When Kathryn Cordeiro first met Madam Cure, affectionately known as “Red,” she was still grieving the loss of her mare. The absence was felt deeply, not only by Kathryn, but by her other horse as well. “After losing my mare, I was heartbroken, and my other horse was feeling the absence too,” Kathryn shared. She knew her next horse needed to be more than a companion. She needed a horse who could settle into the barn and bring a sense of companionship back to both of them.

Kathryn first discovered Red on the NEER North website. It was her first introduction to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization, and she made the two-hour drive to meet Red and a few other horses in person. From the beginning, Kathryn said the adoption experience felt welcoming and special. Everyone she met at NEER North was kind, helpful, and generous with their time. Although Kathryn had come primarily to meet Red, she soon learned that the mare was away at another farm for training. That could have been the end of the visit. Instead, Mary Martin, NEER North’s founder and president, went above and beyond. She contacted the facility where Red was staying, helping Kathryn continue the journey. Kathryn drove another hour and a half to the training farm.

“When I finally saw Red’s face peeking over the Dutch door I knew, without a doubt, we were meant to find each other,” Kathryn said. “When I saw Red’s gentle eyes and her sweet face with a big, heart-shaped white star, I felt an immediate connection. She’s a little 15-hand Thoroughbred, incredibly cute and kind – there was no way we weren’t going to be together.”