10/17/2025
We have the BEST news EVER!
When we started this journey with these two foals who had to be removed earlier this year from Shackleford Banks, we doubted that we would make it to this point.
When he was found alone, a newborn who had never stood and never nursed, we doubted Surry would even survive. But he did.
When he was found at 10 days old, alone, without his mother, and too weak to stand, we doubted our vet would have the bandwidth to take on Davie too. But she did.
When we knew that orphaned foals benefitted from a nurse mare, we still doubted we would find one of a suitable size in time. But we did.
When we hoped that they would overcome their physical and emotional challenges, we still doubted they would learn much as fosters. But they have—they already lead, tie, stand for farrier, stand to be clipped, and tolerate vaccines (although neither is a fan of getting stuck with needles, given all they went through).
When we faced the potential costs of recovery and rehabilitation for two foals, we doubted we’d have the means to pay for it all. But we’ve spent over $20K so far (with a final bill still to come) for their care, through the generous support of donors and friends.
When we considered the ideal adoptive home for them: experienced horse people, with the means and the ability to care for them, with the patience and understanding to raise them to live up to their full potential, close enough that we can see them occasionally, and bonus—remain under the care of our vet, we doubted such people or place existed. And yet, they do and it does.
This week, Surry and Davie headed to their new home, together, to start the next chapter. It’s been an amazing journey. Seeing them both before they left, and watching them hop unfazed onto that trailer to start their journey to their new home, reminded us again how amazingly resilient and adaptable these Banker horses are.
There are so many people to thank for the roles they have played along the way: the folks who first found Surry, reported him to the Park, and stayed near him until he was rescued, the tour ferry captain who noticed Davie down and reported him, the park staff who responded in both cases, the volunteers who transported the foals to the vet, our amazing vet and her staff, the unselfish owner of the nurse mare, and the incredible couple who have adopted them. And last but not least, all of you who have followed along with their story, cheered for them, prayed for them, and donated to their care, we are grateful for and humbled by your interest and your concern.
Instead of having doubts about the fate and future of these foals, we should have recalled the origin story of the Foundation, which is reflected in the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Thanks to all of you for helping to change Surry and Davie’s world.
Copyrighted photo of Davie, left, and Surry, right, and their dedicated care team at Mobile Veterinary Service, taken by Margaret Poindexter. All rights reserved.
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