Community support needed for a small, woman-owned business after a devastating loss

Rose Nelson is a lifetime resident of Sandisfield, MA where she has owned and single-handedly operated the equestrian facility Sunny Rose Farm for seven years. This past month has seen a rise of challenges that Rose could use support to meet. In September, Sunny Rose Farm lost its most beloved and popular lesson horse, Theo, a wonderful gelding who accompanied countless people in our community through major milestones. Whether it was jumping over their first crossrail, or simply touching a large, intimidating animal for the first time, Theo was that rare horse who could help beginners get over their fears and learn to take healthy risks, while also pushing advanced riders to exceed their potential.

After battling an unexpected colic on September 12th, Theo was transported for emergency veterinarian services but they could not save his life. As anyone who has ever lost an animal knows, the devastating emotional loss is usually accompanied by big bills, and this is even more pronounced with equines. In addition to a vet bill in the mid four digits, burial costs (including Internet repair to fix a cable erroneously unearthed), Theo’s passing sees Rose losing not just a friend, but a valuable business partner. To those reading this who aren’t from the horse world, a lesson horse is like the MVP of colleagues—someone versatile, energetic, empathetic, and nearly impossible to replace. It will take Rose many months (and many dollars) to find a horse who can come anywhere close to filling Theo’s shoes. In the interim, we want Rose to be able to grieve emotionally instead of worrying how to make ends meet financially while supporting her many students.

If you’ve been lucky enough to know Rose or to visit her facility (which was built by her own father in 2018), you’ll know that all Rose wants to do is give back to her community by using her own gifts. One of the rare barn owners who still welcomes barn rats to her business (these are young enthusiasts who do barn chores to work off their lessons or board), Rose has long bent over backwards to support the members of her extended family. We, the members of this barn family, hope you’ll consider bolstering a young mother and entrepreneur through a challenging time.

Thank you for considering, and for sharing our GoFundMe with animal lovers far and wide.