Stratford Development Corporation

Saving Summer

It's a sweet story. Sad but sweet (in the end).

Somewhat similar to the humble beginnings of Seabiscuit, the famous scrappy racehorse that beat War Admiral at Pimblico in 1938, is the tale of Summer. But that's where similarity ends. Seabiscuit went on to help define a new era of horseracing in America. Summer's only claim to fame is being alive and lucky to have been chosen from two other neglected horses living off 59th Street and Noland Road.

"I knew of these horses for quite some time because they lived close to my god parents," said Simply Equine equestrian Lisa Jegen. "I tried on numerous occasions to appeal to the owner to give them up for better care, but that just didn't happen."

Meanwhile, despairing neighbors made bucket-brigade trips of water to the animals. The horses would whinny often - a sound that would break the hearts of people within earshot. One horse in particular caused the greatest concern.

Summer, a painted pregnant mare, was among the trio who clearly displayed distress in her pregnancy, finding it hard to walk with overgrown hooves. Underweight, about to foal, Summer could have difficulties.

"I again approached the owner asking to purchase the painted mare, and at least this time he talked money," said Jegen. "But the price was too high for the medical care and rehab that would be needed. Yet I knew I had to do something fast to help the horse."

If there was relief in sight it was only that Summer soon gave birth. Seeing a colt now added to the mix, a serious situation seemed to be getting worse. Neighbors finally called the Humane Society.

Thinking the situation would be resolved by removal of the animals, the decision, however, didn't go in that direction.

"Because they found empty feed bags near the barn, they determined the horses were being fed and that they could not intervene," said Jegen. "So I proceeded with Plan B - raising the money to buy the horse and foal."

The word went out across the Stratford Development Corporation network, and soon more than 20 people had contributed to saving Summer. Others donated time, transport and a deep discount in veterinary care.

Rescue plans were unfolding rapidly, but it was too late for the foal. It died four months after being born.

"We were devastated not to save the baby," said Jegen. "But we sure moved fast to get the mare."

So the next time you're visiting Seasons Care Center pastures, say hello to a pretty painted pony that can walk better after removing nearly five inches of hoof from her feet.

Seabiscuit won the hearts of every American who loved the underdog. Similarly, a scraggily, skinny horse off Noland Road beat the odds and won our hearts as well. It's a great story in our scrapbook - the one about saving Summer!