Tribute to a star - The end of an Era

Sadly we have had to make the decision to retire Willow. She will still occasionally be ridden; light flatwork and light hacking every now and again.

She came sound in October, 6 weeks after being diagnosed with navicular. However, a second MRI scan showed the illness had progressed signficantly, and although she is happy and coping with light work, any more strenthious works may make her lame.

Given the 6 and a half years of joy, pleasure and glory she has given me, we have decided to retire her from competition and "proper" work.

Willow has been a star, I will always love her, and she will never be sold.




Lacey is doing extremely well, we are getting her fit for my ride from John O'Groats to Lands End, please see www.jtle.host.brgs.me.uk for more information, and please go to www.justgiving.com/jtle to sponsor me! A video of her will be up ASAP!!!

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• horse
• pony
• willow
• kiss me quick
• tribute
• navicular
• showing
• dressage
• cross county
• hunting
• show jumping

[beautifullace]

Soz, its me, not you!!! Haha, it comes up under your name!!!

[TanyaDiamondx]

Soo glad that willow has a wonderful owner like you! many of the people would have sent her for slaughter just because she can't really do much work.

People don't realize, it's not all about the riding..

But so nice to finally see, someone actually caring about there horse! <3

Hope willow's happy living her days out in the field! You completely done the right thing :)

[beautifullace]

@TanyaDiamondx I, the mum, would never be able to do that, nor would the rider. She has given us so much joy, and has been so good. just because she got navicular doesnt mean she has to go for meat. She will stay with us aslong as she is happy and has quality of life, thats the least we can do for her. This horse deserves it! And the same for Lacey! And when the time comes it will still be too early........and they will never go for meat!!!

[beautifullace]

Beautifull tribute to our lovely mare. She has been, and still is fantastic. She has done so much for us. Wonderfull hunter and show horse. So sad it has ended like this. We own it to her to make her happy in her retirement and hopefully that will be for years to come. Thank you Willow for all the pleasure and joy and love you have and still give us! I love you beautyfull.

[katieebabess10]

so sorry to hear about willow, shes brought you so much happiness, you came very far with her i hope your proud! least shes going to have a nice relaxing life staying with the person she loves the most! anyway where'v you been hiding, i've missed your videos significantly, pleeease start uploading more! xxxx

[beautifullace]

I will do my best!

I've stopped doing so many because I moved in with my fiance and only have a teeny netbook that can't handle making videos! But I will try :)

Thanks, she's a happy little girl chilling in the field now :) xx

[shazabrifrenzy]

how old is willow. this touches me atleat she will be with you forever <3

[TheHorseyymad]

this makes me wont to cry with the pic and song xx you had an amzing bond i cant tell just by looking at this video xxxxx:) at lest yuoll always have the memories xxx and youll stil have willow xxxxxx OMG I LOVE THE PIC AT 3:21 XX ! wow go you xxxxxx

[TheHorseyymad]

this makes me wont to cry with the pic and song xx you had an amzing bond i cant tell just by looking at this video xxxxx:) at lest yuoll always have the memories xxx and youll stil have willow xxxxxx

[brandywinejontay]

Hi!! I've been watching your videos since you got Lacey..I remember all the beach videos that you & Lacey did. You both have so much to offer!!!! Thanks. I loved Willow's videos too. You have had joy with your horses!! I love to watch your videos too so hopefully you can make more videos of you & your babies..

I think I need to decide if my arabian need to retire too. It's hard to make that decision. We don't do anything like you but we trail ride in the hills/ mountains..

Great Work!!! Txs

[HayleySophieMel2010]

she truely is amazing, and she looks like a dream to have+loads of fun!<3

[HayleySophieMel2010]

she truely is amazing, and she looks like a dream to haveloads of fun!<3

[Lizbob97]

aww bless, its a shame but she's taught you everything she can and she couldn't have asked for a better home. Its amazing that your keeping her, it shows how strong your bond is and even if you don't ride her as much, she'll always be there for you. can't wait to see vid of Lacey, she's such a beautiful horse and you've done so well to keep her and not give up :-)

[rach46773]

aw this is a great video, and i think it's brilliant you're going to keep her! I know so many people who's horses/ponies get a problem and have to retire, they just sell them on without a care in the world. Its nice to see people who love their horses so much they would rather keep them for the rest of their lives :) Give Willow a big hug from me please x And its good to hear that Lacey is doing well too!

[Sx11x]

lovely video

such a shame but at least she will have a happy life

youve been through so much with our horses honestly dont no how you cope!

glad lacey is doing well :) xxx

[Noodlemonkey7]

3:22 is amazing wow!!!!!