"Little" Beth was a plough horse for the Amish for nearly two decades.  Originally rescued by other kind-hearted souls, she was donated to our Sanctuary with the understanding that she would remain here for life.  Below is video of Marcus Johnson, Easter Seals client and long-term volunteer, learning how to drive with her.

“So, we'll go no more a roving

So late into the night,

Though the heart be still as loving,

And the moon be still as bright.

For the sword outwears its sheath,

And the soul wears out the breast,

And the heart must pause to breathe,

And love itself have rest.

Though the night was made for loving,

And the day returns too soon,

Yet we'll go no more a roving

By the light of the moon. “

- George Gordon Byron

R.I.P., oh darling Little Beth, gone from us too soon, despite having made it to such an advanced age. Our kind, noble, mannerly, sweet, beloved-by-all Belgian mare, saved after a lifetime of ploughing, was humanely put to rest after irreparably tearing her stifle joint while out at pasture Sunday evening. She had just recently grown increasingly lame, despite years of rigorous (and previously highly successful) medication; surgery was now the only solution, with but a 25% chance of success, and serious risk of death anyway, attendant upon such a procedure, at her age. I could not subject her to a remaining life time of pain at every step. I could not ask her to go that last bitter mile. Alone. Still, I could not sleep last night. Rest easy, dear Little Beth, I know you are in a better place. I know you have no pain, now, and I know never will again. I hope you found your teammate, whom you seemed to search for, sometimes, here. I hope you are galloping now, together, in God’s great pastures, tossing your long blonde locks. You were one of the great ones. Gone from us too soon.