Big Moo.

Rest in peace, Big Moo

By Equestrian Life

Big Moo, the 19-hand Guernsey steer who was involved in many fundraising efforts with owners Joanne and Phillip Vine, has sadly passed away.

“We are absolutely devastated. After being quite ill over the last 4 days, Moo had to be put down yesterday. We don't know what we are going to do without him. A rainbow appeared over his paddock as he died. Hope you are galloping around a huge paddock with grass up to your knees buddy. You deserve it!” read a Facebook post on Big Moo’s page.

Over the past four years, the Vines and Big Moo have worked together to raise over $5,000 for charity by holding “Moo View” days. Fans flock to see Moo in the flesh, and he loves the attention that comes with his growing celebrity status. Funds raised are primarily donated to the local Riding for Disabled, however Big Moo has also held special fundraising events for local charities Heart Kids and Stand Like Stone.

Equestrian Life wrote an article about Big Moo and his fundraising efforts last year, which can be found here.

Big Moo’s height and weight - he weighed in at around 1500kg - was due to his pituitary gland producing too much growth hormone. Due to his statue, his joints were under quite a lot of stress, meaning he required special care. After a chance meeting, the team at Interpath helped the docile bovine with 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte joint health supplement.

“(We were) lucky enough to meet Big Moo and his loving family, Phillip and Joanne, at Equitana in 2018. Philip and Joanne shared Big Moo's story, and how - due to his pituitary gland producing too much growth hormone - his joints and ligaments were under a lot of stress. Vets believed his life would be shortened due to his condition, and high risk of having crippling arthritis as he aged," reads Interpath's tribute on their Facebook page.

“Big Moo touched our hearts, and we wanted help the best way we could - with 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte joint health supplement. Big Moo was on 12ml per day, and responded well. According to Phil, Big Moo had never moved better than he did in his last year or two of life. Big Moo was an icon, and adored by everyone who met him. Will miss you, big fella. Run free in the big paddock in the sky.”

Our thoughts are with Phillip and Joanne, and all who knew and loved Big Moo.

READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE