Annie was a cute little paint mare. Annie was the first horse to move into the new Spirit Stable the day after it was completed. A very wonderful police officer helped us with her rescue, he cared enough to stay with it. She was thin, pregnant and afraid of everyone. Within two days the change was amazing, the trust returned and she was comfortable and warm for the first time in years. We had a dreadful winter and the roads were not safe for trailers, so it was 3 weeks before we could get her in to the vet for x-rays on those unbelievably neglected feet. They were almost a foot long.

Karen trimmed what she could reach by digging out the packed snow under her toe and clipping enough to raise her heels and relive the pressure. There was no way she could stand her on three legs for a real look. When we finally got to the vet, he x-rayed and found her feet were way beyond help, and just standing still was pure agony.

The extra weight of a pregnancy would have been cruel and unjust. We had to end it and I think this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make, knowing there was a healthy baby in there.

All we can say is, her last 3 weeks were full of love, the warmth of the cosy Spirit stable, lots of good food, and tons of great support from lots of great people. Thank you Dr. John.

Before: