MEG
Welcomed to the Sanctuary — March 2021
Across the Rainbow Bridge — June 2025
Donations may be made in Meg’s name to Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, to help the next equine in need.
“Free Wheelin”
Saying goodbye is hard.
Often, when we rescue a broken horse, who carried humans through sports and careers, trail rides and competitions, we know that those humans will not be here when that horse is laid to rest. And we know that we will be. So there is joy in welcoming a horse that is helplessly turning to us, for some relief, somewhere to be safe, and is tempered with a cacophony of other feelings, including, knowing there will be love and there will be loss.
So today we held the old, sweet heads of two dear friends, and said goodbye. Meg and Murtagh, a bonded pair of old horses, former barrel horse and former ranch horse, each rescued and nurtured at Rosemary Farm. Both had pain that could not be corrected, despite both having surgical procedures over the years, to and from the equine hospital, weeks on stall rest, careful care in the hopes of soundness again... but it was not to be. For a time, Murtagh was the father figure to a young colt, Ian, and his momma, Claire, and they were a fine trio and Murtagh was so very proud to have a family. Super smart, he must have been something back in the day, a steel grey ranch horse out west, big and powerful. Sold east, likely after his neck damage, and served as a trail horse for years, before being dumped at auction, unable to even walk a straight line... but he was still proud. His time at Rosemary Farm has been treasured, even as we discussed how to keep him safe, when he would re-injure his fragile spine, and get further injections. The pairing with Meg was a good one, both had physical restrictions but big hearts that wanted to live. Together they enjoyed several more years...but it was clear that we were out of options and they were in decline. So we chose a sunny day, big bowls of grain, and a gentle, trusted DVM, and laid them to rest.
We are so very glad we had the privilege of knowing them and loving them, and being loved by them, as their last home on this earth. Our hearts are sore, but our promises were kept.
Meg’s Story
This big, friendly mare is cool as a cucumber, loves people, loves attention, loves to hang out, and seems unflappable; nothing rattles her! She is also very pretty, a gorgeous chestnut mare, with the stripe running down her back, called a dun pattern. Meg arrived in good weight in the spring of 2021, but could not take a step without limping. She received initial treatment for some hoof issues, but was still lame. Subsequent vet exams, including radiographs, revealed a damaged pastern joint, an issue sometimes found in horses that have worked a lot. A careful assessment followed to determine whether Meg was a good candidate for the major surgery that could restore her comfort. Being calm, well mannered, and in good shape otherwise, the decision was made to follow through with the surgery.
Meg had a seamless procedure, followed by very optimistic post-op behavior. In her late teens, Meg has fully recovered and is now able to move without pain, and has often paired up with Murtagh.