About Us

"Salute The General"

General

May 12th, 2007 - May 4th, 2026

The COVID-19 pandemic affected more than just people; it had a significant impact on horses and the entire equine industry. Many horse owners struggled to feed their horses and other livestock during this time. In May 2020, I rescued a horse whom I re-named General, who was a victim of neglect. Little did I know when I picked this horse up how big an impact he was going to have on my life. General was all skin and bones; you could count every rib on his body and see his pelvic bone bulging out. The first thing I noticed about him where his long legs. As time went on, he was later given the nickname "G". A few months after rescuing G, he and I moved down to the East Coast. I never imagined keeping him, I intended to sell him to a good home after he had put back on the necessary weight, and I was able to put some training on him (He ended up being quite talented).

However, as time went on, I couldn't imagine ever letting him go. In 2022, G was diagnosed with Kissing spine, and I was absolutely devastated. Kissing Spine is a degenerative disease with no real cure. While there are two surgeries available, they are tricky and could make the condition worse. Kissing spine is where two or more of the horse's spine vertebrae touch (hence the term "Kissing Spine"), rubbing causing friction and discomfort. I did end up doing some other forms of therapy for his back, which helped significantly!

I had a dream of competing in the jumpers, and we had just begun to scratch the surface of that dream when he started to show signs of discomfort again. After some time, I decided it would be best for G not to jump anymore. So, I gave up on that dream for him, and we did a complete 180 and began to train and compete in dressage. In January 2023, we hit a slump. I was at a low point in my life, and I had no motivation to ride. General and I were not progressing. Every ride felt like a battle. To the point, I began to avoid the barn completely. The only reason I went to the barn was to see G. He was my high point. He brought a smile to my face when no one else could, and I forever owe him that.

In the end, however, kissing spine began to take over our lives again. On August 20, 2024, I made the heartbreaking decision to officially retire General at 17 years old and allow him to spend the remainder of his life in a big field. It was an incredibly emotional decision and a difficult adjustment, but loving G meant always putting his best interests before my own.

I will forever be grateful that I was blessed to know, love, and call such a kind horse mine. After everything he had given me, I was honored to give him a peaceful retirement away from the hustle and bustle of show life and free from the fear of ever being passed from home to home again.

In the winter of 2025, G began to develop uveitis, originally in one eye but eventually affecting both. Despite treatment and our best efforts to keep him comfortable, the flare-ups continued and gradually became more difficult to manage. His vision began to decline, and the condition took away more of his comfort and independence as time went on. I stayed committed to giving him every possible good day, carefully monitoring his pain and quality of life while preparing myself for the decision I never wanted to make.

After fighting so hard for his sight and doing everything I could to keep him comfortable, I eventually had to make the most heartbreaking decision of my life. In May 2026, I chose to lay G to rest before the heat of another summer and the cold of another winter could make life even harder for him. I wanted more time; I would have taken a lifetime, but I knew I could not keep him here just because I wasn’t ready to let him go. G had spent so much of his life fighting, and he deserved to leave this world peacefully, surrounded by love, before his bad days could outweigh the good ones. Letting him go was the most loving thing I could do. After everything he had given me, I knew I owed him that final act of love.

That is how our store, G Legacy, came to be. Originally, I hoped it would generate some extra income to help support G and me while I made my way through college. After losing him, however, the purpose behind the store became so much bigger.

Now, my greatest hope is to use G’s legacy to raise awareness about kissing spine—especially the signs that are so often overlooked or misunderstood. Far too many horses living in pain are labeled “dangerous,” “naughty,” or “difficult” when, in reality, they are simply trying to communicate that something hurts. When no one stops to listen, those horses are often passed from home to home, repeatedly punished for pain they cannot explain, and sometimes end up in heartbreaking situations.

I cannot change what G went through before he came to me, nor can I bring him back, but I can continue telling his story. If his legacy helps even one horse be understood, diagnosed, and given the compassion they deserve, then a part of him will continue making a difference.

Signed with love,

Hayley & G
G Legacy

For the Horses Who Change Us