By: Samantha Smith
Gleði is an Icelandic word that means joy or happiness. Gleði Farm is the name of Dana Fletcher’s small farm in Edgefield County, South Carolina, where two Thoroughbreds now known as Nash and Reggie call home.
In September 2024, Dana visited Equine Rescue of Aiken during an event, where she spent time watching horses in the recovery and observation paddock. Equine Rescue of Aiken, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization in Aiken, South Carolina, is committed to helping retired racehorses find their second career. During the event, a grey gelding in the field, Somesayneigh, now known as “Nash”, immediately caught her attention. “We were taken by his friendly demeanor and gentle manner,” Dana shared.
When she inquired about Nash, he was not yet available for adoption. This is when she was introduced to Regimental Command, better known as “Reggie”, who made an equally strong impression. Reggie displayed a calm, personable nature and an approachable disposition that immediately drew Dana in. “It was love at first sight,” Dana said, “a majestic yet gentle giant.” A few weeks later, Dana returned to Equine Rescue of Aiken to adopt Reggie and bring him home.
After arriving at Gleði Farm, Reggie settled in beautifully and quickly showed promise for his next chapter. He began groundwork and was doing splendidly, according to Dana. “Reggie is extremely healthy and ready to become a lovely trail and therapy companion horse for young, old, and everyone in between,” she said.
When Nash later became available for adoption, Dana knew she wanted to welcome him home as well. Understanding that he might only be suited for life as a companion horse rather than a second career, she embraced the opportunity to give him exactly what he needed. “Our goal is to give him a fun, loving, and adventurous life that also respects his personal limits,” Dana explained. As he continued recovering, Nash stayed active through lead line work and spent time socializing with other animals while Dana carefully monitored his progress.
The reunion between the two geldings made the decision feel even more special. “When Reggie and Nash were reunited it was so heartwarming, like long lost brothers,” Dana shared. Alongside the Thoroughbreds at the farm is Eva, a little grade mare also adopted from the rescue who, although not a Thoroughbred, Dana felt deserved an honorable mention. As Dana said, “she keeps it real for the big boys.”
Together, the horses are part of Dana’s larger vision for Gleði Farm. Her goal is to grow the small farm into an equine therapy center. She hopes both Thoroughbreds will play an important role in that mission, with Nash offering quiet companionship and Reggie becoming a trusted partner for riders in the therapy program. “We love both our OTTBs from Equine Rescue of Aiken and cannot think of a more caring partner for us as we lean into our own mission.”
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