July 22, 2006 - In the equine world, ex-driving horses are seldom considered for disciplines outside their profession. Yet Centenary College has trained driving horses to achieve success in the hunter/jumper and dressage professions. Duell, a retired driving horse that came to Centenary six years ago to begin a new life, is one of these horses.

Duell arrived at Centenary by the charitable donation of Mr. James Johnson of Cedar Lane Farms. Duell's charming personality and willingness to please quickly ascended him to the higher level riding classes at Centenary College. He also captured the hearts of students and staff, and soon became known as a fortunate draw in the two highest levels of the Intercollegiate Hunt Seat league -- the Open and Intermediate divisions.

Within the first year of Duell's arrival at Centenary College, the gelding experienced a severe episode of colic. Colic is a common intestinal disorder often resolved with simple therapy. Duell's condition was more severe and required exploratory surgery. His colon was repositioned and the thirteen year old gelding recuperated without complications. Duell quickly returned to his duties at the college.

For the six years following' surgery, Duell continued to excel in every competition and event. His showing in A and C rated horse shows at Briarwood Farm in the hunter and jumper divisions, as well as winning countless ribbons in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, Intercollegiate Dressage Association, and the Intercollegiate Tournament of Champions, earned him the admiration of all his riders.

Shortly after a routine lesson in April 2006, Duell again began showing signs of mild abdominal discomfort. Dr. Michael Fugaro, Centenary's resident veterinarian and surgeon, evaluated and treated Duell, but within hours it was clear the condition would require a second surgery.

Andrea Wells, director of the Centenary College Equestrian Center, was faced with the difficult decision of returning the nineteen year old horse to the operating room. After consultation with the staff, Ms. Wells agreed to send Duell for another attempt to save his life.

With an entourage of students in support, Duell was transported to Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center where Dr. Rick Doran and his staff awaited.

During surgery, Drs. Doran and Fugaro found that Duell's colon was not only abnormally positioned but also twisted by 360 degrees. Amazingly, the colon tissue was in good health and easily returned to its normal position. The gelding was placed in a padded stall for recovery from the anesthesia. During this resurgence period, Duell's airway unexpectedly collapsed but an emergency tracheotomy quickly resolved his breathing problems. Duell fully recovered without further complications.

Duell returned to the Centenary College Equestrian Center within days after surgery where his condition required frequent monitoring, medication, feed restrictions, and incisional care. This care was handled for the most part by Ashley DiBongrazio ('07), Michelle Rizollo ('09), and Danielle Stewart ('09).

Throughout his recovery these three students made sure Duell's every need was met and that he was in the best possible health. Without their dedication, Duell may have experienced additional post-operative complications or a more arduous recovery.

Many horses do not survive this disease, let alone a single surgery. Duell's second survival was nothing short of a miracle. His heartening spirit and unfaltering will to live proved inspiring by the students and faculty who have grown to love him.