It is a very blue, blue day.
Racehorses are amazing animals who run for the joy of running – but for some of them, the biggest race of their lives occurs off the track. Today, a community of animal lovers is mourning a horse who reached the finish line of his life all too soon.
Blue Blue Sea was a regally bred racehorse – a powerhouse with a sense of humor and an amazing heart. The chestnut gelding’s sire was Sea Hero and he was out of an Alysheba mare. Blue raced 41 times, primarily in the claiming ranks, with 6 wins and career earnings of $53,078.
After Blue retired, he went to CANTER, a certified 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing retiring racehorses with opportunities for new careers after the finish line.
Miranda Prather, a Maryland resident and lifelong horse lover, saw Blue’s listing in 2004.
Blue was fortunate to find a home with Prather that same year, and she gave Blue the love and care that he needed for many years. Blue suffered from a malabsorbtion disorder as well as several other health issues, but Prather handled them all in stride, discussing many of them in an article on Bloodhorse.com and on their Facebook page.
Prather lovingly recounted Blue’s escapades with the other horses in his barn, endearing readers to both Blue and to all horses who needed a home like his.
Thanks to Prather’s love and care, Blue thrived, overcoming numerous bouts with his illness. His joy for life helped create a caring community of animal lovers on Facebook.
Blue suddenly passed away this weekend – but not before leaving a legacy of love that reminds people of the amazing value of off the track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs).
On Saturday, Prather posted to the Blue Blue Sea Facebook page:
This is Miranda posting. I am utterly in shock and sad right now.
Got a call this morning from the barn that Blue Blue Sea, my best friend, has died.
Later Prather also stated:
I don't plan on shutting Blue's page down.
I want his story to live on and will make a plan for what to do with his page now to honor his amazing life.
Let’s help Blue’s legacy be lasting and far-reaching. Share and like his page and help people see how amazing OTTBs can be: https://www.facebook.com/BlueBlueSeaOTTB.
Thank you, Blue, for fighting the good fight. And thank you, Miranda Prather, for giving him a chance. The world needs more of both of you.
Have you recently lost a beloved pet or is your pet nearing end-of-life? The AHELP Project provides support for those who are dealing with current or recent end-of-life issues with their animals.
If you are in the Washington State area and would like to support a Thoroughbred Rescue/Retirement group, washingtonthoroughbred.com offers resources. So many horses still need to find a loving home, just as Blue did.
Thinking of Blue Blue Sea, Miranda Prather, and the community that they created. May it continue to help animals nationwide.
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