Aren’t They The Coolest Thing You Ever Did See????

While Fugly and Team *NAHSC are scanning the globe or at least Craig’s List and the North American continent for things in the horse world to bitch about we miss things like this. They are on Craig’s List too, but we didn’t hear about them. Even though they are on Craig’s List I’m going guess they are not in need of rescue. In other words I’ll bet they ain’t cheap. According to the ad they come with the harness, wagon, and all the gear, the ponies range in age from 8 to 15, and are one of only five in the U. S.. I don’t know about that but I think they are the cutest things I’ve seen in a long time. You tube video under Crazy 8’s Ponies.

Sometimes we need to stop bitching and remember why we all give a crap about what happens to the horses and the horse industry. We need to celebrate the good. What a well trained and turned out set of ponies. Think how much effort has gone into matching and training them not to mention the financial outlay for their gear.

By RH1

Down The Road Again

http://forums.prospero.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=50049.1

My dad had a saying-"How many times do you need to get kicked in the ass before you know it hurts?" A little crude, but I think you get the message. And I wonder with some people, how many times they do need to have it happen. Take the latest EPONA drama. I know, will it ever end? The answer is no. I recently wrote a blog about a Rescue failing and the part enablers play in these things. You'd think people would at the very least think long and hard about who they are helping. Not so much, in some cases. here's the gist of this one- Lin of EPONA posted that she was notified of a large team of Belgian mares that bolt under harness. The bail for these horses is $1000. There are 7 days to save them, then off to the Kill Buyers they will go. No other options-Lin or the Kil Buyers (stop it, I know what you're thinking!) Now, since she works 50 hours a week, has just taken in 2 (10) horses, and has 2 new babies with more on the way, Lin herself does not have time to actually bring these drafts to EPONA. Lucky day for the drafts! BUT- with all she has to do, Lin has found a foster home for these mares, as well as a trainer! She never ceases to amaze me, our Lady of EPONA. And, on top of this, she's on her way to work at the fair for a few days. I think Lin has missed her calling. Instead of running a Rescue, she should be writing a book on successful multi-tasking. WHERE does the woman find the time to take on yet another fund raising task? Oh-sorry, I got ahead of myself here. Lin is going to need that full grand raised from the wonderful FOB's. The person with the mares isn't going to contribute, and the new home isn't either. The trainer isn't going to. But don't worry, we can count on Lin's spotless reputation as an incentive to send in that money. Apparently, we're going to need to count on that, since Lin does not have pictures of the team, or contact information for the seller, the new foster home, or the trainer. As with all things EPONA, we are expected to go on blind faith. And in truth, you'd have to be blind to continue to buy her bullshit. After all, when she "saved" those two mares recently, she DID neglect to mention the other 8 horses she purchased. But that's Lin-half truths, if you get the truth at all. I was feeling pretty proud of the folks over on ABR-the donations and "Bless you's" did not come flooding in. Of course, Lin wasn't real happy with this. In one of the most interesting posts I have ever read from her (#35) Lin herself states how she is being compared to the Rescue that failed and had charges filed against it. Of course, Lin feels she is nothing like a Rescue that takes in too many horses, fabricates stories, and continues to take in more horses despite the fact that they can't even pay for the care of the ones they have in house. And she goes further. She states that there will be blood on the hands of the "emailing hate mongers and liars on other forums" who apparently are now poisoning the EPONA money well. Needless to say, that does not go over well with everyone. In post #40, it is explained to Lin that in light of what has just happened with the other Rescue, ALL Rescues (yes, even you, Lin) need to be more accountable. It is further stated that people SHOULD question a request for donations to horses there are no pictures for going to a foster there is no information for, and that it is wrong for Lin to place the blame on those who donate because they are being a little more cautious. Lin is asked about her numbers-she has 48 now, but wants to get down to 30 by Winter. That must be the reason she recently purchased 10, some in foal. She was asked about her outstanding hay and vet bill, since she was asking for help in paying them. Lin replied she always carries a balance with her vet, and that the hay bill has been paid. In post #53, Lin is asked why the new Foster home can't contribute to the purchase price of the horses, and more importantly-how is the trainer going to get paid? It is also asked if Lin checked on the status of the Foster's health insurance, as large horses that bolt will definitely pose a safety risk. In post #59, there is a link to a Craigslist ad posted. Two well broke Belgian mares for sale for-you guessed it-$1000, and Lin is asked if these are the mares she is trying to get. Of course, right now, Lin is at the fair, so her enablers step in and help out by answering. In post #76, the Craigslist ad is brought up again. Lin does answer in post #87, stating "her" mares are in Nebraska. The owner of the mares on Craigslist posts to assure everyone that these are NOT the mares Lin is buying (sorry, folks, I'd still be calling the number in the ad). The enablers continue to push this along. I guess they haven't learned anything yet. I guess that despite what is right in front of them, they prefer the Fairy tale of EPONA to the reality. I think my favorite part of this whole thread is Lin's insistence that this person will work with no one else but her, because of her sterling reputation. As I have said before, if you do your homework, and read between the lines, the truth is always pretty easy to see. Lin states in post #1 she was notified of these horses-so she does not have any prior knowledge of the owner or the horses. Now, suddenly, Lin is the only person this person will sell to? I would not forge that kind of bond unless I have met that person. And then, I'd have to visit their facility. Otherwise, they're just a broker I'm working through. If Lin went to meet the owner, why didn't she take pictures of the horses? Lin further states that the Foster home and trainer do not want their names on a public forum. Why is that? They are obviously doing a wonderful thing here, taking in two very dangerous horses. IF I was going to donate, I would want to know how the training was going on these two very challenging mares, wouldn't you? And, given the Phoenix Rising situation, I'd sure as hell want to know exactly where they were actually going once paid for. Hey, EPONA fans, I've got some lovely beach front property for ya. I don't have any pictures, and there's no deed for the house, but trust me, it's there. I'll post my paypal addy so you can send me your cash......When will this ever end?

