Hi everyone, this fundraiser is being organized on behalf of Kelsey Reinhardt. Please see below for her and Neat Trick's full story.

Just a few months ago, I rescued this beautiful 4-year-old filly off the racetrack and brought her home to California. Only three days after arriving, she severely colicked and required emergency, life-saving surgery for an impaction and displaced colon.

She spent two weeks at the hospital, fighting various complications associated with the operation, including incisional infections, recurring fevers, returning colic symptoms, and severe ulcers. Against all odds, she was able to pull through and came home, strong and bright.

For six weeks, she wore a hernia belt while her incision continued to heal. She was on track to making a full recovery, until last week when she colicked again. Despite every effort to treat her medically, she needed a second emergency surgery.

This time, her small intestine was involved, and the vet found widespread intestinal inflammation. Biopsies were taken during surgery, and confirmed what the team had feared: she has been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). She is now on steroids, an all-pellet diet, and intensive care. She is bravely fighting, but is once again experiencing an incisional infection and high fevers.

Through it all, she has not refused to give up, and neither will I.

Unfortunately, the financial toll has been devastating. Her first surgery and recovery cost nearly $25,000. This second surgery and continued hospitalization have brought the total bill to $50,000.

Given the timing of her first colic, happening only three days after her arrival in California, I had no chance to insure her, leaving me to cover all of these unexpected costs out of pocket.

If this brave girl keeps fighting, I will keep fighting for her every single day. Please help us bring her home. Any contribution - big and small - will make an enormous difference in giving her the chance she deserves at a happy, healthy life.

Thank you for reading her story and supporting her journey. We are so grateful for your help during this difficult time.

If you, or anyone you know, has any helpful tips or equine nutritionists to manage IBD in horses, please reply to the fundraiser.