I am writing to share an update on The Gamble Foundation, which was established in memory of my beloved OTTB Royal Gamble, whom we lost to colic in November 2024. Gamble’s resilience and the lessons he taught me inspired this foundation, and I am honored to share how your support has helped us honor his legacy.
To date, the funds collected in Gamble’s honor have supported:
- The 1st Annual Colic Awareness Seminar: Held on November 4, 2025, and hosted by the New England Equine Medical and Surgical Center in Dover, NH. We are currently planning a follow-up seminar on Laminitis for this May (TBD May 2026).
- Support for Equine Non-Profits: Donations have been made to organizations like Ballyclare Farm Off-Track Thoroughbreds to help offset veterinary and internment costs for horse owners managing sequelae of colic.
- Community Outreach: I offer free meetings for grieving horse owners to share their stories and find support.
The story of The Gamble Foundation: In November of 2024 we lost our beloved OTTB Royal Gamble (Grandson of Seattle Slew and Son of Not For Love Mare) after a prolonged battle with colic. During our short time together I learned so many valuable life lessons. One that stands out is the juxtaposition between human and horse. The fragility of such a large sentient being. Unfortunately, I know first hand how scary it is when your horse who you love is sick. I am profoundly changed by witnessing first hand the physical and mental strength it takes to be a horse owner, veterinarian, and full time caretaker. It is such an unusual relationship where a human who is much smaller can save the life of such a large animal.
Gamble was a stoic, majestic, chronically haygry, winter loving, sour patch of an OTTB, and true to his breed he loved having a job. Gamble had an incredible will to live and to love. Little did I know that his most important job was loving me. Gamble's chronic illness taught me to love and appreciate each moment we had together and not take our journey for granted. We always stopped to graze which was our version of stopping to smell the roses. The sacrifices that I made for him seem small in comparison to the life lessons he shared with me - and continues to share.
Sharing this abbreviated account of my bond with Gamble honors his legacy and aims to inspire similar connections between owners and their horses. I hope our story also serves as a reminder of the vital importance of natural environments for equine well-being.
Thank you for your continued support of The Gamble Foundation.