Fergus died a week ago.
He colicked acutely and severely in the early hours of the morning. When surgeons opened him up a few hours later, they discovered that most of his small intestine was necrotic and entrapped. They euthanized on the table.
I didn’t write about Fergus as much as I could have. A combination of time and the weirdness of writing about a horse that isn’t your own. Thankfully, that is my only regret.
Fergus made it easy to love him. He was so genuine and honest, there wasn’t a deceitful bone in his body. You had treats? He wanted treats! You could be his new best friend.
He was just particular enough to make it feel special when it was apparent that he really liked you. TrJ topped the list, then me, then his real mommy, A. And I only came before A because I was a much more plentiful treat dispenser, and she was the Evil Needle Poker of Adequan Times.
But he was just fussy and zippy enough under saddle that it was really apparent when he was working with you or was doing his own thing, and you could tell from the rail who he appreciated riding him.
Fergus was the first horse I’ve known who really did enjoy a good cuddle. He wasn’t much of one for wither scratches — I only found a good itchy spot on him once — but he would happily stand there, resting his head on your shoulder, even taking a little nap if you’d allow it.
He was always tolerant of stupid human games. Go for a walk in the early morning with a coffee mug? Into it. Play unmounted games and fling yourself off his body? Into it. Canter bareback on the track and nearly fall off the side? Confused, but into it.
He was fun, and talented, and an excellent teacher. I could have enjoyed learning from Fergus for years to come.
I am so grateful that this little horse let me be his person. That he made me laugh and groan and smile and sigh exasperatedly and think and wonder and dream.
Godspeed Fergus. You were a wonderful and much loved horse. My condolences to you and his people.
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I am so sorry Nicole 😦
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Oh no, I am so sorry to read this. I know he wasn’t yours, but he was also yours in a way that still very much emotionally matters. Hugs to you ❤
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I’m so sorry. What a wonderful boy he was.
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Sounds like you two were having a really good time together. So sorry it was cut short. ❤️
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I’m so sorry
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I’m so sorry! Such lovely moments you had with him. ❤️
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So sorry for you and all his connections on the loss of such a lovely boy 💔
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what a heartbreaker to lose him like that, so sorry 😦
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I’m so sorry, he sounded like a unique horse in all the right ways.
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I am so saddened by this devastating news. My heart aches for you and all who loved him. He was beautiful and quirky, and I imagine there is a huge hole where he used to be. Wishing you peace in this awful time…
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I’m so sorry to hear this, Nicole. You were lucky to hav each other. As someone who also dearly loved, understood and appreciated a horse that wasn’t mine, I understand what a loss it really is. ❤
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So so sorry. That is heartbreaking for all involved. He looks like he was the bestest horse ever 😦
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I am so sorry to hear this, how heart breaking for you.
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