ebony star

Ebony Star's story as it appeared in the February 2015 newsletter.  ​An owner sent a photo of a small Tennessee Walker mare.  The mare was thin on the top line and we were told she had been this way for years.  It can sometimes be difficult to get the last weight on a horse.  In the "before" photo her hair is standing out due to the cold weather, so it does not fully reflect how thin she was.

Her owners had been stricken with a series of misfortunes.  Their son had a very serious illness and needed continuous care, funds were short, and mom had not been well either.  There simply was not enough time for their beloved horse who had now suffered additional weight loss due to a bad batch of hay.  ​  The mare was a several hours away, located near the coast.   For us to agree to take her in at the sanctuary, she would have to be brought to us.  First it was issues with the horse trailer that needed its wiring fixed.  Then it was problems with the truck to pull it for hours to the sanctuary.  It took a long time to be able to arrange everything to get her here.    

Finally, everything was ready and the 19-year-old mare arrived and has settled into the sanctuary.  ​  The mare, who chose the name Ebony Star, was a very slow eater and needed to be separated from the other horses until she was strong enough to join the horses.  Being by herself gave her hours and hours to finish all her food in peace to eat her hay.  In time she gained the rest of the needed weight and was turned out with the main herd.  ​

Ebony is a bit of a loner when it comes to the other horses, only sometimes spending time with her stall neighbor Salida during the day, but loves the company of people.  Recently, she was diagnosed with insulin resistance, a condition involved in the metabolism of blood glucose, and is currently undergoing stabilization.  In time, we will reassess whether or not Ebony is suitable for placement as a Saddle Pal or Pasture Pal, or if she will live out her life as a Permanent Resident here at the sanctuary.