Carly Millbank

Carly Losses Top Horse in Freak Accident

It is with great sadness that we have to report the loss of Luca, Carly Milbanks top show jumper after a freak accident in the field last week.  All at Dengie are greatly saddened by the news and our thoughts go out to Carly and her family at this difficult time.

Carly writes; "Just when things all seemed to be coming together for us, we suffered a massive tragedy.  We very sadly had to say goodbye to Luca, my dearly loved and most favourite horse in the world.  He was turned out in the field where he has been having a bit of a holiday whilst I got the last few weeks of pregnancy over with.  I went to visit him to put his evening rug on when he spooked and landed awkwardly on his front leg which broke instantly.  We were all so heartbroken when the vet arrived and told us that there was nothing that could be done to repair him and that the kindest thing would be to put him to sleep.  We all said a very tearful and emotional goodbye to our dear loyal friend who was loved and adored by all who knew him.

We have had him cremated by Resting Pets who made a very distressing time a little easier.  We have his ashes and shoes which will be proudly displayed in pride of place in the new American barn when it is completed.  I would like to thank everyone for their kind words, flowers and support during this awful time.  The last show that we went to, where Heather rode the horses for me was a success, Whinny came 2nd and Luca just had a pole in the jump off but looked like he enjoyed Heather riding him and we were all excited about the bigger shows to come.  It is such a tradegy to have lost him at such a young age.

We have now moved back into the house after the repairs for flood damage from last summer and the stables are due to be completed in the next couple of weeks.  We have brought a new fella - a 5 year old pony with Donnerhall breeding who we will look for a small rider for, to produce for dressage and or jumping depending on where his talents lie!

I have about 10 days left until my due date which is eagerly anticipated as I am having severe withdrawal symptoms from riding and if I don't get back into the saddle soon I may go insane!  We have lots to look forward to once baby is out with lots of lovely horses, new and old faces coming to us for competing and training.

Well until next time - when I will definitely have had the baby, take care.

Carly"