Lillian Moore (Nashville, N.C.)
Lillian is the most selfless person. She will come any minute we can and need, or try her best to fit us in as soon as possible if needed. She's very knowledgable and loves our children as her own. I wouldn't have anyone else trim my horses.
— Kimber Christian (Selma, N.C.)
In June 2015, a 2-week-old dwarf miniature horse, Tinker Bell, was surrendered to me with severely deformed hind legs. I called my farrier, Lillian Moore, to see if she would work in tandem with my veterinarian. Without hesitation, she arrived for the appointment. Unfortunately, Tinker Bell's hooves had to be put on hold as she was in septic shock from infected rubbing sores and severely dehydrated. Although no immediate hoof care could be addressed at that time, Lillian didn’t leave Tinker Bell's side. Instead, she sat on a concrete tack room floor for over 3 hours holding Tinker Bell on her lap while the veterinarian worked to save this tiny foal. Outside temperature, including heat index, was 110 degrees. Tinker Bell lost bladder control several times during treatment but Lillian never even flinched.
Although Tinker Bell received surgery months later to stabilize her hind legs, ligaments below both hind fetlocks remained permanently lax — strong legs with no supportive hooves. Lillian would come out to trim or apply/remove a multitude of extensions and shoes. No one knew exactly what to do as most of these foals are euthanized at birth. But Lillian remained committed to working towards an answer. She would sing to Tinker Bell or talk sweetly to calm her during the sessions. She was respectful, patient, and compassionate beyond words. Over the next 8 months, Lillian researched and worked with me to try to find a solution to give Tinker Bell a good quality of life. I cannot count the number of times Lilliane came out for Tinker Bell, but I do know she always came without hesitation, expectation, or frustration.
Unfortunately, Tinker Bell passed in January 2016 from complications due to her dwarfism. Lillian's support did not end there. She listened with care to updates of necropsy reports and supported me, unconditionally, in my grieving process.
I've tried to put into words what Lillian means to me as a professional, as a person, as a partner-in-care with my horses. I cannot find the words. Perhaps there are none worthy. Instead, I would like to share her post on Tinker Bell's Facebook page shortly after her passing. I think her words shine through with the amount of concern, love, care, and humanity that is seldom seen but greatly needed in all professions. I think her words express her incredible connection and commitment to her clients and their horses and desire to continuously learn and improve her skills for the betterment of both.
Thank you, Lillian, for working so hard to give Tinker Bell a chance to dance on this Earth.
Lillian Moore’s Tribute to Tinker Bell:
"I will forever remember this sweet face. I wanted to post sooner, but I could not find the words for having the opportunity to work with and learn from Tinker Bell. I considered it a joy and privilege…a divine appointment to be a part of her care team. The hot summer night I first met her when she was at the brink of death, I had the chance to hold her in my lap and pray she would be given a chance at life.
So she had crooked legs and challenges, but she was a light and hope to many. Her sweet spirit made her easy to work with. She taught me as a farrier to think outside of the box. Her comfort was first priority and her case was allowed to be shared with other farriers who are working on other minis with similar needs. This is a gift and she did not live for the time she was with us without purpose.
The many days and sessions we were on knees...belly...however we could fix ourselves to trim and attach extensions or shoes was challenging. We laughed at times...had tense moments of anticipation and wonder at this little spunky mare. We watched her walk and I always took pictures and videos. I'd feverishly text and message farriers from all over to see if we were on the right path. The last set of shoes Tinker Bell had done were awesome. She ran around. Gait about as good as she had been thus far. When I left her for what would be her last session, snuggled in her blankets, I felt relieved.
Tinker Bell always brought me hope. Hope and peace...sounds mushy but in her imperfections and somewhat ""broken"" state her spirit remained. When her body said it was time her human mom knew and gave her the greatest gift…a peaceful crossing. Animals only know the moment...or so I feel...in my heart. In her passing she knew she had a life of love and in the moment of her passing her pain diminished. She crossed into peace.
Thank you for teaching us all life is precious, little one, no matter the package. Thank you for making me a better farrier, so I can help others, and for being patient with me. I will never forget you."
— Robin Dunbar (Wake Forest, N.C.)
