On Friday evening, my beautiful pony Whinny went down in her pasture. The vet told me we could put her to sleep, or we could take her to the U of I large animal veterinary hospital. Whinny wasn’t ready to give up, so neither was I. We got her to the hospital, and she has spent the past three days being supported in a specially designed sling, as she cannot stand on her own. Despite this, she is still her sweet, feisty self, full of kindness and a desire to keep living.

On Sunday, Whinny’s best friend Kate joined her in the hospital with the same symptoms. The vets began to suspect a contagious viral disease. This morning, both of them tested positive for equine herpes, a devastating disease with a high mortality rate requiring extensive medication and treatment, as well as an extended stay in the hospital.

Whinny and Kate are two incredible horses who make the world better just by being a part of it. They have been best friends since the moment they met. As long as they want to keep fighting, Becca and I are going to support them unconditionally. That’s what love is.

Neither of us is rich, and the bills are already running upwards of 3-K with no sign of slowing down. If you are able, please consider donating whatever you can to help our mares and give them the very best shot at fighting this. Your support means the world to us.

Thank you all, and have a blessed day.

Rose, Becca, Whinny and Kate