Obituary Kavalier
We stood guard for a former police horse
At the age of twenty-eight, our cavalier, a former police horse that was on duty in the Stuttgart equestrian squadron, made his way to horse heaven.
Looking back nine years, Kavalier and his friend Rubinio arrived at the estate in Deggendorf. With them came the police officers, for whom they had been loyal and reliable horses in the police service for years. It was clear at the time: they were not to be sold to a horse dealer and then slaughtered.
For many years, the management of the Stuttgart police horse unit has been committed to ensuring that horses that have become unfit for service continue to live and be happy at Gut Aiderbichl, for example.
Police horses and their rider, who is also their companion and confidant, form a strong team, as their many years of responsible work bond people and animals together. When the four-legged officers become unfit for duty for health reasons, the carer who has been faithfully served by their horse for years suffers the most.
In the past, horses were sold to a dealer and ended up in a horse slaughterhouse. For a long time, the state, countries or cities had no better idea than to end the lives of horses. But here, too, there has been a rethink in recent years. Many equestrian centres know that Gut Aiderbichl takes in retired police horses time and time again.
There he stood, the cavalier in his new pasture. Many people watched his arrival and how he walked out into the meadow with his head proudly held high, accompanied by his rider. Everything was new, there was a lot to sniff at and Kavalier let his eyes wander curiously all around him. Rubinio, who was ten years old at the time, was delighted with the people and the wonderfully warm, sunny day. The people were touched and learnt why the two police horses had been retired.
Cavalier was nine years old when he arrived and suffered from a tendon disease that had led to lameness. His friend Rubinio suffered from a chronic respiratory disease.
Kavalier, his friend Rubinio and Homer spent a quiet, happy time together in Deggendorf. Homer, by the way, also comes from the Stuttgart riding squadron and is now thirty-one years old.
At the age of twenty-eight, Cavalier’s general condition was unfortunately getting weaker and weaker. He seemed tired and his legs in particular were giving him a hard time. He steadily deteriorated and we tried to read in his eyes what he was trying to tell us. Unfortunately, it was the same story that animals tell us when they want to go their own way. In a joint discussion with the team and the vet, we decided to let our cavalier go. The decision was particularly difficult for everyone, but Kavalier had no strength left. Quietly, peacefully and perhaps contentedly, he slipped into the other world. A touching calm accompanied Kavalier on his way. We miss him very much.
No one you really love is ever dead.
– E. Hemingway
Dear Cavalier,
We miss you. Thank you for allowing us to accompany you over the years and learn so much from you. Not to be afraid – as a police horse you were not allowed to show any fear, to go your way upright and deliberately – in demonstrations you did not let yourself be misledand brought your rider safely through the crowd.
Somehow you have taught me: if I really want to, then I can manage the challenges of my life.
Rubinio and Homer searched for you, but feel certain that you have arrived in the land without pain. You have left deep traces in the hearts of your people – so you will never be forgotten. Mach’s gut, Kavalier!
