One of the things that has made Garbosa's ordeal bearable is the constant stream of emails that I now receive, many of them thanking me for posting this research. When Garbosa first passed away, I was filled with anger and frustration, demanding to know why such a wonderful creature would have been brought to me, just to be taken away from me so cruelly and so quickly. After several days filled with angry questions, suddenly it occurred to me.

Garbosa wasn't brought to me.......I was brought to HER.

For whatever reason, she was meant to spend her last years with me, and in doing so, her life ended in a loving and peaceful environment. And, just as importantly, I was meant to learn from her ordeal and use that knowledge to make a difference in the world.

And that is just what I am doing. It is a fitting tribute to a horse that touched my life in an unforgettable way.

I hope you enjoy the letters below. Just a hint.......you would be well-advised to grab your Kleenex box before reading further.

All the best,

Nia Ridley
Miraval Andalusians

Dear Ms. Ridley:

My name is Erin O'Connor and I called and spoke with you early this year, in late March. My 15 year old Purebred white Arabian gelding, B.J., had also had a large softball sized tumor underneath his tail. It was removed at OSU, along with one in his sheath and one on the inside of his lower lip. I had called to get information on cimetidine for a paper I was writing for my college zoology class.

I wanted to thank you for the information you faxed me, it helped make a great paper, and it gave me a lot of confidence that I can help my horse. I had talked to some vets who told me my horse would die in a year, the tumors would return and there was nothing I could do. Talking with you and hearing your story and your confidence and support made me feel great. So far, his tumors have not returned, and in September it will be one year since his surgery at OSU.

We have also changed vets to Dr. Randy Lee, and in the past few months he has taken excellent care of my horses, especially my gelding. He has found a few more melanomas in B.J.'s sheath, but has promptly removed those and is not worried about his health. My horse is doing very well, and is still being the trickster he always has been.

Thank you very much, again. Erin O'Connor & B.J.

I have just read your memorial to your mare, and I am writing this with tears in my eyes. I have an 11-yr. old grey TB gelding who has melanoma tumors. I was referred to your website by an "internet friend" in Texas who has a grey horse with melanoma. As in your experience,there is very little information and support in the equine medical community... when I bought my horse 3 years ago, two different vets who performed pre-purchase exams each had the same response.. well, it's a grey horse, they all get tumors... I have been concerned about removing my horse's tumors, and a 2-1/2 month trial of Cimetidine appeared to do nothing to help; with your advice I am going to commit to take some action immediately! Thank you, thank you, for your website! I will continue to visit you! Joyce Ellis

A most beautiful website with wonderful information. I will be contacting you shortly about melanoma as the mare I just acquired has several under her tail. I was saddened to hear of your tale with your lovely mare. I was aware of the problem when I acquired my mare but am willing to deal with it. Nancy Rojo I have met your stallion when he was owned by Bonnie Tanner. He is quite impressive!

May peace be with you and Garbosa, I know what you went through, have been there, remember only the good times.

Thanks for your informative article... My mare is 1/2 Andalusian & just 4 years old; she's a beauty in & out. Unfortunatly we've had our bad luck too...she developed a patella fixation (growing too fast) which forced me to put her out to graze...just as this was getting better & I started training her again she broke a hoofbone (still don't understand how it happened) & is now on absolute stable rest...The best vets have guaranteed me a full recovery! Still she takes it in her stride & it's a compliment to Andalusian horses that they adjust to every situation... I guess I mean to say NEVER GIVE UP... Good luck with your present & future horses Andrea

Thank you for sharing your info on melanomas. I have a 10 year old arab (grey) gelding who has had 1 melanoma since he was 3. I was lucky enough to find a local vet who persuaded me to remove it, even though my usual vet advised to let it go for the time. I really did not know how invasive melanomas could be and I will be much more vigilant in checking him and my mare (full-siblings) to be sure they are both tumor free. I am so sorry for your loss, but I am so glad you have taken the effort to pass this information on to the rest of us. Thank you.

