Today was one of those days that make you grateful the life you have during the holiday season. I received an email from my dear friend Tricia Meeter (a former Estee Lauder executive turned fashion photographer and horse rescuer) regarding the latest addition to her family – a beautiful ex-racehorse named General Celmar.

Cigarl & Celmar - Celmar's the Black One

How Tricia Met Celmar

Tricia received a call from the local race track regarding General Celmar.The person caring for Celmar contacted Trish in order to find him a safe home because she was concerned where the horse would end up.

Because he was raced and jumped so heavily, the damage done to his legs is extensive. Can you imagine being a teenager with the arthritis as bad as elderly person?

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the world of horse racing, most horses raced in America are done by they are four or five years old - General was raced until now, he’s EIGHT.

This meant he was bound for auction – and most horses in this condition end up on a slaughter truck headed to Mexico. If Celmar hadn’t found Tricia, he might have died in a painful, and inhumane way.  I am sorry to be so graphic, but that’s the reality of horse racing.

How You Can Help

Tricia has begun serious rehabilitation on Celmar; adding a few hundred pounds to once thin horse and working on medical care. The medical bills on his rehabilitation are mounting.

Though she won’t be a 501(c)(3) until spring, Tricia needs funds donated help move this beautiful boy along.

So, for the holiday season, instead of jewelry, home appliances or buying something we might not need, how about making a donation to someone (that someone being Celmar) who needs a second chance at life?

The goal is to raise enough support to keep him on the farm for the rest of his life, his friend Cigar (the chestnut pictured above) would like that.

Tricia can be contacted at: eqxphoto@gmail.com or donations can be sent to Equinox Farms 1191 Via Encinos Fallbrook CA 92028. You can also buy Tricia’s photography via her website or etsy shop.

LUX Contributions: The staff of FashionablyMarketing.Me and LadyLux.com are so saddened by what happened to this horse that we’ve covered all his medical supplements for the next year.