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T O P I C R E V I E W
BabsR
Posted - 03 Jun 2009 : 2:31:11 PM It is with very heavy heart and struggling through the tears, that I have to tell you, our beloved homebred Anglo Stallion Sunray Scelebrity (1985) was put to sleep at 11.00am today. Bret was our World, we were privileged to have shared his 24 years
He was the King of Sunray Stud and served us faithfully over the years. We will forever be indebted to this most charismatic Boy, who lived life to the full and enchanted all who met him with his charm and intelligence. He is now laid at peace in his favourite paddock.
Himself, a multi British National Champion, Leading Sire of Anglo and Part Bred Arabs, an AHS Premium Performance Stallion and sire of no fewer that twenty four British National or Res. British National Champions. Scelebrity leaves a huge legacy of Show and Performance Anglo and Part Bred Arabs.
"There comes but one Special Horse in a lifetime"
We have retained his last two Anglo Daughters, to carry on his prolific bloodlines and we still have his full blood sibling Karitzi, 26yrs young and her Anglo Stallion son, Sunray Saristocrat who is also siring his own British National Champions
Goodbye Dear Dear Friend May you forever gallop free in green peaceful pastures
Verena, thank you so very much for "being there for us" your Friendship is much appreciated
25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
BabsR
Posted - 10 Jun 2009 : 12:27:46 PM The sad loss of Scelebrity has been further compounded by the untimely death of his son, recently lost to the dreaded grass sickness, on May 15th. (A/L thread "Devastating News")
Sunray Sentiment (George) was in our opinion Scelebrity`s best ever...standing 16.00hh and he had everything going for him. A huge loss for his Owner Carley Brewer who had purchased him from us at ten months. A 5yr old, already proven, future superstar....robbed of his chance!!!
Thankfully we have retained George`s full blood sibling, herself a strapping beautiful mare that epitomises all we appreciate in an Anglo Arab. She is capable of competing at top level in the showring and has the performance pedigree to compete in any sphere of equestrianism. She will never be for sale and like her sire, will be with us for life, to carry on Scelebrity`s well established bloodline
Posted - 10 Jun 2009 : 08:32:51 AM Oh Babs - how heartbreaking.
I've been without internet for the last couple of weeks so only just read this.
He was a legend in his own lifetime but more than that, he was your friend and part of your family. He was truly the core of Team Sunray and he has left a legacy that will go on and on and continue to fly the flag for generations to come.
RIP to a wonderful, pure bred Anglo Arabian who set the standard for the rest to follow.
Our deepest, deepest sympathy to you all at this very tragic time
Rachelle, Stephen and Evie
BabsR
Posted - 10 Jun 2009 : 07:50:35 AM Frances, Paul and Nadia, thank you so much for your kind words on the loss of our "horse of a lifetime" It was apparent, the moment Brett came into our World, that this self assured cheeky bay foal was `something special` and he certainly filled our life with so much fun with his obvious enthusiasm, throughout his 24yrs
He strongly stamped his progeny with his own desirable attributes and `people loving` disposition. Brett`s passing has left a huge hole in our life but the cherished memories of our wonderful boy will live forever
Posted - 09 Jun 2009 : 7:20:47 PM Babs - tony - what can we say - we are so very sad to hear of Bret's loss. He was a superb horse and a wonderful sire. Our very deepest condolences from all at Cullinghurst
Renee
Posted - 09 Jun 2009 : 1:13:18 PM I haven't been on AL for a while, just spotted this thread and wanted to say that I'm so sorry for your loss. It's the saddest day in the world to lose such a wonderful friend, but a gift to be able to let them go, when the time is right, so they don't have to suffer. Your boy clearly had what I am sure we all wish for all horses -a wonderful life with an owner brave enough to put the horse's needs first, especially at the end when it's most difficult. Bless you. Renee
pbarab
Posted - 08 Jun 2009 : 2:11:05 PM Babs, I read about your sad loss on another forum, and had to come on here to say how very sorry I am.
I know exactly how you feel having lost both my foundation mares within 5 months of each other 2 years ago. I am unable to describe the feeling to this day, but my grief, lessened with the knowledge that they both had long and happy lives and I have three daughters to remember them by, and carry on the line.