As the progeny of a family who has bred horses for centuries, I cannot imagine life without one. Alas for me, our last stallion was sold just a bit before I was born, and I make do with stolen moments. However, if one day I ever have the chance to buy a horse, it will be an Andalusian. As for Don Marco, my only wish is to see him in person. May God grant him a long life. In our tradition, your horse is your soul-mate, before any other. The litany goes Horse, Mate, Weapon, Clothing, in this very order. Need I say more?

Dear Nia, I just read your web page to your mare, Garbosa. It is so very touching and I cried again over our losses. I lost my beloved foundation mare,Galana recently. Unfortunatly, I had also just sold her colt by Calypso as well, but they really love him and helped nurse him thru his orphan expirience. Galana had the dreaded "M-word" also...as does her sire, Banbury Errol. But Galana died due to the penicillan shots that were prescribed to lessen the infection that had also gotten involved in the whole horrible mess. Anyway, I just purchased a mare, Idoya, to replace her from Rancho Escondido, the Rosenthals, that has much the same breeding that your Garbosa had. She's LegonarioIII and Bilbaino III also! I look forward to seeing some babies in the next years. Well, enough of this... I'd love to speal to you about a web page as I'm so impressed with yours. I won one from the silent auction at Nationals last year, by Heather, but seems she's too busy so I'ld like to find out what you charge, etc. I've got some Arab-Andalusians I want to sell.

Thank you Nia for your information on equine melanoma and for your tribute to Garbosa XI! Our 30-year old Tennessee Walking Horse, "Hot Shot" (chestnut) had a tumor about the size of a golf ball removed from the top side of his tailbone last spring along with two smaller ones that were "frozen". All appeared fine until this January when several smaller bumps appeared. They are now oozing. He doesn't seem to know they are there. He loves his Equine Senior, the grass pasture and living with "Melody" his 29- year old (tomorrow is her birthday) pasture mate. Luckily, I found your site this morning and have called my vet about Cimetidine. Will keep you posted! We live in Pendleton, OR - not too far away!

This is the only site I have found with articles about equine melanomas. Thank you for helping all of us out there with grey horses.

Thank you for sharing your touching story and your fight against melanomas. We have a 33 year old grey mare that has melanomas. I had no idea there was things you could do to help your horse fight them. I'm sorry for your loss but appreciate you sharing the information.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE INFO ON THIS PAGE. I HAVE DEALT WITH MELANOMA IN AN ARAB MANY YEARS AGO AS WELL AS A THOROUGHBRED. BOTH DIED AS A RESULT. ONE GREY, ONE BAY. THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP ALL OF US BECAUSE I KNOW IF I'VE COME IN CONTACT WITH IT TWICE ALREADY, I'LL SEE IT AGAIN. CARRIE

I am considering purchasing an arab mare with melanomas. She has three, they are small, and I am gathering info to to make an informed decision. Thanks for the information, you are doing a good thing!

Very moving and full of love. We haven't lost any of our three beloved grade horses that are in their late twenties but, we have lost four precious dogs and the sorrow of their departure never leaves as you know, but the memories are beautiful.

I am currently a horseless horse lover who had tears run down her face as she read your web pages. I learned much about melenomias that i wish we had known years ago... Keep up the wonderful work..

Hi your story hit a soft spot with me, i used to work at Lippizzan Stables in Oveido, Florida (the training barn for the traveling show) And worked with some mighty fine young andalusians, but also had to take care of one of the stallions who had severe melinomas on his rectum and hip, the one on his hip came out of nowhere and it sadened me to see it literally grow bigger each day, the vet was a regular visitor to drain and check on him. And even though he seemed in great spirits it killed me to find him down one day so sick that they decided to let him rest. I learned so much in such a short amount of time about his condition and treatment that i will always be thankful for the knowledge. One day i hope to own one of my own because they are such beautiful and noble animals, and even though i know the risks, i agree with you, in the end it is all worth it!!!!

