The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to welcome Rapidash, owned and ridden by Serena Marron, as an EQUUS Foundation Equine Ambassador. Rapidash joins Cacan, the first mount of Serena Marron’s to become an Equine Ambassador.
Serena Marron and Rapidash after a WEF FEI2* – Photo @ Zequi Gasparini
“I am proud to have Rapidash join the EQUUS Foundation Equine Ambassadors program and donate a portion of his prize money to help rescue, re-purpose and re-home horses in need of Next Chapters and to support the launch of the new Safe Landings program,” said Marron. Safe Landings is a new online platform featuring organizations that are looking for program horses to provide opportunities for horse owners, rescues and transition centers to find homes for their equines in need of a next chapter. Safe Landings is featured in the summer issue of Equestrian Magazine, the official publication of the United States Equestrian Federation, here.
“For horses to remain an important part of American life and have a viable future, it is imperative that we increase opportunities for horses to naturally transition from one career to the next without risk of abuse, neglect and the threat of slaughter, and provide the means to retrain horses in transition to prepare them for these opportunities,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President. “We are so grateful to Serena, as well as Cheryl Olsten (Lafitte De Muze) and Caroline Moran (Happy Thoughts) for their willingness to pay it forward.”
Safe Landings offers resources for horse owners who are unable to retain ownership of their horses with viable options other than sending horses to auction where they are likely to be purchased by “meat brokers” and sent to slaughter across our borders.
The prize money of Rapidash and Cacan donated by Marron will be used to underwrite adoption fees when an organization seeking program horses on the Safe Landings platform adopts a horse from an EQUUS Foundation Guardian charity.
 Serena and Rapidash during FEI 3* competition at WEF. Photo @ Zequi Gasparini |
Rapidash and Serena’s partnership began when Rapidash was 10 years old. Despite his young age, he carried himself with the poise and wisdom of a horse twice his age. Rapidash’s character has allowed the pair to step up to compete at the FEI 2* and 3* star level at prestigious competitions across the country including the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Split Rock Jumping Tour. |
| “Rapidash is an incredibly sweet and gentle horse with a big personality. He loves to be part of the action and will always stop to say hi to people walking around at the shows. I love his laidback energy that never seems to fluctuate much no matter the venue. Whether he is relaxing at home in his stall or competing in a Grand Prix, his calm demeanor never leaves him. I know I can count on him and this allows me to relax as well,” said Marron. |
 Serena Marron aboard Rapidash competing in FEI 2* Competition at Split Rock Aiken, SC. Photo @ Sportfot |
| “Rapidash’s huge heart is evident to all, with a kindness in his eye that most recognize within seconds of meeting him. All of these qualities make him an excellent horse to represent the EQUUS Foundation and the wonderful work they do.”
– Serena Marron
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 Serena Marron and Rapidash |
Serena Marron and Rapidash Competing in WEF FEI2*Competition – Photo @ Sportfot
