In late December, chapter member Carol Alonso had to put down her beloved old Thoroughbred, Arthur. She had ridden him every day for 27 years, up until two weeks before his death when they were practicing their upcoming Century Cup ride.
Later that day, needing to express her grief, writer Carol sat down and wrote the following tribute to Arthur. A few weeks later the East Bay CDS Chapter board accepted Carol’s proposal to institute an “Arthur Alonso Memorial Trophy”. This perpetual trophy will be presented annually to the oldest horse 20 and over, owned by a chapter member, and with a score over 58%, who competed in one of that year’s East Bay CDS three star shows.
The intent of this trophy is to reward owners/riders who take exceptionally good care of their horses, keeping the horses fit and working in old age. It is for the owner/rider who loves and respects her old horse enough to show him even though they may not win.
Tribute to Arthur Alonso
Arthur Alonso: April 20, 1978 - December 29, 2009
With infinite sadness we share the passing today of Carol’s wonderful Thoroughbred, Arthur. In two days he would have been officially 32 and they would have qualified together to ride their Century Cup.
Carol rescued the young racehorse Palladian (Arthur) from slaughter 27 years ago, and they have been buddies ever since. With care Arthur became sleek, agile, elegant, and athletic. They did jumpers, which he loved. When Carol passed 50, they switched to dressage. Arthur was a challenger – bold, fast, proud, forward, aggressive, intelligent, hot-blooded, exceedingly strong. A horse with a strong work ethic, Arthur demanded respect.
Recently old Arthur developed narcolepsy, falling down while sleeping standing in his stall. Three times in the last two weeks he required extensive sutures for major head injuries. This time the vet said, it’s not fair to make him go through this cycle again and again – the injury, the drugs, the suturing, the inability to get out and move freely for a long long time.
Through her tears as she hugged Arthur in his stall, Carol said, “I know, it is time.” What propelled her decision was a desire to have him go while he was still proud and happy, before a series of embarrassing and deflating injuries make him feel depressed, worthless and hopeless. Still she could not look Arthur in the eye because as she hugged him she could feel his great love and his pure trust that his Mom would fix what was wrong.
As she walked Arthur up the long hill road in the sun he was alert, happy and interested in all he saw. He ate her carrots despite his bloody head. His body looked fit, sleek and beautiful, his walk was steady and athletic, he was still the proud direct descendant of Man O’ War. Carol felt grief at the 100% trust he put in her as they made their last walk together to his death. At a knoll above his final resting place, Arthur stopped and gazed proudly with interest at the vista of rolling green hills below, with the blue bay in the distance. Carol wanted to remember him looking proudly out over the hills, but when she walked away Arthur tried to follow her, it broke her heart.
Walking sadly down the hill, Carol had an intense craving wish that she would hear Arthur whinny as he broke away from his destiny and galloped back down the road to be with his Mom. But instead they caught up with her and silently handed her his halter.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Carol..
So very sorry to hear about Arthur. Believe me, I know too truly how you feel, since I had to put down my beloved Erik (Viking Grog), on February 23rd. He had been fighting lymphoma for two years, and then developed in inability to swallow properly, followed by resultin infections….as you say, it was time. Erik was only 24, but I had had him since he was four. How fortunate Arthur was to have such a long and happy life with you.
Sandy M.
Robin, it would be lovely if Arthur’s old friend Indy would compete for Arthur’s memorial trophy!
Carol and the EB Chapter,
I love this idea!! Having an older horse who still works and will be 23 in a week, I may set my sights on this trophy!! How fun would it be to compete for it with Indy who knew Arthur and was stabled with him for many years… We’ll give it a try! What a wonderful thing to do in Arthur’s memory.