Dog Community

rigoletto

Posted : 3/31/2008 8:26:12 PM

Well, some very sad news from my family today. As those who know me already know, my sister is a professional equestrian. One of the horses she owns is very dear to her heart and thought by those in the community to be the one that she goes to the olympics or pan am games on. He was a 7 year old dutch warmblood and he went to the bridge today. He was a unique and spirted horse that was deemed "impossible to ride" by two other professionals before he came to my sister. They were like music together and I'm sure they would have gone far. Last friday he became suddenly ill and was rushed to the vet. Over the last several days his condition deteriorated and he passed. An autopsy revealed that he had severe ulcerative colitis which perforated. This is almost more then my sister can bare, she just had her second child Molly one week ago and she is especially emotional right now. I can't express to you how stunning the pair were when they last competed in "cool august nights" at the LA equestrian center last fall right before she found out she was pregnant. Although she rides several horses, this in particular was the equine reflection of my beautiful 5'11'' sis. Please pray for Rigoletto to be well at the bridge and for my sister to recover from this terrible loss. Thanks guys :(

ottoluv

Posted : 3/31/2008 8:32:27 PM

Here are some pics from about 18 months ago

pofi_pasquale

Posted : 3/31/2008 8:49:46 PM

What a wonderful name for a beautiful and spirited horse; I am so sorry for your sister's loss of this gorgeous animal she was so in synch with. I wish her much comfort and peace for handsome Rigoletto.

calliecritturs

Posted : 3/31/2008 8:54:13 PM

What a terrible shame -- and sooooo young. Horses live so long - gosh that's like losing a child in so many ways. I will certainly keep her in my thots and prayers ... would the Rainbow Bridge poem help??

It's funny - my dogs have no experience with horses at all (I'm allergic, a city dweller, etc. I like them - just have limited exposure to them)

But a group brings horses to Give Kids the World where we do pet therapy -- and in particular they occasionally come to the area we sit at ... and it was funny. Foxy the Mostlie Sheltie (NOT the bravest dog around "animals" usually -- usually avoided them from the smallest to largest) -- FOXY made friends with this horse named Star. A strange relationship to be sure -- but after a few months, Foxy's day wasn't complete until he saw Star. Maybe simply because both were elderly, I dunno.

So let's hope Rigoletto found that perfect friend as he lept the Bridge (I'm convinced some don't sedately walk *over* the Bridge -- and those legs were born to run!!!). My heart breaks for your sister -- and how nice of you to remember Rigoletto and your sister this way!

Sera_J

Posted : 3/31/2008 8:57:22 PM

Stunning horse... i'm just SO sorry for your sister, it's never easy losing a beloved pet, but in their prime, and with this supposed to be a happy time just makes it so much more tragic.

I hope Molly keeps mom busy and her mind on happier things.

Run Free Rigoletto.

maizysmom

Posted : 3/31/2008 10:55:32 PM

What a beautiful horse.I'm so sorry for your sister's lose. We will keep them in our prayers.

Bonita of Bwana

Posted : 3/31/2008 11:12:42 PM

Rigoletto has broken into a trot, he tosses his mane and seems to laugh as he sidesteps comets and dances through a meteor shower. The stars that were always there in his deep beautiful eyes are now all around him , a celestrial play ground... a true Heavenly pasture. He know no pain, never loses his wind. His footing is sure as he leaps the rings of Saturn and baskes in the warmth of Mercury. The bridge he used to cross was efffortless, a path well earned and scattered with the star dust that makes the black of his coat shimmer as if echoing the dark balnket of the night with it's stars. The song for which he was named , a song that required commitment to sing , an audience who could listen not with ears only but with an open heart seems very much like the relationship he found with your sister. Rigoletto now canters , he feels the joy of a sun burst filling him with healing warmth and lighting up the universe around him, he can canter forever , ears forward and eyes lit up, he listens for the sound of the heavens, sounds we may never know but he thrives on. One day Rigoletto will break into a gallop, many, many years from now he will come, flying to your sister's side. He will be there when it is her time to cross and he will once more carry her, without a saddle, no bridle and reins needed. he will show her the universe, race with her to spaces that she will glory in. He knew her unconditional love and returned it. The bridge is not as far as we think, it is only a heartbeat and a dream away...

Please tell your sister we have lit a candle for the big horse , it will celebrate his life and remind him as he explores his new unlimmited paddock that he was loved and exhaulted as only the very special can be.

Bonita of Bwana

nymaureen

Posted : 4/1/2008 3:06:47 PM

What a gorgeous looking horse. I am so sorry for your sisters loss...to be so sudden. Wishing her the best in her recovery.

cakana

Posted : 4/1/2008 3:57:43 PM

Kelly - I'm very, very sorry. Rigoletto was certainly a beautiful horse and I can only imagine what a sad and shocking time this has been. I'm sure you'll give great comfort to your sister but do tell her that some idog folks will be sending caring vibes her way too.

tacran

Posted : 4/1/2008 6:32:49 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Rigoletto. Please send our condolences to your sister. What beautiful photos you posted! I've never had the pleasure of really knowing a horse, but the ones I've met through friends and family were all gorgeous, regal and majestic creatures. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it is for your sister to lose her dear friend at such a young age. Not that it would be easier at any age, but the shock of having good health one minute and saying goodbye the next . . . my heart goes out to her. May she find comfort imagining Rigoletto feeling healthy and strong at the Bridge, meeting new friends and finding wonderful places to run and graze.

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 4/4/2008 5:12:26 PM

What a regal looking creature he was. I'm so sorry for your sister. Please extend my condolences to her. Gallop free, Rigoletto!

dyan

Posted : 4/6/2008 8:47:52 PM

I am so very sorry. Please tell your sister for us all. He was so beautiful..so magnificent!

Bonita of Bwana, what a great post from you!