Rose Rawlings Moves On

By Sophie Park

Sophie Park

Team Cox

STORY SUMMARY

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Rose Rawlings, 58, is a doer. “I don’t do anything halfway,” she says. Her work ethic is evident in various aspects of her life. Since 2012, she has been boarding horses and rescuing other livestock on top of working a full-time job. She doesn’t do it for the money. In fact, she spends much of her personal money on rescuing and transporting animals, including Faye and Abby, two of her horses she had to put down due to irreparable injuries. It’s a tough decision, but at some point, she says, “you have to ask yourself if you’re keeping them alive for them, or for yourself.” Faye and Abby’s deaths mark the beginning of a new chapter for Rose, as she prepares to start a new job at a pet food bag company after leaving what she says was a toxic work environment. “I feel like I have a new lease on life,” she says.

Abby, 18, and Faye, 25, stand in their pen the morning of their euthanization in Excelsior Springs, Mo. The decision to have them both put down was difficult, but owner Rose Rawlings, 58, says that because of their relationship, she couldn’t imagine one leaving without the other.

Waylon Rawlings, 56, and Rose lead Faye and Abby to be euthanized at their home. Abby was Waylon’s first show horse, and Rose rescued Faye in 2018.

Rose weeps next to Faye, who was euthanized due to a leg injury. Rose rescued Faye from being slaughtered. Though it took the former show horse time to trust Rose — early in their relationship, Faye was aggressive toward her — the two formed a special bond. “Sometimes, they choose people,” Rose said, reminiscing on Faye’s life, “and she chose me.”

Eloise Steinert, 67, at right, who boards a horse at Rose’s home, hugs Rose after Faye and Abby were euthanized.

Rose works with her horse Chaos two days after putting Faye and Abby down.

Rose grooms Kimmy, one of her show horses.

A hoof print is seen in one of the indoor horse pens at Rose’s home.

Rose laughs while walking her show horse Stormy to his pen after he grabs a mouthful of hay.

Rose laughs with her friend and “barn family” member Miranda Olenhouse, 38, in one of her barns. The two women often show horses together across the country.

Rose cleans and conditions one of her saddles. Before starting a new job on the following Monday, Rose has a list of tasks to complete.

Brian Kratzer, Co-Director

Alyssa Schukar, Co-Director

Hany Hawasly, Technical Director

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