Sadness at HSKR

[kimk]

I'm saddened to say that this morning I had to have my 33 year old Mustang mare Tahnay Nepah ( means "Snow Princess" in Comanche ) put to sleep. Tahnay was the beginning of my love affair with Mustangs and she introduced me to Kigers in 1989. She was gathered as a yearling from the Smyth Creek HMA in 1976. Smyth Creek is now part of the Kiger HMA.
She taught me so much, and gave so much of herself. She was a reining horse in her younger years, a parade horse, a show horse, but what she really loved was mountain trail riding, of which she and I logged many many miles. She was truly the matriarch of Horse Springs Kiger Ranch, even though she never had any foals for me, she sure did love being grandma to the babies and because of her I am where I am. I was blessed to have her in my life for 23 years.
My heart breaks today but I know she is in a better place.
Kim
Horse Springs Kiger Ranch

[fantasykiger]

I am so sorry to hear that you have had to say Good-Bye to a precious old friend. Tahnay sounds as if she will always hold a special place in your heart and be remembered very fondly there at Horse Springs Ranch forever and a day.

[lindad]

Kim,
My thoughts will be with you, as you go through this difficult time. Focus on the joy that you brought to each other and the bond that will never end to get you through it.
Linda D

[nrly]

my heart breaks and I cry at the news of you loosing your friend, and special mare. always remember her love and friendship, and picture her galloping across the sky with other's of her herd that were there to welcome her home to them.She is now watching over you and your herd.
Nola

[citykid]

Our deepest regrets for your loss. This type of family member loss would devastate the soul if not for the mending powers of special memories of your beloved snow princess. Peace to you and your family.

[stormyranch]

Kim,
We are so sorry for your loss. Kevin and I both lost our old guys this last year. I smile often when I think of all the good times we had with them. You will too, before long.
Kevin and Lisa

[lindaf]

I can only image what it is like to lose a partner of that long standing. Obviously you were a blessing to her and she to you. I hope that sadness will be replaced by warm memories as soon as possilbe.

Linda F

[J]

I'm sorry for your loss. The right thing is never an easy decision when it comes to setting them free. 33 years is quite a testament to the love and care you've given.

[stlkigers]

Kim:

So sorry to hear about your loss of Tahnay....I too lost my first mustang that brought me to these wonderful Kiger mustangs we all love and it was like loosing a piece of myself. Hopefully the raw pain will fade and you can treasure the great memories even more so!

Angela

[DianneC]

Hey Kim, so sorry to hear of your loss. Special horses are such a gift.

[kimk]

Thank you all for the kind words. Tahnay is so very missed already. We buried her here on the farm yesterday, and my niece ( who learned to ride on Tahnay ) and her 7 year old daughter
( who also learned to ride on Tahnay ) came up to say a final fairwell and begin piling large stones on top her gravesite. Alexis ( the 7 year old ) had a "special rock" she wanted to place there, so we decided we would create a mound of stones over her grave.
I have saved a significant amount of mane and tail hair and would like to have someone make a braided horsehair bracelet for me out of it, so if any of you know of anyone with such a talent please let me know.
thanks again everyone for your condolences.
Kim

[JoanMRK]

I'm so sorry for your loss Kim. Tahnay sounds like quite a blessing. Great idea with the bracelet!