Before he came to us he had done his stint as a mountain pack horse, worked in children's riding schools, done some cow work and lots of trail riding.
God "loaned" him to us as a source of hope for Elaine who was recovering from several strokes. She could barely walk, had a leg 3 1/2 inches shorter than the other , could not drive a vehicle and had virtually no independence. God is good! He healed Elaine and left Boom with us for seven years. The bond was built very strongly.
Besides giving hope, he introduced about 25 children to the joys of horse riding and damaged none. He also gave great joy to one severely autistic child. I can still see the beaming smile on his face as Boom walked him around the paddock. Many adults also enjoyed trail rides over the seven years.
He also knew the rider's limitations. Even when Elaine wanted to trot or canter, Boom would not. He knew to look after her.
I doubt that we could ever find a more gentle horse!
Unfortunately, every creature, be it horse or man has a limited life span here on earth. Boom's quality of life at the end was about a 2 on a scale of 10. One of the hardest things that I have ever done was to give him back to the Lord today!
Rest in Peace, Boom!
Oh Ian, you and Elaine must be feeling so sad right now.
ReplyDeleteBIG *hugs*
Ian I just want to echo peihome. Thank God He used His creature in such a maginficent manner. Bless you brother.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. He sounds like a perfect boy who came into your lives at a perfect time. I hate letting them go...
ReplyDeleteyes ... it is so difficult to lose them.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Boom's passing. It does sound like he had a wonderful and productive life.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts to say goodbye to such a dear sweet friend, one that has given you a lot of pleasure and has many good memories attached.
ReplyDeleteSeeing how well you look after your animals I believe Boom had the best of homes to live out his last years.
Praying God will provide you with another sweet, gentle horse that will fit into your family.
Blessings,
<><
R.I.P. Boom.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Ian. I've always thought it is harder to put down a horse than a smaller pet (not that that isn't awful too). I've put down two and it was so difficult. Boom had a really full life and it sounds like he was a horse who had much to give. Rest in peace, Boom.
ReplyDeleteHi Ian,
ReplyDeleteOh, dear!! I am soooo sorry for the loss of your dear horse, Boom. I can feel that you are in a state of grieving for his final departure to Heaven. Ian, if you need a shoulder to cry, I give you my shoulder; if you need a helping hand, I give you mine; if you need someone to write to or listen to you, I shall reply or listen to your needs at anytime. I love to help the ones in need. However, I'll never replace with my good intentions the most unconditional and true genuine love that your dearest horse, Boom has given to you and to your wife throughout all these years. The healing power of love in animals is more than magnificent, superb, and beyond words...
I have recently lost one of my best friends, my dear cat Mimmo. He was 9 years old and very sick. I used to have 10 cats at home at one point in time. Now, I've got only 3. My eldest cat is Frank with 16 years old. I take good care of them. I am an animal lover and advocate. I know you are an animal lover as well. This is the main reason why I joined your wonderful blog, in which you write about your dear animals, your horses, dogs, your beautiful farm in the country side, and other interesting themes. I am sure you must feel very sad. It must have been very hard to say the final good-bye to your dear horse, Boom, one of the hardest things to do. I understand how you and your wife may feel, so I am praying for you and your dear family. I pray that the Lord will heal your inner wounds and find another good gentle horse for you both, if you wish to adopt another pet. Boom survived so many hard cold winters. He must have been a very healthy horse most of his good life. But then, he began to age and become an old horse. Boom even survived your last winter. He looked so gentle with his warm loving eyes. Unfortunately, he was unable to enjoy the Spring Time coming up in your corner of the world. I love horses, dogs, cats, birds, all animals, and our natural environment. My companion -who is a Medical Surgeon- and I make plans to buy a country home with some acres in one lovely Southern State in the USA. in the future, after he retires from his medical profession. He is 70 and still active. I ask him to let me have horses in our future home. Well, Ian, I guess I have written another chapter. I'll visit you again. I pray that you feel better soon. God bless you all!!
In the Garden of God,
Poet Starry.
I am sorry for your loss, its so hard when we loose our animal friends. Especially the once in a life time ones.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your memories with us. He was a joy to read about. Love the photo of your grand daughter on him. Sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read that you've lost your special friend. Grace and peace!
ReplyDeleteThe animals God loans us are a blessing in many ways. It is very difficult when we have to give them back.
ReplyDeleteIan...I feel the pain you felt as you wrote this post. So sorry about your loss.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit late to comment, but feel I must. My heart goes out to you, as making this decision is so painful. What a wonderful animal Boom was. What a wonderful life you gave him for the last 7 years,and a blessing to all of you, that God gave you back for that same time,through Boom.
ReplyDeleteI have a 40 year old pony, who I fear is also near his end of life. We rescued him about 3 and a half years ago, and feel it was our pay it forward to give him a good end..for all the horses I have not kept for their whole life.
He is slipping as to his quality of life, and appears to be loosing his sight and hearing...though he still enjoys his mash twice a day...and nibbling on some hay.