Stormy's Road to Recovery: A New Chapter Begins

Stormy’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary — a story of heartbreak, grit, hope, and healing that has touched so many of you already. We’re deeply grateful for every message, donation, and gesture of support that has carried her this far.

For those just joining us or looking for a recap, here’s a summary of what’s happened so far:

Stormy’s injury was a sudden and serious hoof crisis. In April 2025, she came limping to my gate when I took first morning feed out to the herd. Initially I thought she had overdone her playing in the pasture, which was not uncommon for her as a young athletic horse who loved to run the 7 acres as fast as she could. Upon pulling her out from the herd to take a look, it was revealed she had somehow removed nearly a third of the lateral side of her front left hoof. Coffin bone was exposed, artery bleeding, cornet band and heel bulb removed and never located. We rushed her to the University of Illinois, where an expert team began intensive efforts to stabilize her foot following her mysteriously severing a third of her front hoof.

Over the past several months, Stormy has made multiple trips to U of I for specialized care. Her treatment plan has included a surgery, corrective shoeing, dental gel supports, orthopedic pads, carefully selected supplements, topical creams, and more vet wrap than any normal horse should ever see (we might be single-handedly keeping the vet wrap industry afloat!).

Her progress has been slow, steady, and often surprising. Despite the original prognosis, Stormy has done something nearly miraculous — she has begun to regrow critical hoof structures once thought permanently damaged.

After her most recent evaluation, we’re thrilled to report that she’s been cleared to begin small, controlled turnout. This milestone is enormous and marks a new phase in her healing process.

Thanks to the support of private donors, and the gofund me campaign, Stormy has gone from the edge of disaster to a place of cautious, and hopeful stability.

We still have a long road ahead of ongoing care, farrier work, and a carefully monitored rehabilitation plan but for the first time, we are looking at that road with real optimism.

Going forward, I will be moving all updates, photos, videos, and progress reports here, to The Ethereal Horse blog, hosted by Optimized Equine Wellness LLC.

This space will allow us to go deeper, share more insights into her healing, and keep you better connected to her story.

Whether you’ve been with us since day one or just found us now, thank you. Stormy wouldn’t be here without you.

Stay tuned for more updates soon — the best is yet to come.

With gratitude,

Shanell - Optimized Equine Wellness

And Stormy. <3