Sunrises and Sunsets With Frederick. We Will Miss Him.

We wanted to share with you that Frederick, our horse, passed away. Many of you knew of him since we love sharing about all of the residents here. It’s not exactly positive news, but we ask you to try and not be sad- at least not for him. When we arrived at the property, Frederick was anxious and untrusting. His old owners used him one last time, to round up the cows, and they had to lasso him. He literally tried running through and over people. He had sores from an improperly fitted saddle and scars in different places. He didn’t want to be touched; he simply wanted to be left alone- so initially we gave him space.

Slowly he started coming around, showing interest in the two new humans on the property. We tried numerous different horse treats to help build a relationship, but he didn’t like any of the usual goodies. One afternoon, I jokingly offered him a pringle, and it was the first snack he took from us. It was then I realized he was my boy (I have salt issues), and things progressed from there. Frederick would hang out, outside of the porch, waiting for a snack (we shifted to senior horse pellets), and huff when he saw us in anticipation of something good. It will always be one of our favorite noises. He started allowing us to touch him and began to realize we had no intention of harming him. We let his mane grow out, and he seemed very proud of his long hair-he carried himself with a new confidence. He went from an unsure, reclusive horse to the big man on campus, who wanted to make sure everyone saw how fantastic he was.

His trust in us grew, and he began to allow us to brush him, to tend to his old sores, and to pick burrs out of his beautiful mane-something he learned to enjoy. We would often do it at the end of the day, and Frederick would fall asleep, bottom lip loosening and becoming jiggly, as we used our fingers to comb and pick through his hair while the sun went down. It was a sweet time for all of us. His mango eating technique was slightly atrocious- he wouldn’t eat the pits, just chew on the mango as juice and bits poured out of his mouth while he made lip-smacking noises. But it clearly brought him joy and made us laugh many an evening when we would go on walks with the dogs.

Frederick owned the property. He knew it better than the both of us, acted as if he was the mayor, but would still come to the house every morning for sunrises and breakfast with Scott. We often saw him throughout the day, especially once the African barn started being built. Once again, he thought he owned the place. But Frederick was an old man. By his owner’s account, he was at least 25 when we moved onto the property, which would make him 30 now. He was grey and cute, but never lost his independent streak, which was fine with us. It was part of who he was, and we didn’t need to change that. We never attempted to ride him; he clearly showed he didn’t enjoy that part of his life. He just ventured the property, grazing on endless pastures, coming for love, care, and food when he wanted, living the ultimate retirement for a horse.

Five years ago, we shyly asked if we could keep ‘the horse’ that was on the property, doubting the old owners would say yes, but we are so glad they did. Frederick was lovely, and trying to help him heal brought both Scott and me serenity to our hectic days and kept our hearts open when we were struggling to find ways to make things work, and at times, felt like emotionally shutting down. Not only was he grounding, but it was hard not to smile when you were with him, and later laugh at the silliness he shared as he began to blossom. Our hope, as is with all of the elephants, is that we can give back just a fraction of what they give to us. We will miss him, but we are not sad for him, we know how lucky we all were to have each other.

#SanctuaryForAll

March 20, 2020

Comments(25)

