People that loved Shayne and those who knew and cared for him had to say final good-byes recently. The gentle old timer was the oldest living horse in the world at age 51. It was a sad day when Shayne was put to sleep at Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary, the place he had called his home since 2007.
Shayne was a liver chestnut Irish Draught/Thoroughbred cross, who stood 15 hands and weighed 480kg. He enjoyed the easy life and comforts and care at Remus Memorial. Shayne remained in great health throughout his life and, despite his advanced age, only suffered from mild bouts of arthritis. He took immense pleasure spending time outside.
To maintain good body weight, Shayne ate four meals a day, consuming a high-calorie diet of sugar beet, chaff, cabbage and alfalfa nuts.
Despite some visible signs of age, sanctuary founder Sue Burton said, “He showed how good a horse of this age could look. Shayne was a happy horse, a lovely old boy, and we are proud to have known him. He was great to own and we are delighted to have had him. We shall miss him dearly.
Burton attributes that Shayne’s personality and also the fact his previous owners did not overwork him helped him to live for so long.
It was only when Shayne could not stand back up after his legs crumbled under him that the difficult decision was made to put him to sleep. The final day of Shayne’s long life was February 22.
Staff at the Row Green Equine and Pet Crematorium in Braintree cremated the great old horse without charge, waiving their usual fee of £600. Ella Martin, from Row Green, said, “It was an honor to be asked to collect Shayne. We have worked with Remus Horse Sanctuary for many years and, as a token to Sue and her team, we offered to cremate him free of charge, a fitting tribute.'
Shayne’s age was established by his previous owner. Prior to his death, Guinness World Records had titled Shayne as the oldest living horse in the world.
It is estimated that Shayne's years made him the human equivalent of over 100. Experts claim that each horse year beyond the age of four counts roughly as 2.5 in human years. Using this method, Shayne would have been a stupendous 120 years old
The Remus team relies on donations to support its work. Support and sponsorships are always welcome.
They must now decide on a final resting place for Shayne’s ashes that are contained in an ornate wooden cask.
Sources: The Sun, Paulick Report
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