Goodbye, Macaroni

No, not the noodles!  My title refers to a sweet old therapy horse who was a vital part of GaitWay at its other location.  Mac was a 26 year-old palomino quarter horse with a lovely disposition.  He carried many riders and was gentle, patient, and friendly to all.  Mac even took one of his favorite riders to the Special Olympics in 2010. 

Macaroni always struggled to keep weight on, and towards the end of December he was ailing.  Ms. Shelley decided to retire Mac, and she began to look for a good home for him.  However, on Thursday it was noticed that our old friend was in trouble.  He couldn't keep his balance.  Mac couldn't stand still or walk a straight line, and he was at a high risk of falling down and being unable to get up.  He spent the night in the equine ICU at the vet school, but he was worse on Friday.  The difficult decision was made to euthanize Macaroni, and he was put to sleep on Friday afternoon. 

Macaroni will really be missed at GaitWay.  He was one of the two horses used at the St. Gabriel location, and his co-worker is due to have a foal in May.  She will be off on maternity leave for several months after her baby is born.  GaitWay is now looking for a new quarter horse to take Mac's place.  That horse will have some big shoes to fill. 

Goodbye, Mac.  We love you!