His head hung in my hands with his cold, clammy nose pressed against me; I sobbed (as I am now, writing this) into the mane of our beloved stallion as the vet confirmed my worst fear, that the injury he sustained had caused internal bleeding. His body quivered and he heaved in pain with each labored breath he took. There was no saving him, all we could do was ease his suffering.

Prince (‘Principle Equity’), grandson of ‘Big Investment’ was a retired from showing Western Pleasure due to a hock injury. He came to Southern Cross Guest Ranch in 2014 and was the sire to my colt, Wrangler (aptly named, VF Pocket Change). He was my would-be future ‘lawnmower’ once he retired from stud. I would groom him when I needed some ‘horse therapy’ and he was always my first stop for kisses at the barn, even before my own horses. Halfway down the barn aisle I would call out “where’s my kisses?”, by the time I reached his stall next to the barn office, his whiskery nose was there, poking out of the feeding hole, ready and waiting to nuzzle my cheek for treats. He was a true gentleman, even when consumed with the excitement of breeding he was well-mannered and gentle, more concerned with grazing than prancing about around the mare to be covered like most studs do. I was standing outside his stall, smooching with him the very moment Wes (my now husband) and I first met a few years ago; ever since, he was referred to as my “other man”. I remember one day he was laying on his fresh savings (he LOVED a fresh bed) and I was brushing him and loving on him while feeding him carrots. My husband walked in, pulled a hoof pick out of his pocket and picked his feet…Prince, still enjoying his afternoon lie-down, didn’t bat an eyelash. He was such a laid back, sweet, special boy.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take my own advice and take ton of photos of him while his was still with us, but I do have a few. The saving grace is that (thanks to Prince’s owner); I still have a piece of Prince in my Wrangler. I am heartbroken and full of regret that at just 17, his last hours were spent in pain, instead of enjoying his golden years grazing outside with his son. Though my name wasn’t on his papers; he had my heart, in which he has left a huge void.  

Prince with his Son “Wrangler” (VF Pocket Change)

Yesterday was a harsh reminder to me why what we do as photographers (equine and otherwise) is so, so important. And that any moment could be our last opportunity to enjoy each other and what we so easily take for granted. 

Please, go for that trail ride even though you are busy, linger a little longer in the barn, feed them all the darn treats you want and take all the photos you can because tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us. 

My handsome Prince, 

You never said I’m leaving

You never said goodbye

You were gone before I knew it,

And only God knew why

A million times I needed you,

A million times I cried

If love alone could have saved you,

You never would have died

In life I loved you dearly

In death I love you still

In my heart you hold a place,

That no one could ever fill

It broke my heart to lose you,

But you didn’t go alone

For part of me went with you,

The day God took you home. – Author Unknown

Rest easy sweet boy, until we meet again X

Special thanks to Dr. Chloe Hancock for her compassion and the team at Piedmont Equine for their ongoing dedication to the care of our horses.