Tributes
To remember the good times spent with some of our companions, we’ve decided to write a short tribute to them.
Atlon
Atlon
May 13, 2017: Atlon aka Tonton…leaves us suddenly17 years old … quite a life together….and leaving at 31…a fine age. But despite all that, hard to see our Atlon off on this last journey.
His tired body and worn frame said stop. Having fallen during the night onto the terrace of his cubicle, Atlon was unable to get up on his own. After spending hours on the ground and no doubt struggling to get up, Atlon is exhausted. We had already lifted him a few times before….For months, we had to relieve him several times with anti-inflammatories so that he could enjoy a good quality of life, go to the meadow, and enjoy his sweet Alizée.
Atlon was a little bearded horse with a “show-off” temperament. As a youngster, he loved to impress people, either by charging you with his ears back and rearing up at the finish line, or by pulling on your clothes. As his owner confided to us back in 2000, Atlon could no longer be ridden, but could enjoy retirement to the full. Atlon has been through all my travels, all my trials and tribulations, and despite it all, he has enjoyed some superb years of retirement at the Refuge. He was pampered by the team, and the volunteers invested in making these last years a happy Atlon, who above all succeeded in making us give in to his every whim.
Atlon was part of the core group of horses I collected when I started out, and he left surrounded by friends and family, but it was a big blow not to have been there to accompany him… Uncle, the void will be great, a big page is turning for me, this nucleus of my beginnings is drastically reduced, the departures have followed one another for a few months, but what luck to have met you and been able to offer you the maximum… Hi Uncle, a friend is leaving us…
Sharon
Sharon
Sharon (owner’s mare) was a paint horse brood mare who arrived at the age of 7.
Never ridden, Sharon produced 3 foals with us (Yuma, Cody, Shogan) and enjoyed her life in the pasture and herd. In 2010, the first signs of pulmonary emphysema (lung problems) appeared. In 2016, urinary problems (incontinence) brought him back to the Refuge for daily care. We had managed to stabilize his emphysema with a ½ tablet of prednisolone a day (in addition to rations of purified hay), but this year we had to resort to heavier treatments during severe attacks.
Every day, she receives care to clean the urine drips from her legs, and home-made preparations adapted to the day’s needs, to nourish and protect her skin. The team at the Refuge will take care of her, a ritual in which Sharon lets herself be pampered, never showing any sign of defending herself, but still retaining her warrior character and imposing herself in the herd.
On Sunday October 6, Sharon had another major emphysema attack, and we increased the treatment, but nothing helped…by Friday, her eye was gone, and she didn’t even want her grain anymore….We stayed up with her at night to see if the treatment was helping, but in the early hours of the morning, the improvement was so minimal…we decided to relieve her.Barely sedated, Sharon quickly fell asleep….her heart stopped at the first moment the product was injected…it was time….
Sharon, you’re going to leave a void on every level, it was a difficult decision to make but you gave me the strength to do it, by giving me the signs that don’t deceive. Your departure closes a big page…we’re all going to miss you ….A toi ma Sharonette…..22 years is early to go..but what counts is the number of years in quality of life, so for that alone…I’m relieved. I’ll always have that special, deep look in your eyes….Salut ma Sharon….je t’aime fort ….
Aumance
Aumance
Aumance goes to sleep at 31
A former owner’s show horse, Aumance joined the Refuge following financial problems. Retired for more than 10 years, Aumance enjoyed his life in good conditions. Discreet, friendly with everyone, human and horse alike, Aumance led his own little life, eating his paddles with appetite. But over the past few days, he had been showing signs of weakness in his hindquarters, moving crablike. When it came time to feed him in the evening, Aumance was lying down and couldn’t get up, his hindquarters no longer responding… Aumance was already very tired. The vet arrives on the scene, assesses the situation, and it’s surrounded that he falls asleep in his bed of straw, in a very calm.
31 ans….Already a great age for this great horse! A good number of our old retirees are now over 30, and we know that we’re going to have to face the departure of some of them….but when everything goes according to plan, it’s also a relief to have been able to offer them a nice retirement and a good start…
Aumance, a fine road to you, you’re joining Darwyn’s other world….
Pompon
Pompon
January 29, 2016: Pompon, 30 years old Pompon, nearly 30 years old, taken in a few months ago following the death of his owner, had to be put to sleep this morning. We had boarded him with 5 other horses on the heights of Nantua. For the past 3 days, we’ve had to help get him up, and this morning was the last time… Unfortunately, the stiffness of old age got the better of him. His park buddy of many years, Rocky, will have to continue his journey without him…tomorrow, we’ll be on hand to see how he’s coping with this sudden loss.
Hi Pompon, someone’s waiting for you up there…Bonne route l’ami!
Brigitte
Brigitte
Brigitte
December 30, 2020, our long-eared warrior has passed away.
Soon to be 34 years old, she will have kept her zest for life to the very last second….
Endowed with a strong, rather very strong character, Brigitte chose the people by whom she agreed to be brushed or groomed. Make her? At your own risk.