By RH2

The Long and Winding Road

http://forums.prospero.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=50050.1

Once again, a sad tale of a Rescue overwhelmed. Winding Road Equine rescue and Retirement Inc.(WRERR) is home to 80 horses. Recently, an arrest was made and charges filed against the woman owning the Rescue. It appears that there were many "red flags", but not everyone wanted to see what was happening. It always strikes me in these situations that those who enable poorly operated Rescues must share in the blame for what happens to the animals housed in them. The accusations are flying now, as well as opinions. Is this a hoarding situation? A Rescue in over it's head? Someone who just can't say "no"? A victim, or villain? The discussion has gone on, and there is plenty of finger pointing. One thing appears to be certain, though-the signs were there that things were not fine. And they hadn't been fine for awhile. When we choose to donate, what is our responsibility? Should we encourag

e those we donate to to continue to take in horses when we see they are over capacity? Should we continue to send in donations when these Rescues continue to take in horses in spite of rising hay, vet, farrier and feed bills? If, time and time again, the Rescue is asking for help, yet continues to take on more horses, yet has no strong support structure, should we pile on the praise and tell them how wonderful they are for saving the horses? If questions are raised time and time again, should we not at least consider the possibi

lity that they may be legitimate concerns instead of hateful people out to try to destroy an innocent person? In one of the posts concerning WRERR, it was stated that those who continued contributing to this Rescue despite the concerns that were being voiced were accomplices to what is now happening. I agree. It was further stated that those who knew that something was wrong and did not speak up are complicit in the neglect these horses have suffered, and the death that will come to at least 8 of them. I agree. When we choose to support a Rescue, it is our job to keep our eyes and ears open. A WIKI isn't going to give us the information we need, and certainly, the person wishing to receive your donation is not going to be honest about the situation. Common sense can go a long way in helping us to make our decisions. Common sense tells us that if a person is working full time, and has no reliable volunteer base, they are not able to properly care for large numbers of horses. If a

