TREW Roycene - Rehomed, dec.
Roycene is a 20 year old Thoroughbred Mare. This mare is a classic example that neglect is not always caused through blatant indifference. Prior to his falling ill, the elderly gentleman owner, (he is in his 80's), had been seen regularly visiting his horses and feeding them.
Sometimes an unexpected or unfortunate circumstance can result in a horse finding itself in an unacceptable position. If an owner has little support in these cases, often their horse/s will suffer. Quite often an owner in such a situation is not aware of any options available to them. Extending a helping hand might initially be met with defensiveness and anger at your interference, but sensitive perseverance may win the day for the horse/s involved. Roycene is proving to be a soft natured mare; a little anxious at times with new things, but this is perfectly understandable considering how little human interaction she has had in her lifetime.
She had to be introduced to a halter & leading, to dentistry, rugging, worming, farrier work, & countless other things horses learn in the first year of their lives. A slow process, but with gentle care it can be, and was, achieved. Having had little interaction with people, she needed to learn trust in the human species. Roycene was not rideable and a home as a companion/best friend was the best future for her. She’s a lovely quiet and gentle girl, both with humans and other horses, but must go to an experienced home who understands that she comes from a background of virtually no handling for 20 yrs. She is easy to rug, groom, catch etc... but it always has to be done quietly, calmly and gently.
The daughter of her past owner was able to fill in her past. Apparently Roycene was bred by her father (TB x TB). As a youngster apparently Roycene jumped a fence in a thunder storm, and injured herself and was not touched since. She said that if they had to move paddocks etc., they would ride the other horses and Roycene would follow, as they didn't even Halter break her. The daughter has a property and horses, and is going to take in the remainder of her father's horses, as her father is now in a nursing home. Unfortunately she was not prepared to take Roycene in.
Roycene was eventually offered a wonderful home by a big hearted young lady, Leah as a companion to her horse Blu. Leah is a Vet Nurse by profession, and she has opened up her heart and home to Roycene, providing Roycene the very best of care and attention. Leah quickly became very fond of the old girl, and we were always so thrilled to hear news from them through the TREW Forum. Leah had recently noticed some changes within Roycene. She arranged immediate Veterinary attention, and has been investigating Roycene's problems with her Vets for the past couple of days.
Sadly, Roycene was laid to rest, as her quality of life deteriorated rapidly, a tumour of the liver suspected. Her condition became critical, and Leah made the hardest, but the right decision.
TREW will be forever grateful to Leah for providing Roycene with one on one care, love, and attention in the final period of her life. Leah is to be commended for her commitment and sincerity in taking in a girl who was only ever going to be needing care, without the consideration of what she was ever going to 'get out of it' herself. Thank you to Leah, from the many people who came to know and love Roycene in her time with us.
Rest In Peace sweet girl.
