Austral in Greener Pastures

 

aka "Aussie"

 

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the ties that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady horse,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young horse once again.
(Written by an unknown. In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997 )

 6/24/08 A very sad day as Austral was euthanised this morning. His time had come and he was ready to move on. He went down sometime on the early morning and no matter what we did, he would not get up. He would hardly even try. He had made the decision, even though we did not want to accept it.

Aussie was peacefully put to sleep in the pasture where he had lived for years with his best friends, Hollywood and Serenity. He went without a struggle or fight, just went to sleep.

Aussie was a member of the VandenBerg family for over 20 years, he lived an incredible and productive life, and spent his twilight years retired in his pasture at Shiloh. As sad as we were to see him go, we are so thankful that we had such a wonderful horse in our lives. And we are happy that he was always safe and cared for, right up until his last moment. It was the least we could do for all that he had done for us.

Rest well, Aussie. Now you are galloping on the Cross Country course on Greener Pastures. Gallop on, sweet Aussie, until we meet again.

Austral is buried at Shiloh (see, and listen to, video below), under the Mesquite trees inside his pasture where he lived. This way he will always be close to us.

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For the last few years, Aussie has been suffering from advanced nuerological problems, probably due to arthritis in his spine, causing him to walk very crooked and which is causing the breakdown of his Suspensory Ligament, the main weight bearing structure in a horse's leg. We are keeping a very close eye on Aussie- he is not in pain and he is happy and eating, but we are watching for signs of his condition progressing to the point of changing his quality of life. Aussie is a very special horse, for many reasons.

Many visitors wandering by his pasture or giving him a carrot at the fence, have no idea what an incredible horse he was, and still is. People used to line up to watch him compete, he was spectacular. Aussie was unbeatable in his day and we like to think it is that strong spirit that is keeping him with us. Next time you come to Shiloh- spend a moment with Aussie. I bet you will still see the competitve spark in his eye- even if it's just to make sure he gets the first carrot!

AUSTRAL Was "HORSE OF THE WEEK" THE WEEK OF JULY 1ST, 2007 Austral is a 28 year old Holsteiner Cross gelding who was imported from Argentina by Jill and Sarah (Jill's sister) at age 8. Austral began competing as Jill's horse, competing successfully up to the Preliminary Division in Combined Training. Eventually, Sarah took over and began to compete with "Aussie". Together they were the only pair to win the United States Young Riders Three Day Event Championships at Temple Farms in Chicago two years in a row. Both years they won the Individual Gold as well as the team Gold. After competing successfully at the Advanced Level, they qualified to compete at Rolex, the most prestigious Three Day Event in the country.

At one point, Aussie and Sarah were long listed for the Olympics. Aussie, still owned by Jill and Sarah, has long since been retired and is living out his days at Shiloh. He has earned his retirement and is a beloved member of the family. He lives in his pasture with his old friends, Hollywood and Serenity- both old show horses of Jill's also in their upper 20's. He spend his days eating Equine Senior, wandering with his friends through the trees, and keeping his "herdmates" in line.