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 Rescue Horses
We are not a "official" horse rescue but I have been taking in needy horses for years. I think I was doing it long before I heard the term rescue horse. There have been a number of horses through the years that touched my heart and gave me a wonderful feeling when they found new homes and good lives. This page is a tribute to them and also to let others know we can all help by just helping one horse at a time.
I have my own philosophy about horse ownership and don't really care if others agree or disagree. This is solely my belief and I don't try to force it on anyone else. It makes me sick to my stomach to see someone trying to sell their old horse that has served them faithfully for years just because it is older and they don't want to take care of it anymore. Why should it be someone else's responsibility? I hate to see these horses dumped at horse sales and treated as disposable items. I realize that financial circumstances change and people can't always afford to keep their horses and need to find them a new home. I understand that. However, many just don't want to be bothered with the trouble and expense of an older/unsound horse.
I bought an Arabian mare when I was 17 and she was 15. She died peacefully at age 35. Yes, I kept her for many years that she couldn't be ridden but she had a good quality of life and enjoyed herself. She did everything I asked of her all those years and it was important to me that she be treated with dignity in her golden years and allowed to pass when she was ready. I loved her and I still miss her. She was part of my life for 20 years and gave both my children their first ride.
Dan
My current needy horse is a 20 something gelding we are calling Dan. He is a very kind and gentle horse who was serverly neglected by his previous owner. He has been a much loved show horse, trail companion, and occasional lesson horse but his owner became unable to care for him and his health declined. He has dental issues, a large mass on his neck, and is very thin but his kind soul shines in his eyes. Hopefully with some much needed vet care and regular feeding Dan can recover.
I didn't need Dan and already have the worry of a hay shortage due to the servere drought but my heart wouldn't let me leave him in that bare dirt lot slowly starving to death. After much soul searching and a great deal of negotiating with his owner over his price tag I brought him home.
The picture below was taken on his first day here 06/21/2007. I will post more pictures as he progresses.
Dan after 1 month (7/21/2007)
I would like to thank the author of the Fugly Horse Blog for the kind comments about Dan. See http://fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com/2007/07/good-condition-bad-horsebad-condition.html
There are many great horses out there that just need someone to appreciate them and care for them. Dan has turned out to be a kids horse deluxe who will remain with us for the rest of his days. He seems to genuinely enjoy kids. He is so careful with them. To view Dan's (AKA James Choice) pedigree please click here.
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