We asked our participating groups, BEHS, CWER, SKA and TIER to share a story about one of their winning horses. We know this was not an easy task for them! Day after day, week after week, they help these incredible animals survive intolerable acts of cruelty and abandonment. They suffer losses, and they feel the loss of each horse deeply. But they also see wonderful new partnerships formed when the horses find new forever homes, and when they not only recover from their prior abuse…they blossom! This makes everything they do matter and it helps them through the heartbreak and hard work.
We know these stories will make you angry, they will make you cry too. But each has a very important message of hope, which is the fire that fuels these groups to continue doing what they do!
Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society
Arliss and his dam came to BEHS in December 2009, victims of neglect. Arliss was just a little baby, and his dam was in horrible shape. Sadly, after a few days of excellent care, she succumbed to the effects of long-term starvation and left Arliss without a mom. His foster home found him a substitute mom who took him under her wing and taught him how to be a horse. His foster mom carefully fed and monitored his condition. He gained weight and blossomed under the supervision of his two moms, he blossomed into a beautiful young colt. Arliss and others like him are why Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society exist – to give them another chance at a happy life.
To view the wishlist and contact information for Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society please click here
Crosswinds Equine Rescue
A Crosswinds Star
Sandy Ann was a feral 2 year old unregisterable POA pony, hiding in terror in a stall at a local horse auction when we first saw her. I outbid the meat buyer for this leggy “pink” pony, and arranged to get her hauled to what wasn’t yet officially Crosswinds Equine Rescue. The pony was truly terrified of adult humans, but this little person (then 7 year old Tory), she might just be OK. For a year, the pony wouldn’t tolerate a human – not even for feeding – without her trusted Tory by her side.
The following winter, Tory’s genetic disorder converted a simple case of strep throat into a 4-week confinement at home, not allowed outside the house. Each night, I would open the paddock gate, and Sandy would rush from the pasture, trotting to the living room window, which Tory would open with a huge grin. “Sandy at the window” became an evening ritual, where Tory could love the pony who loved her more, feeding her a ‘secret stash’ of carrots to thank her for her love and concern for Tory.
Where no medicine was helping win the war with this illness, the pony was our star, our hero that helped a young girl fight, rest, and heal. The first time she was allowed outdoors, it was to rest quietly under a tree, with the pony (at liberty of course) by her side, nudging her now and then for a treat.
Sandy is our “Wal-Mart greeter”, our shining star, our ambassador. Sandy has helped so many to heal since then, whether it be ill horse, aging dog, challenged child, frightened adult, or, simply, friends.
To view the wishlist and contact information for Crosswinds Equine Rescue please click here
Sunkissed Acres Rescue
This year again, our winning horse is not one who lives any longer. But, in his short time with us, he left behind a legacy for all rescues. Meet MR. ABJ. This lovely 4 year old gelding came to us by way of Animal Control. This poor guy was not only half starved to death, he was totally dehydrated and was missing an eye. Word of mouth was that Mr. ABJ had been abandoned in a state park but this made no sense. A horse out on his own would have had easy access to not only water, but lots of food. It was all over the area and yet, this horse was found standing at a roadside stop, apparently on his own. In fact, Mr. ABJ had been abandoned there in that state and was simply to dumbfounded and weak to do anything to help himself. He was simply the worst shape horse I had ever seen and there were some sad ones come our way. In fact, he was in such bad shape that he was the first horse I didnt give a name too but a group of followers came up with a lovely one, befitting the kind that he was.
Mr. ABJ only lived five more days once he got here. He was suffering leg injuries which made his hind end rather weak. He also had a hole in his heart which was not helping his condition at all. After wandering around for a bit and realizing he was finally safe, Mr. ABJ promptly lay down and stayed that way. Our weather at that time of year was horrible, freezing temps at night and cold rain by day. We couldnt put a blanket on our friend or he would get tangled up in it. We also couldnt put him in a stall because this would interfere in his rising as well. So, we put him in a run-in shelter with chiken light heaters to keep his thin skin as warm as possible. We tried to turn our friend over every couple of hours but he was not happy laying on the side with his eye as that made the other side totally blind. Still, MR. ABJ kept fighting for his life. He kept eating, had bowel and urinary movements where he lay. We hand fed him as much as he wanted because he had no problem eating gravel if food was not readily available. He was determined. Unfortunately, after five days of this, and no sling coming, his temp had dropped to a staggering 88 degrees. We couldn’t let him endure anymore and so he was humanely euthanized with his friends all around him.
This is not where his story ends though. You see, with proper medical equipment or access to it, MR. ABJ would likely be running around like the young horse he was. There was a huge gap in aid for this boy. As a result of Mr. ABJ, Special Horses, Inc. has started a program and emergency equipment is now being secured for use to rescues such as our own. There is a network being created so that rescues facing these dilemmas, have access to the vitamin boosters we need as well as a network of people and equipment. They didnt come soon enough for our friend but…he did not die in vain either. He will always be remembered for what his dying has done for those who haven’t.
A little walk to my barn will show you not just one winner but a bevy of winners. There isnt a horse on this farm, or one who hasnt lived here that hasnt touched my life in a big way. Each of them comes with there own little nightmares and stories of what they have overcome. Each is a personal favorite of mine and they all cause me a great deal of pride. Not one leaves here without leaving a trail of some sort. They are never forgotten and some, we have a hard time getting over ourselves. We never get used to death either.
Mister American Beau Jingles may be the winner in this story but there isnt a horse in rescue that isnt a winner and in choosing rescue, you become a winner. For whomever you vote, for whichever
rescue you support, we thank you.
To view the wishlist and contact information for Sunkissed Acres Rescue please click here
True Innocents Equine Rescue
We are going to choose Dancin Shecky as our winner because he has survived abuse, abandonment, neglect and is still bright eyed and is curious. Such a sweet old man.
DANCIN SHECKY C, 1985 DP = 10-5-13-0-0 (28) DI = 3.31 CD = 0.89
Shecky is in bad shape. May 2010, TIER was contacted about a horse that had been abandoned in the Riverbed and, of course, was starved. He has suffered dehydration and both front hooves have active abscesses at the coronary band AND on the soles. He ain’t gonna win any races, he’ll never be 100%, but at 25 yrs. old he just needs a little assistance with groceries and his feet. He has experienced long term neglect and deserves to have his last years filled with food, care, attention and VolunTIERs who love him. He also likes to listen to music so he will be getting his very own radio!
TIER has kept a blog about Shecky’s progress, please visit their website to see more photos and read more about this sweet horses journey. please click here