RIP sweet Dennis

[Miss Z]

Many of you know that I am an avid horse-rider and have been so for many years. Yesterday I went for my weekly lesson, and was down to ride a new pony. I came across this new pony in a stable I was very familar with, it belonged to a horse named Dennis, who had been one of my favourites. At first I thought nothing of it, but then I spied a pot of flowers by the stable door, which read,

'Rest easy, Dennis, we will all miss you'.

Of course, I was shocked, and I learned that he had come down with a severe bout of colic that just couldn't be cured. He was euthanised peacefully on Wednesday evening at about 26 years old.

I don't have any pictures, but he was a 16 hand, very dark bay cob. He was apparently a rescue horse, whose previous owner had been rough when tacking him up. He was a great feature at the riding school, he was there ever since I first came to the riding school 7 years ago, and probably long before. I got a lot of confidence from him, he was a reliable and lovable mount that never spooked, bucked or reared. I rarely rode him at all for my dressage lessons as I've moved on to more difficult horses, but I can remember feeling so safe when I was on his back.

I felt pretty deflated for the rest of the day, but the impact didn't really hit me until this morning. I had a dream in that I was there, in the stable with him, whilst he passed away. He was lying on his side and I was stroking his head, telling him it was OK and what a good horse he was. I woke up crying as if he was my own horse, what I wouldn't have given for him to be so.

I can't believe that when I saw him last, which was two weeks ago, he was in his stable as normal, and I gave him a pat as I passed. Had I known it was the last time I'd see him alive I'd have given him a good hug and a kiss too.

Rest in peace, Dennis, you are very sorely missed.

[Kalei]

Oh poor Dennis That is such a sad story. And when you were describing your dream I was holding back tears. Horses are my favorite animal and I get so emotional over them. The only thing I can be happy about is that he was put to sleep and passed peacefully.

I bet Dennis is now galloping with the other loved horses at the Rainbow Bridge. I'm sorry you didn't get to spend more time with him Z, but I bet someday you will get to spend time with him again

[Miss Z]

Thanks Kalei. When I went back to the stables yesterday, those flowers are still there outside his old stable door and everyone still says how much they miss him. I found out he was part of the riding school for 17 years, since he was a nine year old. 17 years of bringing enjoyment to young and old alike through riding - now that's one special horse.

[Kalei]

Thanks Kalei. When I went back to the stables yesterday, those flowers are still there outside his old stable door and everyone still says how much they miss him. I found out he was part of the riding school for 17 years, since he was a nine year old. 17 years of bringing enjoyment to young and old alike through riding - now that's one special horse.

You're very right, horses can bring joy to so many of different ages, and Dennis did his loyal deed of bringing joy also to all the horse lovers in the world. Maybe Dennis can also bring joy to the other animals who may be sad at the Bridge. We will always remember you Dennis.