DAYLON MARAUDER

April 11, 2003 – April 18, 2022

Our beautiful Dyllon sadly left us after what we can only assume was due to a complication from colic. He went downhill extremely quick – from eating and drinking, to 2 hours later laying down and being uninterested in standing at all because of pain. Our vet agreed it wasn’t a normal colic response, as he was still passing manure as normal and all other vitals were normal – except he was in extreme pain. It was determined that he had flipped his intestine and it was sitting on his pelvis and a nerve, causing the extreme pain he was in. Immediately, my decision was I couldn’t see him suffer any longer. There were some options to try but it would prolong his suffering and the vet said the outcome was still likely going to be grim. The likelihood was, by the time he showed symptoms, the intestine had already flipped. Potentially it was a freak accident in a roll and had nothing to do with colic at all, but I didn’t request an autopsy so we can only assume. It was clear the intestine was displaced, that was the end result.

Dyllon worked hard his entire life, it broke my heart to make the call and I’m forever grateful for my best friend and my barn partner at my side who agreed immediately with my choice. He needed us to be his voice, and I looked him in the eye – he was tired. That made the hardest thing I’ve ever had to say, just a little bit easier. It was best for Dyl.Dyllon was so close to his forever family. He had appointments booked this weekend, and more applications had come in for him. He was the centrepiece of our barn because he carried himself with a presence that captured everyone’s attention when they walked in.

When he arrived, he was so scared of everything and all of the changes in his life. Each and every day he grew more confident in himself and watching him grow was a highlight for our team. He went from being afraid to even have someone sit on his back, to completing his first trail ride just a few days before his passing.

He would stand for hours in cross ties for attention, and his extreme love of bananas would make everyone’s day when he begged for them.It breaks my heart that this sweet horse who worked so hard his entire life, had such a short “retirement”. But he was loved, he was cared for and knew kindness. I wish every moment I could go back in time and somehow protect him, but all I can do is find solace that he never has to work again or suffer pain for another.

We can take it from here Dyllon, you’ve done your miles ❤️

“For in my mind, all memories are alive. And in my heart your image is deeply etched, and for as long as I am aware of myself, I will remember you.”

GIMME HOPE

March 31, 1999 – May 12, 2023

Some losses are harder than others, and even though Gio’s time in my barn was not long, he was one of the ones who has touched my heart the most. Knowing I had to make the call to let him cross the rainbow bridge, even though I could not be there with him to say goodbye, is one of the hardest choices I’ve had to make in all of my years of doing this.

Gio unfortunately came up with a serious health issue a few weeks ago, and the prognosis to fix him was impossible. We made the ultimate but kindest choice for him to pass as peacefully as possible, and give him the opportunity to be free of pain.

My heart is broken that Gio did not get the chance to truly enjoy his life, after being pulled out of the kill pen last summer. But I know that his last months and days were filled with love, and that he had the opportunity to know so much kindness.

Because of the genuine kindness of amazing donors who rallied behind his freedom, is why Gio even got his second chance at life to enjoy these past months. To those people, we are eternally grateful.

I’m so sorry that your time was no longer my sweet little G-man, but I know that you are pain free and being your cheeky little self up there over the rainbow bridge.

“How lucky I am to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Dealers Dream “Alora” &
Shalomar Bliss “Bliss”

April 16, 1999 – July 18, 2023
April 23, 1994 – July 18, 2023

Two very special senior ladies crossed the rainbow bridge in the arms and care of their foster momma Katherine; after their senior bodies reached a time where they said “okay, enough is enough”.

Everyone remembers our sweet Alora, her emaciated body and story of neglect was one I know many people followed while she was here rehabbing with us. We were so grateful to see her start to blossom last summer and finally get a chance at happiness.

And her older “sister” Bliss; they got the chance to be reunited to live out their retirement. Sadly the past neglect and lack of kindness and compassion for so long, caught up to their bodies.

Our girls said that they were tired, and they were ready to be able to run pain free across the rainbow bridge. Thank you Katherine for being so selfless to open your heart and home to these girls; and for loving them as your own while we made final arrangements for them. Run fast & free sweet girls, I know Jace was waiting for you on the other side.

MANHATTEN KILLEAN

April 16, 2001 – May 25, 2024

Our sweet Mannie has crossed the rainbow bridge. She arrived to us in the wintertime, and although she was in good spirits and good health, she did have a prepubic tendon rupture, leaving her with a large mass on the underside of her belly. She supposedly had this for a couple years and still was fine as a companion.

Unfortunately as spring came, the mass grew and on a veterinary exam, we were informed that there was a high likelihood of her intestines potentially slipping into this rupture space, which would cause her extreme pain and require emergency euthanasia if it happened.

