The forgotten horse.....

We've all encountered these - the horse who gives everything, then left somewhere in a paddock and forgotten. I've seen plenty of horses "retired" only to lose weight, fret, and eventually I'm sure they just die of boredom. Put yourself in their place - you've been out to competitions, your every need attended to by your human, you have an interesting, busy life, with a daily routine that you know well.

Then one day it all changes. Your human puts you in a paddock, you don't see them for a few days, then a few weeks, then a few months. You might get the odd cursory pat or perhaps a carrot, but that's it. No more routine, no more exciting things to see and do, no more rides with your best mate. No more caring.

One such horse is Smoke. An endurance horse for the most part, he was the type of horse you could pull out of a paddock and do a 40km ride with. He went right up to 120km rides. He was loaned to international riders. He proved his worth time and time again. Then life intervened, his owner moved on, and Smoke was left on the farm, alone - no horses or people to keep him company. He became anxious and flighty. Until a new person moved their horses in, and took him under their wing. Smoke was again part of a herd.

He proved difficult initially. He was hard to catch, he was extremely claustrophobic - to the point he wouldn't even go through a gate, he was anxious, he was usually lost his dinner to the other horses, and he wouldn't have a bar of a float! But once caught and reassured, he was lovely to ride, although had problems settling under saddle at first. It took some time, but he eventually became the horse he used to be. It was evident that Smoke was in fact a supremely well trained and quiet horse, he'd just fallen on hard times. His claustrophobia persisted, but those who handled him found ways to manage it, and it diminished slowly. There was evidence (in his behaviour) that Smoke may have been mistreated, but without an accurate history this remains unknown.

Smoke then went to a young rider, doing all sorts of things - even Interschools competitions. His only mistakes were not to load on the float, although he did eventually go in, and travelled well. He worked beautifully among groups of horses, he worked beautifully on his own. He was incredibly settled the whole time. He really showed people what this "throw-away" horse could do. Smoke and his rider developed a fantastic bond, and he really gave his best no matter what they did together. A few months down the track, and the flighty, anxious, lonely horse was all but gone. His transformation was truly an Equine Miracle.

So if you have one of these horses tucked away somewhere, forgotten for whatever reason, think of Smoke and remember that there's always a rider out there to care for them, give them the life they deserve. We all know sometimes life gets in the way and you can't do what you used to, what you truly desire. Life has a way of doing that to people, but remember, there is someone out there for your horse. You don't have to sell them, but put out the call and any number of young riders will beat a path to your door, ready to love your horse, and do all manner of exciting things with them, just as you once did. Don't let them end up lonely and forgotten.

Who needs two?

Meet Jake. He's a classic example of fat is not always healthy. Jake lived on a farm, which was sold at some point, and he came with it. Unfortunately for him, the new owners knew nothing about horses, and all they did with him was feed him bread over the fence! What you can't really tell in this photo, is that Jake had only one eye. Nobody knows how or when this happened, but it is probably the reason he was just left in a paddock. His feet were long, and showed signs of previous founder, not surprising with his huge crest and big pads of fat all over. Jake was all of 11 hands, but with the presence of a horse twice his size.

When Jake came home, he was caught, loaded on the truck like a pro, and travelled brilliantly, so he obviously had some handling at some point in his young life. He stood perfectly quietly for the vet, dentist and farrier. He wasn't too impressed with the Jenny Craig paddock, but some things just have to be done! Jake's breaking in consisted of putting on the saddle, putting on the bridle and going for a ride. Only weeks later, he was in lessons, teaching kids to ride. Shortly after that, he attended a chicken ODE, placing 4th, beating dozens of TB's, WB's and PC horses - after jumping for the first time three days before. (Please excuse pic quality, they're from VHS video.) All the big horses shied at the "scary" obstacles - not Jake, he galloped on through like a seasoned pro. He could still be cheeky, but only ever in exuberance, never being naughty or nasty.

Jake also attended Interschool events with his young riders, behaving far better than many of the seasoned youth horses. He went from strength to strength - the more you worked with him, the more he enjoyed it. He always tried his heart out, doing his best no matter what you were doing.

Just goes to show that because something happens and they are no longer "perfect," doesn't mean they are worthless. They should never be thrown away like Jake was. Jake gave so much to many people, despite his disability, and we are forever grateful to have known this special boy.

Sadly Jake now walks beyond Rainbow Bridge, but his big heart and big personality will never be forgotten. He overcame a tough beginning, to show the true meaning of this partnership we all share.

Tell me fate didn't step in here!

Thanks to the Fuglyblog for alerting me to this one!

From the US - 30 horses on a trailer, bound for Mexico to be slaughtered. Truck crashes and rolls over. Thirteen horses die - not a miracle you say? Well, here is the good part - 17 horses survived, and the owner of that herd allowed them to be adopted instead of loading them on another truck for slaughter. Each and every one of them is now getting the treatment they deserve, and the chance at a new life. Some have health issues, some have behavioural problems, their ages vary from yearlings to 20-somethings, but every horse in the group has a chance, thanks to some very generous people, and an owner who could see past the quick buck from slaughter.

You can read the story here.

Welcome to Equine Miracles!

This is the place to share stories of Equine Miracles - stories of hardship and triumph, despair and hope, and overcoming adversity, showing the true strength of our wonderful friend The Horse.

Let me begin with Bunny's story. You can find it here. (Warning - graphic pic). I am quite happy to admit that had this been my horse, I would have had her euthanased immediately. But Bunny's story just goes to show that it's all about the horse and their fighting spirit. While they are still fighting, don't give up on them! What it doesn't say at the end of this story, is that the year after her injury, Bunny foaled a healthy filly foal! She arranged it all herself too, with nobody aware she was even pregnant. Bunny has just foaled what I believe is her third foal, and is in fabulous condition despite her crippling injury.

I am in awe of such wonderful owners who put the time and effort in for their horses. This is a true miracle, brought about by the dedication of some brilliant owners, and the fighting spirit of one very special horse.

Want to share your miracle story? Email it to me magicsundancer@hotmail.com - please put Equine Miracle in the subject line.