Dora’s intrepid journey
The New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust exists for moments like the one that unfolded at Addington Raceway in August 2024, when a five-year-old Standardbred mare named Adored Dreamer - known as Dora - fractured a hind leg mid-race.
Dora had shown real promise in her short career, picking up a win and a second from just five starts. But in an instant, all of that was secondary. What mattered now was getting her the care she needed, safely and without causing further harm to an already serious injury.
The horse ambulance was there. Designed to lower to ground level so an injured horse can walk straight on without navigating ramps or tight turns, it transported Dora from the raceway to Rangiora Equine Centre, where surgeons placed eight screws in her leg in a complex orthopaedic procedure.
When Dora was eventually discharged from the clinic, the ambulance was called again, this time to transport her to Sara Famularo at Dancing on Moonlight Farm, where she would continue her rehabilitation.
Dora arriving by horse ambulance at Dancing on Moonlight for rehab
"It’s really crucial not to put any pressure or strain on the bones and joints when transporting an injured horse. The ability to walk on, walk off, and not have her needing to spin around was a really big deal," says Sara. "The hydraulics, the fact that it can be dropped right to the ground and there are no ramps, that was a real bonus."
Dora on box rest after rehabilitation at Rangiora Veterinary Clinic - Equine
After two years of careful rehabilitation, moving gradually from box to yard to paddock, Dora is now in foal and due this spring, living her best life at Dancing on Moonlight Farm alongside the broodmare herd.
"She just looks like a normal horse," says Sara. "It's lovely to see her back out in a paddock and just getting to be a horse again."
Sara has seen many horses through rehabilitation. She knows what a difference it makes to have the right support from the moment something goes wrong.
"The horse ambulance is an absolutely amazing asset to have. When something happens, it's so nice to know that your horse can be transported to wherever it needs to be without inflicting any more pain or drama into its life."
The New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust is running its annual 'Here for the Horse' appeal throughout August, marking a decade of care for New Zealand's horses. To donate or find out more, visit horseambulance.co.nz.