Meet the latest victim of human abuse that has found her way to Beauty’s Haven.  Her story is horrifying.  We were told this Arabian mare is about 27 years old – the same age Nick when he found his way to us.  Early this year she was very underweight but ridden into the ground routinely by her 300+ lb human.  One day, after about 45 minutes of galloping, both front legs snapped and she went down.  She lay where she landed for over a day and then somehow mustered up the strength and will to take small steps, then she’d go down and rest, and then get back up and take a few more small steps, in an effort to get back to the barn.  A lady went to the property where this mare was to buy a horse and saw the mare down and asked the owner what had happened to her and they told her.  She told the owner something needed to be done – the mare was suffering – so the owner put straps around the mare’s legs and began dragging her.  The lady asked what he was doing and he said he was going to drag the mare to the back of the property and shoot her.  The lady, horrified, offered to take the mare.  They drug the mare onto the lady’s trailer and off to a new home she went.  After 4 weeks of keeping the mare as comfortable possible the lady realized she needed help – the mare wasn’t gaining weight and was very uncomfortable so she called someone else to see if they could help.  They loaded the mare into the trailer again and off she went to someone else that truly believed they could rehab this mare.  During this time the mare foundered and gained little weight and, to date, no x-rays have been done.  The humans that have been caring for her tried for many weeks to help this mare get better.  Anne saw the mare this past weekend, learned her story, and offered our help.  I have a very soft spot for Arabians and older horses that have given so much only to be discarded like trash.  We are grateful that the folks that have been trying to help this mare cared so deeply to allow her to be transferred to Beauty’s Haven.  Some people won’t ask for, or accept help, and the horse only suffers more.  Some, even though euthanasia may be best, just can’t do it. 

The look on this mare’s face says it all, IMO.  Defeated?  No, I don’t think so.  Uncomfortable, likely in pain, confused, and wondering what she did to deserve what she has been through after giving to humans what they asked of her for 27+ years?  Likely.  This mare has suffered a great deal and could have given up weeks ago but she has not – she has the will to live in her eyes - Anne has seen it face to face and I feel it in my heart. 

I discussed the mare’s case with Dr. Ryan and Dr. Das today.  She arrives tomorrow.  On Thursday, Dr. Ryan will do x-rays of her front legs and feet.  We’ll discuss what is learned in the x-rays and if Dr. Ryan feels she can live a good quality of life with help for pain we will have Dr. Das treat her on Friday and blood work will be done.  The farrier will assess her after her x-rays are done and do her feet.  We’ll worry about her teeth after we get through all of this.  Dr. Bess is out of town for 2 weeks anyway.  Our team will assess the whole horse and if it decided she can have a good quality of life as a pasture pal we will give that to her – she deserves it.  If it is determined her quality of life will not be a good one and that euthanization is in her best interest – we will give her a few days of TLC and manage her pain and help her cross.  But she won’t leave this world without her dignity being restored and she will know love.

Yes, those are the marks on her legs where straps were used to drag her to the rear of the property.  You can see on her right leg (the one to the left in the photo) that she has either a large bowed tendon, or it is possible that the tendon ruptured when she fell.  You can see the large knot on her other knee and notice the leg is twisted to the outside.  We will know more after she is examined by Dr. Ryan.

Can anyone help us to help this mare?  Cost of the x-rays for both front legs will be around $180.  X-rays for both front feet, $100.  Dr. Das will be no less than $135 (more if she gets B12 or other).  The total amount needed to help her with the above plan is $415.  She will likely need supplements or some TCM but we won’t know what until she is assessed.

Anne will be announcing a raffle to help with her feed and care later this evening.  Please help us give this mare love and care for her remaining days – however long they may be.  Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty's Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.

www.beautysequinerescue.org

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