Harry Rutherford has told Trot Insider that 14-year-old Balanced Image broodmare Balanced Breeze, dam of the great Casual Breeze, had to be euthanized Tuesday, December 16.
In addition to Casual Breeze, Balanced Breeze produced seven other offspring, including Muscleextrodinair (4, $240,901, 1:53.4).
VIP, a soon to be three-year colt by Muscles Yankee; Baileys Breeze, an Angus Hall filly who will turn two in 2009; and Barack, a Yankee Glide colt that will have earned yearling status once the calendar flips, are the youngest of Balanced Breeze's progeny.
"Balanced Breeze was always gimpy since she was a baby," Rutherford, of Cool Creek Farm, told Trot Insider. "She had been kicked in the first rib and eventually had calcium drip into her left shoulder socket because of that. Due to that, she wasn't able to race, but produced Casual Breeze when we bred her, thus began her legacy."
Rutherford explained that Balanced Breeze -- who was carefully grouped with three other mares in a two-acre paddock at Cool Creek -- did not immediately come to the feed bucket this morning. Rutherford said the mare was around the corner and in obvious pain.
"She wouldn't come to the feeder. She was in extreme pain and breathing hard," said Rutherford, who said that the issue was in the same front shoulder in which has ailed all her life.
Rutherford explained that a vet came to examine the mare and gave her a shot of banamine. Balanced Breeze did not respond kindly when the vet tried to inspect her. In trying to put up a fight, Balanced Breeze eventually lost her footing and fell over. Upon inspection, it was obvious to Rutherford and the vet that the mare had been suffering from a break and had to be put down.
"We raised her and had her all her life. She was part of the family -- she really was."
Rutherford, who owned the mare along with Diane Ingham, told Trot Insider that he cannot figure out what led to the injury, as there was no ice in Balanced Breeze's paddock, which she shared with rather mild-mannered mates.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Balanced Breeze.
I feel your pain, and I do
I feel your pain, and I do understand, It is so very hard ! Many in this Industry do not understand what we as Breeder go through day by day, The Love we have for our animals, Yes they do become a part of our family ! It is not just a busness, it is a Passion, I am sure that you did what you could , and had to do .at lease you know that she is ok now, no pain, no suffering, the hard part is excepting , understanding,and moving on . Best of Luck to you and your Family,
To Harry, "Who has seen the
To Harry,
"Who has seen the wind, neither you nor I
But when the trees bow their heads, the wind is passing by..."
And Breeze will always be there, in the wind.
I'm sure she knew she was loved.
Very sorry, Randie Jayne.
Harry and Joey: I can not
Harry and Joey: I can not express my sorrow enough in words. It hard losing a loving and trusting friend, but what keeps us going is knowing they're not far away. Breezy left us with some great memories.
We will never forget her.
"By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over together... at the rainbow bridge."
With unconditional love,
"the apple lady"
Rachael Bakker
She could not have had a
She could not have had a better home .. sorry
We are so sorry to hear
We are so sorry to hear about your mare, especially at such a young age with such a promising future.
John and Helen
Harry, Our sincere
Harry, Our sincere condolences on the passing of a your mare and family friend. They do become,and are so much, a part of your family. Remember her in goods times and all that she gave to this world. Wonderful memories.
With sadness, George & Marcia
`Harry and Joie, Sorry for
`Harry and Joie,
Sorry for your loss. I've been there many times over the years and it never gets any easier. Hope to see you both soon.
George
RIP you wonderful girl.
RIP you wonderful girl.