Abbotswood

On Easter Monday, 9th April 2007, our beloved British Champion Show Cob Millie was put to sleep after a horrific foaling on Good Friday and severe complications which eventually claimed her life.

Millie touched the lives of so many family and friends.  Her extremely good nature, her generous attitude to life and her love of people and life will be something we will miss so dreadfully, and never replace.

We are as a family so touched by everyone's concern and prayers for her during her fight for life following her general anaesethic and 24 hour intensive care since Good Friday.   Millie's loss has been absolutely heartbreaking for me personally - she took me to high's I had never been before, never thought I could achieve.  She never once said "No" - instead, she took me - "we can do it together".    Her crowning glory being current British Working Hunter Champion at the BSPA National Championships, 2006 and always placed at the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead.   She was my dream horse.

 During the whole time we had her, never once did we ever see her pull a face, nap, bite, kick or otherwise.  She loved people, life, was a huge kind character.  She was even popular in the field with her other horsey friends.  The whole family loved Millie.  She instilled confidence in Will and he loved her incredibly fast gallops - he always felt safe and she carried him with gusto - he also loved scratching her and watching her pull funny faces with her mouth.  Charlotte often hacked her out and about and she was always safe and steady.  Even Imogen hopped on her from time to time - just to ride the 'big lady'.   Millie was just easy.  Just so easy.  Even getting her in foal was easy.  She was a huge part of our life here at Abbotswood, and we are so sad that her life has been cut short - just at the real beginning of her career.

It was her bravery throughout this horrendous ordeal that over everything I shall remember most. 

Our thanks as a family go to Lyn Stone, Alison and Rocky, Holly, Russell, Lizzie and the marvellous team at Priors Farm - Philip, Gemma, Ben, Pam and Sam.  Thank you - there is no way we can repay your kindness, support and help.  My personal thanks go to Will - who went through the whole ordeal and never gave up hope.

Thank you from us all to everyone who wrote letters, sent cards, flowers, phoned and emailed etc.  Knowing that Millie was so well loved has touched us all.  Again, thank you all so much.

Tributes:

From Philip Glyn, the marvellous vet who did everything he could with his team at Priory Farm Equine, Forest Row, to save her:

I write to say how devastated we all are over the loss of Millie.  From the start, it was clear just how much you thought of her; anyone who brings pictures in of their horse winning at any level must have a special regard for that individual.  Although you were at pains to point out that she was not looking her show condition best, it was perfectly obvious that she had received the highest level of care.  The gathering of people around her in the field instantly showed how many lives she touched.  Her bravery and good nature shone through from the moment I met her.

From Imogen:

The  loss of millie has been so upsetting. it has broken all our hearts in the family.Millie was a lovely mare ,not just a old horse but one that you can play around with. She was generous, kind and fun filled for everyone. We will always miss our millie moo but we all remember that she's in a better place now. ifeel so sorry for everyone whom loved millie especially my mu and will. it has been devasating for them and i would just like to say sorry to them. many thanks for Phillip Glyn (the vet)  who tried to save millies life. thank you Phillip.Millie we will miss you. 

From Lynda Lodge (Chair of BSPA) and Sandra Lawrence:

We are just so sorry to learn of your tragedy.  What can we say.  She was the most fantastic little mare who gave everything for your family.  Sandra and I will remember her with great affection forever.

From Auntie Sal:

The most special horse that loved everyone and everyone loved her.  She was one in a million and a lovely mare that will never be forgotten.  We are feeling your sadness but we must remember the happy times of all riding out together, mucking out and messing around the yard and the tender loving care that came both ways.  You have 4 beautiful years with a magnificent mare.  We will always remember her.

From Charlotte:

I feel so blessed to have known a horse like millie as for me she was one of my favourite horses along with heidi! It has really upset me that such a wonderful like millie has gone. She was a great pleasure to ride and always gave me the best gallop!!! I feel very upset for my family but mostly my mum as millie was my mums beuitiful show cob who gave my mum the chance to go to the Royel International and to be British Champion and so many more results . I will never forget Millie and all the love she gave to people and how many hearts she touched. I always rode millie and she always looked after me. I know now that millie has gone to a beeter place were she is in no longer pain. Just remember millie i love you and thanks for all the good times we shared together!!!! Love you xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

From Caroline Timmins

I was devastated to hear of Millie's passing and my heart goes out to Jayne and the family. Millie was so beautifully natured, part of the family and I always enjoyed my time spent with her. I'm not a confident rider but Millie always made me feel safe and because of her I always looked forward to riding out with the family.  I will miss her dearly and to Jayne and the girls, I am thinking of you. Love Caroline xx

From Irene Surman: