Please keep Secret in your thoughts. She's having another difficult day with her hooves today.
We've managed to make her more comfortable after a day in the barn with some anti-inflammatories, a hoof soak, poultice, and Cloud Boots, but at this point, all we can do is wait and let time work its magic.
Secret suffers from chronic hoof abscesses, and while it's frustrating that x-rays haven't shown any underlying cause, we're doing everything we can to manage her condition and keep her comfortable. Hoof abscesses occur when bacteria or debris enter the hoof through cracks, weakened areas, or the white line — the junction where the hoof wall meets the sole. This can lead to an infection in the sensitive tissues, resulting in painful pressure build-up.
Imagine walking with a big pimple on the bottom of your foot. Ouch.
Treatments typically involve draining the abscess to release pressure, followed by soaking, poultices, and protective boots to prevent further infection and aid healing.
Given Secret's history having raced 162 times, she can be more susceptible to these issues due to her joint issues. Extra wear and tear on joints can compromise hoof health over time. Joint issues can alter a horse's gait and movement, potentially leading to uneven weight distribution on the hooves. This imbalance can make them more prone to developing cracks, bruises, and white line problems, which provide an entry point for bacteria, leading to frequent abscesses.
Secret usually recovers within 24 hours, but if that ever changes, we may have to start considering some difficult decisions for her well-being.
#secretparadise #mareworthycharities #mareworthy
We realized it's been awhile since we've done a live video walkthrough to check on all the mares, so here we go.
Just finished up the Pasture Pal stickers and letters, and we couldn't be more excited! 🎉 It’s been a labor of love, and we can’t wait for everyone to see them. Thanks for all the support and patience!🐴💌 #PasturePals
At Mareworthy we believe in the power of meaningful connections and the well-being of our mares. That's why we don't charge an adoption fee. Instead, our focus is on fostering strong relationships between our horses and their new families.
We invite you to become part of our community by giving your time, care, and love. Your support helps us provide the best for these incredible mares, and any donations you choose to make will go directly to their care and well-being.
Want to understand more about our approach? Check out the video featuring our president and founder, Kyle Rothfus, as he explains why we prioritize relationships over fees.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can give these wonderful horses life they deserve. 🐴💕
Our website has a new look!!!
When Weebly increased our monthly website fee from $35 to $80 without any added benefits, we knew we had to quickly prioritize moving to a new platform.
Our co-founder and President, Kyle, might not be a professional webmaster, but he accepted the challenge to build a new site for us in Squarespace. After a steep learning curve, he completed the new website late last night.
Please check it out to help us all show Kyle our appreciation for his hard work, and let us know what you think.
We now have listings for the mares available for adoption (although Kyle still needs to finish creating ads for 5 more mares), and the page for the Mareworthy Stakes is also on the site. Plus, if you're looking to rehome a Thoroughbred broodmare or know of one in trouble, you can submit their information using the "Rehome" page, and if you're looking to adopt, you can submit an inquiry on the "Adopt" page.
We're excited to have a new platform as Kyle also built the foundation for the Mareworthy Academy. We hope to announce applications for the first ever cohort next weekend!
#mareworthycharities #mareworthy #websitedesign #mareworthyacademy
Lass got measured for the first time today, and she's perfectly in line with where we would expect her to be at 6 months old: just over 13.1 hands (53 inches).
For a 6-month-old foal that's half Thoroughbred and believed to be half Quarter Horse or half Appaloosa, this height is right around average. Typically, Thoroughbreds at this age measure about 13 to 13.2 hands (52-53 inches), while Quarter Horses and Appaloosas may vary slightly depending on their individual genetics and growth patterns. Lass is showing a nice balance in her development, combining the height potential of her Thoroughbred side with the sturdiness often seen in Quarter Horses and Appaloosas.
For those unfamiliar with equine measurements, "hands" are a traditional unit of measure used to gauge a horse's height, where one hand equals 4 inches. This method dates back to ancient Egypt and was standardized to 4 inches in the 16th century. It's still widely used today, with measurements taken from the ground to the highest point of the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades). Measuring in hands provides a quick and standardized way to assess a horse's height and size.
Lass's steady growth shows that she's developing just as expected, blending her diverse heritage into a beautiful, balanced young horse!
#stowawaylass #mareworthy #mareworthycharities #
ND got a little bit too excited to meet Multitasker and Furthermore when we added them to the herd today.
Thankfully she didn't hurt herself; she's such a quirky old lady who's still full of lots of energy.
#northerndeputy #seniorhorse #mareworthy #mareworthycharities
The newest Pasture Pals sticker arrived today which means we can send April, May, June, and July letters next week now that we also finally resolved our letter printing vendor issue.
Since the July sticker is extra special commemorating our beloved JJ, we will also be sending it to anyone who becomes a Pasture Pal in August. Even $5/month makes a difference.
#mareworthy #pasturepals #jaywow
Just a "crazy chestnut Thoroughbred mare" getting her pedicure. Thanks to Aba for helping remind us that stereotypes aren't always true.
Wondering why we actually love that our amazing farrier, Alec Fourman of Fourman's Natural Hoof Care is using a power tool instead of the more traditional hand rasp?
Using a power grinder for hoof trims instead of a traditional hand rasp can offer several benefits, though its impact on hoof health depends on how it's used. Here are the key advantages:
Efficiency: Power grinders can speed up the trimming process, especially for tough or large hooves. This can be beneficial for farriers who handle multiple horses in a day, reducing physical strain and time spent on each trim.