Bret was a wonderful stallion for you and the breeding world, and he will live on as my girls do, through his progeny. RIP lovely boy, run free at Rainbow Bridge.
Julia TB x
radfan
Posted - 07 Jun 2009 : 6:16:09 PM Modern Euthanasia is a lovely way to go Babs you are right. My mare was put to sleep in March this year and it was the calmest peaceful thing ever. Leah like Bret was halfway through an apple (had been on severe diet for months trying to control her problem) so when decision was made caution went to eh wind as far as dieting was concerned. She was given a sedative first, then the injection, happily munching, laid down, sighed and closed her eyes. Worse decision of my life but a good way for it to happen. Have just posted this as would not want anyone who is in same position of perhaps having to make that awful decision to be scared of the "actual act". It is calm & peaceful. You loved one jsut lays down and as literal as it says, quietly goes to sleep.
artro
Posted - 07 Jun 2009 : 12:54:07 AM He was a handsome boy , R.I.P Special Man
Eunette
Posted - 06 Jun 2009 : 12:37:00 PM Babs
I am so sorry for your loss, but what a special man to have been able to have in your life. He obviously had a wonderful life.
Thinking of you.
Torey xx
BabsR
Posted - 06 Jun 2009 : 11:29:22 AM Scelebrity`s final foal, born 15th May 2009....A Part Bred Arab Filly. Owner is delighted as he sooooo... wanted a Scelebrity filly.
Sunray Scelebrity will live on through his many Daughters
Posted - 05 Jun 2009 : 5:38:01 PM Dear Babs, I have tears in my eyes reading your heart felt words about your beloved Brett.
Those of us who have lost a dear friend know the pain your are feeling.
RIP old fella, run wild and run free.
brychens mum
Posted - 05 Jun 2009 : 1:46:36 PM I was very sorry to hear this, he was such a lovely boy. You probably dont remember me but you used to clean my horses rugs when I would have a good nosey at your latest youngstock -always lovely bay babies!
I am eternally grateful to you and your husband as well as he stepped in with only two days notice after I was let down at the last minute by 'a professional transporter ' to trasnport my pony to manchester when we moved from great Barr last year. it was ironic as you had also collected my pony when I bought him 14 years before.
Just very very sad to hear your news but his memory with live on in his lovely produce.
Roseanne
Posted - 05 Jun 2009 : 1:43:02 PM Your description of Bret's end is very emotional, but it also shows what a kind act it was. You're very brave and must be very upset still. Lovely to have that video. What a bonus.
precious
Posted - 05 Jun 2009 : 1:26:57 PM Babs and Tony, you did the hardest thing ever but the right decision and what a lovely thought that he went out happy to his favorite spot thinking he would get to see the mares x He always was a proper ladies man x
leezee26
Posted - 05 Jun 2009 : 12:41:50 PM Babs and Tony, My heart goes out to you, I am so dreadfully sorry for your loss. He looked a very regal, handsome chap, and looked so well. He is in a far better place now, where pain is a distant memory, and where he patiently wait to be reunited with you. RIP Bret Leighxx
Crusaders Angel
Posted - 05 Jun 2009 : 11:22:10 AM So sorry to hear about what has happened to your fabulous boy, you have my deepest sympathies as we are in a similar position.
My mum's horse had a sort of mini stroke about 10yrs ago, we were out riding and he went to take a stride forwards and completely forgot to put the landing leg on the floor and just fell over. He lay on the floor for a few seconds and then seemed to come round and looked very surprised to find himself on the ground. We took him straight home and gave him a few days to recover then re-started riding him but periodically the same thing would happen so he was retired completely 9yrs ago.
Since then he has got weaker and weaker on his back end and finds it very difficult to turn in tight circles or move out of the way quickly. A few times this winter I have heard a crash behind me and turned round to find him on the floor but I've no idea what caused it. Things have now progressed to the point where he cannot turn to the left, he just can't seen to work out how to get his body to move. We have blocked off all the corners and the field shelter so he can't get stuck and he seems to be coping.
He has struggled to maintain his weight over winter but has remained very bright and alert and even manages to have a canter round with Rio when it gets to dinner time, he has lots of external melanomas (being grey)so I am convinced he has internal ones as well, there is a large swelling in his groin.
