NALA
“As Every Fairy Tale Comes Real”
Horses want family more than anything, but it is often denied them. Then of course, they desire to stay alive, requiring food, shelter, health, space to be a horse. Nala was denied all of these things for a long time, but still, her loving nature held. Read her amazing tale.
This beautiful and kind mare was born a buckskin dun, which means she has a dark stripe along her spine, and ‘barring’, like zebra markings, on her legs, with a dark mane and tail and a narrow white blaze on her face. This is a prized color in horses, so very pretty, and by nature, she is so very sweet. It was bad luck that landed her with owners that did not commit to her, despite her good behavior as a nice riding horse. Nala was born with some medical issues, as some beings are, and they almost cost her her life. She nearly died because no one wanted to pay for her eye care. Astonishing, but true. She was abandoned at a boarding barn because of recurring eye issues. She became a rental pony, and was living with her eye in a painful and swollen state, even as she was rented out for kids to enjoy. How awful, especially considering what a gentle and good mare Nala is. After a time, she was going to be sent to auction, and injured, flawed horses nearly always sell to the kill buyers. She was blessed to be intercepted from such a fate by a friend, who got her safely to Rosemary Farm. Her physical recovery began, a blessed relief, but then, an even more wondrous thing happened!
Years prior at that boarding barn, Nala had a beau, a handsome dun gelding who was sold, to work more, to another barn. It often happens that equine relationships aren’t considered at all, and friends are parted, sold, never to see each other again. And there is nothing a horse can do about it. Nala was an easy going mare and made new friends, as horses survive as best as they are able. One late summer afternoon at Rosemary Farm, Nala and her friends were being brought down off the mountain, an easy walk and a very pretty parade. A new horse to the Sanctuary, a tall gelding, was in an adjacent paddock, and watched with general interest, then froze when he viewed Nala. He paused, his eyes widened, and he neighed a full neigh of hope and astonishment. Nala froze at the voice, looked over, and whinnied back with absolute delight. Everyone else, horse and human, paused, as the horses' eyes clicked, as they recognized each other, as they both looked in disbelief! How was it possible?! But it was possible, and it was true. By a fortunate twist of fate, Rosemary Farm had rescued Nala’s old love, who had aged out of work and needed a safe place to live to prevent being dumped at auction. His new name was Samson, and his life got even better that day. Nala and Samson both ran to each other, and the pair circled in happy reunion, nickering and cooing, bringing tears to all present. Reunited, they remained side by side from that day forward. They shared a very close, loving relationship and remained inseparable until Samson left this Earth, less than a year later.
After Samson passed away, Nala missed him, but was happy to have a home and family. Her medical needs continue to be complex, and she spends a lot of time at the vet, which is at times both painful and stressful. Her eye flared regularly and when she began to fight against treatment, there was concern she would lose the eye. Finally, an equine eye specialist discovered an unusual tumor on the underside of her lid! This was the source of many of her problems and her pain. Removed (and then later removed again when it grew back) at least one of her issues was finally resolved, and Nala began to see again normally. Her skin reactions took a longer time to sort out, because, also like humans, horses can have allergic reactions to all sorts of things, and this poor mare would be covered in bumps all over her body in the summer. Finally a combination of spray and meds seemed to work and keep her comfortable. Now Nala is a senior, and has developed many common senior horse issues, including PPID and soundness concerns, but she has a dedicated stall in the Medical Wing, with her friends, where she receives daily TLC.
During her time at the Sanctuary, when Nala was sound, willing and able, she would participate in the Rosemary Farm Charity Rides. She has also been a favorite during our PonyPalooza events, as one of the ‘hugging horses’ and she enjoys attention from visitors. Nala became best friends with Alice the mule, as well as other longtime residents, including Remy. Now retired from riding, she is a permanent member of the Rosemary Farm family, enjoying her days being pampered.
Not every horse gets their dreams to come true; Nala is lucky to be one who did. You can be the lucky human to be Nala’s sponsor! Supporting her care needs, you will find Nala to be appreciative of your love and attention.