Sunday, June 21, 2009

Filly saved from slaughter gets another chance at life


Four years ago, a pretty chestnut yearling filly with a crooked leg was facing certain death. The “kill truck” had arrived at the Massachusetts thoroughbred breeding farm where she’d been born, and the owners, knowing that the filly could never withstand the rigors of training, were preparing to load her onto the van, for a ride from which she would never return.

Miraculously, a brave young woman who had a particular fondness for this young thoroughbred, intervened. She pleaded with the owners not to send the copper filly to her death, and, though she had no idea how she would be able to support the young horse, said she’d assume responsibility for her care. The owners agreed, and the life of the elegant filly was spared.

But after a few months of struggling to pay for the filly’s board on her modest salary, she realized that she couldn’t afford to keep her. She turned to Susan Sheridan, President of Bay State Equine Rescue in Oakham, MA, who on September 17th, 2005, welcomed the filly into the group’s loving embrace, recognizing that because of her physical limitations, she might never be adopted.

They named her Ember, reflecting the flashy chestnut’s gorgeous warm color. Initially, Ember was simply turned out to graze and to grow and to enjoy the feel of the grass on her feet. The angle of her leg didn’t improve, but Ember steadily grew stronger and more confident and her winning personality and sleek appearance captivated everyone who met her, both equines and humans.

When she was old enough, Ember was taught to accept a bit and bridle, and eventually, a rider. She showed a deftness of foot that belied her limitations, and Susan began to dare to hope that Ember might yet find a home of her own.

Yesterday, on June 20th, 2009, her dream came true, when Kim Titus arrived at the Rescue barn with some friends and a trailer, to bring Ember to her new digs in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. Kim had met the mare several weeks ago and after coming out to ride her on a regular basis since then, they formed a genuine partnership.

“I believe they are a perfect match,” sighed Susan Sheridan, brimming with great satisfaction and perhaps a bittersweet-tinged tear, too. Thanks to her, the gentle filly whose chances were slim when she entered the world on April Fool’s Day, more than five years ago, will have a chance at a wonderful life.

June 21, 2009

by Maureen Harmonay

For more info: Get involved with the activities of Americans Against Horse Slaughter, to permanently outlaw the practice of horse slaughter in this country and to ban the shipment of our horses to Canada and Mexico, where they are being murdered for foreign dinner plates.

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