07/17/2026
This week we said goodbye to our beloved Emsy.
There are some horses that become part of the history of a place. Emsy was one of those horses.
The sadness of losing him is immense, but so is the gratitude for the life he had. Against all odds, Emsy’s life here at Mahrapo was probably one of the happiest chapters of his story.
Emsy’s journey started here long before Bergen County Horse Rescue was even a thought. Before there was a rescue, a mission, or a name, there was this land- and somehow, his story found its way here.
Emsy was bred to be a racehorse, but he wasn’t built for that world. His small frame wasn’t what the racing industry was looking for, and instead, his path brought him here when he was around three years old.
Although he was small, Emsy had a stride that was incredible to watch. He was one of the most beautiful movers we’ve ever seen. Watching him run across the field was something special. Even in his final days, he would come charging out of his stall, do a few laps around the barnyard, then go down for a roll in his pile of hay before starting his day. That was Emsy.
Over the many years he lived here, Emsy became part of the foundation of Bergen County Horse Rescue. He was here before BCHR was what it is today and was part of the original group of horses that truly became the backbone of this rescue.
But Emsy’s story was never just about Emsy.
It was always Emsy and Friendly.
Their bond was something that is hard to put into words. They were best friends and companions in the truest sense. Many of our supporters have followed and loved their story because it wasn’t something we created; it was something we were lucky enough to witness.
When Emsy lost his vision, he already had Friendly. His best friend was already there to help guide him. Emsy was always a little nervous and unsure of himself. He was never the leader. Friendly was his confidence, his protector, and his eyes.
For many years, they were part of the main herd. As Emsy’s vision declined and Friendly’s laminitis became more challenging, we moved them into our smaller barnyard area where they could be more comfortable.
What we didn’t expect was how much their personalities would shine.
The horse once known as “not so friendly” became one of the sweetest horses visitors got to know. And Emsy, who had always been the nervous one, became more confident. They became front and center for so many visitors, volunteers, and supporters who got to experience the incredible relationship they shared.
Two and a half months ago, we said goodbye to Friendly at the incredible age of 37. It was heartbreaking. For years, we had worried about the day Friendly would leave before Emsy. How would Emsy manage without the horse who had always been by his side?
And then Emsy surprised us.
The loss was hard on him. He grieved. But the confidence he had built over the years carried him through. He found a strength we didn’t know was there.
He rallied. He even found some new joys.
Our volunteer John started taking Emsy on grazing walks- something he had never really been able to do before because Friendly’s metabolic issues prevented it. For a short time, Emsy got to experience something new. He got to simply be Emsy.
We knew this chapter without Friendly would likely be short, but it mattered.
Because Emsy left this world knowing who he was on his own.
Not just Emsy and Friendly.
Just Emsy.
And he did it.
Now, we can find comfort knowing that the two friends who spent a lifetime together are together again. Back where they belong.
Run free, sweet Emsy.
Thank you for being part of the story of this land, this rescue, and so many people’s lives. Your legacy will forever be a part of Bergen County Horse Rescue. ❤️
