Obituary horse Sonata
She decided for herself that her time had come
At the age of 32 and with a full life, Sonata has decided to say goodbye to the world and her friends.
In 2015, Sonata came to Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf with a group of six other riding school horses. A group of Aiderbichlers had previously asked Dieter Ehrengruber to take in the horses because the stables had to be closed.
Economic problems forced the closure of the riding stable
The operators of the riding school always emphasised responsible handling of the horses. In some cases, they had rescued their protégés from life-threatening situations and brought them into their stables. Every single horse was seen as a member of the family and the promise of being able to stay forever was certain for Sonata, Bizzy, Sophie, Apollo, Kitty, Timon and Daisy.
As so often happens, things turned out differently and the ever-increasing costs forced the owners to decide to close the stable. Their main concern was Sonata, Bizzy, Sophie, Apollo, Kitty, Timon and Daisy. A new place had to be found because they would soon no longer be able to look after them themselves.
The final solution would have been euthanasia
Sonata, Bizzy, Sophie, Apollo, Kitty, Timon and Daisy should have been rehomed, but nobody wanted to or could accommodate seven horses together in their stable. The problem was also that all the horses had a handicap, were chronically ill or unrideable. Slaughter was out of the question.
In any case, the owners had acted like Aiderbichler because they had consciously taken responsibility for their horses and saved many a horse from an uncertain future. And now it was all supposed to be over?
Gut Aiderbichl has experienced many miracles since its foundation and made the impossible possible
Dieter Ehrengruber couldn’t take his eyes off Sonata, Bizzy, Sophie, Apollo, Kitty, Timon and Daisy. After inspecting the stables, he said as usual: “No can do, no can do. We have to find a solution for you seven horses!”. The solution was not far away and Sonata, Bizzy, Sophie, Apollo, Kitty, Timon and Daisy became Aiderbichlers. From then on, the Gut Aiderbichl A stable was the new home for Sonata and her friends.
Sonata was special and mysterious
When she was still at riding school, Sonata was known as a cosy horse. She did not allow herself to be stressed and certainly not “taught” by impatient riders. Sonata also had days when she wouldn’t let herself be slowed down and one or two riders involuntarily tumbled out of the saddle. What she particularly enjoyed was when children rode her, when she was groomed or when she was given good treats.
Sonata loved people and animals
Even as a senior, she still fell in love. Her special friend was Timon, one of the horses from the riding stable. At Gut Aiderbichl, she enjoyed flirting with Sultan, a beautiful Friesian from the circus. Was it his gorgeous, thick, black mane or his fiery eyes that she liked? She didn’t tell us. Sonata also always enjoyed the presence of people because she knew that endless cuddles would follow.
Excited and peaceful, she bid the world “adieu”
At the age of 32, Sonata seemed to have thought to herself:
“My dears, I have had a life full of exciting experiences, full of love and affection. You know that I have enjoyed my time. I will now lie down, close my eyes and slowly sink into eternal sleep. I look forward to seeing you again, someday…”.
Sonata had lain down and was found lifeless in the box by her keepers: she had started her journey to Rainbow Land completely peaceful and relaxed.
It was as if the other horses all around were neighing softly: Be quiet, an angel is travelling …
Last lines from your godmother Barbara:
Dear Sonata,
I would like to remember you as I did the last time we met. Michi let you out on the meadow again for the first time after the long winter. You galloped happily after the others and after you’d had a good romp, you went for the grass. You were happy with your life and, despite your old age, you were fit and happy. You didn’t mind the white hairs that had mingled with your velvety black coat over the years. You were a dignified and absolutely lovable grande dame.I am infinitely sad that your box in the A stable is now empty. Soon a new rescued soul will move in there. She will experience the protection, respect and love that you, dear Sonata, have received over the past 9.5 years.
I will miss you. I will miss your love and affection!
Run free, Sonata!
By: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl
