OWINGS, MD — Freedom Hill Horse Rescue announced the passing of Delilah, a 30-year-old Quarter Horse mare who served as a gentle ambassador for the Calvert County sanctuary since 2017. Delilah died on March 25, 2026, after suffering a severe colon impaction that displaced and did not respond to treatment.
Delilah arrived at Freedom Hill Horse Rescue in early 2017 after being abandoned at a farm along with five other horses. One horse died of malnutrition before rescuers could intervene. The remaining horses, including former FHHR resident Gabe or Rusty, found new homes. Delilah was adopted briefly but returned to the rescue through no fault of her own.
She quickly became a favorite among visitors and volunteers. Delilah participated in nearly every event and program at the rescue. Children especially loved her distinctive teddy bear ears and her patient nature. She allowed hugs, grooming and even rolling around her without complaint.
Many parents recalled their children pointing out the white horse in the fields while driving past the farm and saying, “that’s my horse, Delilah.”
Delilah excelled as a teaching horse for beginners. Her calm demeanor helped ease fears of those new to horses. Volunteers noted her quirks, including frequently arriving at the barn covered in brown dirt despite her white coat and her habit of getting stuck in unusual places due to curiosity. She also showed a strong dislike for another resident horse named Badger, while maintaining a special bond with former FHHR horse Dan.
On the evening of March 24, 2026, volunteers noticed Delilah was not acting like herself. Veterinarian Dr. Williamson examined her and identified a large impaction in her colon that had caused displacement. Despite overnight care, her condition did not improve. The difficult decision to end her suffering was made the morning of March 25. Delilah passed surrounded by her foster family and volunteers.
FHHR and Delilah’s fosters, Anna and Beth, expressed gratitude to all who cared for her. They thanked volunteers, horse health leads, veterinarians, farriers and visitors who loved and supported Delilah throughout her time at the rescue.
Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, located at 7940 Flint Hill Road in Owings, operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses in need. The organization also provides educational programs for youth, including Read to the Horses and service learning opportunities. Delilah’s gentle presence contributed significantly to these community efforts in Southern Maryland.
The rescue noted that Delilah lived a full life to the age of 30 and touched countless lives. She will be greatly missed by the entire FHHR community.