Great Strides Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

Katie is in the Leesburg Veterinary Hospital

KATIE UPDATE - We just heard from Katie's doctor and Katie is doing well! Dr. Hart said that they're taking a culture of what's in the wound to check and make sure the antibiotics are doing the trick, and they want to keep her over the weekend, but if the culture comes back with what they expect, she may be able to come home early next week!!! Nothing is for sure yet, because they won't have the culture results until Friday ... but we just wanted to share that exciting update. THANK YOU to everyone who has sent warm wishes, healing energy, contributions and love to Katie and the Great Strides Team!

Please feel free to email Katie. We bring all emails out and read them to her. She can't promise to write back to everyone (she's still a little sore) but wants the Great Strides family to know how deeply she appreciates the love and kindness. Click here to Email Katie.

Katie sustained a severe leg injury this week. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Dear Friend of Great Strides,

Katie, a 5 year old Gypsy Vanner who lives at our farm and works with clients, sustained a rather severe leg injury this week. While we are pleased to report that she is recovering from her surgery, she will require several weeks of hospital care, followed by an extensive recovery period back home.

With seed funding from our JAM Fund, which covers extraordinary expenses for horses participating in our program, we are launching a fundraiser whose first priority will be to cover the cost of her surgery and subsequent care. The cost of the surgery alone is already exceeding our available funds by several thousand dollars. Any donations raised in excess of the cost of her care will be used to replenish the JAM fund.

Each and every member of our herd selflessly contributes to the healing work at Great Strides each and every day. Here is our opportunity to give something back when one of our herd is in need.

Please keep Katie in your thoughts as she begins her journey toward recovery. And, if you can, please make a contribution to the JAM fund in Katie's name. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Here are several shots of Katie, in her cast at Leesburg.

Katie's leg from the outside.

The second row of photos show Emily (on left and right) and Elise (middle) with Katie in Leesburg. She's in better spirits and says that all the healing is making her hungry. (See her nosing the plate of treats in Emily's hand?) That's our girl!

How to Donate

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Executive Director: Joy Gill