In memory of Sabre's Sweetheart (1999-2003)

Below is just one of the many responses to the story of Sabre:

January 30, 2003

I read the farm update about Sabre. I was angry and sad. I hate rescue because of the ones we can't save. The faces you can't take home with you at the auction. The misery you know they'll go through before they die. I hate what they've gone through until that point....no good food...not a gentle hand. I don't understand it and I never will. I hate having to say goodbye too soon to a young animal who shouldn't be crossing the Rainbow Bridge because I couldn't do anything more to help him or her. I hate saying goodbye to the grand old mare who even at 25 dies too young because of neglect. I hate the emptiness I feel as I whisper in their ear I LOVE YOU because I know I'll never feel their breath on my face again or listen to them munch hay again.

I love rescue because of the rescues we can bring home. The old and the young and the unloved and the crippled. I love watching the scared become confident. I love the sadness in their eyes disappearing and listening to them nicker when I yell out HELLO when I get home from work. I love being able to give someone the comfort of a few days, a few hours, a few weeks of not knowing hunger or fear or pain before they leave us...always too soon but knowing they are loved.

What happened to Sabre is inexcusable. But you must remember above all else that she did not die alone and she did not die in fear or with hunger in her belly. To me, those are gifts that can never be matched.

Regina

• Special thanks to The Gaited Horse for mentioning our program! (click to read article)

Dear Friends:

As I write this I am somewhat overcome by emotions.... I was going to wait to write until tomorrow, but something horrible has happened and I feel like I need to talk about it.

We recently had three Thoroughbred fillies placed in our program. The owner from Kentucky had hired a Wisconsin trainer in hopes of the fillies becoming fast enough for Arlington in Chicago. Go For It Granny, Last Name First, and the Sweetheart were referred for placement one by one as it became obvious that they would not make anyone rich. I am not saying this in an unkind way, but speed is the big factor and when a horse doesn't have it they cannot win!

Innocently, ASAP made plans to pick up the horses. We waited for the paperwork to be completed and the owner made regular phone contact to be sure we still planned on providing the transportation. Being extremely busy over the holidays, it was difficult to get to the training farm until after Christmas. Thankfully, after a plea by ASAP, Kellie (our Promotions Coordinator) and her husband offered to ship the fillies to a foster farm near Oshkosh. We felt relieved not to have to worry about them any more, and to know they were in such good hands. They did not ask a penny for what they were about to do - and were glad to do it!

Arriving at the training farm was a shocking experience for Kellie. A woman answered the door and very disrespectfully pointed to where the fillies were standing in their stalls. Kellie mentioned that she had only brought two halters, and could she borrow one and bring it back or mail it? The answer was an emphatic NO. Kellie asked for Jockey Club papers, since the owner said that the fillies' papers were with the trainer. The woman again sternly replied "NO". The woman mocked the stock trailer that Kellie and her husband had pulled, basically wishing them good luck at getting the fillies in "that" trailer. Kellie makeshifted a halter out of a lead rope for the ride - and it worked!

The groom was a kind, considerate man with an accent, who sincerely and truly cared about the horses - you could just tell! He was sad to see them go. When he opened the stall doors Kellie and her husband were not ready for what their eyes would behold - extremely thin horses with hollow, lifeless eyes - one scared - one rebellious - and one in wonder. There were scars all over their bodies in every imaginable place, and Kellie was told by the vet that inspected them after they arrived in foster care that these were whip scars. There was no question the Thoroughbreds had been mistreated and neglected.

The fillies trailered well and arrived at Amy's farm - where they were greeted by her lone horse who was glad for the company. None of the fillies seemed bonded with one another, but were glad to be outside and eating. The vet came and shook her head, administering antibiotics (just in case) and doing a quick exam. Kellie fell in love with the gray filly - the one who was scared of her own shadow, yet willing to trust and do whatever Kellie wanted since she gave her all the time she needed to respond to her requests. The stock trailer literally shook because of the fearful shivering Sweetheart was doing. She was so scared!!!!! And the thinnest one of the bunch - the emaciated one! Who could have let her get like this? Nevertheless, Kellie and Scott stood, coaxing her, and waiting.... and when she knew it was safe - she trustingly stepped off the trailer. Pictures were taken and now we are glad they were..........

I phoned the owner the next day, who was horrified and shocked to hear of the condition of his horses. Kellie consulted with me and brought pictures the following Saturday, and the scars were evident on all the fillies. Another adopter went over to see them, and communicated with me, as the vet had said, that the marks all over the horses were clearly from abuse. Even though the horses were not in good condition, nothing would prepare me for the phone call I received yesterday. Amy got up on Wednesday morning to let the horses out of their stalls, and there lay Sabre's Sweetheart, dead in her stall! Poor Sweetheart - finally in a safe place and about to start a new life with a loving adopter - but she didn't make it. Poor Amy! What a horrible experience for a foster family to have to go through (this is the first time).... and poor Kellie and Scott, who were a day away from making a commitment to bringing Sweetheart home to live forever with them.

So now I say, "Damn...... damn the......" I don't know!? Who is to blame??! Who can we point the finger towards?! Is it an industry - a group of people - one person - many???? Is it greed? Is it what? My heart is broken. For me it is not the first time - but for Kellie and her husband who so generously gave their time, and for Amy who so selflessly has been caring for these girls - it is their first time!

I am not slamming an industry, or a person, or a group. I am not sure what I am slamming. But I am hurt. And I am angry. And for whatever reason it is, this is why I keep doing what I am doing. To help the ones we can - to love the ones we can't help - until their time on earth ends. Thank you to the generous, selfless volunteers of compassion - who do so much and ask for nothing. Stand strong and know that God's grace is sufficient. We don't always understand why these things happen. Someday we will. Who could ever question if this organization does or does not give one a purpose in life? To care for God's creatures - bless the beasts and the children!

If any of you can give towards the care of the remaining fillies it would be much appreciated. We also are hoping for finances to cover the cost of dealing with the death of Sabre's Sweetheart. IN MEMORY 1999-2003.

Until next week,
Susan

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