The end of the road

[Anne_Oxfordshire]

Dear DGers,

Just wanted to share with you that last Sunday Lady went to a new home. I haven't been able to post this until now as I've found it very hard and it's still been sinking in.

After a year of trying everything I could to resolve the issues we were having and get our relationship back on track I sadly came to the conclusion that it really wasn't working, and the best thing for her and me would be if she went to a new home.

Of course, only the best home would do, and I was lucky enough that the best possible home came along at the right time, and Lady has gone to live with ..... Derek and Jo Clark at the Holistic Equitation Centre.

They know her well now as she's been to stay at their yard for several weeks already over the last year, so they know about all the issues I've been having with her, and are experienced enough to be able to get things back on track with her.

Hopefully she will soon be enjoying a happy ridden life again and I will even be able to go and see her.

It's been a major shock for me, as I have had horses on DIY for the last 19 years so with only a few exceptions (like the odd holiday) been up to the yard morning and night 365 days a year for the last 19 years! So I'm finding it very odd not having to do that anymore. Don't know what to do with all this time I suddenly have! But at least it's nearly Christmas and I'm about to move house so it makes it slightly easier as I have other things to focus on.

Anyway I just wanted to let you know this is how our story has ended and if anyone goes to Derek's for lessons you may see Lady there - please give her a hug from me if so.

Anne

[BJMM]

Awwww <<<hugs>>> for you xxx
So sorry that it hasn't worked out for you and Lady. It takes a lot of guts to do what you have done and you have the comforting thought that she has a wonderful home. I don't know Derek personally, but he comes across as a very empathetic person with great knowledge and experience. I'm sure he will do his absolute best with your lovely girl.
xxxxxx

[gillmcg]

Lucky girl! Obviously I mean Lady not you as the adjustment I'm sure will be harder on you.

Anyway I just wanted to let you know this is how our story has ended

Nah! Lots to learn yet.....

[fth]

oh what a tough decision to make -- but how GREAT that Derek and Jo will be looking afte rLady -- that is a great place for her to be!

xxx

Cathy

[julz]

(((((hugs)))))

you tried your best, and don't see this as a fail as you haven't... you have gotten her a lovely home with like you say, the best possible people who will be able to help her. Don't be sad... enjoy the time off, (though that will be hard) and perhaps another horse will come into your life...

Someone actually tried to sell me a coloured mare yesterday who's being neglected by her owner, as lovely as she was, I'm not looking to buy. Pity you weren't nearer me, but she sounds great.. bombproof apparently

[jen1]

Chin up you did your best, im sure horses are sent to us to find out who we are!

[marianne]

Wow, talk about finding Lady a 5 star home :-) Good on you.

[LuckyRed]

Hi Anne - sounds like you've found her a good home and I know Jo and Derek will be great owners!

If you miss the smell of stables and want to muck out, you're welcome to come muck out Neo!

[Hannah]

Anne you DID try, don't beat yourself up. Once we have both moved, you can always come and sniff my horses, or better still do some mucking out!!

[Deleted]

Sounds to me like you've found her one of the very best homes out there That must have been a very tough decision, don't beat yourself up over it xx

[ladyndibs]

A very difficult decision but the right one for you both. You tried so hard but have found her a very good home where you know she will be cared for.

[companymagic]

Oh Anne.. You have done the best thing for Lady. As you know me and the little black fluff ball train with Derek and his place is wonderful. What a lovely home for Lady to have..

If you're local your always welcome to come and ride one of my ponies as I am looking for someone to help me out.. Even welcome to have a lesson on one of them at Dereks when I go over.

Big hugs X

[Mellymoo]

((((hugs)))) to you hon. Lady will have a fab time with Derek and Jo - you have absolutely done your best with her all the way along, and to get her a new home with them is just fab! You are welcome to come and play with Jos if you're ever up my way

[Derek Clark]

Thanks so much for all your very kind comments, folks.

Lady has been with us for a week now and is settling in really well. We also collected a very traumatised young horse called Waffle a few days ago and the two of them are holding each others' hooves in our visitor paddocks while meeting all our regulars over the fence before joining the main herd.

Lady, of course, has already sidled up and made firm friends with our extremely dominant lead mare, Chloe, so I can see that she's going to fit in just fine, lol!

One of our working students, Sarah, has taken Lady on as her personal project under our supervision and they have already been doing some very nice calm work on the ground. Once we get a saddle organised for her we'll move on to the ridden side of life too.

Anne, I know this was a very tough decision for you and, as you know, we were ready to support you whether you decided to carry on yourself or to make the choice to move on. We know from our own experience that sometimes a change of combination is the right thing to do - even though none of us ever really wants to 'admit defeat' - so we're just delighted that we were able to help with a solution that works for everyone. Thanks for your trust in us and we wish you all the best in your new future.

Derek

[curlytobiano]

Wow what an amazing thread. It really shows everything you could possibly hope for if you have to part ways with your horse. Have done your very best,made the tough decision at the right time and found a wonderful home with the highest chance of happiness and stability for your horse. Well done Anne. You have clearly done an amazing job for Lady. (((Hugs)))