Remembering Utmost

It’s not often that death shakes us to our core in the rescue world.

It is a sad reality for most of us; it comes with the job. We prepare ourselves to say goodbye to the sick, old, and whatever else humans may have done to the animals in their previous lives. This is not to say that we don’t mourn or grieve every loss we have or feel the hollowness of their empty paddocks. We do, and we know you do too. 

Loving horses is not something any of us takes lightly, and unfortunately, the same is true of losing them. Utmost, one of our beautiful big boys, was caught in a tragic accident when he cast himself in his fence late on Sunday afternoon. Liz and her Sunday team tried everything they could, working closely with the vet, until it was determined he needed to be driven to CSU for surgery. Unfortunately, the damage was too severe and irreversible, so we had to send him over the rainbow bridge. 

Utmost touched so many lives in the short year and a half that he claimed sanctuary at Zuma’s after his racing career ended. To see the impact this adorable chestnut had on so many leaves us in tears as we remember his cute whinny at feeding time, his fake-out attempts at biting while putting his blanket on, and his ranch-famous playtime with his best buddy Forest. 

A heartfelt thank you to our co-founder Paul for the touching ceremony he provided as we sent Utmost on to paradise. He is resting in our cemetery next to the west tipi for those who would like to visit him, or any of the other souls there. 

Thank you to everyone who called, texted, visited, messaged, and cried with us. Our mission continues on to provide the best life a horse could imagine, no matter their background. 

Until we meet again, Utmost. Rest easy, sweet friend.