Our Muses
In 2000, The Equine Sanctuary opened its doors for several special horses. Adalenia, her filly, and Black Breeze, our Muses, provide an ongoing inspiration to all of us.
In Memory of Adalenia
Once a flash of white lightning on a forty-goal Argentine polo field, Adalenia’s beauty and talent caught the eyes of savvy Americans looking for top US circuit polo horses of Argentine descent. Purchased, imported, and campaigned in America’s top polo matches, she eventually suffered an accident that left her front leg permanently injured.
Adalenia was then transitioned to life as a brood mare. Two years after being retired, Alexis Ells, founder and director of The Equine Sanctuary, discovered her struggling on three legs, ready to foal, alone in a pasture. Alexis immediately came to Adalenia’s aid and delivered the foal. The Sanctuary soon became home to Adalenia and her new filly.
Nothing was spared to maintain her quality of life, and over the following two years Adalenia flourished. However, the injury caused her ever increasing pain, and soon she required extensive surgery. Dr. Doug Herthel DVM, of the renowned Alamo Pintado Equine Clinic in Santa Ynez, Ca. performed a heroic five-hour surgery.
After three weeks in ICU, Adalenia’s prognosis was positive. She was to be released within a short period of time for a three-month cast recovery at The Equine Sanctuary. During her first routine cast change procedure, to everyone’s shock and dismay, her hoof completely detached and fell into Dr. Herthel’s hand.
The extensive surgery had compromised the integrity of the vascular system, blocking the crucial life-sustaining blood supply of the foot and hoof wall.
Adalenia’s indomitable spirit had infused her caregivers with hope that she would once again be able to grace us with her presence and run pain-free through the green pastures. Sadly, that was not to be her fate. Adalenia lost her battle for life on June 20, 2003. The Equine Sanctuary has been dedicated to the memory of this beloved horse, who was an inspiration to all that knew her.
In Memory of Black Breeze
As a young Canadian filly, Breeze’s talent and beauty was evident to the knowledgeable eye. Purchased as a three year old, Breeze ultimately became an international polo horse. She played high goal polo for many years and was “one in a million” as they say….a child could ride her or she could carry a ten-goal player to victory.
Her polo career lasted an unheard of seventeen years, till a final fall affected both her knees. Unsuccessful as a broodmare, Breeze was left without a “job”. Alexis Ells had long admired Breeze and offered to take her along with Adalenia and the new filly. Hence the original three opened The Equine Sanctuary’s gates in May of 2000.
Breeze became an amazing surrogate mom to Adalenia’s filly. They were inseparable. With strength, courage, and compassion she mentored Adalenia’s filly into a fine young horse. They remained constant companions until the filly, at three years of age left The Equine Sanctuary to start her training. Breeze mourned the loss of her young friend for a long time.
Competitive on the field yet caring, intelligent and clever beyond words, Breeze could untie any rope, open any gate or door and if she liked a particular horse that was tied nearby, she would free them and take them for a walk in search of some kind of adventure, usually to find grass or the carrot bin.
Breeze became the star of the therapy riding program and the educational seminars for children and adults. She always made people laugh with her silly tricks and reminded everyone that she was smarter than them.
In her last year of life, the osteoarthritis in her knees became progressively more painful, causing decreased mobility. Everything humanly possible was done for her. Acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, magnetic and laser therapies were utilized until traditional pain meds were required.Despite the pain, Breeze’s indomitable spirit and will to live kept her going longer than most horses. Adalenia and Breeze were two of the most remarkable horses that have ever graced The Equine Sanctuary’s pastures.
Breeze taught everyone - volunteers and visitors alike - the value of being “in the moment”, and enjoying the simple things that life has to offer. She never let her pain stop her from living life to the fullest. Breeze joined Adalenia in horse heaven on August 23, 2008. She was, indeed, an inspiration to all and it is for this reason that The Equine Sanctuary is dedicated to the Black Breeze as well.