Rescue refuses to answer questions, or becomes defensive, I believe that is a red flag. If a Rescue cannot sustain itself without continually asking for donations, yet continues to add to it's numbers, it is a red flag. If the horses in the care of a Rescue are not doing well, are not groomed, or do not receive proper farrier care and vaccines and worming, it is a red flag. If they are not receiving training, if they are not at the very least handled by a human at least once a day, there is a problem. In the age of the Internet, it takes very little time to get quite a bit of information. There are Rescues that tell a great story, but if you do a little research, and read between the lines, the truth is right there. Such was the case with WRERR. This did not have to happen. It's a tragedy, and if you check out post #443, the photos of the horses are truly heartbreaking. They always are. When we enable Rescues to overcrowd, provide substandard care, and mismanage, we have to expect these scenarios to repeat themselves time and time again. I can name a handful of Rescues right now that I will not be the least bit sur

prised to see fall the same way WRERR has fallen. Those who support them will of course cry, pray, and hope for the best. To those people I suggest making a picture from post #443 your screen saver. Each day before you log on and read the stories spun by these people, you will see the reality of overcrowding, under staffing, mismanagement, ignorance, and lack of funding. Maybe you'll think twice before you thank one of these people for taking in yet another horse. Even better, maybe you will stop sending them money.

By RH2

Kristin Chambers is the director of WRERR

http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/news/story/KSProfileKristinChambers021809.aspx

http://www.windingroadequinerescue.org/

http://windingroadequinerescue.blogspot.com/

There Must Be Something about July...

Animal cruelty in my state is an aggravated misdemeanor. I did not check all states so I can’t speak for yours. While the NAHSC is trying to pass legislation to make transporting horses to slaughter a felony, animal cruelty involving horses or the family is an aggravated misdemeanor. NAHSC note: I said animal cruelty, not neglect.

There is a vast difference between neglect and cruelty. I don’t understand the mentality that allows an individual to hoard, or keep an animal in constant discomfort but it is vastly different from the mind needed to purposely inflict torture and death to an animal. Many people I consider a big part of “THE PROBLEM” feel they are competent horsemen and more than a few feel they are more than competent trainers. Most of them at least mean well although they make the rest of us crazy. We have cussed and discussed how the lack of floor value has made horses available to these and others who really have no business in the horse industry. I like to compare these folks, the Kool Aid Klub, and the NAHSC brigade to a blister on the butt of the horse industry. They are a pain in the ass but not fatal.

Others, those with the intent to torture, maim, and kill for the adrenalin rush or whatever sick mind trip, are a whole ‘nuther breed of cat. They are not only a humane nuisance but both a societal symptom and problem. They are a cancer instead of a blister. Unchecked they will be fatal and it seems we have added yet another animal to the list they can torture.

Pro-horse/pro-slaughter/pro-profit oriented horse industry horsemen have used the increase of neglect, abandonment, and the host of other bad things which happen to animals who have become a no value liability (pets) instead of a salvage value asset to justify the necessity of horse processing/slaughter/butcher. Whatever term you choose to use, whether you support this belief, if you are pro or anti horse is not the point, the universal rebuttal to this? These things are against the law. The law will protect the horses and prevent these things from happening more frequently. HSUS and PETA are supposedly to busy using the vast donations they continue to suck in to lobby for animal protection and animal rights laws to fund any real hands on care of the animals. These organizations and their mouthpieces have been so involved in stamping out an industry, which could have and perhaps should have been more tightly regulated to correct its problems, they haven’t even paid lip service to animal cruelty syndrome.

Back to the Fourth of July. Late in the night of July 4, 2009 and early into the next morning Flint Dahl and his buddies were torturing Dually, Wendy Halweg’s good barrel horse. HSUS and PETA wanted nothing to do with the prosecution or investigation of the case. He was a rodeo horse, they don’t condone rodeo. A glance through the comments on AHL (American Horse League) website shows a couple of “compassionate horse lovers” berating Chase Anderson and the organization’s press release calling for prosecution and harsh punishment of the violators. Why? They are pro-slaughter. How can they possibly have the unmitigated gall to stand up against the cruel treatment of this one horse when they were for killing hundreds of others?

There is a difference between feeding, shipping, and processing any animal and torture killings. Trust me I can say this with a clear conscience, in large part because of the events of this July 4.

My two yearling colts get out of their pasture and were hit with a Jeep. The land owner was away camping so it is unclear how these colts got out. They and their two year old brother were out while two other horses stayed in the same pasture and continue to do so now. Supposedly a 16 year old witness in the Jeep that ran them down who testified the driver (a 30 year old male) drove by the colts, then turned around to chase them for fun and to see if he could hit one. He did well, he hit both. The witness later recanted, so again the facts are unclear. The stated facts in the sheriff’s report are:

Absolutely no skid marks were present on the rain soaked little traveled gravel road.

