Advancing the Horse-Human Connection

💔On Thursday, February 6, the Long Shadows family said farewell and Godspeed to "Bobby" our gentle giant Percheron and beloved retired Albany police horse. Bobby came to Long Shadows in the autumn of 2021 when no one else was able to care for him. Instantly, Bobby and Buddy became the best of friends. They graced the entrance paddock to Long Shadows for more than three years until Bobby’s advanced age and the effects of chronic EPM gave us no choice but have him humanely euthanized. Bobby served as a respected and prominent member of the Albany police force before retiring to ‘Camp Pinnacle’. Because the mountain terrain there was difficult for him as he aged, Bobby needed a new home. Long Shadows stepped up. With the help of Valeria Buck, we brought Bobby to our farm in Cambridge where he made many friends with two legs and four. His gentle strength was the stuff of legends. “Bobby was always known and loved for his friendly mellow attitude. That is essential for a horse who interacts so closely with the public." - Albany Police Officer Peter Noonan. Bobby was not only Buddy’s best friend. He had a special way with the girls and helped to welcome Mocha, an aged off-track Thoroughbred mare, to the herd in 2023 when she was rescued by Long Shadows. Volunteer Connie Ortiz sponsored Bobby at Camp Pinnacle and continued her steadfast support of him throughout his time with us. She visited him a minimum of two times per week without fail and also helped us with the significant costs of EPM treatment. Buddy is adjusting to life without Bobby with Mocha at his side. Thank you to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Dr. Morgan O’Brien, Quinn Porter, Scott Porter, Matthew Keyes, Rick Tefft, our neighbor Matt, and everyone who helped us through this difficult time and everyone who helped Long Shadows care for Bobby.