Darlene Love

Darlene Love is a Registered Standardbred Mare who once raced under the name “Lil Miss Attitude.” She was named in honor of the great Darlene Love, the iconic singer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Her memorable and joyous performance was the highlight of the Equine Advocates 23rd Annual Gala on September 28, 2024.

“Darlene” was born in upstate New York on May 10, 2002. She was part of an emergency rescue operation on November 15, 2024, to save her from being dumped at a low-end slaughter auction by an Amish farmer. The farmer used her as a buggy horse and broodmare until she became too old and arthritic to be of use to him anymore. Lynn Cross of Little Brook Farm alerted us to the situation and asked if we could come to her rescue and admit her into the sanctuary. Both our organizations worked with others to expedite Darlene’s rescue. We immediately arranged to have her admitted to Cornell University Hospital for Animals that same day to undergo an extensive health exam and diagnostics. She remained at the hospital for nine days and arrived at the sanctuary on November 24, 2024.

During her stay at Cornell, Darlene was diagnosed with asthma, a severe Vitamin E deficiency, and lameness in her left forelimb. She was also extremely underweight. It was determined that part of the reason for that was due to the extremely poor condition of her teeth, due to years of neglect. They were floated (filed) at the hospital to remove the painful, sharp points and hooks in her mouth, after which time she was better able to chew. She also began to gain weight. The other good news was that her examining veterinarian felt she was pasture sound and could be safely turned out with other horses.

It is a sad fact that every year, Standardbreds no longer able to race are cruelly and thoughtlessly sold to Amish and Mennonite farmers to be used as buggy horses. Many of them end up being sold for slaughter when they outlive their usefulness. While many organizations and individuals work hard to save as many Standardbreds as possible, we feel the industry itself needs to do much more to prevent these horses from ending up with farmers and others who do this to their horses. Over the years, we at Equine Advocates have rescued numerous Amish buggy horses, workhorses, and work mules, most of whom had been slaughter-bound and/or badly neglected and abused.

As for Darlene, we were so happy to help with the rescue operation that made it possible for her to escape the horrific fate for which she was destined. She is a lovely and sweet-tempered mare who will live out the rest of her life permanently retired here and receiving the love and care she always deserved.

Darlene is proudly sponsored by supporters from Benicia, California; Whittier, California; Averill Park, New York; New York, New York and Niverville, New York.

More Sponsors Welcome!

Photo credit: Michele Jacobs