The colts were left with broken legs while the driver called help and towed his Jeep away as there was no sign of a vehicle when a second unrelated vehicle found the colts in the road and called for help.

Supposedly later on the deputy and the landowner’s son tracked anti-freeze and other fluid leaks to a nearby residence to find who had actually hit them.

Here is pretty much how this has played out to date. The witness recanted….she is 16, she and the driver were leaving a party intoxicated so her parents are clamming her up. The county sheriff has little more interest in prosecuting this case than if the family dog was hit and killed. The value of the colts was questioned immediately. My friend who is the landowner valued them at the princely sum of $1,200.00 or $600 apiece for the sheriff’s report. He didn’t call me until the next morning. Logically there was nothing I could do and he knew how upset I would be over the way they died. We all know horses aren’t worth ANYTHING.. Hell, there are people all over trying to give them away. They were out. If they hadn’t been where the drunk S.O.B. could see them, and it didn’t happen in an open range state/area so, well you know the rest of the story…….. Sounds kind of like blaming the date rape victim for being female if you ask me.

Turning Woody out into the hill pasture made a happy story but as I drove up to the gate to unload, about 300 yards away on that same road were the bloodstains where the yearlings had bled out. It’s the horse business, if you don’t own them you can’t lose them but for a time it was easier to talk about Woody. Really it still is.

If there is any doubt in your mind about the connection between animal violence and human crime, read on. Interesting reading on this subject at :

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/magazine/13dogfighting-t.html?pagewanted=all

http://www.cynthiahodges.com/animals/pages/animal_human_violence.pdf

http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/NR/rdonlyres/E4B3303E-AF48-4DCC-98D1-A31347E96721/8718/GaertnerAnimalAbuseViolence.pdf

They do help answer the question all my friends and I have had….What kind of person does that sort of thing?

Names conspicuously absent from these pages detailing research and reasons for more funding, attention, and stronger prosecution of this syndrome???? PETA???? HSUS????? Must be something about July 4, the full moon, alcohol, and all those good designer drugs.

By RH1

Update on Dually- June 24, 2010

http://www.keloland.com/news/eyeonkeloland/NewsDetail6403.cfm?Id=101646

"The man charged with stealing and abusing Dually was recently sentenced for the crimes. For the next three years, every 4th of July, Flint Dahl will serve five days behind bars."

Sanctuary....?

I read with sadness that Jim Gath laid to rest one of his horses- a 30 year old resident of Tierra Madre, the overcrowded less than 3 acre Sanctuary for horses he operates almost solely on donations. It's quite something that a horse lives for 30 years, and a plus if those are healthy years. Jim, as always spins an emotional tale with Jim somehow the main character rather than the horse. And the FTM's (friends of Tierra Madre ) do not disappoint in their support of Jim. But as always with those of us who are such skeptics, the underlying story is sad. Jim mentions how long this horse has been in pain. How much weight he has lost. How much doctoring Jim has done on him. He talks of cutting into his foot, and of the poor guy having to bear weight on a severely arthritic leg to rest that foot. Of ongoing infections. Of the possibility of cancer. And, being Tierra Madre, of the decision not to pay a large amount of money to have x rays done on a horse who has, in Jim's opinion come to the end of the circle of life. What a sad journey it was for the horse, though. During the out pouring of sympathy for Jim, someone stated the obvious. That less numbers of horses on such a small plot of land would allow for better care and more time for Jim who is ever complaining about how over worked he is. The poster even suggested that there were indeed other people who could love these horses as Jim claims only he can. The Tierra Madre thong Club of course did not appreciate this at all! We are reminded that this is a SANCTUARY, and that Jim takes in horses NO ONE ELSE wants. With enabling like this going on, no wonder there are so many horses packed into this small plot of land! I suppose it escapes these people that along with love, horses need room to run. I don't think they have the slightest understanding of how many of the problems Jim's horses experience are at least partially related to the fact that they do not get to act like horses. They are shut up in pens, and small run ins. Horses need exercise for healthy respiratory systems, joints, muscles, and circulation. Even an old 30 year old arthritic horse is much better when able to get out there and move. To lock them all up is to guarantee lameness issues. Jim's stories of the horrors these horses came from may make for good reading, but I can't stop thinking of the day to day hell they live in at Tierra Madre. I know, I know-Jim LOVES the horses. He'd do anything for them-except keep a reasonable number on less than 3 acres, train the ones that are adoptable and adopt them out, and get his finances in order so he can afford the horses he owns. I have nothing against fundraising, but when your operation depends on it, you're doing something wrong. As long as Jim is enabled, he will continue to make life miserable for as many horses as he can get his hands on. I predict a horse will soon fill the empty slot. Jim will not be able to help himself. And it will be filled with the help and blessing of his enablers. I have to add an interesting side note here, for those EPONA fans. In the midst of Jim's posts on the loss of his horse, and the condolences from his enablers, doesn't Miss Lin just post a picture of that new baby? She just couldn't stop herself. Of course, it was under the guise of the whole "circle of life" thing. My guess is that our Lin didn't quite like the shift in attention. She and Jim are truly two peas in a pod. The only thing worse than the two of them operating separately would be them joining forces.