As the months and years went by, she managed to find her place, and always did as she pleased. First, she chose her life pony, Tawana, and followed her like a pilot fish, and it was clear that no one could take Tawana away from her, so Tawana’s few activities were put on hold. Then she chose a biped, and Dörte had the privilege of being chosen. So much so that she heard her car, and went over the fences to gain a few seconds to join her.
Healthy as a horse, Brigitte had an incredible tolerance for pain. In 2017, she broke the tip of her elbow, but because of her temperament, we decided to have her operated on at Zurich’s Tierspital. The plate was fitted, and Brigitte returned to the Refuge as good as new.
But in June, she developed an oesophageal obstruction. Despite wet rations, as Brigitte’s teeth would soon be gone, a piece of badly grated carrot slipped through. A vet and a probe were needed to get the plug out. Even sedated, Brigitte shows her “legendary” gentleness… fortunately her small size allows us to “manage” her. The stopper will pass, but the irritation of the tube will complicate her feeding…honey cures will help and will be appreciated, given her enthusiasm for taking syringes in her mouth.
Since this episode, Brigitte seems to have lost her mind; she has strange reactions, which we can compare to senility. We have to be more vigilant, and hold her when we put her in the paddock, as she sometimes goes in the opposite direction without understanding why… At times, she bumps into the stall dividers, as if she’s lost her sight…
For the past 10 days, we’ve been concerned by a pain in her hindquarters. With no clear diagnosis, we put her on an oral anti-inflammatory, but no better. We tried an intra-muscular anti-inflammatory, but nothing worked, and unfortunately the situation continued to worsen. Brigitte relieves herself from one limb to the other, is prostrate, spends long periods lying down, puts herself in a corner of the stall…doesn’t move anymore. Her oesophagus regularly clogs up, and her food comes out of her nose at times…
We realize that her quality of life has clearly diminished in 6 months, that despite her warrior temperament, Brigitte has been suffering seriously for 10 days, that nothing can be done about it, and that we’re not safe from an accident given her uncontrolled reactions. So what are we waiting for?
Well, nothing. We plucked up the courage to dial the vet’s number, and all of us, humans and horses, were there to accompany him….
There’s a special atmosphere at the Refuge at this moment….without words, without tears, the vet confirms our choice…he’ll do it in 3 injections…the first to calm her, the second to put her down, and the 3rd to stop her heart. And it’s only at this point, when the vet confirms “it’s over” that tears roll down everyone’s cheeks…a great silence followed by many anecdotes will confirm that Brigitte was a warrior, and that she will leave a terrible void in the Refuge’s daily life….
Petite Bardot, bon voyage, and now it’s your turn to look after the biped you’ve chosen as your earthly friend.
Carla
Carla
Carla, March 19, 2019
Sequestered in 2014, Carla is a little mare who deserved a nice retirement. Jackie will have pampered her for these 5 years, will have given her a daily life filled with attention.
Unfortunately, this morning, Carla is lying down, stiff in all her limbs. The verdict is final and the vet will have to euthanize her. An unexpected departure for our foster family, who are in shock.
We’d like to express our sincere thanks for taking such good care of Carla… Thanks to you, she’s been able to enjoy her life to the full ….
Hi sweet Carla….
Lasio
Lasio
January 19, 2016: Lasio…Born in 2002, taken in 2012 for lack of care, Lasio was kept with donkeys and a pony (Rocco). He was lucky enough to be adopted with these inseparable donkeys in a beautiful stable in the canton of Geneva. But in the early hours of the morning, Lasio was suffering from colic, and the vet came to give him first aid and observe him during the day. Unfortunately, the situation didn’t improve, and Lasio was put to sleep at 10pm to put him out of his misery. What a slap in the face for everyone.
For 4 years, Lasio enjoyed a golden and pampered retirement. He enjoyed life to the full with his long-eared friends and his playmate Silver. He will leave a great void in his herd and, as Annette says, Lasio was a pillar of wisdom.
Thanks to all of you, Joanne, the vet, and his foster family for trying, but above all for respecting that this time, it would not have been a good idea to attempt an operation.
Hi Lasio…you were already in paradise….te remains to discover this other world where Roza is waiting for you…Hi Little Haflinger!
Silver
Silver
Siver, August 10, 2018Silver, 27, taken in and placed in 2011, at the request of the authorities, a horse …or rather a wise man? Silver left his mark on everyone in his path, with his kindness and grace. After arriving at the Refuge for a few months, Silver joined an XXL foster family, and became the guardian of each of the donkeys and ponies. A dream life with outstanding performances, pampered every day, he was more than loved.
Unfortunately, during the night, he got stuck against the wall of his shelter, even though he’s quite tall. In the morning, the staff helped him to his feet, but signs of abdominal pain appeared. The vet took care of him, but after a few hours, Silver’s condition worsened. In agreement, we decided to let him go, surrounded by his 2 and 4-legged friends. A calm departure, but one that leaves a great void.
