When Beth and Bruce D. adopted two horses named Swiss and Feta at November’s Equine Affaire event in Springfield, Massachusetts, it was an unforgettable moment.

“Nobody could forget these cheese-named horses,” says Tom Persechino, senior director of the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC), who was on hand during the event with other equines from ASPCA Right Horse Partners.

Beth’s search for the right horse had been in the making for nearly a year. After losing a beloved Arabian, Jeda, Beth and Bruce visited a previous adoption fair at the April Equine Affaire event, but all the horses had been placed.

Beth and Bruce, who live in southern New Hampshire, were undaunted by Swiss and Feta’s dietary and medical needs upon meeting them in November. Swiss, a 30-year-old gelding Quarter Horse, and Feta, a 29-year-old Appaloosa mare, had come from a background of neglect.

Feta, left, and Swiss on adoption day.

“I love caring for older horses and fell for these two,” says Beth, who has had horses for nearly 30 years. “I didn’t want to separate them because they’d been together for quite a while.”

Both horses quickly adapted to Beth and Bruce’s four-acre property and two-stall barn. But unfortunately, within just weeks of being in her new home, Feta began walking in circles, unable to stand and leaning against the wall of her stall.

She was diagnosed with a severe neurological problem and the day after Thanksgiving was compassionately euthanized.

“With older animals like Feta, if their medical conditions are not causing pain, suffering or anything that might warrant immediate euthanasia, and if they’re still comfortable, we know they can still thrive,” says Tom. “Even if the end is close, it’s hard to know exactly when. In this case, we’re grateful Feta had her final best days with Beth.”

“Feta made the trip here to make sure Swiss would be okay,” Beth says. “But it broke my heart to lose her. Those three weeks we had her changed my life.”

A Harsh History

In January 2024, more than 100 farm animals were rescued from poor conditions in a joint effort between the ASPCA and Tioga County Sheriff’s Office.

Horses, including Swiss and Feta, and cows, goats and young calves — some underweight — were removed from a property in Tioga County, New York, after investigators discovered them living in unsanitary conditions with limited access to food, water and medical care. Deceased animals were also found on the property.

Feta, at left, and Swiss, far right, as he and other horses attempt to drink frozen water before being rescued.

Feta and Swiss were soon transferred to Susquehanna SPCA, an ASPCA Right Horse Partner, with help from the ASPCA Centralized Placement and Equine teams.

Criminal charges are still pending in the case, which could go to trial.

Finding a New Friend, and Fast

“After Feta died, Swiss was a mess,” Beth says. “It was like the end of the world. He whinnied for her, paced constantly and stopped eating. I led him over to see Feta after she died, and he sniffed her. But I couldn’t console him. I thought, ‘By Monday he’ll be dead of a broken heart, or colic.’ I was desperate because he was desperate. He needed a buddy, and quickly.”

After contacting rescue groups recommended by ETAC, Beth posted her dilemma on social media where a woman recommended a companion and non-riding horse who needed to be rehomed and was located in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, about an hour away.

“We put Feta to sleep on Wednesday,” Beth says. “Thursday was Thanksgiving. By Friday we had a new horse.”

A New Connection

Beth’s newly adopted 20-something Quarter Horse mare is named — wait for it — Cheddar.

“I think that’s the cutest thing, like, maybe ever,” says Tom, who provided support from ETAC in the form of a stipend to help cover Feta’s euthanasia fee.

“She looks exactly like Swiss, except she doesn’t have white socks,” Beth says. “When she came off the trailer, I almost fell over.”

To Beth’s delight, the introduction went well.

Swiss, foreground, and Cheddar.

“Swiss knows Cheddar’s a different horse with a different personality, but they get along great and are buddies.”

Beth and Bruce have been together for 33 years and also have three dogs.

“My animals are my kids, and Bruce feels the same way,” says Beth. “He took quickly to Swiss and vice versa. He melts the icicles from Swiss’s eyelashes with his warm hands. Swiss also loves head scratches.”

While the end of Feta’s life was, and still is, painful, her death led to a new connection. And despite losing Feta so soon, Beth remains a staunch ambassador for equine adoption.

“When you adopt one, you make a space for another,” she says. “And I can’t imagine life without them.”

Feeling inspired and ready to adopt a horse of your own? Visit myrighthorse.org to browse hundreds of adoptable horses nationwide by breed, age or discipline.