I completely understand how you feel. I had to make a decision in march 2023 to end my Woodys life he neurological problems. He was 14 . I had had him since he just turned two. It is a devastating decision to make. But you have look forward and remember all the good things you had with him. As you remember and cherish. Them. Forever. My thoughts are with you. 😢
Rhi please don't be sorry for crying, I lost my beloved pony Felix last year and I know how much it hurts to lose an animal you adore. Take care of yourself.
I am so very sorry for your loss I have never owned my own horse or pony, I have only ever worked with and looked after horses and ponies belonging to various riding school owners. However, I became as attached to ponies and mourned them when they had to be pts. Time is a healer.. it sounds trite and I do not mean to sound as though this is nothing, compared to my own losses .. I Los baby twins in 1992 so loss s not strange to me. I can truly emote with you so please feel free to weep. Woody was and will always be special to you and you will continue to love him and honour this memory. Especially if you do go on and search and find another pony. Meanwhile, be kind to yourself. Treasure the good memories you have of Woody and try to look forward to good memories being built with a new pony or horse who will deserve your love too. I grieve with thee now but I hope to see you enjoying better times,j when you feel up to it. xx
In almost 4 decades of riding, competing and loving on horses…. I always bought my horses young, with the intent of getting them going (with lots of professional help!). I’ve loved every horse I’ve owned… then came my “heart horse”… - a 2 year old warm blood with only 30 days of riding. He’s was clunky, with huge feet and a belly to match. We slowly grew up together… long story short, I had to make the decision (with my vet’s encouragement) to put him down when he was still a very rambunctious, yet very lame 16 year old. One of the saddest days of my life…. He left a huge scar on my heart. How did I survive? Well in typical horse fashion - and I now have 8 horses and 2 mini donkeys… I care for all of them! It took me a while to even think of it…. But it’s different now. Be gentle to your heart…. It takes a minute to reset.
Be gentle to your heart it takes a minute to reset. That will stat with me. If u own a horse this day comes and it's heartbreaking but not one of us do this lightly it is always what is best for the horse we love. The love she had for Wooody will soon be shared with another horse and she will heal. As we know. Loved your comment
Thank you for sharing this. I've missed you, and send good vibes for healing. There will never be another Woody, but you can love another horse. Try to remember it's not a betrayal. You did the best thing for Woody, and I'm confident you will do the best for another horse. Take your time, we'll be here. 😊
That description of feeling distanced is spot on. I lost my childhood horse a few years ago, I didn't own him but had known/ridden/leased him for almost 10 years. After he was laid to rest, I leased another horse and always felt like I was on the outside staring in, unable to really devote to her. Maybe a year after his passing I decided to purchase my own first horse and I felt super distant from him for another year. While I did love him, it wasn't in that all consuming way that we love our childhood horses ❤ I'm here to say it does get better, while not every horse can be your heart horse you will love them for who they are and you will continously be learning about yourself as a horsewoman. Sending my love ❤❤
My heart goes out to you and you are extremely brave talking about it. I lost my beautiful TB 2 years ago come 24th August. He was gone from me in a day; went out in the morning fit and fine, went down with colic at tea time, and was euthanised by midnight where I had to make a quick and terrible decision based on the diagnosis and prognosis that brought me to my knees. I could not even look at his photograph for 2 weeks without howling. Woody will always be with you in heart and memory and you will soldier on one day at a time until eventually, comes a day when you will feel joy and warmth in the knowledge that you were together at least for a while. xx
There is a quote I was looking for that C.S. Lewis said that makes me think of you but I can't find it. I found this instead: “So it's true, when all is said and done, grief is the price we pay for love.” E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly “I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King We are not bothered by your tears. They show your love for Woody.
Such a sad time for you and I'm so sorry. It's heartbreaking but you did the right thing for Woody. He was a beautiful boy and you were so brave to make the decision. Don't apologise for crying This. It's the most natural thing to do when you lose an animal and shows just how much you loved him. I'm sure yr next horse will be so happy with you but of course it will never replace Woody. There will be another bond between you and of course you will love and care for it just as you have been doing. Sending so much love to you 😢😂
Oh Rhi…….. this was hard to watch as a fellow horse owner….. I feel right along with you…. You absolutely did the very best thing for your gorgeous woody…… it hurts, it’s the hardest but…. It’s right… what honour and love you gave him and he was blessed to be loved by you…..
