By Susan Kayne
For Capital Region Independent Media
As the buds of spring begin to unfold, marking a season of renewal and new beginnings, so too does a remarkable celebration take place at Unbridled Sanctuary.
In this haven for Thoroughbred horses, March ushers in an array of distinct commemorations that resonate deeply with the essence of rebirth and transformation. It’s not just the advent of spring we herald but the biggest month of birthdays of our beloved residents. Each horse with a name and a story, each horse a survivor. Each life is a testament to the unwavering support of the community that believes in the inherent worth of every equine life.
This month, we honor 25 horses on the echoing day of their birth. Lives whose entry onto planet earth was purposeful and planned. Each with a named “breeder” —the human who blueprinted their existence, deciding their mother (dam) and father (sire), and inviting their arrival.
To a horse, a birthday may not carry the same anticipation or joy it does for humans. They don’t count days or years; they live in the moment, seeking comfort, companionship and safety. However, for US (Unbridled Sanctuary), these annual anniversaries are profound reminders of resilience, recovery, and the impact of human kindness. They mark another year of safety, care and belonging — a year that might not have been possible without the intervention of Unbridled.
Imagine the life of a horse bred for the racetrack: born with a name given by a breeder who charted their destiny, trained to fulfill the singular purpose of racing, winning, and then, perhaps, breeding. Yet, what happens when their utility in this demanding world wanes? The narrative too often takes a dark turn, with these noble creatures discarded as their monetary value diminishes. It’s a stark reality, contrasting sharply with the joyous celebrations of their birthdays at Unbridled.
At Unbridled, each birthday is a significant event. A testament to the transformative journey of these horses. From those whose lives graced ours for only a short time like Countess Claudia, who would have turned 19 on the first of the month, to the vibrant Generation Of Love, marking her 16th year on the 31st of March. Without intervention, these milestones amounting to 426 years of equine life might have remained unattained, their stories left untold.
Have you ever pondered what a birthday signifies for these noble creatures, or what it means to celebrate alongside them?
Celebrating a birthday at Unbridled is more than marking another year; it’s a profound gesture of acknowledgment and commitment to the journey each horse has embarked upon. These celebrations serve as poignant reminders of life’s preciousness and our significant role as stewards of their well-being.
By honoring the birthdays of these noble beings, we not only celebrate the adversities they’ve overcome and the joy they add to our world but also seize a moment to reflect deeply on how our actions and choices shape their lives and futures. It’s an invitation to understand the deeper significance of a birthday for a horse — a symbol of survival, resilience, and the mutual joy shared between us and them, inspiring us to contemplate the true impact of our stewardship.
Whether you find a companion in Posey born on St. Patrick’s Day or feel a kinship with the spirited Red, the youngest of our March celebrants, your involvement brings warmth and recognition to their existence. It’s an acknowledgment of their presence and value, an act that enriches both the giver and the receiver.
Do you have a Birthday Buddy at Unbridled?
March 1: Countess Claudia, 19 Years
March 3: Miss Ruud, 15 Years
March 3: Liam Let’s Go, 8 Years
March 4: I’m Lucky, 22 Years
March 6: True Conviction, 9 Years
March 7: Phi Slamma Jamma, 19 Years
March 8: Miss Libby, 15 Years
March 8: Skye Serenade, 5 Years
March 12: Queen of the Bayou, 16 Years
March 13: Touching My Toes, 13 Years
March 14: Cupola, 10 Years
March 15: Grand Fashion, 28 Years
March 15: Diamonds N Stones, 10 Years
March 17: Possession, 23 Years
March 17: No It’s Not Me, 14 Years
March 18: Red, 6 Years
March 22: Comette De Fleur, 27 Years
March 22: Teresa’s Luck, 23 Years
March 23: Icwhatyourlookinat, 18 Years
March 24: Fivefivefiftyfive, 20 Years
March 25: Baal Perazim, 15 Years
March 26: Zoom Zoom Zelda, 21 Years
March 29: Classic Collection, 27 Years
March 30: Miss Minstrell, 27 Years
March 31: Generation Of Love, 16 Years
As we move forward, let these birthday celebrations serve as a reminder of the value of every life within our care – and what can be achieved when compassion leads the way.
The tradition of recognizing a universal birthday for Thoroughbreds on Jan. 1, irrespective of their actual date of birth, serves a practical purpose in racing. Yet, it also highlights a broader societal tendency to value these animals more for their utility than their inherent worth. This uniform birthday tradition has significant implications for the horses themselves, particularly highlighting the challenges posed by the commodification of their ages.
For instance, a young horse born in January, under this system, is considered the same age as one born in June, potentially creating a six-month gap in physical and developmental maturity when they enter competitions. This discrepancy is not merely a matter of fairness in sport; it has profound welfare implications.
The equine skeleton does not fully mature and fuse until around the age of six, a milestone by which many racehorses have already retired due to injury, breakdown, unsoundness, or have been redirected to breeding purposes. This practice of racing horses well before their bodies are fully developed exacerbates the risk of injury and highlights a concerning aspect of the racing industry, where the well-being and individual growth of these animals are often overshadowed by the demands and expectations of competition and profit.
As we celebrate the birthdays of our horses, we are often left to ponder where the initial bond — signified by the act of unilaterally choosing to bring this life into being, naming and nurturing — began to erode. From their first breaths to their triumphs in the Winner’s Circle, at what point does their once-celebrated existence become vulnerable to the slaughter pipeline? How does one lose their love and compassion for a creature they created, to the extent of turning their back on them?
This question prompts us to consider the ethical implications of our relationships with these majestic animals. Horses are more than merely units of commerce; they are sentient beings brimming with unique personalities, conscious minds, and profound emotional depths. This realization invites us to look beyond their utility, to see not just the horse but the heart and soul within, urging a stewardship that honors their entire being, not just the roles they play.
Susan Kayne is the founder and president of Unbridled Sanctuary, an equine rescue on the border of Albany County and Greenville.
