Archer isn’t your average horse, or so says his owner, 20-year-old Jessica Lovig.
“I’m sure everyone says that about their horse,” she says. “But he’s one of those special horses, he just has such a wonderful personality.”
That’s why when Archer took ill last month, she was afraid she would lose her best friend.
Archer, a 10-year-old Dutch warmblood, has been Lovig’s mount of choice for the past five years.
In 2010, Lovig and Archer won gold and silver medals at the B.C. Summer Games, in the team competition and three-foot-six jumping events, respectively. That same year they finished first at the annual PNE Show Jumping event in Vancouver.
If Lovig could afford to compete regularly, she believes there’s no limit to how far her and Archer could go.
“I’d like to jump at the four-foot level, but it costs a lot of money to do that,” she said.
Lovig is already working three jobs to pay to keep her best friend, so she wasn’t financially prepared when Archer came down with colic last month.
The condition is similar to a stomach ache in humans, but horses can’t vomit, so the problem can be fatal.
After going to the vet and taking in fluids, Archer started to show improvement and came home. But last week, he once again took a turn for the worse and required emergency surgery.
“He had colic five years ago... and it ended up costing us $10,000 for the surgery,” Lovig said.
She hasn’t received the vet bill yet, but expects it run close to $9,000 this time around.
“I had to save his life,” she said. “I do that no matter what.”
Lovig is hoping to raise money to help pay for Archer’s surgery, and is holding a fundraiser at the Golden Ears Pub in Pitt Meadows on July 7 at 5 p.m. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 draw, door prizes, and raffles. Each $20 ticket includes a burger and a beer.
For tickets, or to donate items for the silent auction, call 604-834-3516.