07/10/2024
THANK YOU ALL who commented and reached out to us personally. You have no idea how much it means to us! He was so admired and cared for even after his forced retirement. Thank you all. Everyone - near and far, friends and followers, and strangers who admired the true majestic strength and beauty of GG Oz the Wizard (“Oz”). We cannot express the appreciation we have for so many of you who offered words of love, condolence, and support for Oz. There are no words for me to express our heartfelt appreciation.
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ~ All Gypsy Horse Owners, Breeders, Trainers, Fans, and Futurists ALL EQUESTRIAN ENTHUSIASTS!
Today, we (Windkiss Ranch) had to make the ever agonizing decision to euthanize the great Hall-of-Fame Gypsy stallion, GG Oz the Wizard.
We feel exceptionally proud to have been the chosen home of this magnificent stallion. The entire team and I tried our absolute best to provide him with a safe haven of security, tenderness and affection, nutrition, safe breeding and care, pasture time, cushy accommodations and of course honest pure love…. In addition to the best medical treatments one could ever hope for – including new technology, new cutting-edge injections or anything else we could do for him no matter what!
In the end, the painful arthritis in Oz’s knees was just too much to bear for him. Even with these “cutting edge treatments and therapeutic remedies” --- no money we put towards Oz gave him the comfort (free of pain), nor restored his health.
We ensured he had the absolute best care as possible at the incredible equine vet facility during in the last couple of weeks at Harbour Ridge Equine, in Palm City, Florida. They housed him in a prime, corner 30x30 cushioned stall with a huge amount of shavings, fans, alfalfa, plenty of cool baths, and a beautiful green view of the oaks and pasture; in addition to plenty of visits from the incredible veterinarian staff who adored Oz.
Today Oz was treated with boatloads of carrots and apples and the best scratches on those hard-to-reach spots! Some hand grazing and lots of love… “Anything Oz wanted.”
I, personally, was with Oz to the very end. I always feel that my purpose in these amazing creatures’ lives is to provide a sense of love and affection even up until the very last breath. Whispering to them to run free and enjoy the next journey… and how we will miss him! As it was time to help Oz across the “Rainbow Bridge”, we did the slow walk to the grassy site near the breeding barn. With that famous sniff in the air and proud stance, Oz stopped and let out a final “king” call of sorts (a stallion whinnying) to let those in the breeding barn know he was still on property for one final walk.
We believe the last 20 months at Windkiss Ranch absolutely must have been an extreme highlight to Oz – he talked to us with his snickers and his quivering lip when scratched in a particular spot; he came to the front of the stall to demand attention or an extra flake of hay; he drifted to a therapeutic ‘sleep’ white standing in the wash stall. I believe we all made him feel like a celebrity (of sorts) of our barn because he was!
I reflect at this moment…. The moment of incredible greatness has ended in my view. The offspring must now carry on the legacy. In thinking of Oz …. I am angry for moments in his past for which I was reminded of daily when I turned the corner to see Oz’s branded face. I am happy for what we could provide since the day Oz arrived. I am sad today that every option to maintain Oz’s comfort has been exhausted. I seek to be optimistic for the future generations through Oz's incredible progeny
He was 18-years young. Rest in Peace magnificent GG OZ THE WIZARD! WE WILL FOREVER MISS YOU!
Photos by Cheri Prill and Mark J. Barrett Windkiss Ranch
