Horse Rescue Success and Sadness

by Brandon Enyeart, Northwest Horse Source

Photos courtesy Gretchen Salstrom of People Helping Horses

It has been almost two years since the Jake Rider case brought three emaciated, malnourished horses (Coda, Howdy, and Lily) to People Helping Horses (PHH) in Arlington, Washington. Since then, Rider was found guilty on 11 counts of animal cruelty and is being sentenced as this article is being written. In the midst of all the legal issues, two of the three horses were able to recover and find good homes to spend the rest of their lives with.

Howdy, the oldest of the bunch, took some time to rehabilitate. Given that he was a senior horse, he needed extra TLC, along with a special diet. Through it all, Howdy remained a very sweet individual and is now back to being in great shape with a 4-H home in Raymond, WA.

Lily had some obstacles to overcome as her rescuers dealt with her nervous temperament. PHH likes to make sure every horse can be ridden under saddle before they are adopted out, and this took great patience with Lily. Over time, she overcame her problems and has now found a home in Stanwood, WA. Both Lily and Howdy are approaching their one-year adoption anniversaries.

Sadly, Coda’s story didn’t have a happy ending. Because of a pre-existing injury and quality of life issues, PHH had to make the tough decision to have Coda put down. Between the time he showed up at People Helping Horses and his passing, Coda did have a peaceful ending to his life, spending time in a foster home at the Skookum Brewery, along with being in constant caring hands.

The Jake Rider case and its aftermath are just a small portion though of what equine rescue groups have to deal with on a regular basis. With horse abandonment numbers on the rise, PHH has seen their fair share of this type of case. Recently, PHH came across an abandoned pregnant mare with a gunshot wound to her head. The mare, now named Lucky, recovered from the wound with only minor nerve damage to her right eye. In March of this year, Lucky gave birth to a healthy foal named Charm. Charm will stay with PHH and foster homes for at least three years before he is ready for adoption.

People Helping Horses currently takes care of 42 horses, but due to donations being 38% lower than average this year, they are having to say no to approximately 25 horses each week, and this situation is not unique. How can you help? Look into horse rescue facilities in your area to find out more about their individual needs, whether it be donations, volunteers or foster homes. Check with your local barns, farm store

s, and equine professionals to learn more about the facilities near you. Between taking care of the horses that need it and breeding responsibly for the future, we can work to make the lives of all horses better.