SERAFINA
“Fifi”
When the Sanctuary was introduced to this beautiful bay thoroughbred mare, her life was in danger.
She had been enjoying a nice life as a private riding horse, following a lackluster racing career as the registered mare ‘Dad’s Spitfire’. Foaled in 2009, she raced over 29 times but only earned $14K. Retired sound, she seemed to have settled in and things were coasting along, until there was an accident. The mare tore her elbow open, a tough spot to bandage and rest, requiring extended stall time and a quiet horse. Spitfire, as she was called then, was not quiet. Instead of a quick and easy heal, the wound ripped over again, then again.
Care extended and bills mounted. Family funds for her care were being sucked dry and the painful decision was made to euthanize her. Before this came to pass, a DVM reached out and asked if the Sanctuary would welcome her, and complete her recovery, even if she could never be ridden again. The family was very happy to have her live, and surrendered the mare to Rosemary Farm. The plan was to keep boarding her near the DVM who was overseeing her care, until she could safely move. This was an expensive decision but the right one at the time for the horse.
Then things got complicated! At the end of 2018, shortly after saying YES to this mare, RF founder Dawn Robyn broke first one foot, then the opposing ankle. Laid up and in a wheelchair for the first part of 2019 following reconstructive surgery, there were no resources to move this new mare. But a promise is a promise, and her board and vet bills were paid, while all waited for both of these two to recover.
Finally, they met, and the mare was given a new name for her new life; Serafina, or Fifi for short. It was many more months of painful recovery and restriction before she healed enough to come home. Because of the limitations at that moment on the main campus, she was moved to live with trusted friends at Fairbanks Stable, where several Rosemary Farm horses call ‘home’. Her board and bills are paid by the Sanctuary and extra TLC is provided by the staff there. The healing time saved her life but it changed her mentally, and the mare is not exactly ‘user friendly’ now for most humans.
As no one at the Sanctuary knew her prior, it is difficult to say how much this experience changed the horse. Fifi requires an open access shelter, no stalling or restriction, and one chosen friend (especially donkey friends!). She can be reactive and must be handled with experienced love and care. While it may be difficult to understand, this is what the mare has stated, and within these parameters, she is calm. She is once again a big beautiful mare, sound in her body and recovering in her mind. Time and loving care will work its magic, and she is safe.
Fi is one of those mares often ‘forgotten’ by sponsors, but never by the team who love and care for her. Maybe she is the one you want to help? Sponsor or Staydopt Serafina today!