Help Ellie Heal: A New Horse for Her Heart

Almost exactly a year ago to date, I purchased my daughter Ellie Estelle her first very own horse, Stella. Stella was underweight, but otherwise, we were told she was in good health and we were hopeful and excited for this journey. My daughter is very actively involved in 4-H and her school's equestrian team for the past 4 years, previously leasing a horse from a friend. Since purchasing Stella, she has been under the care/supervision of our vet, had her teeth floated, was on a nutritional plan, additional supplements, and had undergone numerous tests in attempts to determine why her body condition was not improving.

This morning, Stella was showing signs of colic. We walked her for about 3 hours, she was given Banamine, we had phone contact with the vet which led to an emergency farm call. During attempts to tube her, there was a blockage just past her nasal cavities. An ultrasound was done which showed a large mass around her esophagus which is a likely contributor to her colic/slight twist of her intestines and her decreasing body condition. It was also discovered Stella had a significant heart murmur undiagnosed through previous vet visits. Ultimately, after extensive consultation with the vet and weighing options and outcomes, euthanasia was decided to be the best for Stella. We are so heartbroken and definitely will need some time to heal. It has been a very difficult, hard, and expensive journey with Stella, but we are so grateful for this past year we have been able to love our Stella. Stella was the sweetest horse who really gave her all for Ellie, this is truly a traumatic loss.

I am a lone parent and have put everything I have into Stella. I am creating this fundraiser in the hopes of support in being able to give my daughter the opportunity to bring home another horse.