ROO

Roo’s Memorial (4/9/00? to 10/13/25)

On this drizzly morning, Roo was humanely euthanized.

Roo, our wonderful Percheron mare, was diagnosed with Chronic Progressive Lymphedema in August. Though we made some modifications to her workload, she had since begun showing signs that she was having neurological issues. Her hind end was weakening, and it was harder for her to keep her balance. She started having trouble picking her feet so the farrier wouldn't be able to trim her hooves. But, she was able to enjoy pasture life, walking around, grazing, rolling in the mud, and eating her meals outside.

Unfortunately, Roo’s condition deteriorated quickly over the weekend and this morning she couldn't get up. Roo was not in distress. She was very calm and serene, as if she had accepted her fate. After a heartfelt discussion with our veterinarian and knowing that her condition would not improve despite any medical measures, we decided the kindest thing to do was to let her go.

Roo was the first horse CTR ever purchased. (All of our other horses have been donated or adopted.) She was purchased from a livestock dealer in Thurmont, Maryland, who specializes in draft horses. She was delivered on Easter Sunday in 2023. We didn't know much about Roo's history, except that she was from Canada and was a driving horse. She had a big scar on her shoulder that indicated she had had an accident or had an injury where the collar would have sat. She was a steady, reliable riding horse. We could put any rider on her and she would take care of them.

In the pasture she was best friends with Maggie. They were always grazing together and hanging out in their run-in shed. Their stalls were right next to each other in the barn. Besties always.

Roo was a character. She had a favorite tickle spot that if you hit it just right, her lips would jiggle like crazy. She also let everyone know that she was "gas-powered". Her flatulence was epic! We added a “supplement” to her morning feed when she experienced anhidrosis this summer and discovered that she also LOVED Guinness beer.

To say that we are going to miss our gentle giant is an understatement. She was a fantastic horse and loved by all who got to work with her.

Please keep our staff in your thoughts. These women spend so much time with our horses and losing Roo is devastating. We were as lucky to have her and she was to have CTR.

"My ladies have promised that I shall never be sold, and so I have nothing to fear; and here my story ends. My troubles are all over, and I am at home; and often before I am quite awake, I fancy I am still in the orchard at Birtwick, standing with my old friends under the apple trees."
~ Anna Sewell, Black Beauty