Show of Sympathy for Loss of Horse...

Definitely send a card. If she treated her horse like a person, then that is how you should respond to the situation, like she lost a person. It doesn't matter if you know anything about horses or not.
I had to put my horse of 20 years down last year and it still makes me very sad to think about it. I also did everything I could. Not only did I get sympathy cards from friends and family, but the vet that was treating her also sent me one of the most touching cards I've ever seen.
Just remember, treat it like she lost a friend, so no saying, "you can get another", "it was old", or "so what do you do with the body of an animal that big?"

I cannot even tell you how sorry I am for your step daughter. We lost our beloved horse this past fall, and there are days I just cry, still. Since it was our horse, we were able to make a poster out of photos and framed it with hair from his tail and mane. What I am still wanting to do is have my horse necklace engraved with his name..Cody. You could go to any equine shop online and there are usually necklaces that have pendants the size of a dime or nickel. On one side will be a picture of a horse/horses head, etc. Have it engraved on the back with the horse's name. This is something I would treasure forever and I'm sure your step daughter would love. If you don't want to go that route, I'm sure a heart-felt card would be a wonderful gesture. I know that if we lost our dog, we would be devastated, but for some reason Cody's death was almost more than I could take. There's just this bond that I can't explain. You are so thoughtful, recognizing the pain your step-daughter must be going through. Please follow through with something....anything...to let her know you are thinking of her. Again, I am so sorry.

I think a card would be wonderful. I know that I would appreciate it if it were me. As an adult, I had worse emotions over my cat dying than as a child but we all handle grief differently, especially for our beloved pets. I think you should send a really nice, sincere card & maybe include a personal note stating that although you two are not as close as you would like, you would like to express how sorry you are for her loss. Hope this helps & good luck. Also, my deepest sympathy for her loss as well.

You obviously have a lot of genuine sympathy for your step daughter and have expressed it very well in your question. It seems like writing her a letter expressing what you said above would convey your love for her and your sorrow for her horse's death. I don't see how an honest letter like that could be misinterpreted.

I was about your step daughter's age when I lost my first horse. You are correct. It is such a painful loss because your horse is like an extension of yourself. Anyway, a card and maybe a small token (someone else mentioned a horse charm for a bracelette) would be a wonderful way to let her know you are thinking of her.

Horses are really special and to horse people, they are like humans. This was a companion that she not only spent time with but could depend on. Not to make light of other pets, but you can replace a dog or cat fairly easily and the love somewhat transfers. You build a relationship with a horse so it's much more difficult....The card is a wonderful idea. Make sure you write a note expressing your concern for her loss. And always tell her that if she wants to talk, you're there for her. If you think the card is not quite right, simply send a note. No one can take offense to that...

God bless,

M.

You seem to be a very caring step mother! I think a card would be wonderful! There really is not much more you can do, especially since you guys aren't that close. Show you care and are thinking about her. She may not respond, but she will always remember that you acknowledged her loss.

Good luck.

I think a card is a lovely idea. At least she would know that you are thinking of her and understand that she is probably hurting over her loss.

I www.hoofbeats-in-heaven.com/ -
www.pet-loss-rainbow-bridge-candles.com/.../horse_rainbow... -

Poor girl... The feelings of loss with a horse are profound. (as you see.) I wonder if it would be any good to buy her a little lapel pin to wear?...Just a thought. Bless you for being so thoughtful.

Is there a way you could get some pictures of her and her horse... maybe some in competition, or some just being with her.... and put it together in a frame for her... I'm picturing a frame/collage maybe 2-2 1/2 feet tall, and has maybe 4 pictures, probably 4x5 size? You can usually get a frame that is ready made with a mat in it to fit a series of pictures that way. Maybe have her M. pick them out for you, and send them via e-mail. You can get them printed out easily that way.

A nice lasting memory for her, and a way to show her that you DO understand it is more than "just a horse" .....

You might also want to send a card, so that she knows you are there.. and not wait until the pictures and frame is finished.

I like the necklace idea and the card. You could send flowers. Our vet sent us a card when our pet passed away and it really meant alot to us that someone else understood! Hope it turns out well for you. May even help you start to build a relationship with her. You never know!

I think a card would be great. What about a horse necklace or horse charm bracelet of some sort? I think that would really mean a lot to her.