My name is Chantel from South Africa. After reading this post, I thought it fitting that I share my story with everyone.

14 years ago I got Georgie’s Best (a gelding) straight off the track. He had a bad reputation at the track, and a lot of people thought I was crazy to want him so badly. He was 16h2″already at the age of 4, and by the time he was six years old, he was a huge 17h1″. We had an amazing relationship from the very start and I loved him more than words can describe. A few months after I got him, he had a very serious colic attack and the Vet said he would need surgery if he had any chance of survival (he had severe impaction colic). However, his vital signs were not good and the Vet was reluctant to proceed with the surgery as he was concerned he wouldn’t make it through the operation. He then suggested that George rather be euthenazed. I thought my world had come to an end as I couldn’t bare to lose him. I quietly went into the stable at the equine hospital to say goodbye to my precious horse. But as I walked in, he looked up at me and nickered and I knew right at that moment that I wouldn’t let the Vet put him down. I walked up to George and put my arms around his huge neck, and he nuzzled my neck. The Vet eventually agreed to operate and I watched the entire procedure. There were a lot of complications during the long surgery, but he pulled through and I had many more incredibly happy years with George. I can’t help but feel that he understood that he had a second chance, and our bond grew even strong after that.

In June this year, George contraced a virus that caused neurological damage. He managed to fight the virus, but sadly the damage to his nervous system was irreversable. The only symptom was dragging his foreleg, but otherwise he was still as beautiful and healthy as ever. The Vet that treated him said I should give him a few months because sometimes they can recover. I however, had a bad feeling about this and I was terrified of losing him. I couldn’t however, bare the thought of putting him down.

One morning I got a call from the stable yard saying that George couldn’t stand without falling over, and I called the Vet immediately. As soon as I got there, George stood up and nickered for me. I went to hold him and comfort him, but in my heart I knew it was over for George. I could see it in his eyes, and I know Georgie was saying thank you and goodbye to me. The Vet didn’t have to tell me that I had no choice … I had to let George go because I couldn’t bare to see him so terrified and so traumatised each time he tried to stand. I was with him in the end but it is something I will never get over.

Later that day my brother sent me this poem for George:
“God saw you and you were getting tired And a cure was not tobe
So he put His arms around you and He whispered “come to me”
A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hooves went to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best”

Rest in peace my precious George, and know that I loved you with all my heart.