Farewell to Two Very Special Horses
The past week has been an incredibly difficult one for the MC Equestrian family, as we have said goodbye to two of our most loved horses, Molly and Scotty.
Both were very different characters, but each left an enormous mark on our school, our team, and the many riders whose lives they touched.
Molly
Dee and Sarah bought Molly in the very early days of MC Equestrian. At the time she was just five years old and remains the only mare, and the only green horse, who ever truly settled into life as a school horse.
Our wonderful German coach at the time, Anne, took Molly under her wing and helped shape her into the incredible horse she became. Molly was intelligent, willing, and had the most wonderful temperament.
Molly was an excellent teacher for our students. She quickly became our go-to horse for nervous riders and students with additional needs. Calm, gentle and endlessly patient, Molly's response to an unbalanced or anxious rider was usually to stop and wait. She was also quite opinionated and wasn't afraid to let riders know when she felt they were asking the wrong question!
Beyond her steady nature, Molly was a talented athlete who loved cross-country outings and competitions. With her striking colouring and solid build, she was impossible to miss and easy to love.
When Molly suddenly became very unwell last week, our wonderful vet Emily responded immediately arriving within 15 minutes then taking Molly straight to arranged emergency surgery. Sadly, the prognosis was hopeless, and we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go.
She was far too young, and her loss has left a huge hole in our hearts. Molly had an enormous fan club among our staff, riders and families, teaching many people how to ride with ther calm patient manner and she will be deeply missed by all.
Scotty
Scotty was the first horse to start the MC Equesrian Riding School. He was there from the very beginning.
He came to us in his late teens after being given away by an owner with little time. As we brought him back into work, we discovered a beautiful, educated, athletic horse with the sweetest nature and an incredible love of people.
Every year we thought retirement must surely be around the corner, but Scotty had other ideas. He loved having a job and threw himself into everything he did. Over his lifetime he had been a racehorse, a high-level eventer, and a much-loved schoolmaster to countless riders.
He taught many students their first jumping lessons, carried riders safely through their early equestrian journeys, and somehow never seemed to lose his enthusiasm. Even into his twenties, he could still surprise us with his speed and athleticism.
Most importantly, Scotty was simply happy. He greeted every day, every rider and every horse with enthusiasm. He was loved by everyone who met him.
A few months ago, Scotty began to show signs of neurological decline. Although he remained cheerful and content, we knew the time would eventually come. He enjoyed a short retirement in our spelling paddock, where he supervised a rotating cast of holidaying school horses and received plenty of attention, treats and, of course, bananas.
When the day came, we were able to say goodbye before his condition progressed to a point where life would have become difficult for him. He left us peacefully, free from stress and pain.
Scotty lived to the remarkable age of 27 and was happy right until the end.
Forever Part of MC Equestrian
Horses like Molly and Scotty don't come along very often. They were teachers, partners, confidence-builders and friends. They helped shape MC Equestrian into what it is today and created memories that will stay with so many people for years to come.
In a small blessing amidst our sadness, Molly and Scotty spent the week before their passing together out on spell, galloping through green paddocks, grazing side by side and enjoying life to the fullest. We are thankful they had that special time together.
We are heartbroken to have lost them both so close together, but we are incredibly grateful for the years we shared with them.
Thank you, Molly and Scotty. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.