10/21/2026
We're exceedingly sad here right now. Despite our best efforts over the past 3 months, Clara lost her battle to keep living.
Yesterday she did not want to stand, her respiratory rate was triple what it should have been, and she'd developed edema in her forehead. When the vet arrived, he explained that the edema was an indication that, systemically, she was shutting down. Her blood vessels could no longer contain all the fluid. There was no other choice but to help her cross over.
Through considerable tears, I must tell you that Clara has been, throughout this challenging battle, the most stoic horse I have ever met. Her will to survive was incredible. That is why we tried everything possible. She had improvements which gave us hope, but then something else brought her down again.
It seems so unfair that at just 9 years old, she had to leave us. I promised her I would see her at the bridge🌈
It's hard to even ask, but I hope you can find it in your heart to donate to her final expenses, which will be close to $1,000.
I am very grateful that she was able to wait until I returned from my trip to the Homes for Horses Coalition, so I could be here with her as she passed. I'm also grateful that volunteer Bobby and board member Susan could be here with me. Dr. Reynolds, who has been through this whole journey with Clara, was so gentle and kind. When he said that Clara was lucky to have found our way to us, it helped to ease the pain a bit. I'd also be remiss if I did not thank our farrier, Chris Mason, for all the hard work he did trying to get her sound again.
Thank you for being our friends 🐴💙
