Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center said goodbye to a long-time friend last week. Selected from approximately 6,000 therapy horses across the country as the 2008 National Therapy Horse of the Year by NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) his career as a therapy horse was truly illustrious. Many students spoke their first words from Princeton's back. Others accomplished more than ever expected, as they could ride Princeton but used crutches to walk.
Prior to being donated to Fieldstone Farm in 1991 by Dr. Carolee Lesyk, this gray Arabian/Thoroughbred gelding was an accomplished fox hunter and trail rider.
Pictured above:
Princeton at the PHA Horse Show with Fieldstone Farm student, Tim Raia and volunteer, Nora Wagner.
At 35 years old, Princeton started showing signs of colic last week. Equine Director Jinene Studzinski said, "We quickly had the vet come out and treat him. Given his age and the pain he was in, surgery was not a likely option. Medically he was not responding to treatment. After 19 years in our program, we had to make the best decision for him. He went very peacefully with many of us by his side."
The staff will be using funds from the "Support the Horse" volunteer campaign to have a service for him at Fieldstone Farm.
Executive Director Lynnette Stuart said, "He loved his job and gave his heart every day for our students. He truly was the greatest therapy horse of all time and will be missed."
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