CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A “well-known and well-loved” wild mare roaming North Carolina’s Outer Banks had to be euthanized days ago, after doctors realized she had a painful infection that was beyond cure, according to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.
The ending came after herd managers realized the horse could no longer keep up with her stallion, Topnotch, and his harem.
Ellie Mae was in her 20s, the fund said in a Facebook post.
It marks the second time in two months the nonprofit has announced the death of an elderly horse in the herd of less than 100. A stallion named Captain, who was nearly 30, had to be euthanized due to a series of health problems, the fund said last month.
“On Wednesday (Dec. 18), (Ellie Mae’s) condition deteriorated significantly,” the fund posted on Facebook.
“We discovered that the infection had moved into her joint, and become septic … It’s a devastating prognosis for any horse, with few treatment options, high levels of pain, and a poor long-term prognosis.”
