From fear to freedom, Nova is learning how to be a horse
Champagne Supernova, or “Nova” as we affectionately call her, arrived as one of our most unusual cases. Unlike many of our horses, she didn’t come to us underweight or visibly neglected. In fact, she was the opposite — overweight from a unhealthy diet, but deeply unwell in every other way.
We didn’t know much about her before she arrived. One day, a horse box pulled up at the sanctuary and out stepped a mare who had spent her entire life living in a dark cave. What we found was heart-breaking. Despite her weight, Nova was one of the most stressed and emotionally shut-down horses we had ever met. She carried large edemas under her belly from poor diet and lack of movement, and her body language showed years of fear and anxiety.
She was terrified of everything — of people, of other horses, and of life itself. Every sound, every movement sent her on edge. It was clear she had never experienced the simple freedom of being a horse. But slowly, day by day, that began to change. Since arriving, Nova has started to relax into her new world — a world filled with sunshine, open spaces, gentle hands, and kind voices. She’s learning to trust, to move freely, and to connect again. Her transformation reminds us that healing isn’t just about food and shelter — it’s about safety, love, and time.
Champagne Supernova still has a long journey ahead, but every small step she takes is a victory. We’re so proud to be part of her story and you can be too by sponsoring her to help her live a happy and healthy life with us.