I'm so sorry to hear about Woody. My horse had a major injury around the same time as Woody, and it was really helpful to feel like I wasn't alone. I hope you are able to continue to heal this year.
The fact is, there isn't a whole lot of magic once you know the truth about owning a horse of your own. If you don't know you don't know and kind of idolize it. I love my horse with my whole heart I've had her nearly 20 years (I also lost a 7 year old when I was younger so don't think I don't understand your emotions) BUT out best years were when I was leasing her easily. Those were the years we did the most things and had the most adventures. I think in many ways going in not looking for something magic will work out great for you. Still look for something that gives you confidence and fits your needs, but not expecting to feel "bonded" right away just because you are signing the checks.
I am so sorry for your loss. You have been incredibly brave for putting Woody first and making the hardest decision we have to make as horse owners. Euthanasia is the final gift we give to our horses, and you should be so proud of yourself for giving him the dignity of “better a day too soon, than a day too late”. Be an advocate for this message in his memory. Best wishes, and be kind to yourself, because you certainly deserve it. There are pet bereavement helplines available if you’re struggling, it’s ok not to be ok. Best wishes, and take care. Louise x
Well firstly, thank you, that's very kind. I know that some people who follow found this period really difficult to watch and no doubt you will find it a bit of a stark contrast - it was not a fun couple of years!
Awww sweetheart my heart has been breaking for you and I've been thinking about you. Please don't feel bad for crying it just shows what a beautiful caring and loving person you are, be kind to yourself you have gone through something traumatic and your feelings are totally justified. I have lost horses in the past and it still upsets to think about them, I no longer ride but recently lost my nearly 16 year old dog and struggling to accept she's no longer around 😢 I also had to make that difficult decision and oh my god I know how gut wrenching it is. Don't put any pressure on yourself to post videos when you're ready all your followers will be here for you ❤❤ Also give yourself time to find your next best friend and remember that Woody will always be with you he was so lucky to have such a wonderful mum. Big love and hugs to you xxx
don't feel as though you need to come back on and share educational content. you're going through the hardest thing imaginable. you're doing amazingly and i'm glad that you've found other things that are helping you cope.
Oh rhi im so sorry i have a young horse broke her leg slightly shes recovered now but i couldnt imagine having to give her up im so sorry for your loss ❤❤
Woody was very lucky to have such a kind and compassionate owner. I wish you luck on finding another horse (if that's what you choose!) and would love to see the Cumbrian heavies.
When I lost my loan horse in 2017 I got the call from my boss letting me know when she was going thankfully she went with her bf also so I lost two in the same day and to this day there isn’t a day that goes by I don’t wish they were here I took some time away and came back and feel in love with another horse and found that spark again and it’s different but never again did I think I could love another horse like that again but I did they are so different but the little things are similar and I find comfort in that. There is no rush and no one will compare to woody but woody has given you the knowledge, skill , love to pass on the next horse and only your first can do that for you and sometimes it means having to say goodbye for a while not forever you will see him again one day just not right now and that’s okay too. Never feel bad for crying he became a part of you and a part of you left that day but slowly another can help fill a part of that someday when you are ready❤
What a heartbreaking situation for you, I so feel for all the difficult and brave decisions that you made. I'm quite sure our animals know that we are doing the best for them, and are eternally grateful 💛
Bless you Rhi, you absolutely don't need to apologise for it not being educational. This is a very real and a very human part of ownership. You're not obligated to share any of this with us and yet you have, and its really brought a lot of people together to send you love and support. You're doing amazingly well, and honestly I've found this to be one of the kindest and most humble horsey communities, besides the education. Sending lots of love, we'll be here when you're ready to take those next steps! :)
When they leave us they break our hearts. But it's important to know there is a reason they do this. It's the only way, they can take a piece of your heart with them. When your heart heals there will always be that little piece missing, but it's not gone. They still have it with them. They will use that piece to find you again one day when it's time. And then they will rebuild your heart and all the love will be whole again.
