Stella is a 15-year-old Quarter Horse mare who stepped into her rookie nursemare year and absolutely nailed it. Before joining our herd, Stella lived an impressive first life: she was a talented reining horse, known for her willingness, athleticism, and heart. She later became a broodmare for her previous owners, producing three exceptional foals—all of whom are now out in the world excelling in their respective careers.

When it came time to retire her from broodmare life, her owners wanted Stella to continue doing something meaningful—something she was good at. So they chose to donate her to ColdSpring, giving Stella a new purpose perfectly suited to her temperament and gifts.

And she has exceeded every expectation.

Stella happily accepted her first orphan foal this year, raising that baby with patience, gentleness, and a mother’s intuition. When he was weaned at six months, we received a call in early November about a tiny, 51-pound Paso filly in urgent need of a mom. Stella still had plenty of milk—and even more heart. We loaded her up, and she lit up the moment she saw that little filly, eager and overjoyed to claim her.

For a first-year nursemare, Stella has proven she was born for this work.
Sponsoring Stella means supporting a mare whose purpose, compassion, and natural instincts have already changed lives.