Our Beloved Chloe

‘To place your horse’s need for you to let her leave her failing body above your need to keep her with you – that – is the greatest and purest love.” ~ Cynthia Garrett

These past few months have been really hard for us and yesterday was no exception. I will go into additional details within the next few days, but I felt I should get this message out as I know there are many others who care about Chloe.

Chloe was a nurse mare foal who came to us at only a few days old, in April 2006. Her conformation wasn’t the best, and, as she grew, her legs didn’t seem to be able to keep up with her large frame, plus, she was toed in. I remember sitting at the barn, watching her, and telling Bob that I was concerned that her conformation would become an issue later in life. I prayed I was wrong.

Chloe became lame a few years ago and was diagnosed with sesamoiditis in both front fetlocks due to her conformation. With supplements, shoes, injections, etc., we managed to keep her comfortable. Over time, her right knee became an issue which progressively worsened.

We knew that someday, her quality of life would become an issue and we would need to do the right thing at that time.

We had reached the point where her care team, including her vets and farrier, agreed there was nothing more we could do and it was time to let her go. On Wednesday, at 4:10 pm, Chloe went to Rainbow Bridge.

My heart has been shattered so many times over the past year. Losing Beauty, my heart horse and the namesake of Beauty’s Haven, in November, took the breath out of me and knocked me to my knees. I still haven’t recovered. Now, losing Chloe, shatters my heart even more. My only consolation is that she no longer is in pain and is on this side of Rainbow Bridge, where Beauty leads the rest of our herd, awaiting the arrival of the many humans who love them dearly.

Sincerely,
Theresa