Elmer Bandit, the 38 year old competitive trail horse, was euthanized on February 14th after he was unable to rise. Although he was alert, cold temperatures and wind had caused him to become hypothermic. He was surrounded by his friends and his owner, Mary Anna Wood, at the end.
The Horse has set up a page where readers can send their condolences to Ms. Wood and share their memories of this extraordinary competitor: Memories of Elmer Bandit.
More news stories about Elmer’s death:
Pathologist Examines Elmer’s Body
Competitive trail horse, Elmer Bandit, 38, euthanized
More about Elmer’s Achievements:
Elmer Bandit still going strong at 38
Move over Wing Tempo! Elmer sets new competitive trail riding record!
Ohhh, so sad. What a tough old boy.
Please choose another word rather than “destroyed”. It’s a horrible word to describe this horse’s demise.
Mary Anna, my thoughts and prayers are with you. On February 15, I had to make the same decision for my 28 year old flea bitten grey Arabian Gypsy (Whitemark Gypsom). He was perfectly fine on Sunday & Monday morning, but by afternoon he was in a lot of pain. While no necropsy was done, we think he rolled in the pasture and something became twisted. The good thing is he was only in severe pain 3.5 hours before I was certain what had to be done. I miss him terribly, and always will. He’s my boy. I would have loved to have had the extra 10 years though. God Bless and be with you in your time of sorrow. Maybe Elmer and Gypsy are running together at Rainbow Bridge right now – what a beautiful sight that would be!!
Kelpie, I remember Elmer fondly having met you both at GS National Center West many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you durring this difficult time. I know too well what it is like to lose a beloved friend and I know that the decision to have him go was difficult. God Bless
I first learned of Elmer over a year ago when I read about him in a magazine. I just saw the article in February/March’s Modern Arabian Horse yesterday and found out today when searching the internet that Elmer has passed on. What a grand horse! I only pray that my wonderful half-arab (26 years of age), continues on as healthy as Elmer was for many more years. You were blessed to have him!