So SAD

Well Oksana was found dead this morning and unfortunately her death was not as peaceful as Indy's. There are days that you wish you could have a do-over even if it had the same ending.  Oksana died of colic, a horrible death for her. Mike and Diane found her body less than 200 yards from Indy's body and it is pretty sure they both died on the same night.  Indy's death was written about on yesterday's blog before we knew that Oksana was also gone. The ground around Oksana was terribly churned up. Oh how I grieve for her. If ONLY, if only I had gone out one day earlier. When we discovered Roxanne colicking she was taken to Hoerr vet clinic and kept comfortable until it was obvious that he couldn't keep her comfortable then she was humanly put down.  I would have done that for Oksana in a heart beat. Now for the record we have never had a horse colic at Middle Grove before Oksana. There is abundant grass, many many acres so the horses graze while moving, they never go without food but there is always a first in this horse business and colic is something the Friesian breed seems to be prone to. These mares were both wonderful. They both loved people, they were both born here and became amazing performance horses. They were both Raven daughters and we will truly miss them. Indy was born the 4th of July 2010. We celebrated her birth and knew she was special from the moment she stood up. Below she is just a few hours old.

In November of 2010 she was able to perform in her very first parade with her mama.

and she went on from that first performance to perform year after year at the IL Horse Fair in front of thousands. Her most famous was her performances in the Pirates of the Caribbean.

She enjoyed going to trail rides, camping, and local shows.

Oksana was also born here June 16th,  2012 out of Eliza by Raven.

She was another one we knew would be special and special she was. Below she is pictured at 2 years of age out at Middle Grove.

She was not yet quite 3 when she was in her first performance at the IL Horse Fair with Emily.

She was taught to joust after Ribbon died and even that didn't faze her.

Oksana was also the horse used for mom for her last long trail ride. She was so steady and willing and loved going out on the trails. We could always count on her to keep her rider safe. Oh how we will miss both of these mares. I thank our Lord Jesus for the opportunity to take care of them for their entire lives. To lose both on the same day is just devastating but again we know the Lord gives and the Lord takes as HE sees fit. Blessed be HIS name.