Anyone have ideas what to do with a horses tail ?. Unfortunatly my wifes 20 year old mare will be euthanized tomorrow. Arthritis and an old knee injury have crippled her and we can no longer keep her reasonably comfortable. This has not been an easy decision but very soon she will not be able to get up and wish to save her from the slow indignity of failing. I burned up two rolls of film today ( there are lots more too) and will get someone to do a pastel or watercolor and have it framed but I'm looking to do something unique with her tail. Any ideas, ladies help a guy out?.Thanks, Rich.
Posted 2006-09-21 9:00 PM (#48925 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Veteran
Posts: 209 Location: pensacola, fl
Sorry to hear about your mare. I had to put a 25 year old gelding down not long ago. I saved some of his mane but not enough to do anything creative.
I had heard of someone doing a wooden rocking horse and using a real horses tail for the mane and tail of the rocking horse. If your home decor is horses it would fit right in.
Posted 2006-09-22 12:19 AM (#48935 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489 Location: CA
Man, oh man, it's hard to say 'goodbye' isn't it? I've had 3 good horses put down in the past few years. They were 36, 26 and 23. My horses get a "forever" home here. I saved a lock of hair from each of their tails, but just have them in little jars. I bought a silver horse angel pin each time from "Back in the Saddle" catalog and had their name engraved on the back...Actually still need to have the third one done still. One thought on the hair is to have it encased in a little vial that you can save or wear as a pendant. I think they sell them as mementos of "first haircut" for babies, so a baby catalog might work. Good Luck. Tell her to say "hi" to my guys when she crosses.
Posted 2006-09-22 7:27 AM (#48940 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 565 Location: Michigan
Oh that is so tough when an animal is near the end and you have to make that final decision. I have a mare that is 31, and while doing great, I know that when the time comes I will keep some of her tail as a keepsake. I've thought about finding someone that makes key chains or watches out of horse hair. I've seen them in tack catalogues and in tack stores. Something to think about. You could also do something up in one of those shadow boxes, with your horse's picture and some of their tail with a favorite quote or something like that. I've seen the shadow boxes at wallyworld and Kmart.
Posted 2006-09-22 9:28 AM (#48947 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 301 Location: Catoctin Mtn, Maryland
MIfarmbabe; what a great idea with the key chain or watch band. Also, if you can't find anyone to make a key chain, with a little imagination, you could make one yourself. Now the watch band would be more difficult, IMO.
Rich M.; I really feel for you. I know that my husband and I are going to have to make that awfull decision eventually. My best friend is living on bute. When the bute no longer gives her relief, then we too will be making that call.
I don't know of any words that can make it any easier. I don't think there are any. But I'm sure about one thing, that people here have been where you are right now, and some of us are going to be there sooner or later. We all know how you and wife are feeling. This is a great place for comfort when you need it. I know this is where I will be when it's my turn.
Posted 2006-09-22 9:51 AM (#48951 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Keymar,Maryland
Well the deed is done. It could not have gone any better. I'm no stranger to death but this was my first horse euthanazia. All in all I'd say it was very quick, quiet and dignified. I had our vet explain the whole process before so as to know what to expect.I asked about the horror stories of chemical euthanizing gone bad and he said they were rare and were usually due to a horse in extreme pain like ruptured intestines or the horse jerking away and not getting all the solution in the vein.Made me feel better but I had the .41 magnum stashed nearby just in case. Great ideas about what to do with the tail I'm off to visit some of the local craft stores they have some pretty creative people around. Thanks for all the kind words we knew this was the right thing to do with no questions just a little difficult it's been one of those years with losing friends, family, and our beloved pets ( no kids for us so you know whats up with all the animals) just al ittle weary of it all.Thanks again, Rich.
Posted 2006-09-22 11:50 AM (#48954 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Veteran
Posts: 207 Location: Illinois
Your wife is lucky to have such a wonderful, understanding husband. That alone will make this easier on her. I lost my best horse of 18 years last year. I have had horses all my life, and he was my first euthaniza too. I did a search for ideas on the web, I got a nice site for braiding horse hair. It was something like twistedhair.com?
