What people are saying...

On Christmas Day, 1997 I was in Bend, Oregon enjoying the holiday with my family when the phone call that every horse owner dreads came in...My seven-year old Paint stallion had broken his jaw, and required immediate surgery. I can't begin to describe what a horrible feeling that is. Not only has a horse I love injured himself seriously, but I was over 1,000 miles away, and unable to help him in any way.

It was such an incredible relief to know that some wonderful people were there, and they all jumped right in and cared for Poncho, as if he was their own. My friend, Kathy Funge, discovered the injury and immediately called my trainer, Kenny Breen. They knew right away that the jaw would require surgery and called Dr. Grant at San Luis Rey Downs Equine Hospital to let him know they were on their way with the injured stallion. The second call was to Jerry Daniel. What a blessing it was to have Jerry ready and able with his ambulance to transport Poncho to the hospital. He arrived within fifteen minutes with his ambulance to take Poncho to San Luis Rey Downs. Jerry is a terrific horseman who knows and understands horses, and it was a big relief to me to know that he was there immediately to transport Poncho safely to the hospital.

Dr. Grant performed the surgery right away, and it was completely successful. Ponch stayed for two days and was ready to come home on Saturday. Again, Jerry came to our rescue and brought Poncho home. Poncho has some permanent pins in his jaw, and is a bit sore, but he is fine and will be returning to work quickly. Although I hope we never have to go through this again, it is obvious to me that miracles really do happen at Christmas, and in this instance, the miracles came in the form of some very good, caring people who never hesitated to come to the assistance of an injured stallion on Christmas Day.

Susan Holt,
San Juan Capistrano