Maymont mourns the passing of 30-year-old Dani the horse

Maymont this week shared the news of the passing of Dani, the beloved horse who lived at Maymont for two decades. She was humanely euthanized today, January 14, at the age of 30, due to a combination of progressive, age-related conditions. For the past year, Dani was being treated for both arthritis and a pituitary gland dysfunction, under close observation by Maymont animal care staff and medical monitoring by local veterinarians.

Dani, whose full name was Danielle, will be missed by Maymont staff and guests alike. A stately Clydesdale/Hackney crossbreed, Dani had been a guest favorite since her arrival at Maymont in 2004. For the past five years, she could be seen enjoying a comfortable retirement in the pasture at Maymont Farm, along with her longtime companion Artie, a retired harness racehorse, and more recent companion Lorna, a retired thoroughbred racehorse. Prior to that, Dani had used her great strength to delight guests with carriage rides on special occasions.

“Dani was the queen of the herd, but very affectionate, too,” said Joe Neel, Maymont Senior Manager of Zoology. “Our animal keepers enjoyed caring for this sweet-natured horse, who loved face rubs, basking in the sun and occasionally rolling on her back in the grass. Thanks to diligent care, Dani lived to an advanced age for a large-breed horse.”

“Dani will be missed by the entire Maymont community,” added Parke Richeson, Maymont President and CEO. “With her strength and gentle nature, Dani was a great animal ambassador at Maymont Farm, helping people understand the important role that horses have played in traditional working farms.”