1/8/2026: Many of you have been following Marguerite's story since she was rescued during the flood last month—a sweet golden mare who captured hearts from the moment we met her. She snuggled into us. She followed us to the fence. She was, as we said then, heartbreakingly sweet.
When she arrived at SAIN and had her first vet evaluation, we learned that Marguerite is severely neurologic, likely from significant arthritis in her neck. She doesn't know where her feet are, especially her hind legs. This is a degenerative condition with no treatment that could improve her quality of life. Her hooves can't be safely trimmed. The painful thrush in her feet can't be treated. And at 28-31 years old with almost no teeth left, she was already facing significant challenges before we even got to this.
Over the past few days, things have gotten much harder for her. She's struggling to get up. She wobbles when she walks. She paces in circles, which is common with neurologic horses. She's not finishing her meals.
But here's what she still loves: being with us. She likes us to just stand with her, petting her, holding her head. She's still in there, still sweet, still a fighter. That hasn't changed.
This morning, surrounded by people who love her, we helped Marguerite go peacefully. It is the hardest thing we do in rescue. And sometimes it's the kindest, most loving thing we can do—to help a beautiful animal make that transition painlessly, without fear, surrounded by love. Marguerite deserved to be rescued. She deserved to know gentleness and care. We're grateful we could give her that, even if it wasn't for nearly long enough.
Thank you for loving her with us. 
1/5/2026: Marguerite loaded well for transport to us, but we noticed something wasn't quite right when she struggled to back out of the trailer, nearly falling as she tried to find her footing. In those first moments, we hoped it was just weakness from her ordeal. But as we attempted to work with her, it became clear something more was going on. Marguerite couldn't safely pick up her feet without losing her balance, particularly in her hind end.
We also learned Marguerite is somewhere between 28 and 31 years old, based on her teeth—or what remains of them. She has only two upper cheek teeth on one side and one on the other, which means hay is no longer an option for her. She'll need soft mash for all her meals.
When Dr. Claire completed her veterinary evaluation, the picture came into focus. Marguerite is severely neurologic, likely the result of significant arthritis in her neck. She genuinely doesn't know where her feet are, especially her hind legs. Dr. Claire rated her neurologic status at 2 out of 9—a serious impairment. Because of the severity of her condition, her hooves can't be safely trimmed, and the serious thrush in her feet can't be properly treated. This is a degenerative condition without a potential treatment plan that could improve her situation.
12/28/2025: Marguerite is a mid-20s-ish mare whose owner was aging and having a difficult time caring for her. He was unable to help evacuate her so she was in rising water during the flood.
The report from our first meeting with her: "She is quite cute and heartbreakingly sweet. She snuggled into me, and when we left, she followed us to the gate and then along the fenceline to the corner of the field as we walked up the road. She let me look at her teeth, and she is definitely in her early to mid 20s. Pictures really don't show how thin she is; she'll need some calories before she can get her teeth done."
She'll be seen by our vet in a few days. More to come on this lovely golden girl.
