Kirby (1998-2020)

[Kirby's Keeper]

Yesterday morning I said goodbye to Kirby. aka "the Kirbster" and Shocked By The Mist (AQHA). I made the decision after realizing the increasing extent of his issues related to Cushing's and aging. He went quietly after grazing in the bright morning sun. Thank you Dr. John, Sarah and Carla from Rideau-St. Lawrence Vets for all of your loving care over the years.

Kirby has been a huge part of my life for the past 20 years. I bought him as a 2 year old from McBride Quarter Horses near Almonte. He was barely started with only 10 rides before I tried him out. He wobbled about finding his balance with me on board. He also didn't understand half of what I was asking, but he tried so hard to understand. It was that try, his bright-eyed inquisitive personality and his athleticism that had me sold. I brought him home July 1, 2000.

Over the years we had our share of ups and downs. Partial tears in hind suspensory ligaments, surgery to remove a bone chip in his fetlock, chronic pain after the surgery and finally Cushing's were the downs. Kirby was also there for me when my husband Harry succumbed to cancer after 3 years of treatments. The ups were the days when we were able to get out and enjoy a relaxing trail ride, when we learned a new dressage movement and he would puff himself up with pride, and just spending quiet time together at the barn. It was so funny when the animal communicator said that he knew a lot of swear words. He must have learned them from the other horses LOL.

Through Kirby I learned about equine bodywork and Bowen Therapy in particular. Bowen Therapy was what gave him relief from chronic pain he had after his surgery. I will always be grateful to Linda Cho who gave me my sweet pony back through her use of Bowen. Since that time he has been my prime guinea pig for learning equine Bowen as well as other modalities to help other horses. Also, I have gone on to become a certified Bowen Therapy practitioner for people which is opening up a whole new chapter in my life.

The last few years have been spent trail riding only since Kirby physically couldn't do ringwork any more. All of the moves were still there including his party piece shoulder-in to renver and back. I will always have thoughts of what might have been in our dressage career. With Liz Steacie's guidance, we got up to a solid 3rd level before his legs said no more. He had found his big boy trot by coiling and fully engaging his Quarter Horse butt, which makes you thankful for dressage saddles with a high cantle. Flying changes, halfpass and pirouettes were all there. He even offered passage and piaffe. Gotta love a supple, athletic horse with a willing mind. I don't know if I will ever find another like him.

Rest easy, Ponyboy. I know you are safe with Harry, Sparky and Georgia.

Robyn

[StraightForward]

I am so sorry. It sounds like you have a wonderful relationship and he was loved until the end.

[PaulaO]

What a lovely tribute. May his memory be a blessing.

[Flight]

So sorry for your loss, sounds like you had a lovely partnership.

[khall]

God speed Kirby. So sorry for your loss:(

[Srhorselady]

I’m so sorry. It is so hard to lose them.

[silk]

Having lost my own mare recently, who was with me for 20 years, I feel your pain dreadfully <3

Fly free, Kirby, and huge hugs to you Robyn

[exvet]

My sincerest condolences. This is the toughest part of having them be a part of our lives. You do a fantastic job expressing what an honor it was to have him share your life and vice versa. Sounds like a heart horse who hit the jackpot when it came to owners. Godspeed Kirby and hugs to you.

[heddylamar]

What a lovely tribute to your Kirby. He sounds like a wonderful, willing partner. So many hugs, Robyn. This part sucks

[acheyarcher]

I am so sorry for your loss. I too fell in love with a ranch QH and your story reflected all of his good qualities. I know you lost a true friend and unique spirit. Sending you a big hug and understanding.

[Chisamba]

I am so sorry

[Ryeissa]

So hard, its the anniversary when I lost Ryeissa in 2011 (11-19/2011) Always sad to loose them but i am glad you have so many memories

[texsuze]

Thanks for sharing and for your tribute to Kirby. So many memories to keep him in your heart. My oldster (29) is half Trake/half QH and I've always felt that his flash and pep com from the Trake, but his brains and athleticism are QH.

[Sunshine2Me]

I am so sorry. Godspeed Kirby. I am glad you had each other.

[Kirby's Keeper]

Thank you all for your virtual hugs. It was not an easy decision but I didn't want to have to make an emergency call in the middle of the winter. I recently discovered that he was going blind and that along with his other issues was too much. I never realized how much I worried about him until now. I feel selfish in saying a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can't wait for 2020 to be over.

[khall]

Kirby I know exactly how you feel. As difficult as it is to have to make this decision it is a relief to not have to worry over them night and day. I faced this with three of the five I’ve had to make this decision on. Especially two who would not lay down to sleep because of djd and they would get so sleepy they would fall over. So yeah I completely understand where you are coming from

[Koolkat]

I feel selfish in saying a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Robyn - You set Kirby free from his body which had taken away his quality of life. You did the right thing, even knowing it would cause you great pain. Wishing you well, may the memories soon bring you only joy. KK

[KathyK]

I feel selfish in saying a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Robyn - You set Kirby free from his body which had taken away his quality of life. You did the right thing, even knowing it would cause you great pain. Wishing you well, may the memories soon bring you only joy. KK

I understand how you would feel this way; I think many of us here understand it. But you were far from selfish. They are never with us long enough. As your pain eases, warm memories will fill the hole in your heart. My thoughts and sympathy are with you.

[exvet]

There is no shame in feeling relief from stress. It just demonstrates how deep your care and love was and is. Many of us have or will go through this. There should never be any negative judgment (coming from ourselves or others) for sparing another being of inevitable suffering.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

So sorry for your loss. He sounds special.

[Moutaineer]

I am sorry. You gave him the life every horse should be so lucky as to have.

And I totally understand where you are coming from.

[piedmontfields]

Thinking of you. Godspeed, Kirby. I do understand the release and relief for you both.

[Kyra's Mom]

My condolences.

Susan

[Benatus]

Many condolences. Godspeed Kirby!!!