Hi, last night my horse died. I went out to check on him and he was fine, just stood there in the sun eating grass, then i went out 5 minutes later and he was just dead on the floor. His gums were white and his eye membrane, could this just be because his circulation had stopped? Also his tongue seemed slightly swollen. He was no sweating and showed no sign of distress. Last year he had laminitus but this had completely cleared up. He was 19 years old, 14.2hh and a new forest pony, and seemed to have at least anohter 8 to 10 years in him, actually i havent seem him look so well and full of life for a while. He was looked after like a Prince and was groomed and checked at lest oncec a day, his field didnt contain anything poisenous, infact my other horse had been in the same field for over 3 weeks and never suffered anything. Im at a loss to what has happened to him anyone any well informed ideas?

Credendovidis

Hello Suzi.
I'm sorry to hear that! But remember that horses (can) have the same problems as humans : heart failure. You mentioned the white gums and eyes. That hints into that direction.
At least be assured that your horse was not in distress when it happened.
And think about it along the following lines : to die that way ... No pain, no agony, no throes : just fading out. The best way of dying for any living thing, although it happened much too early !
With my best wishes.

horse101

Like Credendovidis, I'm very sorry to hear that! I too, think that your pony died of heart failure or heart attack. Did you see any swelling on him (execpt his tongue)? If so he could have came near a bee/wasps' nest. If he happened to be alergec he probably died from that. Take it slow and remember all the good times! Good luck.