Four weeks ago I was planning out the show season for 19-year-old Dorado and me. I was planning with my friends and trainer to go cross-country schooling, and I was starting to learn the dressage tests I’d be riding throughout the year. Our goals were set, and I was so excited to reach them.

And then, our plans changed. DoradoÑa fit, active, and healthy Thoroughbred gelding of a nearly ideal weight, living in a small paddock with just a little grass to nibble onÑfoundered.