Franklin Levinson's
Horse Help Center
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How to treat a grieving mare?
I found your web page while trying to find info on how to comfort my grieving 23 year old mare who lost her 23 year old best friend – they have been together since they were born 2 days apart. Both Morgans, ranch horses all of their lives. I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t consider that ‘Dolly’ would grieve. Then, about one week after her friend laid down and peacefully left this world, Dolly exhibited colic – watery BMs, gas and lethargy. I treated her with Banamine twice and 25 ccs of penicillin for possible enteritis – suggested by our Vet. We have owned, bred and trained horses for 30+ years. We are cattle ranchers. One of our geldings was injured very badly and about 3 months into the healing process, he began to backslide into depression. He would press his forehead into the barn wall. I didn’t really know what to do, so I just treated him as I would a friend. I spent a lot of time with him, brushing him, talking to him, caressing him, saddling him up and walking him down the driveway. After about a week, he came out of it and his healing progress really took off.
PLEASE tell me what I can do for my lovely mare. She has been my ‘horse of a lifetime’ and I know that her age makes her a candidate for passing. I’ve dealt with the death of horses and cattle many times. But, this one is the apple of my eye. I don’t want to surrender her to a broken heart if I can help her. Thank you in advance for any counsel you might offer.
Shery Jespersen,
Wyoming
Hi Shery,
I am currently teaching in Australia and I showed this email to my hosts who are good friends and also from a ranching family and have owned horses all their lives. They, like you, care deeply for their animals. We all loved and share your expressed sentiments for your beloved horses. How fortunate for you and your horses. Good on ya (as they say here down under).
I see no reason to not do the same for your mare as you did for the horse that was having a bit of a healing crisis. “I didn’t really know what to do, so I just treated him as I would a friend. I spent a lot of time with him, brushing him, talking to him, caressing him, saddling him up and walking him down the driveway. After about a week, he came out of it and his healing progress really took off.” I do think that what you did in this case was perfect and your mare will respond to the same loving care.
I wish more folks would feel about their animals as you do. I admire you and, while I know you will grieve for this mare when it is her time to go, she has obviously had a fine life with you as did the other horses, I hope that you continue to be with horses as much as you like. I know you will continue to give them your best as they shall do the same for you. God has surely blessed you and your animals. Keep well and happy and my best wishes to all those close to you, two and 4 legged.
Sincerest regards,
Franklin