Today, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to Roman.
He came to us just a month ago from the auction—barely three years old, with severely overgrown hooves and an old, untreated injury that had reshaped one of his front feet. Despite the pain he must have been in, he was gentle, willing, and kind. A big, beautiful gelding with soft eyes and a quiet presence, Roman should have been someone’s dream horse. But instead, he ended up in the loose pen and sold for just a few hundred dollars—thankfully, to us.
We quickly realized something was wrong. He never played like a typical 3-year-old. He moved carefully, never ran or bucked, and always did what was asked. Today, we finally got the full picture: X-rays revealed catastrophic damage to his P2 and coffin joint, with obvious pain upon touch. His other foot—likely overused to compensate—was already showing signs of sidebone. The injury was old, and he had likely lived his entire life in pain.
We wanted so badly to find a way forward for him. But after consulting with our vets, farrier, and care team, we made the heartbreaking decision to let him go peacefully. Roman deserved so much more—but at least, he never had to know the fear and suffering of being shipped to slaughter. He was loved. He was safe. And his last days were full of quiet kindness.
Roman is why we go to auction. And on Saturday, we go again.
We've been warned that they are expecting a very large number of loose horses at this month's auction. There will be 60 to 100 horses—many with stories just like Roman’s—and we’ll save as many as funds allow. It takes $1,500 per horse to cover purchase, quarantine, and basic care.
If you’re heartbroken for Roman too—please help us make sure we can say "yes" to the next horse in need.
Venmo: @gentlespirithorses
PayPal: paypal@gentlespirithorses.com
Mail: 29571 419th Ave, Scotland, SD 57059