By RH2

Epona continues to prove to be hoarder

Lin +2 (PLUS 8!!!!!!)

http://forums.prospero.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=49324.1

Ahhhhh, it's summer- warm days, lazing on the deck with a glass of iced tea, sweating in the hot sun while shoveling manure, hay sticking all over you during feeding time-and of course, EPONA's back and begging in full force. She was pretty low profile, almost non-existent on ABR for awhile. I think so many people were on to her and her lies that she just gave up. She told everyone that EPONA was going in "a different direction".(something we hear with alarming regularity it seems), and was pretty much off board for quite some time. Good times for the horses. Those able to escape Lin's brand of love and care had chances to go to other places. To actually receive proper care, and to possibly even get adopted out. Hoarder/Rescues can't seem to let 'em go, and EPONA is second to Tierra Madre only in hoarder mentality. Gee-no wonder they support each other! But back to the story. Lin posted recently about a Freisian cross mare she had to "rescue" from a bad situation. Upon arriving at the home of the mare, she also found another 22 year old STB mare-also in foal. Of course, our lady of EPONA couldn't leave these two moneymakers-oops-mares there, so with the support of donors-Lin has no money to operate her "Rescue"on her own, she saved these two mares and brought them across state lines to EPONA. That's right folks- Lin had to travel across state lines to find horses in need. Perhaps the "unwanted horse" situation is improving? I mean, if you can't find horses in your own state that need your help, that's good, right???? Right???? Okay, moving on. So, Lin posts her tale of woe, and immediately asks for funds, because, of course Lin can't afford to house the horses she has saved. Well, some of those nasty nay Sayers on ABR got a little uppity with our Lady of EOPNA and had some questions. Lin DOES NOT LIKE QUESTIONS! One of her enablers-oops again, supporters informed all that Lin will answer questions, but only to those who donate to her cause. Interesting Fundraising tactic there, Lin. The discussion goes on, and as with all discussions involving EPONA, it turns out Lin's tale is just that-not quite the truth. It seems that these horses were already in the process of being removed. AND-and this is my very most favorite part of the story- Lin DID NOT MENTION SHE ALSO PURCHASED 8 ADDITIONAL FRIESIAN CROSSES WHILE "SAVING" THE MARES. But don't worry-Lin is not overcrowded-she simply used up the slots she had reserved for horses in need for her state she had promised to the Sheriff. Now nothing says responsible rescue like that, does it? And I can't help but wonder what will happen should the Sheriff need those spots? Hmmmm. Anyhow, there are a lot of posts, and Lin does what she does best. There are a few highlights I'd like to point out, but by all means, if it's raining and you've got nothing to do, read the thing yourself. Lin is at her victimized best, and the few supporters she has are just so ridiculous in their inability to see who she is, and what a detriment she is to Rescue. My favorite comment by one of her supporters has to be that going to EPONA is better than going to Slaughter. Are you sure about that? So, the high points. Post # 59- the poster states that "quality of care is more important than quantity of horses". If only Lin, and Jim, too, could understand that! Post 70, perhaps my favorite-Lin rants on about the accusations about the lack of medical care for the horses-there were none, then plays her trump card. Yes, folks, Lin remembers the One year anniversary of Little Wilbur Gregory's death. For those unfamiliar, he was a little donk cross allowed to run in with full sized horses, and died before reaching the age of 6 months. Lin was going to post the necropsy report. I think we're still waiting. She also states she's "done" with all of the mean people insisting on asking her questions, but assures all the horses will get the same good care they've always gotten. (Refer back to Little Wilbur here, and be very afraid for any foal). In post 86 Lin discusses all she has to get done today. I love this, it's a Jim Gath tactic also. It flies right past them that they are so overworked because they TOOK ON TOO MANY HORSES!!!!!!!!!!! Typical hoarder/victim