Sweet Pattea

It was late afternoon on a summer day when I first saw the beautiful little red Arab mare. She was a feisty girl with a long mane, tail and forelock and a white squiggle that ran down her face. The golden sun had outlined her in
a way that told me I need not look further.

She became my horse friend for 12 years. A lot of trail riding, some camping trips and just hanging out was how we spent the time. My sisters had another Arab mare, Sanna, who was Pattea’s best friend. Pattea was the boss, and Sanna was happy to be next in line. Some of my best memories were from just watching the girls run, heads up, tails flagging and snorting “too much fun”.

Chronic laminitis had crept up on Pattea. She was experiencing pain undeserved such a sweet horse. With direction from the vets we did all we could to help her. It was a very hard time for her and all that cared for her. I still can’t believe that I had to make that painful decision, to end Pattea’s life.

It was a very cold day when Dr. Walsh came to help for the last time. My family who loved her were all around with carrots and kind words. My previous rule of "please, no crying around Pattea” was hard to do. She was eased gently and respectfully to her next place, a pain-free world where she could run again. I looked to the sky and pictured her galloping again.

Sanna knew what was going on, and we didn’t want to exclude her in the moment. We brought her out to say goodbye to her friend. She sniffed a bit, and walked away with her head lowered. She went through a grieving period as we do when we lose our best friend.

Pattea was sweet, naughty, feisty, beautiful, inspiring, smart, patient...... all those things. It has been about 6 years since her passing, and I still think of her often. We can waste alot of time wondering why things happen the way they do, they just do. All I can do is be so very thankful for the time I knew her.