Neville getting some grass, photos courtesy of Boyd
I spoke with Boyd this morning and I could instantly tell from the sound of his voice that 24 hours of support from the local and worldwide eventing community as well as good news about the horses at New Bolton had improved his spirits. Boyd said that everyone from the entire community came over for dinner last night and he emphasized how much that time meant to him and the entire team. He talked about the bouquets of flowers that had been sent and now surround the barn, and the countless other gestures of kindness that have helped everyone get through the past 36 hours. It never fails to amaze me how strong, gracious, and thankful eventers can be at the most tragic moments in their lives.
Boyd particularly mentioned the strength of the horses’ owners and said: “Each and every owner has been amazing in the way they have handled the tragedy. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is to ring each owner Tuesday morning, wake them up, and tell them that their horse is gone.” Boyd, Phillip, their students Randal Pearre Jackson Roberts, and and Charla’s owner Densey Juvonen buried the horses that passed away this morning at True Prospect Farm.
But the burden of that hardship is lightened with good news from the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, where the five surviving horses were taken after they were saved from the fire. The horses all inhaled a considerable amount of smoke and the damage to their throat and lungs seems to be the principal concern rather than external burns. Boyd said that it is hard to know the extent of the lung damage for 3 to 5 days so no one knows a complete prognosis on all of the horses.
Here is a quick update on the recovery of each horse:
Neville and Bonnie Stedt, who owned Cagney Herself and also owns shares Neville and Otis
Neville Bardos: Boyd said that Neville looks the best on the outside but his blood work shows that he inhaled a lot of smoke and scans of his throat show considerable damage. Boyd told me: “Typical Neville, the vets can’t believe how happy he looks with his blood work. He’s bright and active and still eating and wind sucking.” That’s the toughest horse on the planet and nothing can keep him down. Neville was the last horse to get out of the barn.
Ambassador’s Rose: This young horse looked great after staying at New Bolton and getting fluids overnight. He was discharged this morning and is back at home now.
Catch a Star: Caitlin’s horse has external burns but the oxygen levels in the blood work look look good and the doctors are very optimistic.
Otis and Densey Juvonan, who owned Charla and also owns shares in Otis and Nev
Otis Barbotiere: Otis received fluids yesterday and his prognosis looks really good. The vets hope he can leave New Bolton in a couple of days.
Min
Minotaure du Passoir: Min was rescued from the blaze and originally taken to Boyd’s new farm just a few miles away from True Prospect. He started coughing there and was taken to New Bolton and admitted to intensive care for smoke inhalation where they are closely monitoring him to figure out the extent of the damage.
All of the connections for the horses can take comfort in the fact that they are being cared for at one of the best, if not the outright best, veterinary centers in the world. Our thoughts and prayers continue to reach out to the horses and their families as they recover.
