Havendjur, often referred to as our 'miracle foal' turns 22 on March 25th. Out of my first mare Firemist and by the Trakhener stallion Meistersinger, Haven embodies the meaning of survival. This extremely premature colt taught me the joy of the 'less than perfect horse' and despite multiple conditions that should have been terminal not only survived but thrived. Haven patiently helped me to fulfill such dreams as riding at Devon and also filled the roles of search and rescue horse, show hunter, and schoolmaster before retiring to perhaps his most important role as 'Uncle Haven' to dozens of Firemist foals. Haven is the reason I began studying Developmental Orthopedic Disease and he is a constant reminder that with hope, faith, and a little TLC that miracles can happen. Defying the odds repeatedly as a young colt, he is also the motivation behind the farm's successful involvement with many client owned high-risk foals. Congratulations, my dear friend, for showing us all how to live life to the fullest. HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY!
