In 2011 Happy Tails Holistic Rescue Rehabilitation and Sanctuary was surprised with the arrival of a stowaway who became known as Prince Kaspian. In 2010, the organization had taken in a geriatric snowy white Percheron who was facing the last years of her life in a neglected state and debilitation. Happy tails welcomed Dorothy (as she became known) and began her rehabilitation only to be shocked at the discovery of a viable pregnancy in the following April.  Dorothy’s supporters were additionally shocked and saddened by her colt’s tragic loss of his doting mother at only five weeks postpartum due to years of chronic parasitic invasion and scarring leading to intestinal rupture. Over the years Kaspian has become a beloved fixture in his community and beyond and has served as an impactful ambassador for horse-human connection with his story, his presence and his larger than life personality. The love for Kaspian, however, has not been enough to protect him from the chronic inflammatory disease processes his body has harbored nor has it been enough to protect him from the past two years of extreme weather which has impacted his environment in ways we did not anticipate, as his care providers, to create the toll it has taken. It is surmised that after years of harboring numerous deep hoof abscesses, in the late fall of 2018, Kaspian’s immune system was overcome and he became septic from the bacteria trapped and living inside his hoof walls and lamina and spreading to his body as it reached his blood stream. After several months of round the clock care and close calls with death, we are now on the sunny side of recovery and Kaspian is back to being the incredible ambassador he seems to have been created for. 

While the countless labor hours of Kaspian’s care has been donated by our family, friends, and Kaspian supporters, there remains a debt of thousands of dollars in intravenous and intramuscular medication, gastric support supplements, increased rehabilitative feed costs, long term antiinflammatories, bedding, radiographs, and frequent vet and farrier intervention. 

Throughout the months of struggle, a kind and generous supporter spent countless hours applying her talents in the way she could to support our brave and strong prince. 

Susan Krock sewed away and now has presented us with this stunning quilt to raffle and apply the proceeds to Kaspian’s bills. We have much gratitude to Susan for granting us this opportunity to recover and hope that you do too and are inclined to purchase a ticket or a few and share our efforts in thanks. This is what Susan has to say about her quilt, “The quilt top is machine sewn, the batting 100% cotton, and the backing is a home spun material. All materials were purchased at Joann fabric store. It is hand quilted with cotton quilting thread. The quilt fits a twin or full size bed. The colors are purple’s for royalty, white for Kaspian’s color, and navy for strength. The friendship star was chosen because I thought it was appropriate for the occasion.”  The quilt also features dragonflies. In almost every part of the world, the Dragonfly symbolizes

change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. The change that is often referred to has its source in mental and emotional maturity and understanding the deeper meaning of life. We find this also very very fitting to represent Kaspian and what he brings to this world.