Marcus (Resident)
Marcus is a three-year-old gelding that was surrendered to us as a weanling foal soon after he was diagnosed with megaesophagus. He has played a pivotal role in our genetic research into the inheritance of megaesophagus in Friesian horses.
Fortunately for Marcus, his megaesophagus is mild, and with the proper diet and precautions, he has done extremely well. Marcus has grown into a fine-looking, otherwise healthy young Friesian.
Marcus has been raised with Martin (below) at one of our satellite facilities and will move to Fenway in 2023 to begin preparation for his groundwork and training under saddle. Marcus is naturally a quiet horse and easygoing horse who is a pleasure to work with, but he sometimes lacks confidence. We look forward to getting him started and helping him gain more confidence under saddle.
Martin (Resident)
Martin is a three-year-old gelding that was surrendered to Fenway as a weanling foal shortly after he was diagnosed with megaesophagus. Martin was instrumental in the development of many of our educational resources for megaesophagus. Like Marcus, Martin has been an important part of our megaesophagus research study.
Martin was raised with Marcus (above) at one of our satellite facilities and will also join the rest of the herd at Fenway in 2023. Unfortunately, Martin's megaesophagus is advanced, and his condition requires a very specific diet and management. Martin will remain at Fenway permanently for the remainder of his life as he is not adoptable. Martin is a very inquisitive and extremely intelligent horse. We plan to start his preparation for groundwork and under saddle training this year, and we are quite excited to bring him along!
Portraits by Tiffany
Fritz (Resident)
Fritz and his pasture mate, Zander, were part of a herd of horses seized by animal control in 2018. Fritz was very bonded with Zander, and they were successfully rehabbed and adopted out together. Tragically, Zander died soon after from a gastric rupture. Fritz never recovered emotionally from the loss of his friend and did not progress well in his new home, so we brought him back to Fenway. A second adoption did not work out for Fritz as well, so we made the decision to bring him home to Fenway permanently.
In 2022 Fritz was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a disease that causes a delay in the stomach's emptying. If unmanaged, gastroparesis can cause gastric impaction, which can lead to gastric rupture. Fritz's gastroparesis is mild, thankfully, and he has done very well on his diet management plan.
Fritz absolutely flourished under the care and training of our Equine Manager, Becca McCartney. Watch the video below for Fritz's story and how he is doing now!
Herman (Resident)
Herman is a handsome senior gelding who was diagnosed and treated for sesamoiditis when he was younger and thankfully he has remained pasture-sound since then. He was surrendered to the Fenway Foundation in 2018 and was later diagnosed with Cushing's Disease and EPM.
Herman has responded very well to treatment and has been enjoying life as a permanent resident at the Fenway Foundation. Herman is such a gentleman, and he is very fond of spending time with our mares. We are so pleased Herman has been able to enjoy his golden years with us!
Portraits by Tiffany
Portraits by Tiffany
Portraits by Tiffany
Gunnar (Resident)
Gunnar came to Fenway in 2013 after his owner experienced very aggressive behavior with him. After evaluation, it was determined that Gunnar had a retained testicle that was causing his behavioral issues. Gunnar underwent successful surgery, and his behavioral rehabilitation was a great success. Today, Gunnar is a gentle giant and a favorite of anyone who visits Fenway.
In 2022 Gunnar was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a disease that causes a delay in the stomach's emptying. If unmanaged, gastroparesis can cause gastric impaction, which can lead to gastric rupture. Gunnar's diet is specially managed by our team, and he is doing very well on his diet. Gunnar is an amazing riding horse, but due to the gastric discomfort he has occasionally, we made the decision to permanently retire him in 2022.
Adopted Horses
Whatever the reason, a Friesian Horse may need rescue. Whether the causes are economic, intervention by civil authorities, or abandonment, Friesian horses are entitled to be cared for and treated with the dignity deserving of their nobility.
Since the Fenway Foundation was created in 2010, we have placed more than 60 Friesian horses in loving, forever homes.
