Gabriella, aka Gabby Girl, came into our care in November, and it took a blink of an eye for her to endear herself to everyone.  She regularly could be seen sharing her dinner with Charlie or Louie or hamming it up to the camera, https://youtu.be/ljo3dm8IL8s, on our weekly Facebook Lives.

Without a doubt, though, her best friend was Barney. As the seasons changed from Winter to Spring, you could regularly see the two of them going out on adventures together.  Sometimes Gabby would lead and other times it was Barney, but they were always together.

As Gabby’s hooves began to fail, their bond grew even stronger.  While Gabby laid down to rest, Barney would dutifully watch over her.  Always careful not to step on her, Barney would stand as close as he could so that he could lean down and check on her.  When she was ready to stand, he carefully would back away so that she would have enough room.

Gabby sought out Barney for comfort.  Many times during our evening checks, you would see Gabby resting her head in Barney’s side as they both napped.  Up until Gabby, Barney was always suspicious of other horses touching him and would move away.  Gabby had a way of gaining everyone’s trust and trusting everyone.

A regular part of Gabby’s hoof treatments was to apply a saline solution, wrap it, and put on a therapeutic boot.  This was all usually accomplished while Gabby was most vulnerable, laying down.  As a prey animal, horses will not allow you to approach them while they are down unless they feel completely safe and secure. 

Late last week it became apparent that we were no longer able to manage Gabby’s pain.  While she was still willing to go out on adventures with Barney, they were much shorter and it took an incredible amount of strength and energy for her to walk.  We decided that we would help her cross the rainbow bridge and end her suffering.

In Gabby’s short time with us, she left an indelible mark on all of our hearts.  She loved without hesitation and showed grace despite being let down by people over and over again.  She will be so incredibly missed.