Nancy Shaw says
March 20, 2020 at 4:19 pm
Once again, a very lovely story. Thank you.
Irene says
March 20, 2020 at 4:30 pm
Rip old Frederick! You had a great retirement, but you will be missed so much! Your personality was awesome! GSE’s mascot! Farewell buddy!?♥️
Carol says
March 20, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Awwww. RIP Frederick
Bernadette says
March 20, 2020 at 4:44 pm
Love your humanity and respect for all animals around you. Really enjoy reading your stories. Would really love to SEE a series on your sanctuary
Kelejan says
March 20, 2020 at 4:46 pm
You are such loving people with all animals and he must have felt he was in heaven.
Susan says
March 20, 2020 at 4:47 pm
No one can deny the bubble of love that all inhabitants must wallow in that is ESB. Another extraordinary example of healing. Bless you.
Rachel says
March 20, 2020 at 4:52 pm
Goodness – once again you brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful vision of healing and joy that Frederick was able to experience because of good humans like you and Scott. Patient, wise, loving humans. I’m sooo happy he lived his last years in “his” home that transformed into his own sanctuary. Where’s the kleenex…
carey says
March 20, 2020 at 5:19 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of Frederick, he must have loved his latter years, and what an age bless him, he must have been tough, and then he didn’t have to be…
Tammy says
March 20, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Such a beautifully touching tribute to Frederick who had five of the best years of his life with you two at this glorious sanctuary for all. Frederick will be dearly missed but his wonderful memories will live on forever. Scott and Kat it just amazes me how you two always share story after story of love joy compassion and above all hope for these animals just wanting deserving a life of freedom with no pain suffering or hunger, thank you once again you two are such incredible people so happy to be part of this great sanctuary family. Rest In Peace beautiful silly kind Frederick the horse enjoy running in those fields of green with your gorgeous long mane flowing in the breeze you very handsome horse you………..God bless
Barb says
March 20, 2020 at 6:13 pm
I know that feeling when you lose an equine friend. Frederick was happy in his last days because he had people who loved and respected him.
Bobi StaySee says
March 20, 2020 at 6:31 pm
Frederick. What a fine man. Allowed to find himself, to heal himself, to graze all the green, to roll and be able to lay down and feel safe. To venture with caution toward the two-legged once again, for a taste of heaven before easing into heaven, knowing peace. Thank you for five healing years.
CyrAnn says
March 20, 2020 at 6:55 pm
What a beautiful story……..
So wonderful knowing his golden years where with you all. I have had horses in my life and they are truly amazing animals. I also had a sweet girl named Sassy and she adored mangos and avocados! We were living in Hawaii and I would turn her out and there she would be under one of her favorite trees having her favorite yummy snacks. I’m rambling on but it just brought back a fond memory of her when you shared about the mango’s! Rest In Peace dear Frecerick
. you where and still are greatly loved…..
- REPLY
  Kelejan says
  March 21, 2020 at 12:03 am
  Lovely story from you as well, CyrAnn
Sherry says
March 20, 2020 at 7:04 pm
The last 5 years of Frederick’s life were wonderful because of Kat and Scott. Animals need comforting!
Nishant Bhajaria says
March 20, 2020 at 8:34 pm
“we know how lucky we all were to have each other.” Poignant and eloquent
Alana says
March 20, 2020 at 8:58 pm
The circle of life. R.I.P. Thanks for the story.
Carol Anderson says
March 21, 2020 at 12:17 am
Fred sounds like quite the character. All animals have their own personalities. He sure had his. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rosie P says
March 21, 2020 at 5:49 am
For the last 5 years of his life Frederick was loved and respected.Thank you so much for giving this to him. He realised he was a horse, free to roam and enjoy the life that had once been taken from him. RIP, dear Frederick, we all love you.xxxxxxxxxxx
Heidi says
March 21, 2020 at 9:58 am
Who doesn’t love a pringle? What a heartfelt story of patience and compassion! Thank you so much for sharing this story. While my husband was reading the awful news over our morning coffee, I read this story… a far better way to start the day!
Donna Johnson says
March 22, 2020 at 12:06 pm
The journey of Fredrick touched my heart! How blessed you all were to have each other and are able to share your story with the world! Thank you for your love .
Sherry says
May 30, 2020 at 10:24 pm
I love animals! They are good for my soul! Thank you for sharing stories. I am grateful that you can care for all of your pets
and share them with us. You understand them too and let them live their lives to the fullest and I can see they love you too.
I wish I had a sanctuary!!!!
- REPLY
  EleComposer says
  May 31, 2020 at 7:39 am
  ❤️
Nishant Bhajaria says
September 20, 2020 at 10:52 pm
Six months have flown by since this post. RIP dear friend.
Kelejan says
September 21, 2020 at 6:49 am
I have already commented twice on this thread about Frederick and it still brings me tears of joy that Frederick found love with humans and was treated with love and dignity in his last years. The Sanctuary is Heaven on Earth for God’s creatures.
- REPLY
  EleComposer says
  September 21, 2020 at 8:45 am
  ❤️

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