We had hoped to show everyone Santanna (Rheingold x Raqqasa) at our Open Day but sadly this is not going to be possible.
At 25years Santanna was a happy and cheerful character, always waiting to give me a call first thing in the morning. Eager to chat to “his girls” – he was always happier when Toman went off in the spring – he knew he was then TOP DOG!!!!!
I think in the 25 years of his life we only ever had to call the vet on a couple of occasions. He would have loved more wives BUT, perhaps due to his Courthouse/Old English bloodlines never seemed to be “in fashion” despite having beaten BNCs and many Champions in his brief showing career. As many have mentioned before USE OR LOSE these special bloodlines – sadly his are lost.
Last night when I turned Kate’s gelding AC out in the adjacent field to Santanna – the usual ritual happened. They both trotted up and down the adjacent fence line showing off, then heads down and started eating happily.
When I arrived to feed this morning – I instinctively knew something was wrong – Santanna was not up at the gate waiting and calling to me – instead he was in the middle of his field with head down. I just knew there was something wrong – he was subdued and very unsteady on his legs. Vet was called immediately BUT I knew this was the end.
I thank my vets Kearns & Rea – Jess arrived within a short time. As we started to examine him, he had another stroke and fell to the floor – I sat with his head on my knee, talking to him and stroking him, we knew nothing could be done and we quietly and calmly put him to sleep – I saw him into this world and I saw him out. He had been with me for most of the 25 years – just two short spells away with friends, who loved and looked after him like we did.
Santanna is buried here, still looking over his girls – he joins his Mum and Sister who will be waiting for him. He leaves two daughters with us here at Auchmillan. RIP Santanna, we will always love and remember you. Santanna and Raqqasa
Oh Judith I am sorry. I can't imagine what a hole he must have left after being with you for 25 years, but it sounds like he had a wonderful life where he was greatly cared for.
I am so sorry, you saw him come into the world and saw him leave it, how wonderful for him to have had such a life. what more can we do for our beloved horses .
So sorry Judith, reading your words has brought a tear to my eye. Fly free Santanna, I'm sure Perissa would like to say Hi, she's just your type if you'd care to romance her.
What a lucky horse and what a great life he had!I'm sure you are proud of your treasured memories and I'm sure if he could he would thank you,who knows he might still find a way. Thinking of you at this sad time Debbie ((((((HUGS))))))
It's not nice when the old ones go - but we'll all be faced with it I'm afraid its nature at its cruelest. Hagunia, Bint El Sanaa & Moynese are all buried at home and watch over us. I think you gave him a very fitting end.
So very sorry to hear your news, "I saw him into this world and I saw him out" what a wonderful feeling that must be, my thoughts are with you, Mandy x.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Reading what you have written about him is so touching, to know he was so special to you and led a wonderfully happy life. Thinking of you xx
Ho Jude,I'm so sorry to read your post,a life long friend is so hard to lose. I remember him when he was with Pat Irons,lovely horse,kind and gentle. God Bless.
We are so sorry for your loss - I'm afraid I had to hold back the tears while reading his obiturary. I'm sure he appreciated your presence in his last few minutes.
Your lovely old man looked so young fit and happy in teh piccy you sent me of him modelling his new posh rug last winter. What a lucky horse he was to have such a fantastic home for the whole of his life.
so sorry to hear of your loss , but he has left you with lots of wonderfull memories and these can never be taken away from you . www.bharabiansandpintos.co.uk
jude so sorry to hear of your loss. our thoughts are with you at this time. At least you was with your boy and you have had alot of many happy times together and loads of memories to treasure. He will always be with you.