I know people have said it, but you are such a strong person. You don’t have to apologize for not being educational enough. You are such a loving, genuine person and you have taught me so much of what it means to own a horse. Thank you for all you have shared with us, and no matter what direction the channel takes, I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next. 💜
I have been thinking of you and here you are❤ Take strength in the love everyone has for you. Woody was blessed the day he met you, he was there for you, and you were there for him. When he needed you the most, you never let him down. You have so much love to give and any horse following in his hoof steps will be the luckiest horse alive. Sending you so much love and appreciation for what must have been another hard video to make Rhi xxx
So many of us have been there from the start and we’ve gone though this with you. I miss seeing Mr Woods on your channel. He was a horse of a lifetime. This was an important video for you to make you needed to do it but also I’m glad you’re still checking in and letting us know you’re ok. I’ve missed you! I’ll be right here waiting to support you with the next chapter whatever that might look like. Lots of love nikki Xx
My heart breaks for you Rhi. I’ve never lost a horse but I have lost human and canine family members. No matter whether they have two legs or four the loss is the same. They will forever be part of your life and although the pain will remain with you, it will get a little less each day.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been following your journey and I think we all know how much effort and love you put into trying to rehabilitate him. My first horse didn't work out for me, and it's been two years...eventually I will buy another. Let it take the time it needs, you will find the perfect horse for you!
I’m so very sorry, our love for our horses is a double edged sword🥲 We lost our beloved pony 2 years ago to colic, we tried everything to save her & we had to make the decision to put her down. Our mare was an incredible pony, she took my daughter to national level as a show horse & she was also an incredible pony for tiny children to learn to ride on. We were privileged to be with our pony until the very end♥️♥️♥️
I’m so sorry, and I understand. Three months ago my fifteen year old boy, Derby, died very suddenly of an aneurysm. It took less than five minutes, and he was gone by the time I got there. I couldn’t look at his photos until recently. It was brutal, and you’re right the details that follow are almost as traumatizing. I still have my old man, and he has saved me, but the shock was impossible to describe. It gets better over time, and a new horse will help you more than you can grasp right now. The best thing anyone said to was that I gave Derby the best life any horse could ever hope for. I can tell it was the same for you and your dear Woody. Hugs
Lovely to hear an update, keep looking after yourself and healing at whatever pace is best for you. We'll still be here when you're ready, and will be cheering you on with whatever comes next!
Oh Rhi, you have done what you could possibly do for Woody xx he is now free of pain and discomfort. Thank you for sharing your journey the good and the sad 😘
Oh Rhi - I am so sorry to hear this about Woody. I've followed your journey since before Woody and always loved how honest and open you have been the whole way through. When you lose an animal friend it's never easy but there's something that cuts very deep when you lose a horse friend. You did everything you could for Woody and in the end you did the very best thing you could do for him by letting him go. I lost my horses field companion 2 years ago after she had a huge fit right outside my house and suffered a brain hemorrhage. Luckily the vet came quickly but there was nothing to be done. I felt so helpless as all i could do was talk to her as it wasn't safe to get close. Thank you for sharing Woody with us as he was loved by us all and thank you for being so open about a very difficult subject. You are so brave! Big hugs xx
My heart goes out to you. It's such a hard decision but you did the right thing. As much as we know we've done the right thing we still feel like we've killed our friend. It takes time to get over that. You do whatever you have to do for yourself. Know that you are supported. When the time is right you will find your new friend, they will be different from Woody but you will open up your heart and love them.
You did everything you could. Then you took time for yourself. Please take as much time as you need. It is possible to love another horse. Although my Thoroughbred's photos are still proudly displayed and I have never stopped missing him, I have loved my current horse for seven years. In my experience, the feelings of loss never go away but in time it's possible to remember a horse's quirks with a smile. It takes time. Sometimes a very long time. Never let others tell you how to grieve or for how long. Sending hugs from Australia.
Rhi I'm so sorry about Woody he was such a lovely kind horse, and you tried everything to save him, but his body just couldn't take it. You did the most selfless and bravest thing recognising that. Please you don't need to apologise for crying on camera or in public, it is the most natural way for us to cope with stressful situations. The taboos of society which encourages grief and sadness to be hidden is what is wrong with the world and it causes so many people to feel shame at a time when they should be supported. You have such a lovely community on here, trust me, none of us expect you to not cry xx
I lost my first lease pony in February, it's heart breaking, and he passed suddenly, you've struggled with things with Woody for a bit, i can't imagine how hard those decisions are to make, horses lift us up so high, but part of that is falling hard, too... It's all worth it in the end, and i have seen your new vids with Harley, and i think you have found a soulmate!
