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.
The mare was given a new name for her new life; Serafina, or Fifi for short, and it was many more months of painful recovery and restriction before she healed enough to move to live with our trusted friends at Fairbanks Stable, which several Rosemary Farm horses call ‘home’. Her board and bills were paid by the Sanctuary and extra TLC was 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. 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 (including 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. And, as of 2026, she is back on the main RF campus!
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!