Rachel Alexandra is hand fed at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Photo provided by Rood & Riddle
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital provided the following press release and photo of Rachel Alexandra:
Doctors at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky reported on Monday that 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra’s condition remains stable as she recovers from abdominal surgery performed Wednesday, February 13th following foaling complications.
“If she wasn’t as smart and as strong-willed as she is,” said Dr. Bonnie Barr, “she wouldn’t be progressing the way she is.”
This morning Rachel was able to go for a short walk outside, during which time she was able to eat a small amount of grass. She remains bright with normal vital signs. On Saturday, a small amount of feed was introduced in addition to her IV fluids and nutrition. Her appetite continues to improve and attending veterinarians, Dr. Bonnie Barr and Dr. Brett Woodie, remained encouraged by her progress.
Please look for the next update on her condition Wednesday unless a change should occur. Her new, brighter stall is lucky #13, just like her Preakness post position from which she also defied the odds.
I would love to re train her to be an event horse. She is welcome at my barn anytime.
Two foals, one healthy mother, one foal worth far more to many, many more people….it is always about the math! Get better Rachel you were an amazing race horse & you deserve a true retirement.
Thank you so much for this uplifting “update” on our beautiful Rachel. I hope things continue to progress every day. She is a strong horse with courage and a huge heart. Thank you for the fine veterinary care she is receiving.
Thanks for sharing, I love the updates with good news.
Rachel is healing like the athlete she is, having no problems with “doctors’ orders” and taking good care of herself. She gave us quite a scare, for sure, but I believe she’s going to come out of this in fine fettle.