Published: August 19, 2008 11:25 pm            

Orphaned horse back in the saddle

VINTONDALE — Usually, it’s not a good thing to gain close to 200 pounds in just two months.

If you’re Daisy’s Amazing Grace (Gracie), a 2-month-old mix of Canadian sport horse and Clydesdale, it’s a very good thing.

The filly was left an orphan in early June when her mother, Daisy, died while giving birth.

Patti Jo Hoffman, the owner of Gracie and Vision Quest farm, sprang into action to save the weak foal’s life.

Gracie’s situation has been touch and go, requiring almost around-the-clock supervision, but Hoffman said the foal is doing well and now weighs more than 400 pounds.

“She’s doing fantastic and getting off the goat’s milk and eating regular horse feed,” Hoffman said. “In the past week, she’s been mingling with the other horses.”

Originally, Hoffman was hoping to find a mare who recently lost a foal to come to the farm for a few months and act as a surrogate.

“We tried, but have basically given up on that,” she said. “She’s done well without a mom.”

Gracie took to bottle feeding rather quickly, but it’s an expensive – nearly $45 a day – way to feed a foal.

“We’ve gotten some help and we’re able to support her eating,” Hoffman said. “I have a list of people who helped us out and I’m sending thank yous with pictures of Gracie.”

Hoffman added that it’s a relief to her and her staff of helpers to see the horse thriving.

“We’re just crossing our fingers (hoping that) she’ll continue to do well,” she said. “I think she’s out of the woods now because she’s gaining weight and doing what she should be doing.”

        

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