Hey everyone,

I owned a horse for 17 years. We won many medals and ribbons in pleasure and green hunter, etc. When my children came along, I gained weight. I was not able to ride him for the last 7 years or so. My best friend kept him in shape. Even though I was glad she did, I was very envious. Finally when he was around 26 I had to put him "down" due to an injury. He couldn't stand - he was very wobbly. He looked like a drunken sailor. When he got down to roll, he had a very hard time getting up. He was a danger to himself and others working around him. The vet didn't know what the problem was without further testing. It was a very sad day when I said goodbye to an old friend. The worst part was that I did not get that "last" ride because of my weight. It's been 15 years since that day, and I still cry from time to time. I miss him very much. I live in New Jersey where board for horses is extremely expensive. Since I have two college aged daughters, I won't be buying a horse any time soon. But I hope to be back in the saddle with riding lessons and hacking from time to time. Maybe even finding a lease. My surgery is tentatively set for December 9, 2004 and I'm looking forward to getting back to riding and feeling that spiritual connection to one of the most beautiful creatures on earth. Wish me luck in my goal. God bless all of you and good luck with your horses.

Wow, those symptoms sound so much like West Nile Virus! He must have had some sort of brain or nervous system disorder. It's so hard to lose them like that. How are you, since you had your surgery? Are you back in the saddle yet?! Deb in ND