It was Monday morning when I first learned of Lady Gaga has a horse named Arabella (Latin for “yield to prayer”), which seems like a gross oversight on someone’s part (mine, most likely). Unfortunately, the news came through a heartfelt note Gaga posted on Instagram and Twitter about Arabella dying.
Gaga herself learned of Arabella’s condition on Sunday night, shortly after accepting the awards for Best Song and Best Actress (for which she tied with Glenn Close) at the Critics’ Choice Awards. The news hurt: “[M]y dear angel of a horse, Arabella, is dying,” she wrote. “I am rushing to her now to say goodbye.” She then shared a few sweet memories of Arabella:
“She is and was a beautiful horse. Our souls and spirits were one. When she was in pain, so was I. I will never forget the moments we shared. Long hikes together, galloping through the canyons. Feeding her cookies. She will forever be a part of me. I am so very sad. But I wish for her pain to end, and the gates of heaven to open for you. I love you. Girl, where do you think you’re goin?”
It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, regardless of whether you are expecting it. Gaga shared some photos of her and Arabella on Instagram, and maybe it’s her hair or the fact she’s wearing all-white in them, but they do kind of look like they were meant to be: just a girl and her horse, matching and hanging out.
Rest easy, Arabella. Wishing Gaga all the support she needs to get through this difficult time.