged 20. I am sure that you also have a list of ones who you have lost and been there.
Frances, I’d say you did a very fine thing adding Kolka to your gang. Hope she’ll be happy and content in your merry band! I love your good heart!
Yes. You did.
Big lump in throat . . . You did good, Ma’am. Respect.
Perhaps a mature Matriarch is what those pesky boys need {grin}. It will be interesting to watch the herd dynamics develop.
It is hell when we outlive our beloved companions and have to call in the vet for that one final act of love. But just as terrible are the thoughts of what if THEY outlive us, and who will care for them as we did?
oh Frances, she’s lovely.
Thank you Frances. You made today a little better. I’m not going to watch the news this morning so I can savor the warmth of your kindness.