I did not start riding horses until I was over 40 years old, so I had a lot of fears and insecurities to face, not to mention flexibility issues. One of the first horses who because a teacher for me was Will, an old, big thoroughbred who had retired from the race track.
He was gentle and kind, and had earned the nickname of Gentle Will. One of his more endearing habits was to lick people, frequently and gently, just like a dog.
I eventually left that stable to experience other trainers and horses. Eventually my horse, Shiloh, found me, and we moved to Will’s barn. Will was still there, gentle as ever, and still licking.
Shiloh and Will became pasturemates and playmates. Shiloh watched over Will and protected him the best he could from the other horses in the pasture, and Will watched over Shiloh. Shiloh had developed moonblindness in his left eye and constantly wore a flymask to protect his eye. Will became Shiloh’s left eye.
I drove up to the barn one day at an unusual time. Russ, the trainer and manager, stopped me as I pulled in, telling me that Will had become very sick. Russ had called the vet to come out and examine Will, and most probably put him down. If I wanted to say good-bye to Will, now was the time to do it.
I went to visit Will, and stayed with him all afternoon, keeping a death watch, occasionally touching him, letting him know he wasn’t alone. Russ was in constant contact with the vet, and asked me to call him if Will changed for the worse. The other horses in the barn helped me with the death watch, keeping both me and Will company.
The vet came, examined Will, and the decision was made to put him down. The three of us walked Will out to the infield of the track where he would be put down and buried. I was fortunate enough to be able to stay with Will until he passed.
I returned to the barn and told Shiloh and the other horses what had happened with Will. They already knew it, but they liked hearing it from a person, saying they appreciated me sharing the passing of their friend with them. Shiloh went on to say that the horses were very glad that Will had a caring and compassionate human with him as he passed. I could be with him when they couldn’t. From the horses’ point of view, the service I gave Will in the form of human companionship was invaluable.
Shiloh was eventually moved to Will’s stall. Soon afterwards, Shiloh began licking his human friends, something he had never done before Will’s passing and moving to Will’s stall. Is it possible that Will asked to be remembered through Shiloh?
Have you experienced something similar to this? If so, please share it with us.
Janet Roper
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a sad but interesting story. My experience with riding is similar to yours in that I didn’t start truly riding and taking lessons until I was 40. My horse Erik passed last year after 15 years of being my partner and best friend. He was only 3 when I found him and loved him for the next 15 years. I have always felt so guiltythat I wasn’t with him when he passed. It was so quick and I couldn’t be there, but luckily he did not die alone as my daughter was with him. Mellon and Erik were babies together and never separated for the 15 years they were pasture mates is still missing him after a year(so am I) and he still seems sad. The first time Mellon saw me after Erik passed he seemed a little afraid of me and I can only think that perhaps I reminded him of his lost friend.
Hi GreyHorseMatters,
What a special relationship you, Erik and Mellon shared! He must have been one wonderful horse. Thanks for telling your story.
Harmony,
Janet
I have long since encouraged people to keep thier horse “alive” per say, in their hearts and memories. As long as they can recall the times with them, that horse would be with them always. It sounds like your Shiloh was keeping his Will alive, too.
And people say horses have no souls…..!
Horses have BIG souls! Shiloh loved his Will, and Will loved Shiloh. They were good buds, and watched out for each other. Memories and the shared love are great ways to stay connected.
Thanks for stopping by!
Harmony,
Janet
Thank you for sharing this very moving story. I’m sure Will shall stay in your heart and remain your friend for ever more. I know how it feels to loose such dear friends. Our animal friends generally live shorter then we do and so having to say goodbye is a sad part of our relationship with them. I find being grateful and cherishing good memories is a good way to honor them.
It is so true that there are many insights to be found with the horses. I have been around horses all my life and they bring us this incredibly powerful message which is that we can re-contact with our true inner and natural self. In their natural behavior, their interactions and sensibility they have the ability to teach us how we can tap into our own energy source. I have decided a while ago to commit myself to encourage and support people who want to learn the Lessons from The Horse.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. Will was one special boy, and yes, he lives on in my heart.
Horses are so willing to share themselves with us, through their wisdom, humor, joy and their ability of simply being, if we are willing to listen to them. Kudos to you for supporting people who want to be at one with Horse. I’d like to hear more about that!
Harmony,
Janet