Nia, your story was very moving and very informative. I own and breed Peruvian Pasos, decendants of Andalusians. Our breed is not immune to melanomas either, and your story will go a long way to help people who have horses suffering from this insidious thing. The mother of one of my best colts was put down because of melanoma...I wish I had this information at that time to pass on to her new owners...it may have saved her life. Thank you for sharing your story and for passing on this critical information on melanomas. You have done the horse world a vast favour.

I am very sorry about your horse. It saddens me because my 11 y/o Arabian mares has already had one melanoma removed from her neck and has now developed two on her tail. I have decided to find information on these tumors which led me here. I would love to hear from other owners who are going through this, or anyone that could send me information or web site links. I didn't realize how serious these can be, and now know I possibly have a rough road ahead of me. However being owned by Ellesse, and having the privledge to learn from her will be worth any heart break. Anyone, feel free to email me, I would like to hear from people on this subject. God Bless. Heidi

Nia, I was so touched by Garbosa's story. I, too, believe that everything that happens on this earth has a divine purpose. I would like more info on melanoma for future reference, if needed - I want to be prepared. Thank you. God bless. Ginger

Nia--I've just e-mailed you regarding Judi and I'll be talking to you over the weekend I hope, but I had to tell you that your webpages are heartbreakingly beautiful. Your love for your horses glows off the pages, and yes, I cried for you and for Garbosa and for Judi. There is always a reason for everything--I have two grey Arabs - one gelding and one mare who both have melanoma. You have shown me a path and now I have some hope for them. They will be on Cimetadine Monday morning. I thank you with all my heart. Mary

She is beautiful. I'm sure she's in heaven, in the beautiful pastures god has prepared for her!

Hi Nia, This is Satin. You have my deepest sympathies in your lose of Garbosa. She sounded wonderful. I just hope Condessa grows up like her! Her tribute was very moving and I';m still sniffling. I don't know if you will mind, but I will be lighting a candle to Epona on Garbosa's behalf and ask Her to take special care with this wonderful mare. Just know she is happy and pain free now, frolicing in the fields of her ancestors and being admired by the gods... Satin

I read your story about Garbosa's battle with Melanoma with tears streaming down my face. I have endured that same tragedy with two beloved stallions, Lusitano, my foundation stallion from Portugal & Ganoso, a wonderful Spanish stallion. I tried everything I could, but they just went down hill fast from internal tumors & had to be put down. On the other hand, when I moved to Colorado, I took two Lusitano mares to CSU & their wonderful surgeons debulked tumors on their tails & they have been fine since l994. One mare had such big tumors on her tail that most of it was removed. The after surgery care was very time consuming but paid off. Since she lost her fly switching hair we tied a cattle fly repellant tag on her stub & it keeps flies away. Ann Ohrel

I just wanted to drop you a note of consolation -- I just found your wonderful website, and what started as a droolfest for me in appreciation of all of the wonderful Andalusian photos has turned into tears. My heart is breaking over the story of Garbosa's loss, and I wish you the best with Don Marco when he arrives! Whitney Redmond, WA

Thank you so much!!!!! This is the first page I have gotten to that has actually addressed the problems faced by owners of horses with melanomas. Tonight, I did a search on Cimetidine to see if therer were any things on horses. I went through several pages of results before I found this. I don't know what kept me looking, but I did. It is wonderful to know that someone else has gone through what I am now. My TB Shadow, yes he is gray, has melanoma. And up until now, I thought that it was basically a death sentence because all the things that were on the internet about seemed so grim and my vet just said we would have to wait it out. I DON'T want to wait it out, I want to get rid of it!! You do not know what you have done for me tonight. An enormous weight seems to have been lifted off of my shoulders and I am feeling better than ever about this whole situation. God may have taken Garbosa away from you, but he has definitely given you a gift that will help many more than me. God bless you, you cannot know what you mean to me, it is invaluable. Please contact me back, I am interested in anything you can say to me. I will be sending you a fax number to fax me the pages of info as soon as I can find someone to let me borrow theirs. GOD BLESS YOU!!!

