Background
Bred to be a flashy show horse, valued for her unique color and markings, but faced early trauma and health challenges that made her unsuitable for competition.

Hi, my name is Tilly. Let me tell you my story.

I’m what some people call a “product” of the breeding world. As a Dun/Grulla, my color and markings make me highly desired, so my mother, a broodmare,  was impregnated to produce me in order to sell me to an online buyer who purchased me for $8,000 “sight unseen.” When I was four months old, I was taken from my momma and didn’t get the full foundation a young horse like me needed.

After being branded, I was loaded onto a trailer and sent to California. It was a traumatic experience for me. Once I arrived, I was received by a very sweet family. They wanted me to be a show horse, and they took me to a show to help me get used to the environment. But something wasn’t right. I got very scared & overwhelmed & my body started to hurt badly. I couldn’t stop my muscles from cramping….I became more upset by the minute. Eventually, it became clear that I had a rare illness called PSSM2. It’s a genetic condition that can’t be detected through blood tests—you need a muscle biopsy for that. They didn’t catch it early on, but my symptoms became undeniable.

I was having episodes rapidly and often, but I’ve been learning how to manage them. It takes a lot of work to help me regulate my nervous system, but with the help of the herd, I’m slowly learning. Being part of a herd is still a little foreign to me, but I’m getting better every day.

It also turned out that I wasn’t suited for riding; I needed a lot of healing. I arrived at Pregnant Mare Rescue (PMR) in July 2023 when I was four years old, and that’s where my real journey to recovery began.

I’m on supplements like Chasteberry, which helps manage my hormones and emotional state. I also get joint and connective tissue support supplements, along with vitamin C to boost my immune system and support my muscles. There are many herbs that could help me, but they’re expensive, and the team hasn’t been able to put together the blend I need just yet. And, of course, I absolutely love carrots! I’m on a doctor-supervised diet, so I eat fewer apples and treats, but I still need my vitamins and minerals.

It takes a lot to care for me, but I’m so thankful for the love I receive. Your support could help horses like me get the care we need to live better, healthier lives. We are all valuable and important, and we want the world to know who we are. I hope you might choose to sponsor me, but also know that all my family members are as important as I am. Thank you for reading my story.

PERSONALITY: 
I sometimes wish I was a small foal again so I could maybe crawl into your lap & get snuggles. I am very affectionate & love people. I like the grazing walks with the Volunteers when they have some extra time to share with me. I hope to meet more people like them. Come visit me sometime. I could use more belly scratches if you don’t mind. 

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