Without the efforts of Animal Control, two horses would have died without intervention. Yesterday we were able to remove those two horses from a really bad situation, thanks to the tireless work of our Animal Control Officers.
These are heartbreaking cases - as a Horse Rescue we see lots of sad situations, but we are here to help make the lives better for as many horses as possible and thanks to Animal Control we were able to make a life saving difference for two horses yesterday.
We named the larger horse Don Juan and he is deemed 22 years old after veterinarian inspection. At the place where the horses were removed, we were told by the owner that Don Juan was '40 years old and that is why he looked the way he did.'
Both horses were assessed today by veterinarian Dr. Lin Judy and he found Don Juan had a Body Score of 1, emaciated and found a Holosystolic heart murmur that is most likely due at least in part to malnutrition. Dr. Judy also found his hooves were significantly overgrown but have already been addressed by our staff. He also has Ventral pitting edema that is most likely due in large part to his poor nutrition status. With good care, good feed and lots of love Don Juan should become a healthy horse and be up for adoption once he has recovered. He is a sweetheart and has a very kind spirit. We expect some significant expenses to help him recover which will include veterinarian care, good feed and farrier care.
The white Mini is Flash and the owner stated that he was 30 years old and again, 'looked the way he did because he was old.' Flash was deemed to be 15 years old after Dr. Judy assessed his condition. Flash has a Body Score of 2, very thin with normal heart, lung and abdominal sounds. Flash has severely overgrown hooves on all four limbs that may result in chronic lameness. It will take time, good feed, good farrier services and veterinary care to get this very sweet little Mini back to good health.
We could really use your help with supporting these two horses - if you are able, a donation could help us with their recovery! A donation of any amount would help us - $10, $20, $40, $50. . . Any amount you are able to gift would be so much appreciated!!!
UPDATE!!
We are so very grateful for ALL of your generous donations for Don Juan & Flash!! We have had donations through Facebook, PayPal, and our website. We have even had large donations of hay from a kind farmer, Troy Spencer, from Hotchkiss, along with phone calls, messages and your kind words on our Facebook page. We cannot thank you enough!! As heart wrenching as this rescue has been, your generosity and kind words have lifted our spirits.
Don Juan & Flash are settling in and getting lots of good hay with interval feedings. We have a long way to go with their rehabilitation and we are dedicated to helping these horses have a good life.
Investigations are ongoing with the owner of the horses. The State Veterinarian and Montrose County Animal Control are gathering evidence. At this time we are unable to give more information until they have finished their work. Rest assured we want the owner prosecuted for the cruel treatment of these horses.
On a positive note - The original owner of Flash saw our Facebook post on the horses and recognized Flash! She was devastated to see the condition he was in, contacted us and came to visit him yesterday. She is sponsoring him and when he is rehabilitated she will foster and adopt Flash, giving him a forever home. Don Juan has also been sponsored by a very kind volunteer and will be visiting him regularly.
The sponsorships of Flash & Don Juan are wonderful news and will help us with some of the expenses it will take to rehabilitate these two. Please continue to support us when you have the means - we will need extra funds for additional veterinary expenses as well as farrier work.
We can't thank you all enough for all of your generous donations and emotional support!!
