We lost Betsy Rose a year ago today. I rejoice for the miracle she was and that I was blessed to be part of her life. It would be wonderful to hear from all of you about how you remember Betsy Rose.

Betsy Rose was much more than that one special horse that comes into your life – she was a teacher, friend, comic, helper, healer and a a hero. The day we met Betsy, she lay dying on the ground where she had gone down days before, discarded like trash. She had withered away to nothing but skin on bones.

Even though euthanasia was recommended, I sensed a great force within Betsy Rose – it was the same force that enabled me to overcome the odds when I was told that I would never walk again. It’s a force, when coupled with faith and believing, that can enable us to do the impossible.

She clearly had purpose and was holding out for the chance at a miracle, a miracle which a higher power absolutely knew would come.

Based on my personal experience, I knew Betsy’s rehabilitation would be absolutely physically and mentally demanding. It was going to be a long road to recovery but I believed in her and promised her that we would do everything possible to make all of her tomorrows everything her past should have been. And with that promise, we ventured into a realm of supernatural wonder. Without hesitation, she led the way for us to accomplish what should have been impossible.

Betsy and I had an unwavering bond of trust and love – she communicated very clearly. We both believed in the ability to overcome that which cannot be explained, and that faith can overcome fear. She was the guiding force on an incredible journey that led us to realize that love truly is the most powerful spiritual force that exists. It knows no boundaries and overcomes all obstacles. Her love was rare, enduring, and eternal. Betsy Rose was, simply, the very essence of love and she was quite the inspiration. She turned tears of sadness into tears of joy; trials into triumphs; and in the darkness, she showed us there was light. Throughout her journey, she drew a following from all around the world – from every continent there were people who reached out to let us know they were behind us all of the way.

Betsy Rose recovered and we were blessed to have been given over four years with her. Sadly, we lost her on December 22nd, 2017, to a condition that prevented her from being able to swallow. Being the hero that she was, Betsy Rose understood what had come to be. The fierce determination to live life to its fullest that we once saw in her beautiful eyes was replaced by a sense of peace and acceptance. I believe that Betsy knew that this peace and acceptance would help us make the heartbreaking decision to let her go to Rainbow Bridge. That was the last and greatest gift of love we could give to her in this realm.

Betsy Rose was angelic and captivated countless hearts from around the world. There is simply no way to measure the love this little pony generated amongst people far and wide, just as there is no way to describe the devastation of losing her. Her perseverance, determination, and courage to never give up were beyond measure and she led many to believe. And to this day, we still believe. Betsy Rose will always be in our hearts and she will never be forgotten. Her spirit will continue to be our guiding force and her legacy will live on through our work and through others that she inspired. Her mission had been accomplished and we will forever be indebted to this little mare with the flaxen mane who taught us to believe.

To place your horse’s need for you to let her leave her failing body above your need to keep her with you – that – is the greatest and purest love. ~ Cynthia Garrett