Lilly, our Icelandic mare and beloved member of the Hearts herd since 2002, passed away May 27 at the age of 19 after a long battle with laminitis, a degenerative and very painful disease of the hoof.
We'd like to share some of the notes and letters (below) that have been sent to Hearts, which show how Lilly touched so many lives in such meaningful ways.
Sincere condolences to all of Lilly's fans and family at Hearts.
"Dear Connie and Hearts Staff,
I was so sorry to hear that Lilly's laminitis has overcome her great heart. I know that you worked extremely hard to help her heal. The decision to euthanize her must have been very painful. After all, it is the loss of a beloved Hearts family member.
It is a sad day for Hearts. I remember meeting Lilly in an evening parade for Halloween, I think, when I first started riding at Hearts and still had my leg braces. We were on a straw-filled cart and Rueven and Lilly were prancing alongside. She was every inch the performer, head held high and proud. I remember seeing her covered with hand prints the day after summer campers painted her. How she tolerated all that painting I will never know. Still she stood proud and beautiful with all the hand prints. Surprised the heck out of me.
I think of her now, running proud and free like a cloud across the meadows and valleys, surrounded by her horse friends. Every once in a while she will meander over to groups of children to be patted and told what a good horse she is.
I know your decision was tough but I believe in your ability to put her welfare first. It is good to be able to end pain. Our horse herd is older and in the end you care so much for the horses and their good hearts in teaching students to live well and joyfully. Necessary euthanasia takes a strong heart and a brave soul.
Again, I am so sorry for our loss of Lilly and for the need for you to have to make such a difficult situation. Love truly has no limits."
-- Catherine Callahan
I am sad to read this message and at the same time understand the need
to end the suffering she endured. I just notice Lilly on Saturday when I
took Tribeca to her lesson.
Lilly so beautiful spent a great deal of time rubbing her bum on the
reeling in her stall.
It was very funny. She is in a wonderful place where she has lots of
little girls and boys just lined up to pet and brush her."
~Tribeca, Trinity & Trianna.
"We are so sorry for the loss of Lilly, but she lives on in Brandon's heart. He has a white and black bunny named after Miss Lilly and several stuffed animals in her name. God Bless you all for your support to our kids and to the horses. Love you all"
The Szumski Family
Hi Connie,
This is Peter. Could I plant some white cala lilies right by Lily"s stall? This would help us remember her.
I could buy them and plant them.
-- Peter
I am so saddened to hear of Lilly's passing, she will forever hold a spot in my heart as she was the very first horse Sorel ever sat upon. I still remember the day she was hoisted onto Lilly and there she was, my daughter, my daughter with special needs, my daughter whom I mourned the loss of so many things she would never do, my daughter on a horse and a horse so beautiful! She sat on Lilly, the little white Icelandic, and with tears in my eyes I saw my daughter a princess on her white horse......a moment for me of healing and moving forward, a change of pace on this path we walk. So thank you Lilly for that moment, rest in peace you are forever in our hearts.
With Love,
Megan, Chris, Sorel and Xander Kolendrianos
I so loved Lily! She taught me to trot, to tolt, and how to fall off. When I did fall, I broke my helmet and I was so very proud. Lily made me a real rider.
Lily was breathtakingly beautiful. My favorite visual memories are of the beautiful young Angelique with her long golden princess hair atop this white exquisite creature that only lacked a horn to be a real unicorn. Lily will be so very mourned. She will live in my heart forever.
Amen, mym
Beautifully said and absolutely agree, Megan! Hearts has been a place of healing, hope and new eyes in which to see our daughter – the way our Ava desires to be seen – capable, eager, independent, joyful, an overcomer, hardworking, respected, encouraged, celebrated and especially lovely when sitting atop Lilly!
Thank you, Hearts, for your commitment to your riders and finding these sweet horses that allow us to trust and enjoy this amazing experience! We will miss Lilly – she was such a dear to all of us Clarks... Especially my son who would tag along to Ava’s lessons – he always had to go check on her!
Blessings,
Ava’s Mom
I know.... why it is so windy this afternoon (Friday)- in Buddism.... the wind carries good souls on to the next journeys after they pass on...
Lilly must have been a very good one, judging by the wind... Gentle journey to her!
Indra and Liam Strong
Dear Connie -
Dick and I are so very sorry to hear about Lilly's condition. What an enormous loss for all those connected with Hearts.
We know that Lilly is in trusted, caring hands and that she (and all the other horses at Hearts) can count on you and the rest of the team to do what is right.
Please know our arms are around you, and around Lilly.
With love to one and all,
Jan Ann Kahler
Oh. I am so sorry. Lilly will live in Abby's heart forever. She was a special part of our early years. We were blessed to have had the time we did with her.
Forever grateful,
Abby Carroll and family
Connie,
So sorry to hear about Lily. Lana loved her so much and still always talks about her even though she hasn't been riding for a long time.
Daphane Turner
So sorry Connie
I love the poem by Kahlil Gibran
When you are sorrowful
look again in your heart,
and you shall see that in truth
you are weeping for that
which has been your delight
You and all the Hearts people who loved Lilly are in my thoughts with lovely memories of such a beautiful horse
Jeanette
So heartbreaking. We are so very sorry to hear.
She had a life filled with loving hands while she was with you.
Sincerely,
Cassie and Katie Ferguson
