01/17/2026
It is with heavy, yet grateful hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Buggie this morning.
Buggie arrived at Sprout on March 9, 2013.
He came by way of a friend who was managing a herd of retired horses and noticed that “one wasn’t like all the others.”
He was young — around 14 — with a glimmer in his eye and a spring in his step.
By no fault of his own, he had become an unlikely “retiree” when a local therapeutic riding program closed.
And he made it clear… he WASN'T done serving.
She called Sprout, and we quickly made our way out to visit.
Pulling a trailer (and two toddlers), there wasn't much time to make a decision.
Funny enough...
When we arrived, we realized HE had no tack, and neither did WE.
And so the first trust exercise began — hopping on his back in an open field with only a halter and a lead rope.
Hoping it would go well...
Thankfully, it did — and he came home that day to a barn full of excited fans.
His name was Farnley Gibraltar, a nod to the historic and well-known farm where he was bred.
He was flashy — a flea-bitten grey with darker points, a well-proportioned face, elegant neck, and long legs. And while he was a bit of an "in-between" height for show horses, at 15.1 hands, he was perfect for Sprout!
It was a time in Sprout’s story when we needed a true team player.
Heathcliff had recently passed, and we were desperate for an experienced horse to help carry the load.
And as serendipity likes to act, the spring session was starting the very next week...
Knowing that Buggie had already done the job before, we placed him in a handful of lessons — praying it would all work out.
Because… it had to work out.
And Buggie, the consummate professional, quietly folded into the herd — and into the hearts of his riders — like he had been here all along.
With his kind eye, mannerly disposition, and willingness to please, he quickly became a barn favorite and, over the years, proved himself useful in countless ways.
He’d bounce from one rider to the next —
having an adaptive saddle built on his back in one lesson,
teaching steering between cones or over poles,
heading out on the trails,
then riding through a dressage pattern
and popping over cross rails.
All in a day’s work.
Being the fancy type, he had a spring in his step that took some getting used to...
He patiently tolerated jiggly bodies clinging to balance and expertly guided his people through the nuances of posting and changing diagonals.
Learning to ride his bouncy trot taught body control, improved equitation, and helped create strong, confident riders.
And he LOVED his riders.
He’d keep an eye out from his stall — locking onto his person from the moment they arrived until the moment they left.
Always attentive.
Being near him was an exercise in being seen.
He had a way of making people feel fully understood.
His soulful eyes and gentle spirit saw past human exteriors straight to the heart.
He made you feel connected… appreciated.
For many, he was their very first introduction to a horse.
Polite, careful, and tolerant, he became the go-to grooming teacher for new volunteers.
He taught reverence, respect, and care between humans and horses — because he offered it first.
He was easy to love.
And over the years, he tested the love of our staff - A LOT.
Colic. Insulin issues. Laminitis. Kidney failure. Multiple eye surgeries.
At times requiring five medications, spaced five minutes apart, five times a day — for weeks on end.
He taught us how to love when it is hard — when it is inconvenient, when it requires sacrifice and consistency. He taught us that real care doesn’t show up only on the good days — it shows up in the middle of the night, in the heat and cold, in exhaustion, and in hope that refuses to quit.
He also taught us to slow down.
He loved to savor a good peppermint or Stud Muffin,
sucking on his tongue long after it dissolved —
fully enjoying the moment.
He taught us the value of long goodbyes.
When we retired him in 2024, we knew we couldn’t move him off the farm.
His medical needs were too complex, and he was too sensitive.
So we kept him here — thanks to the commitment of our donors who understood just how much Sprout horses give.
Over the past few months, there was a simple rule:
"When you leave, say goodbye to Buggie like it may be the last time."
It taught us to treasure the good days.
To show love every day.
And never take time for granted.
Buggie didn’t ask for much — just to be part of something meaningful.
And he was.
Profoundly so.
His legacy will live in the possibilities he opened for riders who became better because of him,
in the hands of volunteers who learned gentleness through him,
in the patience of instructors and the devoted care of our barn team,
and in the countless hearts that felt seen simply by standing beside him.
Thank you, Buggie.
We'll see you In The Clouds ❤️☁️🐴
*Please share your stories and photos of his legacy in the comments
