Yesterday Chance our 10 year old paint Tennessee Walker came back to our house after spending several months grazing on a field a few miles away from us. Chance had a large open wound in his rear hind quarter just below his tail. It was quite large and draining so we immediately loaded him in a trailer and took him to the vet. The vet told us that the wound was a carcinoma and that there was really nothing he could do to help him. He said that paint horses are especially susceptible to these on the white part of their skins. Sadly the decision was made to euthanize him to prevent him from suffering. He will be buried on the farm next to ours by our good friend George Holmes as we could not stand to watch the process.
Chance was a member of our family, really more of a pet than a saddle horse. He would come when we called him he never required any chasing. He would follow me around the field like a dog when I was working outside. Chance would stand outside the fence by our backyard and call us when he wanted an apple, a carrot or just a little companionship. When he was being trained a saddle went on him the first time and we rode away, never bucking or fighting like so many horses will when they first encounter what man has to offer. He was never moody or unpredictable any child or person could climb up on his back, he would calmly accept strangers and family members alike. Chance had a large heart and an intelligent mind.
Bruce the vet was very kind and said that he knows how hard it is to lose a friend like this and the question is whether it is better to avoid the pain by having no animal friends, or if life is better with them in spite of the risk we take in losing them.
George drove me home after leaving Chance and told me that I could have one of his new colts if I wanted one. I told him thanks a lot, George is a good friend and that I would think about it. I don't think I am ready yet.
Chance was just another pretty face he would always come when we called him
Chance running with his lady friends in in our back field (Thanks to Brian for the great photo)
Kelli Our Daughter-in-laws first horseback ride on Chance