What a wonderful article. If more horse owners shared information this way we'd have a lot more happy healthy horses. It is hard to ask your vet to do research when you know that they've worked a 20 hour day or something. It is our responsibility as well. Thank you for taking your part in the information battle we face.

Tears came to my eyes as I read Garbosa's story. Thank-you for sharing it with us! The photos of her are just gorgeous! A horse as special as she will be with you forever, as I'm sure you already know... I am currently without a horse, but am researching the Andalusian and Lusitano breed. I fell in love with the Lusitano while in Portugal this past June and now know the Iberian horse is destined for my future! :-) I would like more information on melanomas for future reference, if possible. Thanks for the great site!

My sympathy on the loss of your stunning mare Garbossa. From the pictures she was truly a mare of quality, a credit to Andalusians or any athletic breed. Your caretaking does her the honor she deserves and credits your contribution to the breed and all great horses. Risely

Your story has touched me in ways that are undiscribable. I have dreamed of owning an Andalusian since i was a very girl, (age 9). Now I am twice that age and I am in love with Andalusians one-hundred times more. Thanks for your article, I hope many horsepeople will read it and learn from it. I learned alot from it and am going to look up more on the topic. Thanks for making me realize that melanomas are a topic that needs to be out there for all horsepeople to understand. When that day comes when i will have my own Andalusian, I will be very thankful for all of the horsepeople that have helped me, you being one of them. I wish that I had a fax machine so that you could send me your research on melanomas. Maybe I will find a friend who will let me use theirs. Good wishes to you and your horses. Again, thanks for the article.

Thank you so much for sharing your story.... I'm still weeping. My own andalusian mare has melanomas, although still quite small, but I will look into your treatments closer and try to discover if it is available here in Australia. I'll drop you a line again and let you know. Again, thanks for sharing your story. God has his reasons. You were truly blessed.

I must say that I am pushing tears from my eyes at this very moment. I too have lost a very dear friend, in a similar incident, though not an Andalusian he too touched my life like no other could. I just wanted to let you know that I feel for what you had to go thru, horses of any breed are definately one of the greatest treasures of mankind. The grace and elegance of the horse mirrors all to perfectly the beauty and presence of a dancer. Their fluid motion and aristocratic style will always represent the neverending beauty they posess. I have always admired the Andalusian breed from afar, but with the help of the Internet I am hoping to learn more about these beautiful creatures. You truly are lucky to have had such a Gorgeous mare, a true work of art, I envy those who are still capable to have horses in their lives. I hope I have not intruded into you life too much but I felt I could share with you why it is I too love the magnificent equine. Very Truly, Amy

Hello, I would like to recieve the information you have on melanomas. I would also like to say that I loved your web site. I think you did a wounderful job in discussing something other people seem to be afraid to discuss, and it really is people like you who change things when they need changing. Most of us talk about changes, but someone needs to get out there and do it, and because of people such as your self improvements are made that the rest of us enjoy without realising it. Thanks for the wounderful story and the faxes. Sincerely, Jackie

Nia, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Garbosa. I for one understand how close you were to her, and how much your life revolved around your family. This story, and page, is a wonderful tribute to that endeavour, and something you will be proud of accomplishing. Trevor

Wow, I loved your article. It was very informative. I don't have a horse that has melanomas but it doesn't mean that the horses I have now couldn't get them. I was so touched by your story. I hope this project you are working on helps many others with horses and prevents unnecessary deaths of beloved horses. Thank you so much for this article. Amber and her 3 horses

Thank you for having such a heart, not only for horses, but for the people who go through such heartbreak with cases such as Garbosa's. I applaud your assertiveness with the horse community to be open and forthright with such problems so that together, these problems can be addressed.

