Bella’s Blog

Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities is extremely sad to share the news of Bella’s passing with our community.

 Bella had retired from PRDA’s therapeutic riding program when she was classified as having a neurological condition and had been under active veterinary care for a number of months before her passing. Her condition progressed rapidly into one from which she could not recover, and she was laid to rest on April 7.

Bella loved getting snuggles and snacks; and she would make sure to pull out her cutest faces to make sure that she could get as many as possible!

Bella was one of our three Norwegian fjord horses, known for their short but sturdy build.

Bella carried many riders in our program over the years, and even gave some of our volunteers the confidence to hop in the saddle and enjoy a ride.

Right from our first meeting with Bella, we knew that she was a special mare.

 Lovingly referred to as “Portabella mushroom” in the barn, Bella shone as a therapy horse. She was one of the kindest and most patient horses you would ever meet.

 She was one of our horses that was able to be used for ramp mounts, where that patience was a virtue to be cherished like gold.

She could be a little pushy for her leaders at times, but she was an extremely sweet and willing mare. She thoroughly enjoyed being pampered and would stand quietly to soak up the attention during grooming and tacking.

Bella enjoying some love from one of her caring riders!

It’s a good thing she enjoyed being brushed!

Bella liked to give herself a good mud treatment; making extra grooming time for our riders and volunteers. But she was always giving us those cute happy ears, so we could never be upset.

Bella had become a favourite among many of our volunteers and staff members.

At only 21 years of age, we had to say goodbye earlier than we would have hoped, but we are grateful for the many years of amazing memories that Bella left us with. Her presence in our herd is greatly missed.

The team at PRDA knows that this special mare touched the lives of many people, and we extend our deepest condolences to all of those who feel this loss.

We invite you to share any stories and memories that you have of Bella.