Danish dressage star Blue Hors Matine RIP 01/25/10

This has nothing to do with Corgis or even my household, but I cried a little this morning when I learned that the glorious mare Matine from Blue Hors farm was euthanized yesterday at the age of 13 after breaking her front leg in a pasture accident. She was only 13. She was retired after hurting a tendon getting off a van, and was going to be a mother soon.

I know there are some horse lovers among us. Grand Prix dressage competition can be a bit dull, but exhibitions are beautiful and this clip shows the best pairing of horse and music I have ever seen.

Matine, you are now dancing in that big pasture in the sky. Simply the best til the end.

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Comment by Bev Levy on January 26, 2010 at 3:23pm: This is so sad! I saw it this morning on facebook from a friend of mine that shows in Dressage. I can not imagine the pain of having to make that decision.

Comment by Beth on January 26, 2010 at 12:23pm: There is some confusion in the English-speaking equine press about whether she was due to foal or due to be bred; apparently the news coming from Blue Hors Stud is very brief and of course there is the translation issue.

Natalie, it's very sad. Horses rarely survive a leg fracture, and the reports are saying it was broken at the knee. Due to their physiology, they cannot lay down for more than a few hours without having major system problems. And they cannot stand on 3 lets without breaking down in the opposing foreleg. So to recover from a broken leg, a horse needs to be able to place full weight on the damaged limb within a few hours of surgery. WIth a small fracture, that's accomplished with pins, but with a major break it's normally impossible.

Happier times for her and her rider:

Comment by Jane Christensen on January 26, 2010 at 10:44am: Oh how sad! I love horses but have only had quarter horses and have spent years helping people with their Belgians...the very gentle giants that they are! Yes, does this mean the baby didn't make it either? What a bummer either way!

Comment by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on January 26, 2010 at 10:37am: Wow, that was beautiful!! So sorry to hear about Martine being euthanized, so sad. Was it necessary that she be euthanized for breaking her front leg? You say she was going to be a mother soon, what happened to her babies? Thanks for posting.