Sorry for your loss,
Diane
Posted 2006-09-22 3:05 PM (#48962 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Regular
Posts: 58 Location: Clearwater, MN
I am very sorry to hear of you loss. Not an easy thing on any level. What I did with my horses' tail was to braid it into a hat band. I just let is soak in soapy water, bought some crims and a simple clip at a craft store and braided away. I used a little mouse and hair spray to hold it in place and now it is around my favorite hat. That way, my gelding is always riding with me or helping me through a show.
Posted 2006-09-22 4:45 PM (#48967 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Veteran
Posts: 274 Location: Memphis, TN
Rich, sorry for your loss. I have a 28 yr old and a 24 yr old so we are thinking of that day in the future. A friend of mine takes the tail and along with leather and rope makes nice tack. She made me a Mecate and shoo fly with the horse hair attached. Best Wishes to you.
Posted 2006-09-22 5:48 PM (#48970 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Regular
Posts: 87 Location: Novato, California
About Suzanne Storms
Suzanne Storms, VHJ
Your Horses Hair Made Into Fine Jewelry
Gallery | Home | Event Schedule | Order Form | Gift Certificates | Birthstones | Hair Preparation | Cleaning | Glossery
November 2005 marks the end of the forth year that Suzanne Storms has been exhibiting her exquisite line of horsehair jewelry. During this very brief period she has designed and produced the most elegant art collection of horsehair jewelry in the world. Her weaving is accomplished with the traditional methods used by Victorian women in the 19th century. The art form was forgotten and to this day there are no comprehensive instructions for weaving hair.
Suzanne attends about 12 equine events each year where she displays her entire collection consisting of bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and pins. This collection has created a great deal of excitement with equine enthusiast since nothing like this has been created for more than 100 years. At the events you have the opportunity to see and purchase horsehair jewelry and relish the prospect to have a treasured piece of art made from the hair of a devoted friend. Of course not many people bring their horse's hair to events but they can mail it to Suzanne with an order form that is available through this website or from her brochure.
Suzanne was actively engaged in reenacting the American Civil War for about nine years and stopped in 2001 because of her very busy schedule designing and producing her beautiful collection. She portrays a woman of this period (1861-1865) and dressed in authentic period clothing that she has either made using patterns or has modified from purchased items. At the Civil War events Suzanne gave hairwork demonstrations to spectators. She has also demonstrated hairwork for schools, historical societies and in museums. She was featured by a local TV cable network and has also been photographed several times by regional newspapers. Articles were written about her which appeared in several equine publications including one in Italy. In August 2000 Suzanne submitted three pieces of her hair jewelry and was awarded first place in the "Adult Home Economics Show" in the "Miscellaneous Category" at the New Jersey State Fair. She was also selected out of 4000 applicants to display her art form for a six-month period at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison, New Jersey.
Soon after becoming a reenactor Suzanne became interested in hair jewelry to wear with her apparel at events. She began to acquire some beautiful items that provided insight into table weaving and assembled them into a modest collection. She became intrigued with this art form and was curious as to how such intricate patterns were achieved. Suzanne joined an organization called The Victorian Hairwork Society whose members are primarily interested in collecting and/or selling hairwork than weaving. Surprisingly, there are no current publications available to teach someone the art of hairwork. Existing historical literature have instructions where much of the technical descriptions are either missing or difficult to understand. By trial and error, Suzanne was able to produce many of the patterns typical of the period and she even developed several new patterns. Each article requires considerable set-up time and takes many hours to weave. Only a few society members are creating items in different forms such as platte-worked and table-worked. Suzanne concentrates almost exclusively on table-worked jewelry since it offers unlimited creativity.
Suzanne made her own hairwork table, which is necessary in order to weave, and it is identical to the type used by the old masters. Most of her weaves are made using horsehair because it is very strong and more resistant to abuse. American manufacturers and master jewelers follow Suzanne's specifications to make the findings and models for her elegant jewelry.
