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Grave Question

JimHess
Silver Member

Oct 23, 2005, 7:31 PM

Post #1 of 8 (1411 views)
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Grave Question	Can't Post

Here's a rather morbid question, but it's something that bears thinking about before the need arises. In the past, when we've had to put a horse down, we coordinated with the vet and a backhoe guy. Luckily, both times it wasn't an emergency, but a "time has come" thing. We now have a 38 horse tractor with a backhoe with an 18" bucket and a digging depth of 9'. I'm just wondering whether, when the time comes, I should or could do it. Any thoughts?

-Jim

Cottonhawk
Member

Oct 24, 2005, 12:44 AM

Post #2 of 8 (1402 views)
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Re: [JimHess] Grave Question [In reply to]	Can't Post

Good luck! I know that I'd have it done by pros.

Cotton

JimHess
Silver Member

Oct 27, 2005, 9:15 PM

Post #3 of 8 (1350 views)
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Re: [Cottonhawk] Grave Question [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yeah, I think you're right, for a bunch of reasons.

-Jim

RobS
Member

Oct 28, 2005, 6:47 AM

Post #4 of 8 (1346 views)
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Re: [JimHess] Grave Question [In reply to]	Can't Post

No question, you've got the equipment to dig a hole. You might check with the vet or someone to see if there is anything else to it. Bags? Boxes? Preservatives? Other treatments? I have no idea.

I have dug some holes with my smaller backhoe that would have made fine graves. Now they're drywells Smile

Rob (I'm pretty sure I know what a horse is)

Mark4510
Silver Member

Nov 2, 2005, 3:29 PM

Post #5 of 8 (1307 views)
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Re: [JimHess] Grave Question [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Jim,
Everytime we have had to put one down we did it ourselves. This is purely personal��..I feel like it�s the final act of compassion/respect to make sure it goes well. For sure it�s always hard to do but I want a caring face to be the last thing they see.

I suspect it�s different for other really great and caring people.
Mark

tjkadar
New Member

Nov 16, 2005, 8:33 AM

Post #6 of 8 (1251 views)
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Re: [JimHess] Grave Question [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jim,

You have the equipment to do the job yourself. Whether you do it or not is a personal choice.

Over the past 20 years, I've had the task of burying a few horses. It is something I never look forward to, but I feel it is the last thing I can do for both the animal and owner. When you have had a horse for 38 years, it becomes much more then just a horse - it is part of the family.

I really don't do anything special with the hole. As long as you aren't hitting the water table, you shouldn't have a problem. I don't bother putting plastic over the horse or any other type of physical barrier. I would prefer nature to take its course. A few bags of lime might help keep dogs and such from nosing around the gravesite.

I don't have the heart to start a hole until after the horse has passed. I think it helps folks say goodbye in a less traumatic fashion without having to look at a giant mound of dirt and a big gaping pit. After everyone has made his or her peace, I'll start on the hole. Takes me about 45 minutes to a hour from start to finish.

It isn�t a pleasant task, but it is one I prefer to do myself. Again, it is a personal choice.

Regards,

Tim

JimHess
Silver Member

Nov 16, 2005, 10:07 AM

Post #7 of 8 (1242 views)
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Re: [tjkadar] Grave Question [In reply to]	Can't Post

As I said, so far the 2 times we had to deal with it weren't emergencies, so we were able to schedule the Vet and the backhoe guy together. Each time, he dug the hole and waited while she gave the shot, if I remember correctly. Our Vet prefers to let them drop to the ground next to the hole, to check to make sure it went ok and there's no pulse. Then the backhoe guy took over. You can get pretty attached to them, but I "bucked up" and held the horse for the Vet, but I had to vacate after that. Don't know if I'd be able to do the next step... Now, the cat, I could do, no problem.

-Jim

dtd24
New Member

Jun 20, 2007, 4:11 PM

Post #8 of 8 (499 views)
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Re: [JimHess] Grave Question [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wow, not looking forward to this part. As far as the machine is concerned yes, your machine will dig a hole large enough for a horse.

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