I'm very sorry to read about your loss... Don't ask me how I wound up in all of the Web pages on your site... I really don't know. Just bouncing around looking at interesting sites! It touched me deeply to hear how much affect Garbosa had on your life. You were really blessed.. and the blessing will continue because of your ability to feel the kinds of feelings you've expressed throughout your Web pages. Also I think due to the kind sharing of your experience and you're taking a stand against Melanoma. Odd thing is... I'm not a horse person... what I have in common with your story is that I just had a melanoma removed and go back for surgery next Tuesday [for insurance, they say!]. Funny thing, I can identify with Garbosa! I think she was the lucky one to have someone as loving, caring, and giving as yourself by her side throughout her total ordeal.

I too have experienced the heartbreak that melanomas can cause to a beloved horse owner. Your story touched me and left me in tears. The need for more research on this cancer is long due! Having a memorial on your web-site was both a heartwarming and informational idea. Great site and I wish you all of the luck in the world with your other andalusians! Take Care!

Garbosa's story touched me deeply. While I do not currently own horses and have not faced melanomas specifically, I have faced several situations when my research was of more medical benefit to either a human or animal family member. Now as never before, we have the resources to become informed partners in medical decisions rather than passive acquiescants in a practioner's best-known plan. Anyone who learns that personal research can be of greater benefit than blind trust usually has a story of heatache that goes along with it. I hope and pray that you can light the way for others, and save senseless loss and anguish. With warmest thoughts, Judith Northwood

Your story is beautiful and a touching one. My prayers are with you, not only for your loss but also in thanks for putting someone in my life who can help me. I have a 12 year old Thoroughbred gelding. His tumors are on the dock of his tail, rectum and now his sheath. I started treating him with 400 mg of Cimetidine once a day for the past month. I have noticed that the tumor growth has retarded. My questions are: What are the long term side effects of using this drug? How long should he stay on it? Should he receive any supplements? Is he getting enough medication? Interesting note: A massage therapist told me not to massage him as the increased blood flow to these areas might make the tumors grow. Thank you for caring and sharing!

Thank you for sharing your sad story. What an absolutely beautiful mare! I have a grey Connemara gelding that had a melanoma under his tail. My vet removed it 3 years ago, and it has not reappeared. I have been told repeatedly to leave them alone, so I was surprised that my vet wanted to remove it. I have just purchased a bay Trakahner gelding and he has a small melanoma on his shoulder. Again, most people are telling me to leave it alone, but after reading your story, I will probably have this one removed also. Thank you for providing this web site. Pat

I would like to thank you for the effort you have put in to bring attention to this problem many of us analusian horse owners face. I recently purchased a lusitano gelding with just 1 melanoma, and thanks to your article I will be calling my vet today to have it removed, and to begin treatment so that no more will appear. PLEASE send me as much information as possible about your research into Cimetidine. And, thank you again.

I am sad to hear about Garbosa's passing, but her legend still lives on. My girlfriend and I own an Andalusian filly that sports the Garbosa name. Here name a Belleza GA she is out of Azabache IR and sired by Altenaro D. She is a beautiful young filly and I hope she turns out as nice as Garbosa...

Thank you for sharring your story. I belive you have all ready heard from many people, so I just want to add thank you. Glad to know that there are people who are still willing to go the distance in an experience as this. Thank You.

I didn't find your name or I would have addressed you personally. I am a 50 yr. old woman who is just now having the opportunity to be around horses...I too live in the Northwest...Scappoose, to be exact. I love it here as you do, and would NEVER leave. I was so touched by your story of Garboza XI. I can't get over it. You told it so eloquently. I am so sorry you lost that beautiful horse. As I studied the pictures of him I felt her spirit. I made "wallpaper" for my computer of the last picture of her in the page. It is a beautiful picture. I just wanted to say I enjoyed your whole site, and know Garboza is still near you. Goodbye~ Wendie

