Montevideo
Farewell of a faithful companion
Montevideo, a beautiful Hanoverian, was over 34 years old. He became quieter and walking caused him more and more problems.
At the age of 24, Monty, as we affectionately called him, became part of our family and lived at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf for a good ten years.
With a heavy heart, his owner parted with his horse, which had been a loyal and talented dressage horse for him. Montevideo was to be allowed to grow old in peace and enjoy his life. From then on, the elegant Hanoverian lived in the stable lane of Henndorf.
The quietest whinny in the world
Monty brought sick hooves and suffered from hoof cancer. Here he benefited from the knowledge of our carers, who have great experience with this equine disease. The Hanoverian patiently had everything done to his legs that was necessary to give him a few more good years.
He loved it when he was groomed, when his slender body was stroked with gentle, circular movements and when "nice things" were whispered softly in his ears. In response, warm, relaxed breath came from his nostrils, followed by a barely audible, contented whinny.
The power of friendship
The years passed and Monty signalled that he needed more rest. He found it in the senior stable at Gut Schellenberg. There, some older horses, those with illnesses and disabilities were waiting for our "old man".
Monty enjoyed life in this special stable and also found a horse there who was a lot younger than him. Herby, a twenty-year-old Arabian thoroughbred, became his closest friend.
I wonder if they sometimes told each other anecdotes from their horse life. Sometimes it looked like they did. For example, when they stood next to each other and enjoyed the sun or walked to their stable together in the evening. They were one heart and soul. The younger Herby always motivated his old friend not to give up. And again Monty whinnied barely audibly.
Time to go
Whether human or animal, certain things take their course and at some point you find yourself in a one-way street. Monty had more and more problems getting up, his arthritis was getting to him and it seemed that he wanted to say goodbye to life. A few days ago, Monty gave the signal that he wanted to go. The grooms and the vet had reached the end of their wisdom.
Powerless and tired, Monty lay in his stable and Herby knew that he would now lose his great friend. Quietly, Monty fell asleep. He breathed silently and more slowly and at some point the breath of life had left his body. Monty slowly went towards the Rainbow Bridge. A sad team of grooms and a deeply saddened Herby were left behind.
Dear Monty,
you remain unforgotten in our hearts. Thank you for everything we learned from you: grace, pride, gentleness, humility and friendship. Take care in horse heaven.
"I love you, I miss you, I will try to look up."
(From "The Little Prince")
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