Times are changing…

In the not too distant past, there were options for rehoming a horse by auction. Not great, but many sold for high dollars to respectable, responsible horse owners. Many ended up selling for cheap and becoming “at risk “– or some lucked out and were saved by rescues. Recently the Eugene Horse Auction was replaced with a Livestock only auction. Since then, we have been on the lookout for “free” horses listed on Craigslist and elsewhere. “Free” horses are “at risk” as well - many falling into the wrong hands with unskilled owners, irresponsible horse traders or worse yet, kill buyers who simply gather horses for trips to our US borders to sell them for meat prices, per pound.

Enter Mac. A 13 year old thoroughbred gelding that was listed for free on Craigslist in the Medford area. We asked if the owners would consider relinquishing him to our rescue and they agreed. They hauled him to us and we saw immediately he was very, very hoof sore. After the tear-filled goodbye from his owners who were unable to care for him any longer, our vet took x-rays and although he had had laminitis before, bloodwork showed he was not insulin resistant. It appeared he had a recent hoof trim that left his hoof wall way to short and he was walking on his soles, so we immediately placed him in Soft Ride cushioned boots to provide some comfort.

He destroyed one pair of $250 boots BUT his hooves are growing out and he is feeling much better! He was also very thin – also known as a “hard keeper”. As a human, I’d love to be considered a “hard keeper” – meaning I could eat as much as I wanted and hardly show it!  As a horse, he needed much more hay and even some low sugar alfalfa. Next up - some corrective horse shoes and he should be fine to start his refresher training. He is a sweetheart that has been previously trained and is looking forward to having a “job” again soon! Come by and meet this charming fellow!