First picture above is Tigger after we got him home. Next one is Tigger when we went to get him, he didn't want any part of people or loading into the trailer. Next picture is Sassy just after we brought her home. She was terrified of people. Tigger was an 8 yr old gelding that I was very fond of. He trusted me. He was put down on August 5th 2005 because of a positive coggins. I fought a 3 month battle with State vets. I had 275 yards of the 300 necessary to keep the distance to keep them alive but the state vets wouldn't budge. Even after I found a place in Florida that would accept these 2 positive horses, the state vets wouldn't allow the transport. I couldn't transport them to a haven in Florida but I could transport them to be killed. I just couldn't understand it. It was starting to turn colder, of course there was no way the disease could spread now. Why couldn't I move them? I was devastated. I miss him so much. 
I have more pictures of Tigger because I was able to win his trust. I was able to saddle him but never had our first ride.
His sister Sassy was 5 and she was also put down because of the positive coggins. I had Sue come out to start working with Sassy and she started doing very well but then her wild nature kicked in and she didn't want any part of training.
45 days later the other horses were tested and they all came back negative. I was relieved yet sad because this basically means that Tigger & Sassy were more than likely inapparent carriers and maybe never would have transferred the disease to the others and maybe would have never gotten sick from it either, we'll never know.
After their last ride in the trailer I went back to the farm and I didn't want to leave. I went down to their pasture to see what was left...their water tank, a half eaten round bale, and their empty feed pans. Finally after I left the farm I didn't want to go back. I knew I'd look for them in their back pasture and they wouldn't be there. I didn't feel I had a reason to go back. I talked to my trainer about it and this is what she wrote for me.....
When you look beyond the fence line and see that we're not there, Please remember that we'll never forget how much you really cared.
We appreciate all the love you put into our souls,
Often making us feel as though we were, once again, newborn foals.
When you look beyond the fence line and see an empty space
We're hoping for thoughts of joy to replace those tears on your face.
Although our time together was taken away too soon
We'll always be watching over you through the sun, the stars and the moon.
When you look beyond the fence line you should not feel all alone
For a part of you came with us the day we went to God's home
And although we didn't want us to, so soon, be put to rest
We assure you, dear friend, that our spirit and soul still feel the very best.
When you look beyond the fence line and think of us for awhile
Remember all the fun we shared and those times we made you smile.
Remember how we'd run the fields, but never run away
We'll never forget your gentle touch on our coats of bay.
So, when you look beyond the fence line don't think we're far apart
For every time you think of us, we're right there in your heart.
-In loving memory of Tigger and Sassy
by Susan Tank
This good ole gal Lucky developed cancer and was laid to rest on our own property on October 17th, 2009. She will be greatly missed. She taught young riders a ton. RIP ole girl and run free of pain. In her younger days, she was a PMU mare.
