02/19/2026
We had an emergency with Pepper and she’s back in the hospital, but she’s doing better this morning. We’re so grateful to the team at Weems & Stephens for taking such good care of our girl.
On Tuesday morning …. Pepper wasn’t at the gate yelling for breakfast like her usual dramatic self. She was out nibbling grass, and when she finally came in, she wouldn’t touch her food—huge red flag for a horse who never leaves a scrap!!!
Meds were given, vets were called, and when she started showing more discomfort - we rushed her to the clinic. There, 5–6 vets and techs ended up jumping in on her case. (These photos are when we first got there and then it got really serious really fast so we moved out of the way) Her heart rate was around 100 (should be closer to 30 maybe - when they’re in pain like that), respirations were also high, they pulled over 4 gallons of reflux, and the sonogram showed an impaction, so they were very worried about a possible strangulating lipoma. After they removed some fluid, her heart rate dropped to 60—still high, but better.
Overnight, we finally got GOOD news: her heart rate came down to 30, she passed manure, is more comfortable, and they now think it was a very severe colic but we still don’t know for sure. She’ll stay a few days so they can monitor her closely and slowly reintroduce food.
I feel like I can finally breathe again. After the farrier this morning, I’m heading over to visit Pepper and will keep you all posted. Thank you for every prayer, message, and good thought you can send her way.
And Pepper—next time you want extra attention, just roll in the mud or something. No more heart‑stopping hospital drama for your humans. We love you, girl. ❤️😩😮😃🙌🏼👏🏼🙏🏼