5/1/07: We do not yet know how this story will end. Lily is a beautiful filly by Don Marco and out of our lovely Imara. At first glance, Lily looked normal but upon closer inspection, it was obvious that something was terribly wrong. Her leg was severely broken, apparently while still in her mother's womb (based on the xrays). She has multiple fractures on her cannon bone, fetlock, pastern, and coffin bone. This is such a rare occurence, none of the vets and surgeons who consulted on this case had ever seen it in a newborn.

The general consensus is that 99% of people would have euthanized Lily immediately, but she is so bright and strong - seems to be in NO pain at all - and has such a will to live...we had to give her a chance. She has impressed everyone who has met her with her beautiful spirit and I feel strongly that she is here to teach us all a lesson.

On Day 2, I was sure we were going to lose Lily. She seemed weak and wobbly and lethargic and I felt totally helpless (and hopeless!). But she rebounded on Day 3 and seemed to gain 10 pounds and grow an inch. We are at the end of Day 4 as I write this, and she is flourishing and acting like any other youngster...playing and rearing and carrying on, pestering her mother to no end, and she has adapted very well to her "peg leg," which our wonderful equine repro vet, Dr. Michelle Kutzler of Oregon State University, showed us how to make. It was Michelle and her assistant Jen who responded to my frantic call early Saturday morning and rushed out to help us.

Although she has a devastating handicap for one so young, Lily's young age may actually be to her benefit during the healing process (if we can get her to heal), since her bones are so soft and she is growing so rapidly at this time of her life. It is the optimum time for the fractures to fuse. Her splint must be removed and re-set every other day in order to accommodate her growth, and already Lily is getting the hang of things (and so are we!). The first day, it took 6 of us to get her splint on. The second time, we did it with two people (only out of necessity, and it wasn't easy!). The third time, we did it with 3 people and no one got kicked. That's progress in my book.

This entire situation has been an emotional roller coaster for all of us, but none more so than Lily's mom-to-be, Dawn Anderson, who has waited a long time for Lily's arrival. In a gesture of great compassion, Dawn has agreed to entrust Lily to our care and will now be setting her sites on a full sibling to Lily in 2008.

Our hope is that Lily's leg will fuse, and although it may never be (or look) completely normal, many horses can lead healthy, happy lives with handicaps and we will accommodate hers as necessary. She is as stunning (possibly even more so) as her big brother Milan, who we retained for our breeding program. Although we never would have wished for such a tragedy, we are also delighted that - if we are able to get her through this - Lily will be a permanent part of our family like her brother.

My reason for posting this story is to (hopefully) give others hope for their foals with injuries at a young age, and the courage to try even when the situation seems hopeless. Again, we have no way of knowing how this will end...it could very well end VERY badly...but that is part of the life we've all chosen when we decide to own a horse (or 20).

We ask that all of you send as many well wishes and positive thoughts as possible for a happy ending to Lily's story. She will need them if she is to win this battle. There is a long, difficult, very expensive road ahead and odds are unquestionably stacked against her...but she has such an indomitable spirit, we think (hope! pray!) that she will prevail.

Stay tuned for regular updates and please include her in your prayers.