speak, but always great to read. If you read nothing else on this soap opera, check out post 89. It lists all the inconsistencies Lin herself has posted. In post 92, we have our first donation-from a member named Beverly. Bev also happens to be a staunch supporter of one Jim Gath, even referring to him as "little brother". I wonder what sadness occurred in her life that she needs fulfillment from these two? This is the only part of this crap that saddens me about the supporters. Something is missing in their lives, and these people take advantage of it-big time. In post 135, a "private pledge" is made. It's only $5, but it keeps the ball rolling. I guess if you're too embarrassed to post publicly that you support this mess, private and anonymous is the way to go. There were also posts asking the questions Lin never wants to answer-how many horses, how many volunteers? In post 73 Lin is reminded she complained about her huge vet bill and was asking for help in paying it down. Here's another of my favorite things about Lin. She has this huge bill, yet consciously took in 2 horses she knows will require more vet care. If I was her vet, I'd be spitting mad at her irresponsible behavior. Of course, she probably lies to him, too. And hopefully, he doesn't read any of the discussion boards to see how she abuses his kindness in letting her carry a $5,000 balance. Lin answers about the number of horses and volunteers only after a member threatens to call a lawyer and look into her "Rescue" for refusing to provide the information. Lin at this time has 45 horses (I am guessing this includes the 10 new ones). 4 of those horses are in Foster care. Okay, So you have 4 horses out in Foster, and you bring 10 in? Is this making sense to anyone? In case you've forgotten, last time Lin sent horses out (Phoenix Rising) they did not fare so well, and we still really don't know what happened to them. She has 1-count him/her 1 full time volunteer, and 3-4 "part time through the summer" volunteers. Gee, Lin, could you be a little more vague? The thread goes on with support for all the wonderful things Lin does, and thanks her doing what she does. There are stories that don't add up, but that's okay. Lin just won't reply to those nasty people who want the truth. She will focus on finding Angles to pay the bills for the horses she went out of state to get, and hope everyone forgets about the extra 8 she purchased. Lin will do what Lin does, and her enablers will help her do it. And, oh gosh, I almost forgot!!!!!! Lin is hoping to set up a Mare Stare Camera, so we can all witness the miracle at EPONA!!!! She's hinting at the priceyness, maybe an "Angel" will provide the camera? Personally, I'd prefer to watch "Lin Stare" If everyone could see just who she really is and what she really does, maybe, just maybe, the donations would finally stop, and she would either have to do what a responsible Rescue does, or shut down. My money is on shutting down, since she has not done one responsible thing as a Rescue since I've known about her. We can look forward to more of Lin as victim, and of course, Lin as mommy with new "Little Stinkers" to ooh and aah over. I hope she has learned a little more about foals, and these new babies fare better than the others she's had. Stay tuned-with EPONA, it's never over. How sad is that?

By RH2

Sometimes You Have to Play a Hunch and Hope for the Best……

I had a call from an acquaintance/client early this spring. He was given two starved out yearlings a couple years ago. I am not sure about the details of the transaction but young cowboys tend to shift jobs early on in their careers. I think that’s probably true of many young people, but when young hands move on the situation and number of horses they can take with them often changes and this was the case for the first owner of Woody and his half brother Ike. So they came to live with Mark. Ike was ridden some as two year old last year and was well on the way to becoming a productive horse citizen. Woody on the other hand was not so lucky. He jammed a piece of wood in his stifle as a two year old. The vet probed the wound which at the time was dangerously close to the joint capsule so the least invasive treatment was taken. There was no indication of any remaining pieces during the original exam and the horse healed over once but continued to have problems.

