ANNIE

Welcomed to the Sanctuary — May 2013
Across the Rainbow Bridge — July 2018

Annie was:

• a white Percheron mare, just over 17 hh
• the official Rosemary Farm “greeter”, she met every visitor on their arrival
• lovingly referred to as “The Porcheron” for her habit of stepping up on the farmhouse porch and looking through doors and windows as though waiting or an invitation to come in

“The Porcheron”

It was snowing on Memorial Day in the Catskills when a trailer pulled up unexpectedly, and a huge white Percheron was unloaded, looking a bit like a lost, sad unicorn. Annie was a senior and was unwanted, thin and unfocused, with a permanent bald scar on her nose. But she was very much wanted at The Sanctuary.

Initially she ran away from humans, and she also kept away from other horses, something that weak seniors do, to protect themselves. Without a friend in the world she didn't expect anything good at all. Bit by bit, that began to change, and friends all over the world grew to love this gentle, beautiful mare.

Annie became known as the 'house horse' living in the area surrounding the main farmhouse, where she began to interact, asking for treats and joining the family for dinner. She slowly developed some horse friends, for a time she was connected to Cole, and then a small Arabian mare, Sylvie, arrived and insisted on following Annie everywhere. Nicknamed 'the barnacle', the Arabian, Sylvie grew to become Annie's best friend. Annie was truly special, and as she grew more comfortable, she began to greet the visitors during tours, dutifully posing for photos with everyone.

Cancer took Annie suddenly, and she had her immediate horse and human family near as she galloped over the Rainbow Bridge. Rosemary Farm created a limited edition book featuring many photos from her life, and to this day, people remember the mare and recall her antics or a special visit. Such a change from the friendless lonely girl who arrived, in the best of ways.

Godspeed sweet girl; we will see you again.