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Pets

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biophile

(1,386 posts)
Wed Dec 17, 2025, 12:41 PM Dec 2025

Lost my last horse on Monday- I have "empty barn syndrome" [View all]

We have had one or more horses at a time for the last 37 years. My horse died 5 years ago; we just had the pony left. He was 30 and not rideable due to laminitic feet but he kept me in equine mode- doing stalls, farrier, vet and trips to the feed store.
He became ill on Monday - after two vet visits and with him still in pain, it was time to say goodbye.
The daily routine is changed- no putting him out, no bringing him in, no stall to clean, no Cushings medicine to mix with oats and applesauce. No more looking for him out in the field, no more buying carrots on 5 lb bags
It’s the end of an era; a phase of my life now done. I’m not a horse mom anymore. *sigh*

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Sorry to hear that. dem4decades Dec 2025 #1
Thank you- it's sad but a part of life biophile Dec 2025 #8
I lost my 2 dogs this year, first time without a dog for 50 years. dem4decades Dec 2025 #10
😢 biophile Dec 2025 #42
I dog sat my son's dog for a weekend, it was like my sweethear came back to visit. dem4decades Dec 2025 #49
Deepest condolences SheltieLover Dec 2025 #2
Maybe eventually- I'm going to see how things go biophile Dec 2025 #7
Maybe then you can visit the horses, get some quality equine time in? SheltieLover Dec 2025 #9
Bless your heart - and I do mean that. Thank you. hamsterjill Dec 2025 #13
I retired 3 years ago - nearly 70 now biophile Dec 2025 #41
I'm so sorry for your loss. I felt so empty after my last dog passed in 2018. I'd never sinkingfeeling Dec 2025 #3
Thank you- it's definitely a change in life biophile Dec 2025 #6
I am so sorry UpInArms Dec 2025 #4
Thank you- it is sad but not tragic - it's just an adjustment in routine and attitude 😏 biophile Dec 2025 #5
I'm sorry cate94 Dec 2025 #11
Its so kind of you to offer that sentiment- thank you biophile Dec 2025 #26
Somewhere StarryNite Dec 2025 #12
That is beautiful- what a lovely thought; thank you biophile Dec 2025 #25
My heart is with you! Hope22 Dec 2025 #14
Thank you! biophile Dec 2025 #27
Oh, my...... Bayard Dec 2025 #15
Your understanding is so much appreciated! Thank you biophile Dec 2025 #29
My deepest sympathies irisblue Dec 2025 #16
Thank you for your kind words! biophile Dec 2025 #30
Two years ago, after 27 years, I became a horse-less mom. Often times I had between 10 and 15 horses on property, in2herbs Dec 2025 #17
Good advice! I appreciate your gracious reminder of all the memories! biophile Dec 2025 #31
My neighbor's teenage son is learning to be a bee keeper. In my area it seems that wasps are more prolific than in2herbs Dec 2025 #50
I'm sorry to hear of your loss nuxvomica Dec 2025 #18
How true! The little things in our daily routine that we miss! biophile Dec 2025 #32
Pets are like children that never grow up. patphil Dec 2025 #19
It's a feeling every pet parent will know. Thank you very much for your expression of sympathy biophile Dec 2025 #33
I'm so sorry for your loss. Hope you find comfort in knowing he is out of pain now. tazcat Dec 2025 #20
Thank you - Yes, he is with my horse who passed 6 years ago biophile Dec 2025 #34
Sorry to hear the news. calimary Dec 2025 #21
Thank you, Calimary! biophile Dec 2025 #35
There are many Animal rescue agencies just type in horse or animal rescue and your state or county's name Botany Dec 2025 #22
Thank you! Yes, volunteering seems like a better option at this time biophile Dec 2025 #36
I am so sorry for your loss, biophile Grim Chieftain Dec 2025 #23
Your kind words are much appreciated! biophile Dec 2025 #37
My deepest condolences, biophile. HeartsCanHope Dec 2025 #24
Thank you so much! biophile Dec 2025 #38
I'm so sorry to hear that wendyb-NC Dec 2025 #28
Thank you, yes, indeed, Wendyb biophile Dec 2025 #39
That's right wendyb-NC Dec 2025 #44
So sorry montanacowboy Dec 2025 #40
True that! I never really minded the cold weather work biophile Dec 2025 #46
I'm sorry for the loss of your companion and perhaps a way of life. yonder Dec 2025 #43
Indeed it is best not to make hasty decisions after a loss biophile Dec 2025 #47
My condolences Dear_Prudence Dec 2025 #45
Thank you, Dear Prudence! biophile Dec 2025 #48
Sorry Rebl2 Dec 2025 #51
Thank you, Rebl2 biophile Dec 18 #53
I'm sorry you lost him biophile. That is hard on a horse mom. George McGovern Dec 18 #52
What a beautiful image! biophile Dec 18 #54
You are welcome. 🫶🏼 George McGovern Dec 18 #55
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