I'm VERY sorry about your boy.  When a really special one comes along no words can really express the loss.

I'm fortunate enough to have a daughter and a granddaughter of Buck Shott.  They're yearlings now and more like large drooly dogs than horses.  At the moment their jobs in life are growing and playing.  Life is never dull.  Fortunately my 5 year old and 18 year old mares keep them in line.  I don't know if it's any consolation, but the levity continues in Georgia. 

I had to put one of my horses down December 5th due to colic. He was a 5 year old palomino. He had a form of arthritis that made him unable to ride. He was a big dog. He chased you and took naps like a dog. I have never seen a horse lay down 3 or more times a day. My Dad needed company so I kept him at his house and when we put him down is one of the only times I have ever seen my Dad cry. I tried to hide my feelings but when you lose a horse that is so special you can't help it but to feel like the world is ending. I cried for about a month. But now I think its ok. We loved him and gave him so much. Reading your post made me tear up because I can feel your pain. Thinking about Nemo makes me happy then sad cause I remember he is gone. The hurt seems like it never goes away but you learn how to deal with it and tell all the great stories. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I hope you have many happy memories to look back on. God will send you another gift horse to show you new love. I got one. He can't replace but he does show me a happiness that Nemo did.

I am SO sorry to hear about Kicks-- how awful :(  He was such a beautiful boy-- the ideal Appy to me :)  Big HUGS to you Susan-- it's so hard to lose these guys.  Especially in their prime :(