With heavy hearts, we recently said goodbye to dear Oscar. At 27, having lived with Cushing’s disease for many years and struggling with asthma the last few summers, Oscar finally could not get on top of his breathing. Andrea was advised by her Veterinarian to spare him the suffering he would have, had he lived out the last week or two on his own.
It was also an opportunity to have his two families by his side as he crossed over. It was peaceful and pain free. He is buried on the farm in his favourite pasture. What a lucky horse to have only had two families, and to be loved by them all his life.
Oscar at Horse Discovery
Most of you knew Oscar when he was at the farm from 2021 till now. Andrea Robin Skinner and her daughter Charlie were his people. You were a part of his ‘retirement’ here, and we know he truly enjoyed being in deep connection with you. For some, you’ll have memories of walks with him down the driveway or on the trails. You may remember helping him cool down in the summer with a bath or wet cloths. His favourite thing was to simply ‘be’ with people, allowing space, time, quiet. He was great at helping us to find the inner messages that needed to rise to the surface.
Oscar felt like a Grandpa to me: Steady, safe, a great listener. It was a privilege to witness him helping people to heal, and for that I’m grateful to him. I’ll miss his most beautiful tail and his hopeful nicker each mealtime.
Oscar before Horse Discovery
Most horses don’t have the stability Oscar did. He was fortunate to have a first family with Jessica, who taught him lots of skills like how to carry a rider, be in a horse show, ride in a trailer and much more.
Andrea and Charlie got to know Oscar at her farm and convinced Jessica to part with him. He was a perfect fit for young Charlie, teaching her to ride bereback and how to swim with him! He even moved to Calgary with their family and back to Ontario. He was a great traveller.
Transitions
It is so hard to see a horse end their physical life; and yet we know it opens the door to a new spiritual life, one that we can always be in connection with. We will watch for signs of Oscar and invite you to do so too on your next visit.
The herd dynamic has already shifted a bit. We’re seeing Maia take a more assertive role, and Shaemus looks a bit like Oscar some days, more of a loner by choice. They are grieving too.
And yet, they all said goodbye, touched his body, and went back to grazing.
Tribute to Oscar
Visit our Instagram account (www.instagram.com/horsediscovery) or Facebook and comment with a memory of Oscar. 💕
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