Amazing Grace.......

*warning - this post contains some pictures that people may find disturbing*

I will never understand how human beings can do these types of things. It simply blows my mind. I mean, what is wrong in their head that they see this as ok? There are a multitude of excuses given by these sorts of people, but let's face it - there isn't a suitable excuse for this. NEVER. Especially as Grace's former owner apparently had three healthy horses as well! I do not get that at all, and never will.

But this blog is not written to dwell on the bad - there are plenty of other websites that do that. We are here for the happy endings! So here it is.

Grace's first miracle is that she is still alive. A neighbour alerted her local Animal Control on 12th August, and they immediately seized her. She was taken to the local vet hospital, where Animal Control called Darla Clark of Strawberry Mountain Mustangs, a wonderful, generous lady with experience re-feeding starved horses. (The process is not as simple as you think, feeding too much too soon can kill them. More info here.) Darla called some experts at the University of California, and Animal Control left Grace in her safe hands.

Grace's initial condition.

The vet in Oregon described Grace's body condition as "below 1" on the Heineke Scale. He said the scale didn't go low enough! Even the vet was amazed that this mare was still alive - usually he was called to euthanize horses in this condition. What's even better is that Grace showed no signs of organ failure on her bloodwork! There's a miracle in itself right there. So this little mare has a chance.

Grace after a bath and some food - safe now!

Darla describes Grace as bright eyed and affectionate. She follows her around, and nickers at her. She is 22 years old and is about 14.2hh (147.5cm). Grace initially weighed in at 250kg (560lbs). I think you'll all agree that is MASSIVELY underweight - she should be around 450kg (1000lbs)! Despite this, she is a bright, alert, happy girl, who has no trouble lying down and getting up, and even shows some cheeky behaviour, like running off to avoid being caught! Her condition is improving with careful feed management, and proper care. She has a huge following on facebook, from all corners of the globe! Facebook link

It's a long road for Darla and Grace, but with the amazing spirit this litte mare has shown, and the huge support from around the world, I'm sure it will continue to be a happy ending.

In Darla's own words: "Grace's story is something more than another story of abuse or neglect....it's a story about a will to live, to survive and thrive, when faced with the worst scenario. It's a story about not giving up, and not giving up on someone else.... and showing tremendous spirit, hope and yes....grace...in doing so."

Grace on 31st August - still a long way to go, but happy and safe again!