We are trying to come to a decision about his future but it is very hard as he is still bright and alert and enjoying life but his management is getting very difficult.
Anyway, sorry to hijack your thread
You have my respect for making a very difficult decision in the best interests of your horse.
Lucy
BabsR
Posted - 05 Jun 2009 : 11:11:23 AM Tony and Myself have been extremely touched and very comforted by the caring responses, to the loss of our "King" Thank you all so very very much
A friend who visiting a day before, had actually taken a short video (unknown to us) has E-Mailed it to us. To see him bouncing about and chatting up the girls over his paddock gate, very vocal as usual..........Gosh, when we are at a low ebb, we can now play that video and Brett will be back with us again...so we have not really lost him forever!!!
We are both still extremely `raw` and fragile but feel able to tell why we had to make the devastating decision to say "Goodbye"
Two years ago (Brett was 22yrs) He suddenly collapsed and fell heavily onto hard ground and was unconscious and shaking. Vet was urgently summoned. He came round but did not seem able to stand up, OMG...we were gutted and thought we were about to lose him. However, he made a valiant effort and got to his feet, but was lurching from side to side. Vet gave him steroid injection, painkiller and took several phials of blood. All revealed absolutely no clues as all tests proved negative and readings better than they would have expected from an older horse. Two further steroid injections were administered which helped improve matters....though he remained uncoordinated in his hind limbs.
Twelve months passed......and he was amazingly almost back to normal only to have a further similar setback, from which he again recovered to a great extent. In the few months prior to his passing, he managed to walk, trot, canter and even have a little buck, and seemed much stronger in his backend when out in his paddock. He appeared not in pain....and though moving very strangely, he was happy and coped with his unruly hind legs.
The last three months had been amazing for him, chatting all the ladies up His last foal, a beautiful filly was born three weeks ago to a close friend`s mare.
Fate then seemed to take the final blow......He came in from his paddock, extremely lame and in great pain which could not be resolved He must have had a roll and got up very awkwardly and his severely damaged his stifle joint. Strong painkillers did not improve matters and by the morning, we knew we could not let him suffer. The vet was amazing.....she too was very sad as she has worked with Bret for several years and always said what a wonderful and gentle temperament he had.
When he made the final walk to his resting place...he was a happy man. Massive I/V injection had taken away the pain. His ears were *****ed and he was excited at the thought he was going to have a girlfriend. His end, was just soooo peaceful, he munched his carrots, called to his mares, yawned, lay slowly down, sighed and was gone!! Gone...but never ever forgotten.
The modern drugs make euthanasia so less stressful...when the time comes and one has to make the final decision and last act of caring for a beloved friend.
Posted - 05 Jun 2009 : 10:11:10 AM Our thoughts are with you and this sad time ..... may his memory live forever
Tracey & Jess
Moira
Posted - 04 Jun 2009 : 11:32:08 PM Sorry to hear your news but what a legacy he has left for you to remember him by and be proud of.
joanna_piana
Posted - 04 Jun 2009 : 11:19:24 PM So sorry to hear your sad news, he looked beautiful, RIP Scelebrity
AliH
Posted - 04 Jun 2009 : 8:59:06 PM Hi Babs
I'm sorry to hear about your gorgeous boy. I remember him well from the show ring, not a horse you would forget once you had seen him. He was very lucky to have such a fantastic home and you were both blessed with owning such a handsome boy.
RIP Bret.
xx
guisburn
Posted - 04 Jun 2009 : 8:57:46 PM We know how you must be feeling after loosing our mare this year.... Melanie & Nick Guisburn Arabians
Gail
Posted - 04 Jun 2009 : 8:26:05 PM Thinking of you. So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a lovely boy xx
nn
Posted - 04 Jun 2009 : 6:36:59 PM Bret will be very much missed. He was a superb stallion and i am sure that his blood line will run on for a long time to come.
They become such a massive part of the family, we still miss Gemini.
Nicky
alison
Posted - 04 Jun 2009 : 3:23:46 PM So sorry he looked a stunning horse, I'm sure it makes it easier to know he is buried in the place he loved most.
