Seventy-Five Disheartened Quarter Horses Walk Inside Trailer In Order To Have Improved Life

Nov 18, 2020

Horses are considered one of the most beautiful and deeply expressive creatures. It is said that one always knows when a horse doesn't approve of a person due to their strong intuitive senses. The Hooved Animal Rescue & Protection Society (HARPS) of Barrington, Illinois are among some of the favorite people of 75 horses that were neglected and abandoned in September 2014. Donna Ewing, president and founder of the organization, was able to find homes for all these amazing animals.

When someone doesn't have the resources to give an animal space, food, veterinary care, or exercise, the animal ends up suffering. The abandoned quarter horses found by HARPS were all in serious states of neglect and some were starving, reports Northwest Herald. Even with the best of intentions, those who own animals can get overwhelmed and need to rehome the creatures they care for. However, any animal owner that neglects an animal long-term is essentially abusing the animal.

Sadly, horses are some of the only animals that can be kept as a beloved pet or slaughtered for harvest. Despite once being healthy, these animals were slated for slaughter because their condition was so bad, and the resources weren't available to keep them healthy. Their previous owner fell upon hard times due to the death of her husband and daughter — and she unfortunately lost her farm in the process, which rendered her unable to care for the horses. 

The rescued horses showed strong signs of both physical and psychological neglect, Donna Ewing told Northwest Herald. Horses are social animals and will often make strong emotional connections with their human riders and owners. Additionally, horses can often build friendships with other animals. When an animal who thrives on companionship is left alone and crated or stalled with no access to connection, the animal can start to emotionally shut down. Even if the physical needs are met, these animals will suffer from isolation.

Isolation can be terribly destructive to social animals that depend on their herd for survival. The heartwrenching video below shows horses abandoned in a paddock. They move in a careful herding motion, as though they're uncertain what to expect from those taking the video. They look quite thin, and their coats seem dull.

Over time, the video shows horses on their way out of their entrapment. Interestingly, these horses move easily into the transport vehicles and seem comfortable being driven away. Obviously, they received training and care early in their lives, only to be abandoned and neglected because of circumstances that they could not control. 

It's important to note that any horse ownership is a big commitment, and bringing back a malnourished horse can be a full-time job. Not only do healthy horses take a lot of care, but a malnourished and neglected horse will need supportive foot care. A horse who's not had hooves trimmed in a long time can develop leg bowing, and a starving horse will burn muscle when they run out of fat.

Veterinary care for horses can get expensive, and feed can also be costly. To bring back a malnourished, neglected, or abused horse, one must be ready to put in a lot of time and be willing to spend what it takes to rebuild the animal's physical and emotional health.

“We took over their care, I think, it was about three or four weeks ago,” Ewing told Northwest Herald in October 2014. “We took volunteers in, tried to turn the stable into livable condition...We’ve had vets come in to evaluate and treat the horses.” However, it wasn't easy to care for them, and the expenses have been estimated at around $30,000.

While it was unfortunate that these horses suffered due to external circumstances that no one could control, luckily for the Hampshire Herd, as they are known by Donna Ewing, the rescuers were knowledgeable and excited to take on these new challenges. Images of the horses both loading into trailers and at their new homes show that these animals are moving quickly into greener pastures.

However, it wasn't easy to find homes for the animals at the beginning. “We’re asking for anyone who has room in their barns and their hearts for these horses,” Ewing told reporters, adding the animals will need owners with previous horse experience. “We’re trying to keep them from going to slaughter.”

Thankfully, an update to the story in November 2014 by Northwest Herald showed great news: 74 out of the 75 rescued horses and found new owners to take them in! 

From abandonment, loneliness, hunger, and isolation, these horses found loving and caring homes. From neglect and inadequate shelter, these quarter horses were moved into a proper shelter, quality bedding, a clean place to rest, and good food. To rescue an animal, of course, works both ways. These quarter horses probably provided more than a little rescue to their new owners and added joy in the new owners' lives as well.

The Hampshire Herd is a story of hope. Pass the story of these beautiful horses on as they move from isolation, despair, and neglect to their new homes. If you love a horse or have ever rescued an animal, let us know!