Osterley
Celebration (Joe) - a magnificent liver chestnut stock horse gelding by
the well respected stallion Gold Era - who sired a multitude of top show
and performance horses about a decade ago. Joe was bred by Val Bulmer who
started his how career and saddle training. Vicky purchased him as a
school master to learn the more advanced dressage movements.
Joe has
spend the last 7 years with Vicky Roux from Officer in Victoria. She had
regular dressage lessons on him and competed to FEI level with
considerable success.
Vicky's
special friend was put down last Tuesday (26th January) to end his
suffering following complications which arose from laminitis. Vicky and
her family tried to save the horse for five heartbreaking weeks - and they
stopped at nothing to find a remedy.
It was
suggested that, to stand a horse with such a condition in sea water was
known to be of assistance to reduce the inflammation. So volunteers
were sought to drive to the beach to collect large quantities of sea water
in large containers. Alas, Joes condition continued to deteriorate.
I caught up
with Vicky on Saturday the 31st and she said that she had just has the
worst week of her life and could hardly believe that her wonderful friend
was no longer part of her life.
Vicky said
"He was just about to start a Grand Prix and showed such talent for
Piaffe/Passage. He was so strong and balanced and a delightful
willing temperament - he always tried to please. I am so sad, I can
hardly bring myself to go to the stables. I am sure that my lovely
young horses will eventually fill the gap - but at the moment, all I want
is Joe back with me"
In would like to wish Vicky
our sincere sympathies - It is an awful time and we feel so empty and
powerless at our inability to put things right - I trust that the love and
support of friends will help Vicky through this very sad time in her life.
Berni and all Cyberhorse fans.