Mark brought Ike for a tune up this spring so he could take him west for the brandings as he always does his young horses. Woody’s future was in question since he was still having problems with his stifle. Mark and I discussed this too. Although he had spoken with two different vets in the area about why the wound wouldn’t heal, he hadn’t pursued treating the horse. First the cost issue and second since the current infection was at a higher location closer to the flank the vets seemed to think there was a new injury in combination with the old. The long and short, no one was quite sure what to do. The Ciderwood/Leo Maudie bred gelding had dropped from “rescue” to “unwanted” to “what the hell am I going to do with this thing”. To put off what he thought was the inevitable Mark wanted to give him to me. It's been said everyone has several 15 minute bouts of insanity during their life. This was one of mine. I said I would take the colt, turn him out and do what I could, but if by the end of the year I hadn’t been able to fix him Mark had to take him back to put him down. I liked Ike and before he was hurt Woody had supposedly been the better of the two. That’s the best excuse I can come up with for taking Woody in the first place. It sounds so much more business-like than I didn’t like the thought of the crippled colt being stuck in a load of killers. Obviously neither did Mark.

I have to admit even I wasn’t prepared for the deformed rack of bones that came off the trailer. What should have been a big ranchy looking colt was thin, sickly, and his entire left side from the shoulder back was atrophied. He looked like a polio stricken concentration camp refugee. Turning this horse out in the hill pasture was not going to be an option. It certainly wasn’t going to fix the problem and he more than likely wouldn’t survive the stress of heat and flies. He had a softball sized hard knot in the bottom of his flank which oozed thick puss constantly. He stood with the injured leg stretched clear forward under his belly or hip shot and stretched out behind him. Either way he bore no weight on it when standing at rest. If he had a chance to gather up before he moved off he could and would bear full weight on the leg. When startled into moving off quickly he hopped pitifully, carrying his bad leg like a lame dog. The poor wretch hobbled around the barnyard eating grass for about 10 days while I watched him trying to come up with a plan.

The oozing lump at the base of his flank was hot and painful. His stifle was cool and seemed to be normal so it was unlikely the joint or joint capsule were infected. Rule out the bone chip theory. I started thinking deep tissue abscess of some sort but why wouldn’t or couldn’t it heal on its own in the first place? With the idea “the only way I can make him worse is to kill him and maybe that wouldn’t be the WORST” in mind, I talked with my local vet.. He is a good country large animal vet who happens to be badly infected with Thoroughbred disease, at least that's what he calls it. We decided to open the wound back up, cut away any scar tissue, infected tissue, and start over with a cleaned freshly incised wound. In the event Doc felt the horse couldn’t recover normally, well then Woody simply wouldn’t get up from the grass in front of the clinic, our chosen operating table. It was a warm May afternoon so it seemed like the best spot to lay him.

The young vet newly hired by the practice was keeping a scrap book of odd cases. She took these pictures.

The first photo is Woody before.

The second is the tissue lump in the flank of the horse.

The next picture is of the incision and the scar tissue which was later cut away and removed. The wood was up behind the mass of scar tissue along the muscle of the horse's inner thigh near where his thigh and belly came together.

The fourth is of the wood with a hemostat used for a size comparison laid out on the thigh of the colt.

Some things to keep in mind while looking at these photos. The belly of this 15.1 hand three year old gelding is barely wider than the two hands of the vet. The horse carried this 1” x 1” x 6” piece of wood in his inner thigh for over a year. How he had lived as long as he had was anybody’s guess. Judging from the looks of him he was dangerously close to out of time.

Brandi, the young vet, has a record book case for her scrap book. Doc has a really good bar story for quite some time. Whoever ends up owning Woody will have the trump card tale for how tough his horse is. I don’t have to look over the fence at that miserable scrap of horse and wonder how I am going to get out of this. Woody went to the hill pasture yesterday, two months later, incision healed and running sound with the other horses. One sunny day in May went pretty darn well for all involved I'd say.

I can only think of one down side…….I didn’t have the good sense to parlay this $197.50 ordeal into donations to cover x-rays, surgical costs, hospitalization, and of course lifetime support for Woody. He’ll come back from the pasture a different horse in October I’m guessing but then he will have to get a job. We’ll wait for the “after” shot until then.

Written By RH1