Roughly 200,000 horses arrive at rescues each year often due to no fault of their own. Many have been neglected, including untreated injuries or health conditions. Rescue organizations need help caring for these gentle giants.
Neglected horses like Diederick and Copper who both were struggling to breathe when they arrived at Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA). Read their stories below and see how your support is making a difference in their lives.
Diederick
Diederick, a 25-year-old Friesian, arrived at MSSPA with other Friesians seized from a breeding facility in Vermont. The gray-faced gelding has had a rough life and struggles with many ailments, including respiratory condition that makes it difficult to breathe.
He needs expensive medication twice a day to open his airways as well as mash food four times a day due to dental issues. According to the rescue, “He has known a great deal of abuse in his life, and finally found his ‘safe place to land’ here at the Society.”
He is finally experiencing love for the first time and has gained nearly 200 pounds since being rescued. He enjoys the simple things in life like naps in the middle of the day.
Copper
Copper was surrendered to MSSPA with chronic respiratory challenges that require daily medication, inhaler, and lifestyle changes to allow him to breathe easier. Your donations are ensuring he gets the vital medication he needs to live.
His caretakers shared, “Per veterinary instructions, staff administers Ventipulmin to Copper twice a day at feeding times. He tolerates it beautifully and seems to ‘know the drill’ at this point.”
Copper is thriving at the rescue where he gets the care he needs and space to roam. Check out how happy he is in the photo below. The caption reads, “Copper found a good, muddy spot to roll in (after yesterday’s much needed rain) and then decided to soak up a bit of the morning sun on this gorgeous Fall day. Doesn’t get much better than that, does it sweet Copper?!”
More Help is Needed
These are just a couple of horses that your donations have helped. Neglected and injured horses continue to arrive at rescues in need of medical care and ongoing support. Donate today to help care for more forgotten and mistreated horses.
