Obituary horse Amigo
A friend for conspecifics and humans
We all know that love cannot be described in a few words. But the maturity that the little prince achieves is remarkable.
– Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Amigo was special
It’s as if a great friend had died. Amigo’s ears were always ready to listen to people’s worries and problems. Amigo is no more and all the people who got to know him during the 21 years he lived at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf are sad.
Once an Aiderbichler - always an Aiderbichler
In 2004, Amigo was bought from the horse dealer. The pony was in a poor general condition, his hooves were outgrown, his coat was shaggy and unkempt, Amigo was wormed and coughing. This emaciated pony looked questioningly at the animal carers: “OK, what’s going to happen now?” Amigo seemed to ask.
After a few veterinary and animal care interventions, Amigo was a pretty and, above all, relatively healthy pony, but the laminitis had not gone away.
Amigo was happy and would certainly never have wanted to leave the Aidebichl estate. He stayed here and became a real Amigo for all the animals and people.
Norman became his long-time “best friend”
Norman was a breeding stallion. One of his testicles had grown into his abdominal cavity and so he could not be castrated. So he spent his life with the ponies on the Aiderbichler pastures in Henndorf. Amigo became his best friend. The two of them loved to enjoy the sun and the wind. They often just stood in the herd and daydreamed.
When Norman had to be put to sleep a few years ago, Amigo remained loyal to him. His “best friend” was not easily replaceable.
Amigo loved Ohrgeflüster
Amigo’s gentle and calm nature made people stop and look at him. People started stroking him and he liked it. He attentively perked up his ears when people spoke to him, as if he was inviting them to whisper kind words into his ears. Many people could also be seen stroking his head and neck and whispering all kinds of worries or funny stories into his ears. It was always as if Amigo was smiling.
The aches and pains of our amigo
In the warmer months, he was plagued by sweet itch and Amigo had suffered from laminitis and hip problems since he was young. Over the last few weeks, our Amigo has become increasingly quiet and his feed no longer tasted right. The pain in his hooves and hips could not be relieved.
It was another difficult decision to make. Amigo was not allowed to suffer and so, together with Dieter Ehrengruber, we decided to let Amigo go to the Rainbow Bridge.
It was a sunny, warm day in March when all the animal carers who could find the time gathered in Amigo’s stable and walked part of the way with him.
Gently and calmly, Amigo closed his eyes and fell asleep peacefully.
If you listen carefully, you can still hear his hooves clattering quietly along the paths of Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf.
Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They mean simplythat we miss you until we meet again on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.– Unknown
Dear Amigo,
We are grateful that we were able to be your companions for so many years. You were a calm, gentle pony with a very special character. Your deep friendship with Norman was almost enviable. Your time together was so pure and honest.
Unfortunately, there was no more help for your pain and so we had to let our great friend go. Now the sky has a new star: his name is Amigo. So long, dear friend.
From: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl
