In Memory of Ock (2004-2007)
In the summer of 2004, Mom and Dad visited Friesland for Anneke’s wedding. They stayed with our friends, the Bruinsma family. Watte (Walter) and Gryt Bruinsma breed and raise some of the best mares in all of Friesland. That summer they were blessed with 5 fillies. Usually Walter does not sell his fillies, but that year he agreed to sell us two. These cousins, Ock and Oeke, came over on the plane in the fall of 2004.
Ock (which is Friesian for “daughter”) and her cousin Oeke have been a source of joy and pride for us. Both were lovely youngsters and good natured. As they matured we became more excited about their prospects, and grew more and more attached to them. Ock was the taller one, and even as a 2 year old she towered above the other horses. Even so, her temperament was gentle as a puppy. She loved to be petted and doted upon and would follow you around the pasture until you begged her to please go play with other horses. All of our horses seem to like people, but none of them loved people like Ock.
At the beginning of August of this year, Ock and Oeke went to NC to start their adult training in harness and under saddle. They have been progressing wonderfully and we have been very excited to see how they would do at the keuring in September. Walter and Gryt are excited too and are flying in from Friesland to see everyone.
On September 4 in the evening we received a call from Wiebe, Ock and Oeke’s trainer in NC. Ock was just finishing her workout and was only 50 yards or so from the barn, when she seemed to spook at something. She somehow lost her balance and fell, hitting her head. No one – not even Wiebe or the emergency vet who arrived within 10 minutes – is sure of what happened to her, but it seems she fractured her skull. They tried to save her, but she had to be euthanized. The only saving grace is that she did not suffer. We still cannot believe she is gone. A freak accident and in the blink of an eye our friend is no longer there.
Hug your loved ones whenever you can. You never know when they will leave you.
Ock, I am sorry I do not have something more special for you, and I am sorry I did not give you one extra hug the last time I saw you. But here, for you and all of those who love you, is a video tribute I managed to compile. Rest in peace, daughter of Friesland.
