Haven’t posted for a while - nothing much of interest to post - but have loved following my VRBs progress and posts. This place has always been so supportive and many of you have become really good friends despite not ever having met you in ‘real life’. 😝
Anyway, as some of you are aware, I have had many problems with my horse Ellie over the last couple of years and haven’t been able to ride her since February due to lameness and other issues. She has had two operations in the last 18 months. Well, last week the vet told me that there was little chance of recovery and that he couldn’t guarantee she would ever be better, so I made the heartbreaking decision to have her put down and she left me on Wednesday. 💔 She went with the sun on her back and a mouth full of grass 💕 I know it was the right decision to make but it is always difficult 😢
One of the reasons I started running was my loss of fitness due to not riding very often, and to be honest it has been one of the things that has kept me sane and together whilst dealing with Ellie’s issues. Amazing how this happens when things are not great 😉
I didn’t run on Wednesday for obvious reasons - I’ve been drinking rather more than usual recently which I know isn’t great but... 😐. I went out yesterday morning but wasn’t feeling it and really struggled so I made the decision to go out today with Dobs, after an early night last night, and take it slowly - enjoying the daylight and the crisp, sunny weather - despite no rest day between the two runs.
Thank goodness I went this morning. I feel so much better after beating myself up yesterday and feeling even worse about everything. It was a lovely peaceful run and the niggle in my knee didn’t bother me at all. I just ran without looking at my watch and ended up doing a lovely 8.5k across the fields and back home.
I hope I haven’t made any of you too sad on this lovely morning but I wanted you all to know how running has helped with the dark times as well as the day to day stuff and to thank you all for your lovely posts, support and friendship on this amazing forum.
Here’s a picture of me and my girl a few years ago 🐎
😘 Louise x
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Dizzysmum17
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Sorry for the lose of your beloved horse, lovely photo of you on her. So nice knowing that you had a good peaceful 8.5K run today around the fields near to where you live and the slight niggle on your knee did not bother you at all.
Sounds to me as though you have made several good decisions at a miserable and difficult time, and that's jolly good going. I'm definitely not a horsewoman (been on a friend's once and that was enough) but it strikes me that it must be especially hard, between their possible lifespan (and thus the length of the relationship) and what they need for quality of life. I'm so sorry.
Learning to run is such a worthwhile investment isn't it?
You are so right - an investment is a great way of looking at it - I hadn’t thought of it like that. And thank you for your kind words too GoogleMe . 😊❤️X
Oh Louise, I’m so sorry to hear about Ellie- you know I’ve been there myself. Don’t feel bad for feeling bad and out of sorts, it’s perfectly understandable. I’m glad your run helped you blow away the negativity though. I still miss my Sam terribly. He ran with me last Sunday - I wore the bracelet I had made from his tail hair and gave it a kiss as I crossed the finish line. Running helps. Ellie will always be with you. Be gentle with yourself and let Dizzy and Dobs help you too X
Thanks for your lovely words Equi-geek . Coincidentally a friend of mine had got me a bracelet made from Ellie’s tail hair and was going to give it to me for Christmas but because of circumstances she gave it to me last weekend - such a nice thing to have. And so lovely they can be with us all the time too. Amazing how running can make us feel! 😊 xx
There is a local woman who makes them who keeps horses - she also makes bookmarks. They are really lovely. Xx
So sorry Louise. I hate that sense of the power of life and death when you have to make that decision. Such a lovely photo of the two of you. Journey well Ellie.
Thank you Flick - I think the decision making was probably the most difficult thing - it is a scary kind of power - I know what you mean. Running really helps with everything doesn’t it - even a bad run is better than no run. Hope you’re feeling better after your struggle this morning. ❤️ 🤗 xx
Heartfelt sympathy Dizzy, I am so sorry for your sad loss. I understand the special relationship/friendship between horse and owner. I had to have beautiful gelding put to sleep due to kidney problem (many years ago now) but still remember the huge loss I felt at the time.
I am so pleased you had a great run this morning and hope that running will help going forward. Big virtual hugs 🤗
Lorijay thank you so much for your thoughts. I am sure running will keep me thinking positively and help me move forward. It’s amazing 😉 it really is! I know I made the right decision for her and she is pain free now 🐎🌈😘
Aww, Dizzysmum17 , this is heart breaking for you & heartbreaking to read....try & take some comfort from the fact that Ellie had the best life possible because you loved her so much & she loved you too....it’s so true that running & the space it gives us can help through tough times...also the support on here is amazing. You have had one tough decision to make but you made what you thought was the right one for her...& of course it was. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, use you running time for you & your thoughts of your beautiful Ellie...it’s ok to be sad xx
Thanks so much Bev. You’re right about the amazing support on here from everyone. It makes such a huge difference! I don’t talk to any of my ‘non-running’ friends about any of this stuff but I can always rely on you lot to support and advise when needed - it’s so amazing! ❤️Xx
What a beauty she was too... sorry for your loss, but she’s better off now, and she went happy... we’d all want that for ourselves.
The bond between animals and humans is huge, and the loss isn’t less than losing a friend... I’ve raised a few glasses to pets over the years, and can only imagine how hard it would be to lose one that was part of the team so to speak.
Well done going on that run, I’m pleased it helped you. What a run too... 8.5k is huge.
Thanks so much - what lovely things to say. Everyone is really kind on this forum. She is definitely better off now and not in pain and it was the right decision. I’m so glad I have running to sort my head out too. ❤️😊
Not a dry eye left in the room Dizzysmum, those decisions are so hard to make and you have made the right one. I’m so glad that you’ve got Dobs to keep you company. That’s a great picture too.
You are right that running can be so good when life gets tough and do keep posting.
Oh I'm so sorry. I know how you are feeling. Both my ponies had to be put to sleep and it was the hardest decision but you know when it is time... beautiful picture! Keep that happy image in your mind! Lots of love to you xx
We have 4 horses and 4 dogs and it’s heartbreaking when “that time” comes but it is a necessary evil that we put ourselves and our hearts through to save a lot of physical suffering.
On the positive, sounds like you had a lovely run, it’s been horrible in Bedfordshire so I’ve stayed in with the heating on, eyeing up the Xbox! 🤔
It’s hard to run after drinking! I even got to the stage in the summer where I wouldn’t have more than one alcoholic drink the night before as it was a slippery slope and I feel horrible running with a fuzzy head lol!
I hope you feel happier soon - it sounds like it was the correct, only and kindest choice left to you.
Thanks for your lovely words Mitch. You are right - Dobby was great company this morning although she did keep stopping to try and eat the fresh cow pats!
Ultimately our relationship and responsibilities towards our animals mean those decisions will have to be made if we choose to have them with us as companions and it’s never easy - they are family to us - and if we can ease their suffering then we are doing the right thing. They get under your skin don’t they?!
I used to do park run after a few beers but try not to now as I really struggled so I try not to drink if I can help it before a run. It’s more difficult on weekends I find! Old habits... 😆
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Hooray! A drama-free run with the dog (and daughter!) 🏃♀️ 🐕 🏃♀️ 🐾 
First Run with a Human Being
A Sunday Morning Run
A very sad but strangely uplifting tale
