Swiftie

Swiftie, born on April 15, 2010, is a Registered Thoroughbred Mare with one of the most unique and special backgrounds of any equine at the sanctuary.

She was one of the last foals born to Press Exclusive, a Kentucky-bred racehorse whose dramatic rescue from slaughter in Canada in 2012 went viral. Press Exclusive arrived at Equine Advocates the following year for permanent retirement. Mindy Lovell, who runs Transitions Thoroughbreds in Ontario and rescued Press Exclusive, informed us about one of her foals – a Canadian-bred filly named “X Squared” who was racing at Woodbine. Equine Advocates President Susan Wagner spoke with Mindy about following her career and doing everything possible to prevent her from ending up on a slaughter truck like her mom. Mindy discovered that in 2018, X Squared had been sold to someone in Texas and was shipped to the U.S. to race. Susan contacted that person to ask if there came a time when X Squared needed a forever home, we would like to retire her at the sanctuary. Another six years passed, and in June of 2024, Susan received an unexpected call asking if she was still interested in giving X Squared a home. She said “yes,” and began arranging to transport the mare from the southern U.S. to New York State. With X Squared’s new life came a new, musically inspired name – Swiftie!

She arrived at Cornell University Hospital for Animals on July 10, 2024, for a thorough check-up and evaluation, and arrived at the sanctuary on July 27, 2024. Swiftie is a large and gorgeous bay mare with an expressive face and kind disposition. What an amazing journey this has been for her and us! Sadly, Press Exclusive passed away on December 16, 2024, but not before reuniting with one of her foals.

Swiftie is proudly sponsored by supporters from San Gabriel, California; Upland, California; Davie, Florida; Port Huron, Michigan; Beacon, New York; Canandaigua, New York; Clifton Park, NY; Glenmont, New York and South Salem, New York.

More Sponsors Welcome!

Photo credit: Michele Jacobs