Simply Because, one of the last own daughters of Seattle Slew, who won almost two-hundred thousand dollars in her short career, lost the battle for her life that has been raging since July 19th, 2006.
Only 16 days after breaking a track record at Hollywood Park, Simply became one of the first of many horses to be catastrophically injured during the 2006 meet at Del Mar.
While the hoopla about Barbaro was in full swing, Simply Because also underwent several surgeries and many efforts to repair the shattered sesamoids and suspensories that compromised her severe breakdown injury.
Also as in the case of Barbaro, Simply's owners, the Ammerman's, commited to doing the best that could be done for her. Simply tested the will of those around her to help her heal with her strong spirit, deep attachments and love of a good nap in the shavings. For months, infection was battled in the repaired leg, and was treated agressivley. Finally, the infection appeared to be gone, and her leg, while still not completley healed, on it's way.
Tragedy then struck again when the repair failed due to weakness in the bones. The only options- euthanasia, or try for an amputation. Simply had learned to live virtually on three legs for months- as any barn worker who had her double barrel kick at them many a time will attest!
After much debate, it was decided to persue an amputation, in the hopes that with a prosthesis she would have a good chance to live a pain free and happy life. The first week was rough after her surgery. Simply Because didn't understand why her leg was on, and why we wanted her to walk on it, or how to lie down. But after she cleared those hurdles, it seemed as if we were home free.
Aside from slight perfecting of the prosthesis, Simply Because was doing great. Comfortable, happy, went for walks, her appetite had increased, and full of all of her marish tricks. There was talk of her going home, enjoying freedom and she even had her own "goat"- a weanling she adored.
Simply was euthanized tonight, after showing acute signs of colic. Her owners were contacted, and it was determined that insurance would not cover the cost of colic surgery.
Having had a unique oppertunity to be around this truly amazing animal, I am heartsick by her sudden loss by an unexpected tragedy. As with Barbaro (because comparissons in their situations seem inevitable), despite her many setbacks, she was never done. It seems terribly unfair to lose her now, when things were finally looking up. And I have to wonder the reason behind killing her now, for colic (likley a surgical, but also fixable problem), when so many times in the past would have been much bigger hurdles to overcome. It seems a terrible shame to have put her through all she endured, to call it quits at this of all crossroads.
Sleep well, dear Simply. The world has truly been dealt a terrible blow today, and heaven has earned itself another amazing warrior. I hope to see you again one day, free and whole, as you were meant to be.
