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In Memoriam: Press Exclusive

May 6, 1996 – December 16, 2024

Eulogy by Susan Wagner

Press Exclusive, or “Press” as we affectionately called her, was a fighter, a survivor, and one of the most remarkable equines I have ever encountered. From the moment I learned about her dramatic rescue at the end of 2012 by Mindy Lovell of the Ontario-based organization Transitions Thoroughbreds, I was moved by and drawn to this mare.

Bred in Kentucky, she was sold to Canadian interests and raced at Woodbine during which time she earned more than $436,000 for her callous owner. When her racing career was over, she became a broodmare and gave birth to at least nine foals! However, when she could not get pregnant again and was no longer able to make money, she ended up on a crowded truck with horses bound for slaughter. She went down on that truck and was nearly trampled to death. But something truly amazing occurred when Mindy came to her rescue. In writing about Press back in 2013, I described her condition as told to me by Mindy:

“…Press could barely walk. She had four broken ribs, cuts, and lacerations across her entire body and her head was so swollen and injured from being stepped on that she was not able to open her eyes. Consequently, the veterinarian wanted to euthanize her on the spot and condemn her carcass because of her dire condition, but something wonderful happened instead. Mindy convinced the veterinarian to give her a chance to help Press recover and took her back to her farm. At first, she would not eat, but then slowly but surely, with lots of love and TLC, Press was on her way to recovery. That was nothing short of a miracle!”

Press Exclusive
This photo of Press Exclusive was taken by Mindy Lovell on the day she rescued her back in December 2012.

 

The story of Press Exclusive’s rescue went viral with photos of her dire condition and the circumstances of how she got that way enraging people all across Canada, the U.S. and beyond. In July of that year, I learned that Press needed a kind and safe sanctuary in which to retire. I offered her a forever home here at Equine Advocates and two months later, on September 10, 2013, she arrived.

Press was so stunning and healthy-looking when she walked off the trailer that it was hard to believe what she had been through just nine months earlier. Every member of our staff felt honored and happy to have her here knowing we had the ability to provide her with a permanent and loving home for the rest of her days.

Susan Wagner with Press two weeks after she arrived at Equine Advocates.

 

However, her incredible story did not end there. Mindy and I discussed the foals she had given birth to over the years and one of them, born in 2010, was a mare named “X Squared.” She was bred and owned by the same individual who had raced Press. We decided to follow her because we did not want her to end up facing the same cruel fate as her mother. But as fate would have it, X Squared was purchased by American interests and was racing in Texas and Louisiana. We contacted her new owner and said that if for some reason X Squared needed a home, we would be happy to give her one at the sanctuary. Years went by and then suddenly, back in June of this year, I received a call that the owners of X Squared had decided to give her up. She arrived at the sanctuary about a month later on July 27th. I renamed her “Swiftie” and we reunited her with her Press soon after she arrived.

Press Exclusive and Swiftie reunite shortly after Swiftie’s arrival.

 

Because Press suffered from chronic cellulitis that prevented her from going out on wet ground, mother and daughter could not be turned out together. This condition resulted in Press being hospitalized periodically, but we were also able to manage it here at the sanctuary. She spent most of her time in the barn and received lots of love and attention, especially from me and all of our staff, volunteers, and a couple of her sponsors who live in the area and would visit her. She occupied a stall next to Sergeant York, a Standardbred gelding and former U.S. Army Caisson Horse with whom she was bonded.

Press Exclusive had a huge presence and effect on all of us who knew her. She was tough, defiant, and lived to “tell the tale” of her horrendous ordeal because of Mindy Lovell, who made it possible for her to beat the odds and survive. I will always cherish the memory of this great mare and feel so very fortunate to have Swiftie with us now. Press lives on in her and our hearts forever!

Susan Wagner
President and Founder

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