Long in the Tooth But Short in Support

Pickup was uneventful, and we used the ride home to schedule visits from our vet, the farrier, and our equine dentist. Over the next week, each service provider came out to look at our new acquisition. Unfortunately, he was in bad shape. Our vet confirmed that he had Cushing’s disease and suffered neglect. She also advised that his eye was probably damaged beyond repair. We tried various drops and gels for a few weeks, but to no avail; it was time to call the equine ophthalmologist.

After a brief examination of the baby blue weepy eye, the ophthalmologist confirmed that the eye needed to be removed. She noted that the pressure in his bad eye was almost double what it should be. She explained that he was basically living with a persistent migraine, which explained why he wasn’t friendly and seemed to have given up on life. We made the call, and they prepared him for surgery in the wash stall without wasting time. This was a first for us. It’s not every day that you get to see a horse’s eye surgically removed. For those with the stomach for such a thing, you can find the surgery video on our YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m3YrNDHi60). The surgery was quick and successful. After extracting his eye, we requested that they dissect it to see the actual damage. Once opened up, the ophthalmologist confirmed that the eye had suffered severe trauma and wouldn’t have healed or gotten any better. Therefore, removing the eye was the correct decision. Willy started to improve quickly, and his disposition improved. He was slowly returning to life, and his cute, friendly personality was coming through.

After three years with this old guy, we assessed his age at approximately 25 years old; he is living his best life. He spends his days hanging out with Scout, our other Welsh-cross pony. Willy has made a full recovery. His Cushing’s is under control through medication and a specific diet.

Without the generous support we received, saving Willy would not have been possible. Please contact us and ask how you can help support these efforts or learn more about Willy.

Regretfully, many aging horses end up in terrible situations where they are neglected, or worse, sent to slaughter. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 2021, approximately 23,000 American horses were trucked over our borders to be slaughtered for human consumption. Domestic slaughter of horses was largely outlawed and eradicated in 2007, so this dirty deed is now exclusively carried out in other countries. 

There are many contributing factors to why horses are neglected, abandoned, rehomed or end up being sold to kill buyers. Some horses are abandoned when their owners pass away, some become an unsustainable financial liability for owners, others are sold after being injured, and yet some others are intentionally neglected by cruel owners. Cost is becoming a larger and larger reason people are surrendering horses, and the current global financial crisis is exacerbating this trend.

The minimum estimated annual cost for supporting a horse is approximately $6000, however, this amount can quickly increase, exponentially under some circumstances, with older, sick, or injured horses. An injury that renders a horse lame, or unable to be ridden, can dramatically change the value of that animal to its owner who may have purchased the horse to ride or show. This turns the horse into a permanent financial liability to its owner and often leads to the surrender or sale of the animal. This is where Freedom and Whiskey Equine Rescue is stepping up to help.

Freedom and Whiskey Equine Rescue specializes in taking in older and injured horses who in some cases are unable to be rehomed. Recent reports from rescue-facility operators indicate that on average 25 percent of horses they take in are unadoptable due to age, health, or temperament issues. These horses require most of our very limited resources. We provide these horses a safe place to heal both mentally and physically at a loving home to spend their final days. Isn’t that what we all want, both human and animal alike? To spend our final days in safety and loved?

Sadly though, due to our limited resources, we sometimes have to say no and turn horses away. Rising costs for food, hay, and veterinary care are making it hard to help as many animals as we can. In order to thrive, horses require healthy amounts of food, water, shelter, and willing caregivers. It takes a great deal of time, energy, skill, and money to ensure these wonderful horses live a happy, healthy life.

Freedom and Whiskey Equine Rescue is looking for individuals and corporate sponsors to help us meet the demand of taking care and providing the much-needed food and supplies necessary to help these majestic animals live out their days with love, respect, and dignity.  If you are interested in helping us please reach out to info@freedomandwhiskeyfarm.com for additional information.

A great horse will change your life. The truly special ones define it.”