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Obituary Rocks Lane Ted

We will miss you

Rocks Lane Ted is now in horse heaven

The red halfter was put on him for the last time. Together with his friends Pioneer, Queen of the Roses, Oakland-Lilly and Charm, Rocks Lane Ted was led to the paddock.

Ted, as we affectionately called him, was one of the seven Shire Horses taken in at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf in July 2017. In a dramatic emergency call, the elderly owner described that, due to his age, it would become impossible for him to continue to care for the seven gentle cold-blooded horses in a manner appropriate to their species. His express wish was not to separate the seven and it was to come true. If Dieter Ehrengruber had not been able to say yes at that time, the seven lucky horses would have become seven candidates for death. Fate wanted it differently, and that was a good thing.

The gentle giants at
Gut Aiderbichl

For years, the huge, wonderful horses have inhabited our main stable lane in Henndorf. After the shoot, we had to learn that the Shires always want to stand next to each other in the same order: Ted, Pioneer, Queen of the Roses, Oakland-Lilly, Charm, Little Miss Emma and Tinkerbell.

Rescued, happy, beautiful and proud, they reside in the main stable. Everything about them is huge, impressive and imposing. In earlier times, the Shires were the knights' horses and at some point they were used for work in the forest or even as brewery horses. The seven Shires never had to work and were never ridden. They were like children to the aged couple for many years, and were simply allowed to be horses.

As soon as we took him in, we noticed that Ted's hooves were in a very bad condition and our sensitive little one was suffering from high-grade tendon breakdown and arthritis. Ted had to learn to lift his hooves so that the farrier could work on them and correct them. He had a panic fear of the farrier and also of the vet. What had happened in the past?

Trust - The key of
Communication

 

Slowly, the grooms were able to build up trust with him, but the smallest mistake was enough and Ted's insecurities and fear were back. With a lot of patience, love and treats, they trained him to realise without fear that lifting a hoof was not a bad thing.
The trauma never completely faded. Obviously Ted had had bad experiences. When hooves were worked on, or when he needed a shot, his horse girls always had to be there. The people Ted had come to trust.

Eyes full of sorrow

His steps became slower and quieter as he walked behind his friends into the paddock. Ted's beautiful dark eyes often looked sad, as if he knew that horse heaven was getting closer. All the Shires felt the sadness spreading like a light breeze over the paddock as they walked for the last time. We stroked his dark, silky coat one last time.

One last time we looked into his big, mysterious eyes. Many tears flowed as Ted allowed himself to fall asleep peacefully. Deeply sad, a small circle of the remaining Shire Horses formed around their friend Rocks Lane Ted.

When you look at the sky at night, it will be as if all the stars were laughing, because I live on one of them, because I laugh on one of them. (Exupéry)

With the knowledge,

...that we can no longer take you to the paddock, never again stroke your fur and take away your fears, your horse girls say goodbye to you, big Ted. You confided in us some secrets from your life, we couldn't know everything. You were rather reserved and always cautious. Thank you for everything we were allowed to learn from you.
Now you are with your Little Miss Emma and Tinkerbell. In the evening, three big, bright stars will shine in the horse stable alley.

You remain our unforgotten Ted

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