When a horse is severely starved, its coat often becomes one of the most visible indicators of its suffering. The hair may appear dull, brittle, and matted, losing its usual luster and smoothness. As the body prioritizes essential functions over non-vital processes, like maintaining a healthy coat, the horse’s fur may fall out in patches, or grow in unevenly. In cases of extreme malnutrition, the hair might take on a dry, scruffy texture, and even develop a "rough" or "patchy" appearance. The lack of proper nutrition impacts the horse’s skin, leading to dryness, flakiness, and an increased susceptibility to infections or parasites. Over time, the loss of hair, along with the weakening of hooves, muscle mass, and overall health, becomes a clear sign of neglect. Addressing the condition of a starved horse involves not just feeding and proper care, but also patience as the horse’s coat slowly regains its health in response to nutritional recovery. The state of a horse’s hair is an important visual clue, but it also underscores the urgency of rescue efforts, as it signals the need for immediate veterinary care and humane treatment.
Well, let’s get 2025 started off with another mini house neglect case. Last year we helped 14 minis from different situations, today we welcomed 4 protective custody mares who were seized along 6 others. Together with Iron Sides Animal Rescue at the request of ARK Pet Rescue who spearheaded and advocated for this little herd to find refuge and care. Stay tuned for introductions and more information
Nap time for the sanctuary herd
How many times did you write the wrong year yesterday? 🫣🤣🫠
With heavy hearts we are letting you know that Buddy Holly passed away this morning. He was Born May 18, 1994 - registered with AHA. We accepted Buddy into our rehome program November of 2021. He was fostered for a bit until moving to the sanctuary this past April (video attached is his arrival and meeting the minis who had an arena day)
An amazing opportunity opened up for him and he moved a few miles away to be gifted the love and attention from a youth program. He was the star there and immensely appreciated, his loss is tough for them and his caretakers.
Buddy was full of life, intelligence, and spirit. Run free good boy, run free. You are missed beyond measure.
A clip of Noel being led into her pen for dinner and rest. She is across from Isiah and next to Diane for company
Mini herd haven at the sanctuary. Friends. Forage. Freedom.
Lincoln enjoying dinner while drying off
Good morning everyone! Noel made it safely yesterday afternoon.
Not counting her rescue we have received requests to help 9 horses in just the 2 weeks since thanksgiving, that is so heartbreaking 💔 we’ve been tagged and sent multiple more in posts. So let’s chat about that today. Because something I see said over and over again is that “rescues aren’t interested in helping” and that’s simply not the case. Small rescues, us included, are being overwhelmed in expenses and underfunded in donations. We care immensely about the well being of all equines, so when we have to say no it’s because we have no other choice.
With that being said, if you have room in your heart or barn for an older friend and would like to help us help more horses reach out to discuss long term foster or direct home placement possibilities.
Also, Winter time is the absolute worse time to relocate companion horses. If your senior or disabled equine “needs” a new home please consider loving them enough to give the last act of kindness. Letting them go in the home they know with the humans they love is the greatest blessing in the end.
