10/28/2026
Forever in our hearts: Gwen ๐ด๐ค
Our team lead Marissa said goodbye to her sweet mare, Gwen. In Marissa's words:
"Gwen found her way into my life after bouncing from rescue to rescue following a short racing career. She was given to me by a friend who had taken her in to help her but didn't have the means to keep her. She was malnourished and tired by the time she reached my friend, and we had no idea what her life had looked like in the two years since she'd left the racetrack.
After she gained her weight and energy back, it became apparent that she was traumatized. She was terrified of life and deemed dangerous to handle, but that didn't deter me. I was told numerous times to get rid of her, but I couldn't bear to think of what might happen to her if I did. I could tell she had a big heart and just wanted to feel safe.
I spent years earning her trust and peeling back the layers of her health conditions. Eventually, I found out she'd never be fit for much riding - and she made it clear she didn't want that life anyway. Instead, we found ways to exercise and play games without a saddle, and Gwen loved every bit of it, especially when cookies were involved!
She never stopped being wary of strangers or big changes, but she learned there were people she could trust, and she loved them to pieces. She was always the first to come running from the pasture when she saw me. Her favorite things in the world were bath time and being brushed; she'd stand there completely untied and fall right to sleep.
Gwen passed at only 17 from lymphoma. She left this world far too soon, but I'm grateful for the 12 years I got to spend showing her what love, safety, and comfort feel like.
I'll forever miss my sweet, unique, sassy girl. ๐ค"
Marissa, we are sending you so much love. Gwen was lucky to have you. Run free, sweet girl.
