68 SIDELINES DECEMBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Overcoming the Impossible
By Dani Moritz
I
t could have been just another Saturday morning. It should
have been a nice day at the barn for a weekend ride. But, what
it became was a nightmare. The events that transpired that day
turned into a heart-wrenching tale – but also an amazing story of
courage and a valiant fight for survival. That day, a little girl and her
mare proved that when there is faith, hope and love, anything is
possible.
A couple of years ago, Canadian Taylor Spurgeon turned her 14.2 hand
Quarter Horse/Standardbred mare, Paula, out in the pasture just as she
always did. But, something happened that was far from the usual. A few
minutes after turning her mare out, Taylor heard screams coming from the
pasture. Within seconds, a chill crept down Taylor’s spine, her heart rate
spiked and she felt a sharp pain in her chest.
As she ran out to check on her beloved Paula, her eyes focused on a sight
she’ll never forget. Paula was trapped – caught beneath the wooden fence.
And even after the barn owner dismantled the plank, the mare remained
there – completely still and afraid.
When the emergency vet arrived, he confirmed Taylor’s worst fears. He
told Taylor and her dad that Paula wouldn’t make it. He said those words
nobody wants to hear: “It’s best to put her down.”
Taylor knew he was wrong. Paula was too strong, too loved and she was
not ready to die. Taylor knew her best friend wasn’t going anywhere and the
look in Paula’s eyes inspired Taylor to fight for the little mare’s life. So Taylor
brushed away her tears, stood tall and embarked on a journey that would
change both Taylor and Paula’s lives forever.
The Will to Survive
The vet diagnosed Paula with a severe spinal cord injury and told Taylor
her mare was too dangerous to be around. She was going to try to get up
e
Anything is Possible
Taylor and Paula.
Photo by Wayne Spurgeon
Continued on page 70
Sidelines
Magazine recently partnered
with Tucci, makers of beautiful handcrafted
riding boots, to host the “Anything Is
Possible” contest, in which the winner
would receive a custom pair of Tucci
boots. The entries ranged from touching to
inspiring to amazing – but one entry, sent
in by a 16-year-old girl in Canada named
Taylor Spurgeon was all of that – and
more! Taylor’s remarkable story won the
contest and we hope after you read about
her journey, you will take the time to watch
her YouTube video titled “1 Year Since
the Tragic Accident of 11/19/2011 – We’re
Gonna Fly Away From Here.” You can also
watch the video on the Sidelines website.
Word of warning on the video – you might
sob like a baby! Please enjoy the story of
this amazing young lady and her very lucky
horse. And thank you to Tucci for sponsoring
the contest – Taylor we hope you love your
new Tucci boots, you are a very deserving
winner!
Editor’s Note: A second entry was
equally inspiring, and the amazing people
at Tucci selected both
entries as winners.
The second winner,
who will also receive
a pair of boots, will be
featured in the next
issue of Sidelines.
