Lost my last horse on Monday- I have "empty barn syndrome"

[biophile]

We have had one or more horses at a time for the last 37 years. My horse died 5 years ago; we just had the pony left. He was 30 and not rideable due to laminitic feet but he kept me in equine mode- doing stalls, farrier, vet and trips to the feed store.
He became ill on Monday - after two vet visits and with him still in pain, it was time to say goodbye.
The daily routine is changed- no putting him out, no bringing him in, no stall to clean, no Cushings medicine to mix with oats and applesauce. No more looking for him out in the field, no more buying carrots on 5 lb bags
It’s the end of an era; a phase of my life now done. I’m not a horse mom anymore. *sigh*

[dem4decades]

1. Sorry to hear that.

[biophile]

8. Thank you- it's sad but a part of life

[dem4decades]

10. I lost my 2 dogs this year, first time without a dog for 50 years.

[biophile]

42. 😢

[dem4decades]

49. I dog sat my son's dog for a weekend, it was like my sweethear came back to visit.

It was heaven to me.

[SheltieLover]

2. Deepest condolences

Adopt another to fill your heart, barn, & life with equine joy again?

[biophile]

7. Maybe eventually- I'm going to see how things go

The pony was an adopted animal and it’s not out of the question. Right now, it will mean about $400 savings per month. Being retired, I’ll see if it’s financially and physically better to stay horse-free for now.
But your suggestion is a good one- I can donate a portion of my monthly savings to a local rescue. Not ready to sell my saddles or paraphernalia like hoof picks and halters etc. But will donate the leftover hay to a rescue or fellow retired equine owner.
Thank you for your kind thoughts.

[SheltieLover]

9. Maybe then you can visit the horses, get some quality equine time in?

It's been about 50 yrs since I lozt my beloved horse & I'm still not over it. (He wss sold out from under me.)

Healing vibes on the way to you.

[hamsterjill]

13. Bless your heart - and I do mean that. Thank you.

Thank you for being a responsible animal person. Thank you for taking care of the ones that you have, and for the care you gave this last pony. Horse are very expensive and time consuming. Also - and this is a BIG one - thank you for thinking of others in your time of sorrow by not allowing your resources to go to waste.

You indicate that you are retired, so I'm going to assume you're probably around my age, etc. If my assumption is wrong, please forgive me. I retired last March. I have been involved in animal rescue for the majority of my life. Over the last many years, I've concentrated on cats because they had fewer advocates in my area than dogs do. Two years ago, I realized my lifelong dream of being able to build a cat sanctuary, and we moved all of the cats from TNR colonies, etc. out to a rural piece of property to live out their lives. Because of my age and my committed responsibilities to the ones that we brought here, I refuse to take any new ones in. Some people understand; others don't. But it is a very real concern for me that I be able to see this through and hopefully outlive the kitties here. Many are already quite old and there are none younger than eight. But the years DO make us think differently, don't they?

I don't know if there are horse rescues that need "fosters" but that might be something that would be workable for you until you decide what the appropriate next step is for you. Again - sending hugs and thanks. Animal people are the BEST people!

[biophile]

41. I retired 3 years ago - nearly 70 now

When I retired, I began to volunteer at a local cat rescue. Not sure why, because I feed 18 here on my farm now, so I practically have my own rescue. When you have a rural property, people feel like they can drop off cats and farm owners will just be so happy to have more mouths to feed and take care of. Every year, it seems we get a new one show up.
Congratulations on your rescue and thank you for your work helping animals in need!
Thank you for your gracious response- be well and happy this holiday season!

[sinkingfeeling]

3. I'm so sorry for your loss. I felt so empty after my last dog passed in 2018. I'd never

been without one in 70 years
Hugs.

[biophile]

6. Thank you- it's definitely a change in life

[UpInArms]

4. I am so sorry

I am not ready for that day …

My heart aches for you and my virtual arms are around you

[biophile]

5. Thank you- it is sad but not tragic - it's just an adjustment in routine and attitude 😏

[cate94]

11. I'm sorry

[biophile]

26. Its so kind of you to offer that sentiment- thank you

[StarryNite]

12. Somewhere

Somewhere
Stanley Harrison

Somewhere...somewhere in time's own space
there must be some sweet pastured place.

Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow
some Paradise where horses go.

For by the love that guides my pen
I know great horses live again.

[biophile]

25. That is beautiful- what a lovely thought; thank you

[Hope22]

14. My heart is with you!

Horse mom is a true calling! Amazing work. I’m sorry for your loss. My sister had horses and when she had to let it go we searched YouTube for her horse fixes. Her body wore out before her horses. What you have accomplished was a labor of love. My heart goes out to you! 💗🙏🏼

[biophile]

27. Thank you!

After my horse died and it was just the pony left, I thought of getting another for both of us. But I’m 70 very soon and I need to consider my physical and financial limitations-can’t rule out another but it’s probably not a good idea 😑.

[Bayard]

15. Oh, my......

I understand.

I haven't been horseless for 30+ years now, but its been close a few times. I've lost six since being back in KY. Three were rescues. One had a freak accident where he was running and playing with the others, ran into a tree and broke his neck. The other three were all my retired dressage horses. One mare died a few months after moving here when a freak snowstorm and subzero temperatures hit. We didn't have the barn built yet. Coming from Calif, she just laid down and said--nope. My other mare was 35 years old, and I'd had her since she was five. My gelding, one of the great loves of my life, colic'd severely, and the vet refused to come out. She is no longer my vet.

Right now, we have 2 mini horses, 2 mini donkeys (all rescues,) and my big guy.

I am SO sorry to hear your sad news. It is gut wrenching, and you never quite get over the loss. I hope you'll consider taking in a rescue. There's plenty out there that need good homes, and it sounds like you can provide that, and lots of love.

[biophile]

29. Your understanding is so much appreciated! Thank you

I cannot rule out another but it’s probably not indicated in my current situation. I’m sorry for your unfortunate vet experience. Thankfully my vet was informative and sympathetic.

[irisblue]

16. My deepest sympathies

[biophile]

30. Thank you for your kind words!

[in2herbs]

17. Two years ago, after 27 years, I became a horse-less mom. Often times I had between 10 and 15 horses on property,

owning five of my own. I know how it feels and I also know the horse-less mom feeling doesn't go away. I received a lot of suggestions on how to fill the loss but it was not the same as having your own horse to ride, feed and care for. Depending on your age it does represent a life transition. The memories will give you comfort.

[biophile]

31. Good advice! I appreciate your gracious reminder of all the memories!

I am also into herbs! I’m thinking my next adventure will be beekeeping since I have a lot of plants and garden areas. Have a nice holiday season!

[in2herbs]

50. My neighbor's teenage son is learning to be a bee keeper. In my area it seems that wasps are more prolific than

bees.

I got into herbs and homeopathics because my TB refused shots. Even though the horses are gone I continue to use alternatives in my own life. The vets that I know who had to eat their words when I treated Valley Fever in dogs using alternative medicines, a horse with a broken hip using alternatives, Headshaking Syndrome, using alternatives. The list goes on!

You have a nice holiday as well.

[nuxvomica]

18. I'm sorry to hear of your loss

It's the little things that you miss. In the winter months, I always had to clear a large area around the front porch so that our dog Jackie could do his business as he didn't like getting his paws wet in snow. It was always a chore to do that after a heavy snowstorm. Now I miss it. And yet, that is the real stuff of life, the ordinary, sometimes annoying, things we do for the ones we love. Everything else is trivial by comparison.

[biophile]

32. How true! The little things in our daily routine that we miss!

It’s definitely a pain to dump ice out of water buckets in the winter and of course, this pony died on the coldest night of the year 😖. I never minded doing the stall even in the cold, though.
Thank you for the kind thoughts!

[patphil]

19. Pets are like children that never grow up.

They're family, and always in need of care. It leaves a hole in your life when they die.
I know, I've been through similar experiences several times.
You have my sympathy.

[biophile]

33. It's a feeling every pet parent will know. Thank you very much for your expression of sympathy

[tazcat]

20. I'm so sorry for your loss. Hope you find comfort in knowing he is out of pain now.

[biophile]

34. Thank you - Yes, he is with my horse who passed 6 years ago

Buried about 20 feet away from each other in the pasture!

