Dear SugaHorse,
The circumstances that led to taking this difficult decision were caused by my status of disability associated to fibromyalgia and bipolar disorder. The health issues made it more and more difficult to go to the stable. You know what caring for a horse involves and I was not able to provide him with all this attention anymore. My body was not following anymore. So for a while, my riding mentor who uses ethology in her teaching would give a few courses with him. That kept him sharp and he was turned out everyday with a companion. Also, a girl was half boarding him. She was gentle with him. He loved the attention. To keep a horse young and strong, I noticed that regular activity is always the best. Before, I was attending to him at least five times a week, assuring him of all the attention, activity and all sorts of variety to exercice and keep him motivated. I never wanted him to get bored over doing the same thing over and over again. I always made sure he kept a smile on his face, whatever we were doing, even when doing more technical manœuvres in the ring. He was so polyvalent and responsive to any aid and had very nice manners. We were connected to a point where we were telepathic, especially on trail.
In the process of taking this decision, owning a car did not fit in my budget anymore. I knew that this time would come since I could not afford the maintenance or even the insurance anymore. I had to let go of my car a few months later. So yes, it was the right decision. Through this process, I was also thinking of my horse, if he ever needed any veterinary care, which I would not be able to afford. Even though he had a very strong constitution, this would just be irresponsible. But now, I'm in mourning. In the process, I need to trust that God will watch over him. Empowering this thought is a mental exercise I practice everytime he crosses my mind.