The last thing we ever wanted was to be a day too late and have Mannie cross the bridge in unimaginable pain. So we assessed the vet notes, looked at the risk, and we made the decision to let her go before the worst of heat, humidity and fly season kicked in.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated towards her end of life costs, and especially to her foster family, Amber and Dave, you go above and beyond every day for so many horses and Mannie was blessed to have you by her side today.

This classy matriarch of 24 wins, earnings of over $450,000 and mother to 8 amazing foals, will forever be remembered, and we were graced to have had her in our New Start family these past months.

Fly fast across that bridge sweet girl.

JUSTDOWHATYOUCANDO

May 18, 2008 – July 30, 2024

Rescued by New Start in the fall of 2023, Libby came to us with an unknown history that was sadly etched into her very bones—a deformity in her hind end that was likely the result of a broken pelvis that never healed correctly.

Despite the challenges she faced, Libby clearly had adapted to her lifestyle. She was wary of people, never fully comfortable with a lot of human interaction, especially when it came to her back feet. Her wariness spoke of her struggle, and while they monitored her closely, her foster mom respected Libby’s boundaries and offered her the space she needed.

As spring and summer has rolled on, it became clear that Libby’s discomfort had been increasing. Alongside her companion Maple, whose quality of life was also in decline, we made the compassionate decision to let Libby cross the rainbow bridge on Tuesday.

Libby’s journey with us, though brief, we are grateful for the time we had with her and for the opportunity to offer her a place of safety and care in her final months.

Rest in peace, dear Libby. May you now find the comfort you so richly deserve, free from pain and surrounded by the love.

CLAN BOSS KANE

May 17, 2002 – November 21, 2024

Kane’s story is one of both heartbreak and grace. Born into our family’s breeding program, he was the very first foal we raised—our “homebred prince.” I can still remember every detail from the moment he took his first steps. When he was sold at six years old, I never imagined I would see him again. For years he was only a memory, tucked into the fabric of my childhood and the beginnings of what my family built.

That changed in December 2022, when an email appeared on my screen: Kane had been positively identified in a Pennsylvania kill pen. In an instant, I went from helping others reunite with their horses to fighting for my own. The cost to bring him home was daunting, but the kindness of friends, strangers, and this community raised the funds in days. Within a week, Kane was safe. What I once thought impossible became reality, he was on his way home again, after more than a decade apart.

The following two years were a gift I will never forget. Kane lived out his retirement in the very place where his life began. He spent his days surrounded by love, spoiled with every comfort, and never without his favourite Bear Paws. He had his quirks, his stubborn streak, and his vet aversions, but he was ours again, and every moment with him was worth more than words could ever capture.

By the end, Kane’s body was failing him even though his mind still fought to stay. He struggled more each day, and it became clear that the greatest act of love we could give was to let him go with dignity. On his final morning, Kane left us in the most fitting way possible, independent to the end and with a belly full of his favourite treats.

Kane’s journey reminds us why we do this work. Every horse deserves at least the peace Kane found in his final years. Bringing him home was one of the hardest battles I’ve fought, but it was also one of the greatest privileges of my life.

It’s not goodbye, Kane. It’s until we meet again. ~ Kimberly

EVERYDAYAHOLLIDAY

May 4, 2016 – July 30, 2025

Rescued by his breeder from a kill pen in February 2024. Due to the neglect he faced from his original quarantine placement, he didn’t make it into our care until August 2024.
Holliday was only 8 years old at the time. His veterinary evaluation revealed he had suffered immense trauma—including what appeared to be an old broken neck, alongside lingering lameness. But he wasn’t ready to go. Not yet. And we weren’t ready to let him.

Holliday embodied resilience. He never let his special needs slow him down. Despite the neurological challenges caused by his past injuries, he still played in the field like any other horse—curious, bold, full of life. Even toward the end, when he began showing signs of what we believe was pelvic damage, he simply adapted. He found a way to live with it—still trotting, still exploring, still running across the field to greet his foster mom.

He loved his PEMF and nerve release sessions—leaning in, licking, releasing, showing us all the ways his body was slowly finding relief. His incredible foster mom stood by him through it all, fighting tooth and nail to get him everything he needed—veterinary care, therapies, time, and most of all… love.

But earlier this month, a vet visit brought the news we had all hoped wouldn’t come: the past had finally caught up to him. The trauma he endured had taken too much, and it was time.

Today, at only 9 years old, his foster mom stood by him once more—just like she always had—and did one final act of kindness. She helped him cross the rainbow bridge surrounded by love, peace, and dignity.

Rest peacefully, Holliday. You were so much more than your past. You were strong, you were joyful, you were loved. And you will never be forgotten.

“Even in pain, he chose joy. Even in struggle, he chose to run. He taught us that resilience isn’t about the absence of hardship—it’s about loving life in spite of it.”