[calimary]

21. Sorry to hear the news.

That had to be an awfully hard chapter to close.

Our four-legged friends are family.

[biophile]

35. Thank you, Calimary!

It’s a mental adjustment to close that chapter, for sure.

[Botany]

22. There are many Animal rescue agencies just type in horse or animal rescue and your state or county's name

You could get a horse, or a donkey, or another animal for a short time before they find a
forever home. Or you could volunteer @ local rescue center.

[biophile]

36. Thank you! Yes, volunteering seems like a better option at this time

As opposed to taking on total responsibility for another horse. I know not to make any rash decisions too soon after an emotional shock. Will wait until after the New Year to mark a path forward.

[Grim Chieftain]

23. I am so sorry for your loss, biophile

Losing a beloved animal is heartbreaking. I hope you take some comfort in knowing that you gave him love and the best care possible.

Take care. You are in my thoughts.

[biophile]

37. Your kind words are much appreciated!

He was with me for a long time and he was a character! ☺️

[HeartsCanHope]

24. My deepest condolences, biophile.

Last edited Wed Dec 17, 2025, 05:32 PM - Edit history (1)

Thank you for all your love and care for your pony.

Our animal companions bring so much into our lives.

You will be in my thoughts.

[biophile]

38. Thank you so much!

The good news is that I still have lots of other animals (cats and a dog) to care for! They will keep me grounded!

[wendyb-NC]

28. I'm so sorry to hear that

My deepest condolences, may you heal and welcome something new.

[biophile]

39. Thank you, yes, indeed, Wendyb

Not sure what, and will wait a while before making a decision. But the old adage about one door closing and another opening seems to ring true now…..

[wendyb-NC]

44. That's right

Take a little time, for yourself. Peace

[montanacowboy]

40. So sorry

It's so empty without them. I no longer have horses either but nothing will ever replace the feel and smell of hot horse breath on your face on a cold morning after feeding them a hot bran mash.

[biophile]

46. True that! I never really minded the cold weather work

But I also probably won’t miss some of it either! 😆
Thank you for your condolences!

[yonder]

43. I'm sorry for the loss of your companion and perhaps a way of life.

I've never been able to figure out why the loss of an animal friend is often harder than that of people, especially some people. As close as I get is the bond with our four legged friends is an unspoken emotional connection unassisted by the specifics of human language. Of course, we still talk with our "beasts" though it is not a back and forth. Something like that and for me, always a mystery.

Your post was a fine tribute to your friend as well as setting forth how things might change. I'd say give it time and keep the gear. You just never know. Again, sorry.

[biophile]

47. Indeed it is best not to make hasty decisions after a loss

I’ll donate the perishables and excess items. The rest I’ll hold onto for a while- as you said, you never know. Life circumstances can change quickly! I appreciate and agree with your thoughts on our animal companions. Thank you!

[Dear_Prudence]

45. My condolences

I am so sorry for your loss. My late friend was a horse mom. She told me about some tv shows she disliked because they switched out the horses during a scene, figuring no one would notice. Well, she noticed and I'll bet you would too. Being a horse mom is a special gift. I hope the memories are a comfort to you.

[biophile]

48. Thank you, Dear Prudence!

It’s true that I have occasionally noticed the switches in horse characters but I would like to hope they do it so the horses don’t get overworked 🤔. And I do have some wonderful memories!

[Rebl2]

51. Sorry

for you loss. That has to be difficult to lose a cherished horse.

[biophile]

53. Thank you, Rebl2

It’s weird to be thinking about him and then, you realize he’s not around anymore. It takes some adjustment, for sure.

[George McGovern]

52. I'm sorry you lost him biophile. That is hard on a horse mom.

For 15 years my wife and I had a boarding barn for retired horses. After one of our favorites, Charlie Brown, died, I found a painting of The Rainbow Bridge online and placed him onto it. Sent it to his mom.

May your horse be there and rest in peace forever.

[biophile]

54. What a beautiful image!

Thank you for that and the kind thoughts! I believe he is there with my other horses that were waiting for him 🥰

[George McGovern]

55. You are welcome. 🫶🏼