The Care of an Emaciated Horse

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I liked your post so much, Barry. I'd like to add some things I've picked up here and there if it helps anybody. I've learned there is no one size fits all protocol, and not all vets have enough experience with rescued animals because their client base simply doesn't offer up the experience, and things can take a wrong turn with the best of intentions and professionals sometimes. A really good vet is priceless.

Vaccinating: I found depending on how compromised the horse is, vaccinating may be best withheld if possible until the horse is healthier; deworming protocol same thing, depending upon the exam. It isn't rocket science, but yet it's not a piece of cake either, is it?

I don't know if anyone here is familiar with Bach's Rescue Remedy (some people think it's airy-fairy) but I've used it for traumas, and even some gas and stress colics along with some acupressure work, and it's pulled a lot of them out without the need for banamine. I'd say colic's one of the #1 concerns with the newbie rescue. I'm also a very big fan of microbials, that gut balance is so so critical.

Caring for a neglected, emaciated horse if a full time job both physically and mentally. 4 weeks ago I brought an old gelding home who was a body score of maybe a 1. We did our best but after 3 weeks his heart and soul were strong but he just didn't have the strength to go on. It takes a lot out of a person caring for these animals but the rewards are great no matter how long (or short) they are with you.

There is a lot of great info in this post. Thankyou for sharing.

So glad to see others take in a horse in need of rehab once in a while. Some people look at me like I'm crazy when I bring home a bag of bones every couple of years. I just feel that if the budget allows it and I have enough free time, why not? The total after 10+ years is 4 rebounded, 1 unable to recover. So sad, but too much major organ damage. I just put the 'unable to recover' guy down a week ago. It sure was tough to admit there was only one more kind thing I could do for him, but reading these other stories and thinking about the others I've successfully rehabbed has made me feel alot better!

UC Davis has a starved horse feeding program that is hard to follow(your heart will hate the restrictions) but works well. We rescued a starved 4 year old stallion who looked like a 2 year old gelding(both his testicles had ascended into the groin above the sheath). We had documentation of his condition and all the horses on the property are in good health and great shape, but still placed him in a box stall with solid walls around the turnout where he could not be viewed. He has impeccable breeding and has recovered but may never reach his full potential as he was neglected and starved from 18 months to 4 years of age.

The UC Davis refeeding protocol is a nice article and I think it lends itself well as a jumpoff guide, but one thing that worries me a bit is that the article seems to have become a popular "one size fits all" one page protocol. Someone with good intentions but not knowing could, for instance, misinterpret their description of how much alfalfa to feed by weight and frequency after a two-week period, stating it's then safe after 10-14 days to offer free choice hay; they don't say alfalfa but it is implied, and that could be harmful if someone following what is written in that article then lays out the alfalfa buffet and winds up with a foundered horse :(

Something I've done - again, depending on the individual horse - is to provide small amounts of grass hay too, the gut is waking up and remembering and wants to get busy, and I've found that small amounts of each provide more activity for the gut, and the horse is happier to have a little grass hay to nibble between alfalfa feedings which of course picks up those spirits.

Your stallion looks just great, bless your heart :) Did his noogies drop?

You are absolutely correct, the program is geared for experienced horse persons. With more than 35 years with horses myself and over 75 collectively as a family, it was a daunting task for us and not one I would recommend a novice/beginner undertake. Too many risks and the possibilty of failure is high. Yes, his "noogies" have returned and he is definitely aware of them now. Fortunately, he is double registered AQHA and PBA, his owners have graciously given me his papers. Not sure he will get to use them even with his really outstanding breeding ( Skeeter Chex X Mojave River Ruby (Peppy San)). The current economic climate makes it unconscionable and irresponsible to contribute to the glut of horses in the market. Too many being neglected, abandoned and slaughtered even the good ones aren't safe. Thank you for your kind words, it is so rewarding when you are successful in restoring one of God's most beautiful creatures to health.

Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!

It breaks my heart to see neglected and abused horses. The stable I ride at brings in and rehabilitates rescues for a local charity and there has been some ugly stuff going through. The worst I think I've ever seen is a horse named Pearl. (Warning, graphic picture) She sufferend blunt force trauma to her face but despite all she'd been through, turned out to to be the sweetest mare and was able to find a forever home where she will be loved. I give anyone props who takes on rescues and I've actually decided to be a volunteer at my stable with their rescue foundation come spring once I've finished school for the semester.

Atthezookeeper - beautiful stud.

HI,
My husband and I have 3 horses on our farm that belong to a friend. I haven't paid much attention to them, as the owners always respond that they are ok. Today I went outside to go and feed them some apples, when I realized that the newest of the 3 horses is very emaciated. I told my husband that this can't go on, we need to do something.

So, with that being said, as not an informed horse person, I am trying to figure out where to start to bring this horse's weight up. I am working on other fronts to clear out the land, and get bales of hay myself to support them. But I am desperately seeking suggestions in helping to care for these horses--and possibly get them into better shape--both socially, and physically.

Any suggestions would be loved.

Victoria