MURTAGH

 
 

Murtagh is Staydopted and supported for life by the Susan T, his dedicated sponsors since 2022.

“ghoistidh”

Murtagh probably had several names and several owners in his long life. Branded from some ranch out west, he was likely a steel grey horse, big and impressive in his day. Ranch horses are generally well trained and physical, and there are fewer places that use actual brands like the ranches do. As these horses age, they are often sold East to be dude ranch or kids camp horses, and it seemed that is what happened to this handsome boy, because it was one of those owners who presented him for sale at an auction in the spring of 2020.

The poor horse could not walk a straight line by then, hunched and in obvious pain, and the only one bidding was the kill buyer, but Murtagh came home instead to Rosemary Farm. The immediate concern was whether he was neurologic, because he was in obvious pain, but his full medical work-up revealed a pinched nerve in his neck. This was so painful that to compensate, he was walking with his neck bent around and kind of scooting his hind end. Imagine carrying a child like that!

Murtagh was heroic in what he withstood before being rescued. At Rosemary Farm, he received injections into his vertebrae to ease his pain, and was turned into a smaller paddock with two other horses saved that day at auction, and the trio became close. The mare, named Claire, and her colt Ian, brightened the days for Murtagh, who found himself with a little family, and 2020 was a magical year for him. In the spring of 2021, Claire and Ian were placed in a wonderful adoptive home, so they could continue on their own path of growth.

Murtagh continues to receive additional injections whenever his pain returns, and is enjoying the horses and home he has come to know and love, including Meg. Nearly white now, he has a low, throaty nicker, and is quite wise to the ways of humans, looking for a nearly imperceptible nod in order to move forward or turn to enter his stalls. Murtagh was selected by a long time supporter as a special horse she wanted to support via our Staydoption™ program. He is a wonderful choice for this gift and deserves every bit of happiness he is receiving.

Murtagh is:

• a tall, pale grey Quarter Horse gelding
• welcomed to The Sanctuary in May 2020
• a member of The Senior Club
• Staydopted, with lifetime support by a kind donor
fun fact; Murtagh was named after a fictional character in the series "Outlander", a noble and brave warrior