One minute he was walking the fenceline waiting to come in and the next he's standing in the middle of his paddock on three legs. The fourth leg looking nothing like the source of power it once possessed only moments earlier. He didn't move from that spot.
I was called at home and told he broke a leg and that both our vets were called and someone would be there soon. Please come out as quick as I could.
I don't know why but my instinct had me call my sister to drive me. I was hysterical and babbling on the phone. She dropped everything to get me. I was sobbing for the entire 15 minute ride. I knew what was about to transpire.
Jag was always very special to me. Right from the moment I saw him at the track, I told my friend, "That is the most beautiful horse I've EVER seen!" and started to take photos...
One thing leads to another and he's retired from racing and taking on a new life as my horse. And what a time we had.
But last night, as I stood by him waiting for the vet to arrive, I was thinking of just how majestic he looked gazing off towards the barn. Even injured, he carried himself with such pride and dignity. I'll never forget that nor will I forget how calm he was munching on the peppermints I offered. His favorites - the ones that are soft in the middle. He showed no signs of stress, no anxiety, not a drop of sweat. Just pure dignity.
They're so fragile. They're so strong...
I'll miss you big man
This blog is beautifully done. I hope in future days reading what you've chronicled here will put a smile on your face. Hugs to you. Roseann
ReplyDeleteI posted a dedication to you and Jaguar Hope on my blogspot. I hope you don't mind, something inside me felt compelled to do this for you. Please let me know what you think, and if it's something I can keep on my blog. I'm thinking of you, and praying for you. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa Kruczyk
Wendy, this is just too sad for words. So beautiful. So strong....so fragile. Well put.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to you.
All, please remember to stop in to light a candle for "Jag."
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=Jag
Wendy, I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteMaggiefromOK, FOB
A beautiful tribute to your beloved Jag.
ReplyDeleteOh no. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteWendy, I look at this video and this is how I remember Jag. His strength, his beauty and his bond - very deep bond - with you were (are) such a part of his earthly existence. It was always clear the two of you shared something so profound...
ReplyDeleteand you always will.
I thank Equus for bring Jag into your life and I thank you for sharing everything about him with us.
All Love
Padme A'Tea
Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI'm so shocked at the news. I remember how excited/worried you were when you was waiting on Jag to arrive "home" and the anticipation of your first rides. How short that time seems ago, it seems so unfair to have your time together be so brief. May your heart be filled with your memories of the joy, the laughter, and love during your time shared. I'm thinking of you. ((hugs))
Thank God you were home and not on the road. And there he stood, knowing you'd come. Oh, man, it just crushes the heart.
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely boy, how real you made him to all of us FoBs and how we are grieving with you.
The videos are wonderful I always looked forward to what new footage you had to share. Didn't he love to roll and romp. How happy you made him, Wendy.
Thinking of you: and Jag: jonna
Beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace, handsome boy. Beautiful tribute to a one-of-a-kind horse. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI am so sick right now. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI know that words can't help at all, my heart goes out to you Wendy. A beautiful eulogy.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how I would feel in your position. He was one of the lucky ones to find such a great home after his racing career was over, may he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteWendy: Our hearts go out to you. Your soliloquy was from the heart. A toast of Pinot Noir goes to you and Jag!
ReplyDeleteWendy,
ReplyDeleteWhat a majestic boy --your beloved Jag. You are SO right about him--no one could ever mistake him for a female. And how I am reminded of Barbaro, when he was injured, and how he too, remained calm, allowing people to help him. My heart broke when you spoke about him taking his favorite peppermints--what a special mom you are.
The stunning photos of him against the white snow will forever be etched in my memory.
My heart goes out to you.
ReplyDelete((hugs))
Beautifully written and illustrated tribute to your special guy. He is magnificent.
ReplyDeleteSincerest condolences on the loss of this beautiful friend.
I recently lost my aged WB at the age of 20. I feel your pain.
Dear Wendy,
ReplyDeleteYour tribute to Jaguar Hope is beautiful! As was he, his heart and soul. He will always be with you, you will feel him, he will carry you. He has a very special place in my heart and always will. I feel your pain so strongly, and am still crying for you my special fren. God Bless you. He is free and whole. Most important no pain, he is perfect with Barbaro.
Condolences...Truly.
ReplyDeleteQuite possibly the most beautiful horse I've ever seen too. Every time I see him move it lifts my spirits. I understand exactly why it was love at first and unfortunately I know the pain that you're going through too.
ReplyDeleteI wish so much that I could save you from having to go through this :0/
A truly beautiful tribute.
Ali Bannister
Here it is Sunday and I just found out about this. OMG my heart goes out to you. OY. I can't stop crying. CJ in Hammond IN
ReplyDeletewow..I'm new to your blog and soon to be starting my own. This entry literally brought me to sobbing tears..
ReplyDeletewhat a beauty you had here, how lucky he was to have you too and your love in his final moments. :)
Wendy, I'm new to your blog & was just reading about your dear Jag. What a beauty he was! I had an Arabian stallion many years ago. Went through the same thing w/him. Now I'm a thoroughbred lover (just a spectator) & will always adore horses. Thank you for the ones you're rehabed.
ReplyDeleteTake care
thanks Mdreynolds for reading my blog. I'm having a blast with my current guys. We are at a really fun time in our lives having moved to Kentucky, gotten married and still working on our riding.
ReplyDeleteThis made me cry. The exact same thing happened to my grey TB mare in August 2010.
ReplyDeleteWendy, my heart goes out to you and Jaguar Hope. I know how it feels to lose a pet that you love and chersh so dearly. You can rest in the peace that you gave him the very best of yourself. I found it touching that you were there up until the end, giving him his favorite mints. It takes care and love to discover such things about a living being that does not speak with the words we know. That just shows how special you are to him and he will always surround you with his special love, whether you can see him or not....he is there, for his love will remain forever.
ReplyDeleteSending you warm hugs and much appreciation for your superb effort, strength and care in everything you do!
Blessings,
Candy