I really loved your story. I first fell in love with Tranco (Garbosa's National Champion son) in 1992 when I worked in Malibu on the Rotter's ranch (Rancho Sol Del Pacifico). He is a great stallion. Since then I have looked all over the place for information on him. His mother was beautiful. Temerario V is fabulous. I have been looking for an Andalusian with these lines for about 2 years now. I want the best and it takes time. I prefer a weanling or yearling. Do you know of any that move strait and would be a good dressage prospect? I'm so sorry about Garbosa, she was truly a great broodmare and friend. Lana

Your story was extremely moving! I am sure your information will be able to help many. My love for horses brought me to your home page. Thank you from myself and "all."

Dear Nia, Your tribute to "Garbosa" had tears running down cheeks. Not everyone experiances that bond with a very special animal. She certainly was a beautiful mare. I can imagine how frustrated you must have been. I am glad you shared this information with us, and am sure it is going help a lot of others. I have an andalusian I feel the same way about. My prayers are with you. Thank for sharing.

Your site is marvellous! i'm a spanish girl from Barcelona, but living in Switzerland. i've seen many Andalusian horses in my life, but no one can be compared to Don Marco and family!!! looking forward of seeing more wonderful pictures of your horses... Yours faithfully, Sabrina Magrané

From one Andalusian lover to another, as I'm sure you know, you'r family of Andalusians are breathtaking ! Obviously you are very fortunate to be able to aquire these horses of such immense quality, some day I too hope to aspire to that level and become an owner (or be owned) by one of the most exotic horses in the world. Sincerest condolances on the passing of your beautiful mare. Your web page is excellent, I plan to visit it often.

I have just read your tribute to Garbosa and on the subject of melanomas, I was very touched, especially as we have a Analusian with melanomas which we have been told is 'normal' I shall now do something about this problem as we were quietly ignoring it. Many thanks, I will be in touch Regard, Mary.H (U.K)

This is a beautiful site for the worlds equally most stunning creature.

I am very sorry to hear about Garbosa. My favorite stallion, a black arab named King Aurthur, died two years ago from complications of a large melanoma. It is hard to deal with the "to little, to late" feeling. But all the good times you had together will always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. God bless you and good luck with Don Marco he's awesome.

Your story touched me. I have a 24 year old half arab I have owned 23 yrs. he has had melanoma since he was 13. Every year since that time my vet has predicted his demise. I have had him on Cimetidine for 5 yrs. or so. His tumors have been slow growing. So far the large ones have not gotten any larger. If they do become invasive it will be time to let him go. But I will know I tried everything resonable to give him a long and comfortable life. Let me know if you need anymore information on his treatment or history.

I was very touched by the story of your beloved Garbosa. I too lost my much loved horse six years ago. I had my horse, Sparkie for 18 years. At many times I felt she was my only friend in the world. I understand how you must feel. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope that it helps others.

Your story is so familiar. I found myself in tears by the end, my eyes transfixed on the kind silver face staring out at me from the bottom picture. Life with horses shouldn't be any other than what I share with my horse Paragon, and what you share with your marvelous stallion. There is hardly any need to promote him, he does it himself. Any stallion I might have been thinking about breeding my mare to before has been erased from my mind. I hope someday to have a "Don Marco babie" in my barn. Thank you for alowing my to see him.

Wonderful page! Thank you so much for telling about your mare and what happened to her. I feel it is so important to share that kind of information, it may save someone else the pain that you unfortunatly went through. Thankyou again for your story and the information you have given to us all!

Your story truly touched my heart, and I'm sure it touched everyone else who read it. With this information, many other horses can be treated before it is too late. I give you a lot of credit for putting aside your loss and caring for other horses with the disease. Thank you and good luck in everything you do.

These letters represent less than ONE TENTH of the touching emails that I have received regarding melanomas. This is a very real problem, which needs to be addressed more thoroughly. Stay tuned to this site for more information as I find it.

Nia Ridley / Miraval Andalusians