29/01/2025
Vale Stripes
Another sad day at Willow Farm as one of the faithful former Leg-Up horses was laid to rest. She has been disfigured for a long time in one nostril with a cancerous growth for which nothing could be done, but it has grown slowly. Until recently when new growths popped up in other spots on her body, and the decision was made. Very old but still in lovely condition, she looked so well apart from the growths, so it was hard to part with an otherwise healthy looking horse.
She spent her final night under starry skies and enjoyed a sunny day today. Shortly after she was laid to rest, gentle rain fell. It was a fitting farewell to a faithful horse who arrived here years ago in shocking condition but rallied to become a wonderful therapy horse, the darling of many hurting children and young people. Well done, Stripes, good and faithful servant.
Special thanks to Vet Services team Henry and Morag, digger man Justin from Needadigga, Colin Lindsay who made sure Stripes was laid carefully in the grave, and good friend Margaret Devon whose sixth sense saw her turn up with a meal without having been told about the sad day lying ahead. All good and kind people. Thank you.
