Response to “Life after EPM” that ran in the September/October 2011 issue.
Letters toWT I hardly know how to tell you this, but Baronessa
(featured in the article) died yesterday. Today would have been her thirteenth birthday and it is just now that I pulled your beautiful magazine out of my mailbox. Ironically, it was probably her immune system that finally ended her life. Baronessa had been in the hospital for ten days for a strange hock swelling—she seemed to have a bad reaction to the bute and antibiotics they were using to treat that. Four days after her admission to the hospital and the
day she was to be discharged home, she suddenly went in to surgery for a cecal impaction which I now know is the worst kind of colic a horse can have. They put her on a slow re-feeding protocol and she seemed to be hitting all her milestones, and just when we thought once again she was going to be able to go home, she appeared to be colicking once more. They took her to surgery a second time only to find she was riddled with adhesions, abscesses and peritonitis, all the while, never having run a fever or having a change in her white blood count. The only symptoms were colic-like 12 hours earlier. They said any one of those conditions were likely untreatable but all three together had a 0% chance of survival. She was euthanized on the operating table. I am devastated, but know in time I will replace the sadness with happy memories. Right now it is just a big hole in my heart. Your article is a wonderful tribute to her. Thank you and sorry to shock you with this stunning news. Shari Glickman, GoodNess Ridge Farm, Mt. Airy, MD
Dear Shari, We are extremely saddened to hear about your loss, and we
appreciate you taking the time to update us on the heartbreaking end of Baronessa’s life. In the article, you made it clear that Baronessa wasn’t just another horse. She was your once-in-a- lifetime. Not everyone is lucky to have that type of partner and relationship with a horse. When you are ready, we are certain you will be able to celebrate her life on earth with you. Our condolences and thoughts are with you during this time. —WT
Heartfelt thanks for the beautiful article featuring the horses who have recovered from EPM. I can see from each article that each horse had their own journey and recovery, and each owner was dedicated to the well being of the horse. As the mother of Marija Vulfs I can only speak of watching her experience and I am grateful
12 November/December 2011
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to you for including her in your article. Her journey with Borjan aka George was not what was
hoped for originally. Marija has yet to ride to her capacity in dressage. But the subtle retraining of George will serve her well when she does. I have been in awe of the deep love of this horse that she has and the dedication from early on. One can understand an adult having the capacity to dedicate themselves, but a teenager? Every single day through rain, snow and heat Marija was dedicated to her horse and helping him to recover. As chief driver in those days, I witnessed George's progress and his struggles. Her dedication has never wavered. There are not enough words to thank Lucy Taylor-
Parker and Dr. Phoebe Smith. Although Marija was young, they both believed in her capacity to help heal her horse. UC Davis was simply awesome in their care as well. Marija rode for Mount Holyoke on their dressage
team and has watched friends advance in the sport of dressage. It is not in the competitive ring that she currently shines. However if you ever are able to come to Classical Hoofbeats [Lucy Taylor-Parker’s farm], you will see for yourself, the daily miracle that is Borjan. In Swedish his name means "First." Thank you again for being sensitive to this issue and
creating such a lovely article. Marguerite Vulfs, Nevada City, CA
Help finding a registry: First, I want to compliment you on your wonderful
magazine. I cannot begin to tell you how helpful most of the articles have been. Keep up the good work. Second, I thought you might be able to help me. We
have a branded Sachsen Warmblood gelding but no paperwork. He has the numbers “1 1” under the brand. I am trying to find an organization I can write to who might be able to trace back and obtain some information on him. I thought maybe you might have some information for me as to whom I can contact. J. Petruzzelli, Clifton Springs, NY
Warmbloods Today provides a list of all Warmblood and
sport horse breed registries, printed at the back of every edition (see p. 81). It is usually located next to the advertiser index. In that list you will find the web address of each association. Many breeds such as the Sachsen do not have U.S. affiliated offices here, so you will need to contact people listed on their website who are most likely located in Europe. —WT
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