Obituary horse Lucy
Horses are the ones who always wipe up our tears when we cry.
– Unknown
Our Shetland pony Lucy became an Aiderbichler in 2012 and was 18 years old at the time. She came with her friend Cindy, who was 30 years old at the time. Cindy brought a little secret with her, but more on that later.
Once a farmer herself – suddenly a pony owner
Maria Kaindl was a farmer before she became one of the most important employees of Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf. A cattle dealer struck up a conversation with her and told her about the Shetland ponies Lucy and Cindy. Nobody wanted the old ponies and so it was his job, they travelled from one horse market to the next, but now their last journey was to be to the horse slaughterhouse. Maria bought the two ponies free and put them in her stable. When the stable was due to be demolished, she asked Michael Aufhauser to take in the “Three Kaindl Ponies”. Why three ponies?
Pregnant to the slaughterhouse is not uncommon
Lucy and Cindy were both pregnant when they arrived at the Kaindl farm in the cattle dealer’s van and gave birth to their foals here a few months after being admitted. Lucy had a stillbirth, which was almost certainly the result of travelling from one pony market to the next. Pregnant Lucy had longed for peace and quiet and a nice stable. Now she was sad. Lucy took everything much more to heart in the years to come than Cindy and Sternchen.
Cindy was older, more experienced and nothing could upset her. As an experienced horse mum, she raised her “little star” together with Lucy and that is how the story of the “Kaindl ponies” began.
The three of them, Lucy, Cindy and Sternchen, travelled cheekily and boldly across the yard
Even though Lucy and Cindy were no longer the youngest ponies, there was one thing that always kept them young and fun: running and running and running. The typical neighing of the “Kaindl ponies” could be heard from afar. Their manes flew in the wind, their eyes seemed to laugh and it was as if they took particular pleasure in being able to overtake all their younger pony friends as elderly ladies without any problems.
Lucy's age made itself felt
Lucy had been suffering from severe asthma for a long time and her inflamed eyes had been treated for some time. Problems with Lucy’s skin also became more and more frequent. Unfortunately, the latest blood tests suggested that she had cancer.Her general condition got worse and worse and it seemed as if Lucy was trying to tell us: “It’s OK, let me go for a walk to the rainbow”. Together with two vets, the animal care team decided to put Lucy to sleep. At the age of 31, our Lucy closed her eyes as if she wanted to sleep. Very peacefully, very quietly and filled with a sheltered life at Gut Aiderbichl, Lucy had now called it a day. Cindy and Sternchen and all the animal carers accompanied Lucy, the pony with a special story.
Whenever the wind blows through the branches, I know you've been there to see what's going on ...
– Unknown
Dear Lucy,
Even when people say “but she was old, she’s allowed to die” – we miss you. Your little hooves no longer compete with Cindy and Sternchen. Your strength had diminished and your illnesses were unfortunately stronger than your will to live.
You left deep traces of kindness in the hearts of your keepers and all the people who were allowed to get to know you. All those years, your ears were always ready for people’s problems. Because you were so sensitive yourself, you “felt” sad people and a soft whinny seemed to say “Oh go on, smile and life goes on!”. We will never forget you, take care dear Lucy!
By: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl
