Elly - an ex-racehorse

[aliced]

Elly belonged to a friend who I met when my SIL stabled her horses at the same yard.

Elly was an ex-racehorse and Sam was a groom at the racing stables.  When Elly's career was over Sam took him on and she and he had some great times together.

She showed me photos last year of some of the rides she'd been on through the summer and the fun they'd had.  They both loved jumping and hunting.

Elly was really friendly and used to be stabled opposite Murray.  When I mucked Murray out I used to speak to Elly and he would always take a few moments to assess whether you were friend or foe before allowing you to tickle him.  He was so sweet.  Murray took a dislike to him at one point last winter and leant over their doors and bit him - poor Elly had a huge chunk missing from his nose.  Murray pretended it hadn't been him by lying back down on his bed so we would think he hadn't got up yet that morning!

Sadly Elly died on Sunday but happily he went doing what he loved with Sam.  I only found out yesterday and haven't seen Sam yet but as I understand it he had a heart attack whilst they were out on a fun ride.  I think Sam was injured although I don't know how badly but she's not in work this week.

When I lost my confidence and had to get off Murray in a panic Sam took time out to talk to me and made me feel it would be possible to ride again, and Elly was such a nice boy to be around that I realised even if I never rode I still loved to be near horses. 

It is sad news that he's gone.

Rest in peace Elly.

[Lucia]

Lovely tribute - he sounds a very special lad.
Losing him suddenly like that must have been very traumatic for his rider, Sam, I hope she's ok.  :'(

RIP Elly.

[Liza]

Sounds as though Elly had a lovely retirement and so wonderful for him that he went quickly while having fun.  
Sad for you though and an awful, awful shock for your friend Sam. I do hope she isn't hurt too badly.
R.I.P Elly

[Fizzbw]

Oh your poor friend - I hope she is not too badly hurt or traumatised. He sounds like a star.

Niki xxx

[Maggie_L]

Hoping Sam is ok and  for her. RIP Elly....how lovely he went so quickly doing something he enjoyed with his favourite person  He sounds like a very special lad.

[Louise C]

Not nice for your friend - but what a lovely way to go for Elly.

RIP boy.