I know folks need to know that he did not suffer at the end, he did not end his life in a crises. it looks to me like he passed easily in his sleep. he ate really well at all meals yesterday and was bright and happy and alert. I checked him in the cameras at midnight when I went to bed and he was drowsing over his stall door. when I found him this morning, he had not been gone long, he was laying down in his usual sleeping position, no sign in his stall of a struggle or any distress so I do not think he colic'd, and the other horses were all very calm and relaxed.
I think he just decided it was his time to go and he went.
Gideon left this world with all the dignity you gave him in life. It's not often animals choose their time, too often we have to do it for them. I'm sorry for the sadness and hole he has left in all of your hearts.