Oh bless you, it's so hard :'( I lost my precious boy Ned at 19, which isn't that young but considering his father lived to 31, it felt like he was snatched from me far too soon. He was so healthy and happy in himself but had arthritis in his hocks which made it difficult for him to get up and down. He had such a cruel start to life, so I didn't want to see him suffer again. You are so brave and so strong for making this video. I lost Ned 4yrs ago and I still cry when I talk about him sometimes. Stay strong
I think it IS educational, Rhi. I've had horses...and lost horses...and every time it's so hard. Every horse owner may have to live through it, and everything you said resonates with me and my experience. You're doin' good. Tears are OK. Not every day, yeah, but OK. You did the right thing, not putting the horse through more suffering. They try so hard for us; we can agree to show tears for them.
Oh Rhi, I really feel for you 💔. Having to make that decision for a young horse is especially difficult. Don't apologise for your emotions - it is so important to allow yourself to feel them and process all of the feelings that come. Regarding your next horse..... The right one will find you when the time is right. Each is unique and has a whole load of love and learning to give. Yes it will never be woody but it will be special none the less. Sending my love and strength to you 💕
Dear Rhi you have no need to say sorry for tears. It is so heartbreaking for you and so many of us can understand. Take all the time you need to reset where you want to go. All of us who follow you will wait for you to share the next chapter whatever it may be. You are truly authentic and it that is something unique. Take care and sending you love and best wishes.
I'm so so sorry for your loss 💔 I know too well how hard it is when that time comes as a horseowner. I know you will find a new horse to love even if it doesn't really feel like that right now. One can't replace another, they will simply have their own place in your heart. Take care! ♥️🦄
So sorry 😢. You made an incredibly brave and wise decision. It’s the last act of kindness we can do. It isn’t easy but your pain will ease but the love and memories will remain. I lost my 25 yo last summer so I do empathise and understand 💕
I’m so sorry Rhi, I used to have a pony called Strawberry cake when I was younger, and I had to put her down due to collic and sickness as it got so bad. I feel you and we are all here for you 🤍🤍🩷🫶🏼
my heart is with you, I had to make that decision and it hurts so bad. Please trust that it gets easier, time is a great healer, and being grateful that you got so many wonderful memories with them can help too. Thank you for being vulnerable, you'll be helping a lot more people than you know ❤
😭😭😭😭 We love you Rhi, I love seeing your videos and I am so sorry you are going through this it is so unfair!!! You are such a great horse owner. Your heart must be so broken ❤️❤️❤️🌻🌻🌻🌻 We just want to encourage you because you really help so many of us with your content. You are an inspiration and we are sending you and Woody all of our love 😢💝💝💝
Hi Rhi! Thanks for checking in with us... been thinking of you and hoping you're doing okay. Or as good as you can be. Woody was a very special boy and he will always have a large part of your heart. But I'm also here to say, from experience, to give yourself grace in looking at other horses and know that it will take time to build another bond that is anywhere near what you had with Woody. I lost my first horse unexpectedly, it took me a year (and several trials with other horses) to find my current horse. And after that, it's taken me probably 2 years to really be open to who HE is (not who he isn't) and open my heart to really love and trust him. But man, it has felt SO good to get to this place again... where I'm appreciating him for who he uniquely is, what we can do together, and just not comparing him constantly to the one I miss. I hope that makes sense, and prepares you to not feeling like you have to force anything. Sometimes it just is what it is. Until you're ready. ❤
Oh Rhi, this is gutting. I had come across your channel about 9 months ago and had really hoped that you would have a positive outcome with Woody. My heart hurts for you to discover that unfortunately you had to have him PTS. Sending love and support.
Your video has helped me put things in perspective. I got my first horse a few weeks ago and this week I broke my finger and now can't ride her for at least 6 weeks. Was feeling sorry for myself but what you have been and are going through is way harder. I really hope you can find some more horsey happiness soon.
I can't imagine how hard that decision must have been. You did the right thing for him and took care of him even when it meant heartbreak for yourself. I know you feel awful but you did the best thing for him.