Silver, we’ve crossed paths with a lot of horses, but you’re one of those great horses that are respected simply for your presence and quiet strength. Extremely sensitive and kind, you’ve touched each and every one of us, and we wish you all the best for the future, alongside Lassio, Fifi and Rosa… Hello beautiful half-blood!
Joyce
Joyce
Joyce, February 18, 2019
In 2011, we were commissioned for an escrow on the heights of Neuchâtel. Joyce, who was 20 at the time, was an imposing but extremely kind mare. We offered her a retirement from the outset. First in Burgundy, then finally at Rachel’s in Vaud, where she enjoyed many more happy years.
3 weeks ago, we were concerned about a lameness in her hindquarters. Taken care of by the vet, treated accordingly, Joyce recovered, then had an allergy to the medication, ended up on the ground and couldn’t get up again. All agreed, vet, Rachel and her team, Joyce had a keen eye and just needed a hand, more like a lift with the tractor. Back on her 4 legs, everything stabilized, and the hock problem disappeared after a few days.
But this morning, Joyce was lying down again, this time on her back, barely able to lift her head. The vet arrives on the scene again, osculates her and advises us to let her go, as Joyce is not responding to the various injections and these values are low.
At the age of 28, Joyce was able to enjoy the best conditions for retirement, staying in good shape almost to the end…. Joyce breathed her last surrounded and in great calm…
Joyce is a mare who will leave an imprint on the hearts of many people who met her, cared for her and cuddled her….a great and endearing juju.
Once again, I’d like to thank Rachel, her team and the vets who assist our horses. Caring for them, but also knowing not to push them too hard, just to accompany them with respect. A big thank you also to our sponsors, who play an active part in caring for our retired horses !!!!
Thanks to all of you!
Joyce, all the best ….. It was a wonderful meeting…
Terror
Terror
Terror, 2007-June 2021
Renamed Black Pearl by her family, this gentle mare has enjoyed 11 years of beautiful life since her rescue in 2010. Taken in after a case of abuse with 10 other mares, Black Pearl was broken in, but her “sporting” career soon came to an end, as years of deficiencies made it impossible for her to ride. In addition, Black Pearl suffered from EMS
What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)?
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is characterized by a disturbance in insulin production and abnormal fat distribution. Classically, equines suffering from EMS are obese (body condition score > 4-5) or have abnormal fat distribution, with fat deposits under the skin, observed around the bun, shoulders, girth passage, base of tail, salt shafts, sheath in males, udder in mares. Horses tend to be overweight, even with proper feed management and exercise. Some affected horses, however, are in good body condition. Horses with EMS are also at greater risk of chronic or acute laminitis.
Black Pearl, who was living in retirement, had all the consequences of this disease, i.e. overweight and laminitis with a 17° tilt of the phalanx. And yet, after weeks of dieting, care, etc., Black Pearl had to be put to sleep following a violent colic, but fortunately with effective intervention to avoid a long agony, as the mare was in great pain.
We would like to thank her family, who gave this mare a 5* life, and who, despite the laminitis, the management of her food and outings… this illness proved fatal.
Thanks to our 2 great friends for assisting Black Pearl in these last days…. Cath, it was you who set the wheels in motion for this rescue 11 years ago, this pretty juju whom you had helped to get out of hell fell asleep in your arms, surrounded by all the love she could muster…
To you, Terror of your first name, a page is turning, and you’ll be leaving a heavy heart to many people…between your family, the team…and a big thought to Loranne.
Gamine
Gamine
January 19, 2018: Gamine
Gamine, one of our 24-month-old fillies (rescue of the 8 horses in November 2016) had severe nosebleeds, then they calmed down. We took her to the clinic for a check-up. A shock for us, Gamine’s guttural pouches were certainly affected by a mycosis, as is often the case. A scab forms on the carotid artery, and when it gives way, the horse begins to bleed out more or less rapidly. A brief veterinary explanation: complications of mycosis of the guttural pouches in horses are frequent and severe. The condition often leads to fatal haemorrhages and nervous signs such as dysphagia or laryngeal hemiplegia. The treatment of choice today is arterial embolization, but this technique requires an experienced surgeon, equipped infrastructures and high costs. We had to make the decision to put Gamine to sleep at the clinic. A hard blow for everyone, but also for our 2 volunteers who kindly offered to transport Gamine….they stayed with her to accompany her. No words for you Gamine…a life that started badly…we put everything in place to make it a pleasant one and to end up brutally like this….Dur. Very hard to see such a nice filly go….
Hussy
Hussy
Hussy
Sad news, but also a wonderful gift.
October 21, 2020: message from Yvette that our granny Hussy passed away last night. Sad news, but also a wonderful gift from Mother Nature to allow her to go to her park after 10 years of retirement.
Dear Hussy, you amazed us with your zest for life despite your tired skeleton…on the day you arrived, I said to myself, if you last 1 year, that’ll still be enough time to retire. And there you were, enjoying 10 years of retirement, discreet until your last breath… you fell asleep at home, at the age of 30. Thank you for this painless departure.
All the best to you….
