Support Lady's Fight for Life

Final update - Lady fought long and hard. She made it off a mountain that would have claimed most horses in the same position, she survived a fast flowing river, a night on her own, and a long trailer ride home. My mare fought hard and ultimately I had to make the choice that her fight was done. Her body started shutting down, even though she was mentally still trying. The vet couldn't believe she was still trying to eat and greeted me when I came in. My big red mare did not let the true wilderness claim her. She survived. I love my sweet red girl, rest in peace Where's Donna, AKA Lady in Red. Your legacy will continue with Valor.

Hi there,

On June 20, 2024, while in the Weminuche Wilderness, my mare, Wheres Donna aka Lady, suffered a pulled hamstring. After a night of rest, we were crossing the river to get out and Lady went down in the river where she lost both back shoes and pulled her other hamstring. Luckily, we were able to save her from drowning and get her across. Unluckily, we were approximately 15 miles back and the trail out was really rough. Lady made it about 14 miles down the trail before she couldn't go any further. She then had to spend Friday night on the trail alone, as my gear had been on her when she went down in the river and was soaked and it wasn't safe for me to stay with her.

Lady made it through the night, myself and 2 others made our way back to her so we could give her additional pain meds, wrap her legs, and get soft horse boots on her for the rest of the way out. After making it out she then had a 5.5 hour drive back to Colorado Springs to her stall. She was cleaned, medicated, fed, and watered for the night with plans of going to the vet Monday. Sunday, June 23, she was found down in her stall with a temp of 103.2. She is currently at Colorado Equine in Peyton fighting for her life. She has no broken bones, thank goodness, but she is fighting cellulitis, a small amount of pneumonia, and extreme soreness. The next 24 hours are crucial.

I am trying to raise $7500 to help cover the costs of keeping her at the vet. Donations can even be made directly to Colorado Equine vet for Wheres Donna, or Sarah Watson. Anything is appreciated.