Hi rhi thankyou for your bravery making this video.i never realise the effect losing a young horse would.have on the whole of my life its nteresting you mention confidence. The rmember feelings of not wanting another horse and it took me 3yrs before I found the right horse. I know what you mean about the magic of buying your first horse not being there. I worried about how I would feel about another horse and honestly the day I sat on him it felt like home and for the first time in 3yrs I felt like me again.during the grieving of losing my horse I felt like I was going in sane I felt people didn't understand why I felt the way I did and I even questioned myself on why I felt the way I did. Take your time and don't let anyone rush you or make you feel like you shouldn't feel the feeling you have. Sending lots of love ❤
Oh I’m so sorry. You are so strong even if you don’t feel like it right now. You have been so very kind to let Woody go peacefully and he will forever thank you for that and all the amazing memories you made together. He was lucky to have you. Sending you lots of love x
So sorry for your loss. 😢 Woody is no longer suffering and euthanasia sounds like it was the kindest thing to do for him. Whether it be a horse, dog, cat … or whoever your fur baby may be … it’s a difficult decision to put any animal’s well-being first, by making the decision to euthanize a loved pet. There is no way around the emotional pain, other than to realize it’s what was out in front of you to deal with. Time will heal all wounds … you’ll never forget Woody and the lessons he taught you … but for whatever the reasons were, his time was up! Deal with your loss in whatever way you need to, so you can carry on and manage. That’s what Woody would have wanted. RIP Woody … you were loved and will be missed! 🙌🙏❤️
Sending big hugs Rhi and thank you for sharing this with us all. I was in tears with you lovely - I was only thinking yesterday that I hadn’t seen anything of you recently. Stay strong, look after yourself and heal… xx
We love you rhi! Praying for your healing. Dont apologize and take all the time you need to process everything. We will always be here for you. We love woody and this is such a loss
I know what losing a pet is like, so I can only imagine what you went through; and we all grew to love Woody, so we're all mourning with you. Thank you so much for feeling brave enough to share this with us, and don't be sorry for being vulnerable on camera, we just want to be here for you and help any way we can! Take all the time you need, I'm sure everyone will be here to support you whenever you feel ready to return ❤❤
I haven't watched you for a while (just been busy with other stuff) I'm so sorry for your loss. Must be so hard for you. This is hard to watch. Take care, you did the best thing. Love and hugs from Australia xo
That was a very hard video for you to make as it has brought back all your raw feelings. Only push yourself onwards as much or little as you want- you are doing really well.x
It was a very nice, honest video; tears are genuine and heartfelt. I know you will choose what is the best horse for you. You are obviously well thought of to get the wonderful invitations you have received and we look forward to hearing them as you are able to share.
❤Hi Rhi, thank you for sharing, for being so genuine and natural - you wouldn't be you if you could talk about your beloved Woody without tears and we wouldn't want it any other way. He was your world and you are sharing your grief, which we share in some part with you having followed you and Woody for so long. Take however long to do what is right for you and we'll still be here, supporting and cheering you on. You're blooming amazing and your community adores you ❤Looking forward to anything you choose to share whilst Woody will be forever in our hearts xx
You have been so brave. Losing your heart horse is devastating, and you’ve shared such incredible content. Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m excited to see what is next for you. ❤❤❤
nowhere near as large as a horse, but I lost my cat in 2020, she was my first "proper" pet that wasn't a goldfish or hamster, and I'd shed seen me through from 12 - 27! I've only tentatively just the past couple of months been okay with the idea of getting another cat. Grief looks different on everyone, and your timeline is for you, whenever you need it 🖤
Aww Rhi Iv been on this journey with you from the start 😢you are so inspiring ❤ I hope you do get another horse as you have so much love to give to another ,take care xx
I had to make the decision to put my Arab down during a Colic, he was trying to fight it but you can tell it was really hard for him and I could not ask him to be in pain for me. Simply put you made the best decision for your horse, As you have said before, he needs to be able to have a horse life. Sitting in a stall is not a good life for most horses. And I think you are wrong this is educational. We are all here because we LOVE horses, and as a horse owner the hardest decision is to put the horses well being and happiness over our own,
I think the only way you could feel better is if you remember to be grateful for this sadness. The only way you could ever be this upset is if something made you really, really happy beforehand.
I know it doesn’t feel like it right now but humanely euthanizing a pet is the most loving thing you will ever do. It’s painful but you loved Woody enough to put him down with love and dignity.