Suzanne current collection consists of over 80 beautiful pieces and is growing. The design of this superb collection was a monumental task and took only one year to accomplish. She is also constantly upgrading existing items and has produced many custom pieces made with precious stones or heirlooms. Most jewelry is made with 18k yellow gold, white gold or platinum set with diamonds, pearls, and/or gemstones.
Posted 2006-09-25 7:41 PM (#49116 - in reply to #49026) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 303 Location: Grapeland, Texas
I didn't do the hair thing when I lost my mule on a ride last year, but some very good friends got his shoes, without me knowing, and fixed them in a cedar frame with a picture of him in the middle. At the next ride at the same place they presented me with it. I had no idea they had done that and it really meant a lot to me. I was in such a state I didn't think to do anything to remember him by.
Posted 2006-09-27 3:51 PM (#49234 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Newton, NJ
I have seen the Suzanne Storms jewelry and the work is exquisite. It is a little pricey, but in my mind it is well worth the cost to preserve that very special memory that your wife will have. She could have a piece of jewelry that she could wear all the time, in addition to a picture or other memento that sits on a shelf.
I'm very sorry for your loss, but you must both cherish the wonderful memories that mare brought to you. I applaud your self sacrifice in preserving her dignity and avoiding her unnecessary suffering.
Posted 2006-12-07 1:30 PM (#52279 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Keymar,Maryland
Speaking of lost mare ( see my rant 74 horses seized). I just got the jewelry from Suzanne Storms today. It is indeed exquisite. I had a necklace, bracelet, and earrings made and its priceless.Folks ( listen up husbands/ boyfriends) if you have a special horse these are one time chances to have something that lasts forever both memory and in life. I spoke with both Suzanne and her husband at one point or another and they are both very nice. Yes it stretched my wallet but this was a one time chance. This was her first horse ( owned/ all her own) and she was a bit wild when first gotten and there was quite a relationship built there over the years. The money didnt matter ( OK a little tense) but seeing is believing. It was worth it.And all I want for xmas is a nylon headstall and reins to ride bareback in the ring with.Rich
Posted 2006-12-07 3:27 PM (#52285 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Regular
Posts: 87 Location: Novato, California
Wow,
When you asked for ideas I just did a search on google. I really never thought you would do it, but after seeing the jewelry on Suzanne's website thought it was amazing. Have you given the pieces to your wife yet? If not, hopefully she is not reading your post. I'd love to know what her reaction is. Good job, how special, I'm sure she'll be blown away.
Posted 2006-12-07 4:37 PM (#52289 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Keymar,Maryland
verushka, I meant to thank you for the link in last post sorry it slipped my mind ( ranting about 74 horses).She'll get these for xmas. I've hinted she's getting something special this year she has no clue. I get quizzed everyday but my standard reply is x days until xmas.I'll keep you posted. Thanks again, Rich
Posted 2006-12-28 12:34 PM (#52971 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Veteran
Posts: 219 Location: Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
What a thoughtful gestful. I had each of my childrens hair in lockets. That is what I would do. My children are grown up so I do not see them very often but I feel close to them when I wear the lockets. All the ideas are good and this is just one more.
Posted 2007-01-04 5:57 PM (#53293 - in reply to #48922) Subject: RE: memento ideas
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Keymar,Maryland
Wow, sorry it took so long to get back, can anyone believe the weather here in central Maryland ?. I can't believe all the riding we've gotten in lately.
It went great. She was floored by the jewelry but even better it took a few moments for it to sink in that it was from her mare. That brought some tears but it was good. Now she can take " Tawney" with her everyday, and she does. I don't think a day has passed that she has not worn it !. She gave all the girls at work a stern talking to because I had to have it shipped to there. The girls would intercept it from the UPS man, squirrel it away, call me and I would go to her work before she got there and pick it up.
I definitely recommend Suzanne Storms, priceless. Suzanne and her husband are great to deal with, and follow up too.Now that she has seen the catalog she has requested a ring in " style 47", size 9 , white gold. Good thing her birthday is in September. Sigh. Rich.
memento ideas
this ones for you Rich. good job