The Gold One

Updated September 1997

Cecily's Gold - "Goldie" to most people - has become one of the Equine Rescue League's most popular residents. People who hear her story make appointments to tour the farm just to meet her. When she first arrived, nobody was even sure that she would even survive. Not only did she survive, but Goldie had shown us more about grace, spirit and and indomitable will to live than many people will ever encounter.

A "walking anatomy lesson" Goldie put on weight very rapidly once she was placed on a diet that she could eat. Her teeth had been badly neglected and although she's had major dental work done since her arrival, she cannot eat hay or grass, but does very well on soaked pellets. (She wants potential visitors to know that she also does very well on ripe bananas, pears and baked apples with sugar on top.) The remnants of the straw like coat that she arrived with held her physical beauty. Though she quickly grew enough hair to to cover the bald places, it remained coarse and greasy until this past spring. When her winter coat finally shed, she turned out to be a most gorgeous palomino, regaining softness and sheen she probably hadn't had in a while.

It was apparent from the start that Goldie had been well brought up and well treated earlier in her life. Her manners are perfect and she returns affection in a quiet and regal way. Her past may have included the show ring. When she was brought into the arena during an ERL Open House, her head went up, ears forward, neck arched, and she knows how to prance! Her performance earned her the new nickname "The Gold One".

The Gold One at ERL's 1997
Spring Open House

Goldie still surprises everyone with her upbeat attitude and sense of humor. When a new volunteer arrives at the farm, Goldie is often the first horse that person learns to lead. She walks quietly until her "leader" gets out of position. Then, she simply stops. Not another step until the volunteer is once again next to her left shoulder. On the other hand a "know it all" can be the subject of pranks. The Gold One does not tolerate "attitude" or poor manners. And, if any horse can understand English, Goldie must be the one. When someone says anything that might be taken as impolite, she has a sideways glance that can only be interpreted one way (even though Goldie would never return an insult).

Goldie has been at the Equine Rescue League just a little over a year. The staff and volunteers feel blessed at being given the opportunity to know her. Does her previous owner have any idea what he gave up on? Would he even recognize Goldie today?

Goldie's rescue and rehabilitation was made possible by the contributions of funds and through the blood, sweat and tears of caring ERL supporters. Sometimes rescue work can be disheartening. At times it seems there is a never-ending waiting list of horses in need. Some animals cannot be saved despite heroic efforts. But Cecily's Gold has been an inspiration. How could any human give up when she could not?

SHE'S GOLDEN NOW...

On Friday, June 26, 1998, ERL said goodbye to a very dear friend and lost a source of endless inspiration. Cecily's Gold, "Goldie" to most people, was almost 40 years old and will long be remembered by everyone who visited Churchland Farm during her two year stay. We felt most honored to know her. We provided food, water, shelter and love, and "The Gold One" gave so much more in return. She taught us lessons in determination, patience, dignity, discipline, grace, compassion and, most of all, love.

"She's Golden Now"

We called her "Goldie" but as we grew to know her better, that seemed too mundane. Her name became "The Gold One," more of a title really.

In the animal kingdom, there are individuals that are respected and revered by all the others. We feel The Gold One was one of those looked up to and admired by all - animals and humans alike. There was an unexplanable feeling of being in the presence of greatness.

The Gold One left this world surrounded by her friends; admirers who didn't care that her brilliant Palomino coat had begun to fade. What we saw was the soft glow in her eyes as she surveyed the family circled around her. Gold One went on her way as she had lived; Peacefully, Gracefully, and with great regal Dignity.

We'll tremendously miss her earthly presence, but will carry her spirit with us always.

She's Golden now.

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