The Care of an Emaciated Horse

Barry this gave me hope since unfortunately I have to leave my horse for a year due to family stuff, though he is in absolute wonderful hands. Reading your thread, it was like you were describing the journey I had with my horse, down to the anxious troubled mind and having to be there on a daily basis just to let him know that he wasn't alone and he has a meaningful life and not everyone out there is out to get him.

I'm glad someone out there understands. Thanks

Good story to hear- I think a lot of the time many people are happy to be there for a well adjusted, happy, healthy horse and just give lip service to the idea of rescuing an animal. In my experience there are quite a few people who don't understand what coming back from trauma is like for anyone human or critter.

This thread makes me want to head down to see the guy I ride and have a squishing session involving a few carrots!

You are absolutely right, and it can be so difficult especially if you've never been in a traumatic situation yourself.. then you have a very hard time helping the creature to trust again and feel safe in their own skin. I would pass down all the well off horses so long as they found homes, and open my heart to those that really need my help.

I love seeing the difference going from scared of the world and paranoid, to safe and confident and glowing :) And lucky me, I see it all the time in my Sky

I never asked to be a rescuer but have been. I live out in thewoods and someone
Moved 9 horses across my dirt road out in the middle of no where minis to quarter horses they fed them twice a week 1 bale of alfafa and they fought over it. Many of them were a 1or 2 on the scale. After feeding them some hay the person called the cops on me. Then started the procedure of having them confiscated.
Heart wrenching and so rewarding all were placed in loving homes. With the last one going right after xmas.
We can not turnn a blind eye or think someone else will take care of it.
I don't know how some can justify their actions.

God puts things in our path for a reason.
Macho`s mama

This was both depressing and encouraging to read.

I received an email from a lady to whom I sold my first pony to two years ago this month. She asked if I wanted to buy her back for what I sold her for. I said sure i'll come take a look - I assume she's in good condition just like when I sold her? "well she had a founder scare but we put her on grass and she's fine now." O_O

Fast forward to me finding a horse with obvious muscle atrophy/wastage, cranky and horribly off in the back/hips/hocks. They didn't see anything wrong with her - "she's not skinny she gets three flakes of hay a day!" not to mention "she teaches lesson kids how to jump (willingly)" <-- yes the willingly was in there, I didn't add that.

Would they give her back to me as she's an obvious rescue case? Nope. So I swallowed my anger and handed over money. I pick her up on friday to take her home. It's so sad to see a pony I know and loved for so many years, who loves people like no other, definition of "pocket pony" - who now wants nothing to do with people. "oh she's just gotten cranky in her old age". Old age my ass.

*sigh* I hope she can be turned around.

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Thank god you have achance to bring the pony back.
Horses are very resilient beings. I bet he hasn't forgotten you.
He'll comes around. Just give him lots of love. Good luck.
Macho`s Mama
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I applaud you for what you do. It's nice to know there are people out there that can and will make a differance for the life of a neglected horse.

I have been in your same shoes, only my friend still has her rescue, 30 years old, looks like he's 10, shiny coat and well cared for and loved. I like knowing there are other people out there that help these kind of horses.

He has been a great horse and puts up with a lot, I dread the day when she looses him