I’m the rider of the Arabian mare that crashed through the snowmobile bridge. I’m writing this to express my gratitude to everyone who was involved in a bad day that could have turned out even worse.

I have been overwhelmed with the care, concern and support offered to us (that is,Aquila and me) via communications with the Sun Journal and phone calls to my home. It was not unexpected to hear from my friends and family about our accident, but perfect strangers have called me to wish us well! As an animal lover and advocate, this attention shows me that there are others out there who love animals as much as I. It does my heart good!

I can’t thank the Dixfield and Canton firefighter/rescue teams enough. They handled the situation calmly, they looked to me for direction when getting ready to try something, to ask how my horse would handle it. They absolutely were putting her safety first. It was of great benefit that the Canton rescuers had a course in large animal rescue. The Dixfield crew was prompt in getting every tool we thought we would need.

The Sun Journal team reported on our accident with compassion and a lack of sensationalism. Thanks again to all who really cared.

Leigh Shields, Dixfield