Rosara's life is stolen away

29 May 2005
This is a very sad day for me indeed...

Its been a long time since Bertie was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease and I was told that he would need to be put down.

Bertie's condition has not deteriorated to the state where I feel it would be justifiable to put him down and he is still alive, retired out in the field with some other horses. I don't think he is happy, but I can't seem to justify putting him down just because he doesn't look happy.

Rosara and Foxy were acquired as part of a retail therapy programme to try to fill the void left by the loss of my horse Bertie. And it was working ...

It takes ages to build a bond with a horse, every day is an investment, and a worthwhile investment at that. The trust Bert and I had in each other will not come again soon in any other horse I own. The rewards and pleasure of such trust and relationship are hard to express ... just the memory of cantering round the common bareback jumping fences always knowing that Bert would look after me whatever risks we took, or him following me round the yard wherever I go, is a poor substitute for the real thing.

And so with Rosara, much time and devotion was invested. She was a beautiful animal and although often seemed to be a bit thick and not especially loving, she was starting to develop a character to which I was growing very fond.

This year in polo, despite her chunky frame, she started to work really hard for me and clearly wanted to please. She trusted me and became a very rewarding ride. She helped Mandie learn to play polo and was for us both a very special horse indeed.

Her character started to shine through when she discovered she could ask for treats by bowing ... I could never deny her a sweet for a bow.

And so everything in life was heading to perfection with the arrival of a new horse for Mandie ... she would soon stop stealing my Rosara!

And then she was stolen from us both ...

I was woken this morning with the news that while out in the field last night she broke her fetlock. The vet was on the way.

We didn't make it to the yard in time to see her before the vet put her to sleep.

All I know is that in her last hours George stayed with her, aware of her predicament and what was to come - Always the gentleman, giving her support and comfort until the end.

These are the last pictures of the "new" family all together ...

Rosara was a dear horse who will be sadly missed and never replaced.