"Our Prince" is a beautiful and sweet three-year-old horse bred and raised by my dear friend, Alisa Blessing. He sustained a life-threatening injury just three days ago, May 27. Not a fence kicker, he must have rolled in his corral, stretching his hind leg up and over the top rail, where unfortunately there was some wire poking up which lodged in his hoof.   By no less than a true miracle, Dave Heiar was nearby trimming a horse and heard the commotion. He tried to push Prince's foot off the fence but could not, so he grabbed his tools and cut him free. Seeing how serious the injury was, he ran to find Janet, the International Equestrian Center’s supervisor, who in turn called me. I raced over, calling the vet. When I arrived, I couldn't believe my eyes-Our Prince, standing in a pool of blood, his hoof partially severed from his limb, looking calm, Janet at his head. Dr. Selders arrived shortly after, and within two minutes said, "I could try to treat him here, but his only GOOD chance is the hospital". While waiting for the next set of rescuers, John and Rochelle Hancock bringing the truck and trailer, she washed it as well as possible and applied bandaging for the trip and administered IV antibiotics. She remarked at how kind Prince was to allow her to do all of that with only a mild sedative.  Without a ramp to walk on, Prince had to jump into the trailer on three legs, and brave horse that he is, did so without hesitation. We arrived at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital in Bonsall, where after the initial triage, Dr. Huggins informed us that for further treatment, lavage, x ray, debriding and surgery would be necessary. This would give Prince a 50/50 chance of keeping infection out of the wound, but no guarantee of soundness. The estimated cost of this with 5-7 days of after-care would be between $6,000-$8,000, with a deposit of $3,500 required up front.  I could see Alisa struggling with the financial aspect. This was the baby she bred and raised. This was the horse I started as a two-year-old and loved dearly as well, not only for his beauty and sweet disposition, but now we had all seen his brave heart as well. This horse deserved the best chance we could give him. I told Alisa I would help find the money. It makes me so mad when money gets in the way!!!  So here we are-we need another $2,500. by Monday. Perhaps we can get a personal loan for some of it. The rest will have to come from donations from you kind and generous folks out there. Any amount, no matter how small you might think it is, will mean so much. Yes, there will be more veterinary expenses and a long lay-up, but I believe that these can be met in time. To help get the word out, you can share this link to your Facebook Timeline! Thank you for your support! Sincerely, Candy Regel and Alisa Blessing