Precision: With the right skill, a farrier can achieve a more precise and uniform trim using a power grinder. This precision can be particularly helpful in addressing specific hoof issues like flares or uneven wear.
Consistency: Power tools can provide a more consistent result, which is crucial for maintaining proper hoof balance and symmetry, reducing the risk of uneven pressure on the horse’s legs and hooves.
Less Physical Strain: Power grinders reduce the need for repetitive rasping motions, which can be physically demanding for farriers, especially over time. This can help prevent strain injuries, allowing them to continue working efficiently.
However, whether power grinders lead to healthier hooves depends on the farrier's skill and the horse's needs:
Skill Required: Power tools can remove hoof material quickly, so a skilled farrier is essential to avoid over-trimming, which can lead to sore hooves, imbalances, or even lameness. Careful use is crucial to ensure the hoof maintains its natural structure and function.
Heat Generation: Power grinders generate heat, which can potentially damage the hoof wall if used excessively or improperly. It's important for the farrier to monitor heat buildup and take breaks to prevent this.
In summary, when use
Lass is practicing her takeoff so she can audition for Santa this year.
#stowawaylass #raisingfoals #mareworthy
JJ's bath tonight was filled with lots of treats, smooches, and some playfulness with the hose.
There have been lots of emotions at the farm today, but we were sure to make this evening all about JJ with smiles, laughter, and gluttonous hand grazing.
We're going to miss this sweet goofy lady so much, but it will be a blessing to know she won't have to know anymore pain after tomorrow.
Thank you all for the continued support.
#jaywow #toughdecisions #mareworthy
Hand grazing with JJ after her bath
#jaywow #toughdecisions #mareworthy
We're all about efficiency :-D
With 8 Mareworthy mares and 4 Horse Husband Stables mares to feed each evening (not including mares and foals), Sean and Kyle have gotten very good at streamlining farm chores.
Feeding the primary field of 8 mares is made super easy by presetting 9 buckets of feed - 1 extra to ensure there's no fighting - and then driving them around in the Kubota to fill the ground tubs.
The mares all know the process and fall into their hierarchy to avoid any squabbling.
#farmlife #horsecare #mareworthy
We've been doing our best to focus on the positives for JJ, but we realize that’s left some people questioning our decision to schedule euthanasia for her.
The first part of this video shows some happy moments from today where we spoiled her with extra Zero Proof Horse Treats but we’ve also included a few moments at the end that are more typical of JJ’s daily life.
Even the few simple steps she took to get treats today were clearly a struggle for her, and today is what we would consider one of her better days where she's moving more freely, thanks to extra pain medication.
For the past 9 months since JJ arrived, we have been closely monitoring her and have sadly watched her condition deteriorate despite our best efforts and consultations with multiple equine specialists. Earlier this year, a set of x-rays revealed a small fracture in her front left coffin bone, along with evidence of old laminitic events in both front hooves. We immediately put her into corrective shoes, hoping to stabilize her hooves and stop further deterioration.
Unfortunately, follow-up x-rays told a different story. They revealed that her condition was continuing to worsen, and JJ was ultimately diagnosed with pedal osteitis in her front feet. Pedal osteitis is a chronic condition where the coffin bone becomes inflamed and begins to demineralize, leading to a weakening of the bone structure within the hoof. This can cause severe pain and lameness, and in JJ’s case, it means that her hooves are like ticking time bombs that could fail at any moment, leaving her in unbearable pain and requiring immediate euthanasia.
In addition to her hoof condition, JJ also has an old pelvic injury that requires regular chiropractic care to keep her comfortable in her back and hind end. As you can imagine, a hind end injury paired with severe hoof issues only exacerbates each other, as one deficiency forces the other to overcompensate.
Our goal for the horses in our care is always for them to thrive
18 years old and she moves like this and has an amazingly calm disposition 😍
Who's going to adopt Multitasker and take her to the 2025 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover to compete in the broodmare division?
#multitasker #mareworthycharities
WARNING ⚠️: Vicious Mare Attack...
Lass is such a good girl. She stood like a perfect angel for her fifth hoof trim today.
Next month we'll plan to start having her in the barn aisle like a big girl for her trims. Whoever ends up adopting her is also going to be inheriting great hooves thanks to trims every four weeks by Fourman's Natural Hoof Care and high quality nutrition from Hallway Feeds and good Kentucky hay.
PS, if you heard Kyle talking about Breeders' Cup World Championships you heard correctly. We'll have more details to share, but Vee's wonderful racing connections are planning a very special fundraiser for us during Breeders Cup this fall....more details about everything we'll be doing that week to be announced.
#stowawaylass #horsecare #mareworthycharities
Finally a refreshing shower
We're spending extra time with JJ while we wait for the final evaluation from the specialty podiatrist about her coffin bone fractures. She's staying mostly comfortable in her Cloud Boots, but we did move her and Furthermore to the round pen so she needs to move less in a slightly smaller space when Further moves away from her.
If she takes a hard turn for the worse before we hear back from the podiatrist, we will make the decision without waiting so that she doesn't end up in severe pain, but for the time being we're thankful to be able to manage keeping her comfortable more than uncomfortable as we cherish every moment we get to spend with her.
#jaywow #mareworthycharities
