Graysons Dusk was a Fell pony. She was 3 years old when she came into my life and I was 12 years old. I was a complete novice to horses and she was an unbacked youngster, she was going to make my first proper pony.
The first few years of our relationship was hard, she was a high spirited youngster and was not easy to get going as a ridden pony. I was determined that one day we get it right. That one day came and we developed a relationship that would continue to grow for the next 17 years.
Over the years, we competed at local and county level shows and continued developing together. We had a great time doing it as well.
I was starting to grow up which meant I was getting too big for Dusk, she was only 12.3hh. That didn't mean she was going anywhere. Dusk was going to stay with me until it was time to say goodbye. She got laminitis in the depths of winter, which was a total shock for me and it broke my heart seeing my best friend in so much pain. She recovered from this until she had further episodes in later years, which then lead to her diagnosis of Cushings Disease. I actually could not believe what was happening to my beloved pony. I didn't give up, I chose to give her the treatment of Pracsend.
I remember the last time I rode her like it was yesterday, we went out hunting on a Boxing Day. It was great, she used to love going fast! I worked 3 jobs to finance her treatment, which included the upkeep of her farrier visits. She then started to develop arthritis in her hocks which led her to being stiff. Dusk now had a more relaxed way of life in her retirement, she went in the field with her field mates. She really was my best friend, she was there for me in the highs and the very lows of my life. She knew when I was upset by putting her head on my shoulder to comfort me. She would nicker at me when I arrived, which I miss everyday.
Dusk was getting older, she turned 20 years old last year and her arthritis was getting worse and Cushings was progressively taking hold of her. I decided that I could no longer bear seeing a pony that gave me so much whilst I was growing up into an adult, so in pain and made the decision in August last year to end our journey in life together. She owed me nothing but taught me everything I know today. We had an incredible time together and she truly was my best friend.
It took me about 6 months after saying goodbye to her to be able to get my bracelet made from her tail. She may not be here in life but I can now have a piece of her with me at all times. She was the greatest pony in the whole world, my bestest friend throughout my childhood and I hope gave her the life she deserved.
I closed a chapter of my life, with all the cherished moments of our time together. I miss her every day.
Thank you for my bracelet, it is lovely. Lauren, January 2019
