Lincoln's condition day of rescue
Lincoln's condition, one month on
Lincoln's feet at time of rescue
Lincoln's feet, one month on
Lincoln's emaciated hip, one week after rescue
Lincoln's hip, one month in foster care
22 Oct
Lincoln: then and now, one month on in foster care
Posted by Carol Lynch on 07/12/2009 at 10:37 am
These pics are amazing. I went to the sale yesterday and it was so sad. I didn’t realise such bad condition horses could come back so well so quickly. What is your secret? I’d love to rebuild such a mistreated animal’s life but need knowledge. Did anyone buy the pinto mare and lying down foal from yesterday? I can’t stop thinking about them.
Posted by Lucy Gabrielle on 07/12/2009 at 10:16 pm
Hi Carol,
It’s a life changing thing when you go to a sale. Until I went, I really had no idea just how bad things were out there.
As for Lincoln, I think he was in terrible shape. I think he was lucky that he had youth on his side (he’s only 8 years old). You can’t tell that, of course, when you see them in the yard! But he did have a young face. I think you have to trust your instincts, open yourself to divine providence and just take a chance. I think you have to be prepared for the situation where you might never be able to ride the horse but you are still happy to support them for the rest of their life, which is what they deserve.
Lincoln put on weight very quickly. I fed him every four hours for weeks–prime hay. When he stabilised, I added Mitavite Gumnuts to his diet, along with oaten chaff and sunflower seeds. The catch is, although he’s put on weight, it’s taken a long time for him to rebuild muscle. Horses that are in this kind of condition have been breaking down their own muscle to survive so they’re very weak. Lincoln’s only just starting to build up his topline muscle again (which is like core strength for people). He will start very gentle round yard work at the end of this week to help him, but until now I’ve just let him wander the paddocks and hills at his own pace. He’s still reluctant to even trot as he’s unsteady on his feet. So it takes TIME and patience
He’s also had a terrible saddle injury on his spine and has been super sensitive to touch but he’s getting Bowen therapy now and he’s doing really well with that. His feet were in bad shape and he really needs four new hooves, which will take 9-12 months. So, again, time and patience.
He’s such a brave, forgiving boy, though. He’s a real sweetheart. He’s nervous of people but still wants to cuddle and is trying hard to do everything right. It’s an incredibly rewarding thing to do.
Posted by tracy hollis on 09/12/2009 at 7:29 am
I was so touched by looking at Lincolns before and after pics, my 13 year old daughter and myself just love these beautiful big animals so much , I grew up with two horses of my own, as a child and teenager ,we would dearly love to find out how to adopt, him or what the criteria is to do if wanting to find a good home for these beautiful horses, is he up for adoption?
sincerly Tracy
Posted by Lucy Gabrielle on 09/12/2009 at 9:11 am
Hi Tracy,
We will email you with some information.
Posted by Harry on 18/12/2009 at 10:48 am
Wow Lincoln Looks so much like one of my rescues. Could be his twin.. I have had great results useing GUMNUTS to put weight on emaciated horses. I had the dogger Gary Stapelton who supplies Meramist horse for human consumption slaughter house , living down the road from me and to see those poor horses he had……….so sad ..7 came home with me…
Posted by Lucy Gabrielle on 18/12/2009 at 10:15 pm
Thanks for stopping by Harry and keep up the good work. The more people helping these horses the better!
Posted by Olivia on 06/01/2010 at 11:46 pm
What a beautiful horse Lincoln is!
To think that so many perfectly well and sound horses go to slaughter yards… it’s gut wrenching. We live in one of the luckiest countries in the world.. don’t our horses deserve the same? I’m so grateful for my little herd of 5, give them kisses everyday. xx all my love to Image, Jilli, Grace, Dee and Annie.
Posted by Lucy Gabrielle on 06/01/2010 at 11:51 pm
Thanks Olivia. Lincoln is lovely and has just started some training now that he is feeling better and is doing well. Our horses certainly do deserve much better. Keep loving your herd!! It sets a great example to everyone else