Racehorse Sanctuary News
1st June 2009 |
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Millhayes - Goddbye to one of my all time heroes MILLHAYES (Giant) 1980 – 2009
Having fought doggedly with a stephorious bacteria which is immune to antibiotics and the equivalent of MRSA in humans Sue and I both agreed along with Rob the vet who had treated him throughout that as Giant was happy and well in himself and it was just a matter if days before this awful infection worked its way into his hock which would have caused extreme pain that it was time to say goodbye to our dear friend and hero. Under Robs watchful eye and with me giving as many Polo’s as he could wish for (his favourite delicacy) Giant passed away quietly and peacefully and so importantly with absolute dignity having enjoyed some super spring grass over his last few weeks with us and feeling particularly good about himself. Standing 17.3hh and owned by Mr David Peek Giant really was the perfect gentleman in every respect and whilst Sue looked after him for 26 of his 29 years I can also say the he repaid the compliment by looking after her equally as well for the same period. In his younger days I have very fond memories of teaching Sue and Giant both for dressage and jumping and watching this most unlikely pairing (Giant 17.3hh and Sue 5ft 4ins) excel at the lower levels of both disciplines. Ranging form being placed in the South of England Dressage Championships to jumping off of the top of 6ft drop fences on cross country courses to cantering through the sea with two people on his back Giant had done a little bit of everything not to mention his night time indoor show jumping exploits which also won him several rosettes. Since retiring from ridden work in 1997 due to arthritis particularly in his hocks Giant had taken on the roll of being Moorcroft Boys paddock companion and best buddy. This was a strange yet very successful partnership in that although Giant towered above Moorcroft Boy he was totally submissive toward him from day one to the extent that Moorcroft Boy would bully him daily but when separated Giant could never relax until his best friend was back in sight and he knew he was safe. The term “Genuine all-rounder” is used indiscriminately nowadays but if ever there was one then Giant had to be everything it takes to be classed as this in that he was incredibly genuine and would turn his hand to absolutely anything that was asked of him, always giving his very best. This truly magnificent Giant among horses will be sadly missed but definitely never forgotten and will have a place in our hearts for ever. Graham Oldfield |
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The 5th May 2009 with the sun shining and the birds singing turned out to be one of the saddest days of our lives yet one of the most peaceful for one of my all-time favourite horses, that being Giant.