Misty was a lonely-only for several months this summer after her barnmate went to a new home. I considered purchasing another horse, but decided against it. I've made great progress with Misty since she has been an only-horse and she needs to remain my focus. My job is stressful and requires some long hours; upwards of 60 hours a week lately. The reality is: I don't have time to ride two horses.
But horses are herd animals and I didn't want Misty to be alone for long. So SaraJane has come to live with us. SaraJane belongs to a horse rescue and we are providing her a foster home.
SaraJane and her herdmates were picked up last Spring by the rescue after receiving a phone call from a concerned individual who knew the horses were in jeopardy. SaraJane and her herdmates were being kept in a junk filled pasture with no grass. They had not been fed in two weeks. Their keeper did not care about them at all so fortunately relinquished them with no argument.
SaraJane is as sweet as they come. She is a gentle soul who likes people. She seeks people out, follows people around, and loves attention. She is a beautiful rose gray color and cute as a bug's ear. She is 2 years old and apparently had no hoof care her whole life. She came to the rescue with a slipper foot, 8 to 12 inches long, on her left front hoof.
SaraJane's farrier told me when she walked, she rolled onto the outside of her deformed hoof. She had no heel to support her weight and her frog - what there was of it - did not make contact with the ground. He was not sure he could save her hoof, but started working on it little by little. In four months time it began to resemble a normal hoof. Below you can see her left hoof is still much smaller than her right hoof and her heel is contracted. But at least she has a heel now.
SaraJane's hoof is a work in progress. She needs time to just hang out, receive regular hoof care, eat good food, and interact consistently with people. Her future is a little uncertain, but the rescue's veterinarian thinks she will eventually be suitable for light riding. Time will tell. Until she is ready for more training or gets adopted, she is welcome at our home. She is fitting right in and follows Misty's lead, even napping in one of Misty's favorite spots....the ditch-o-poo.
Misty napping in the poo last winter.
SaraJane napping in the poo today, as Misty stands guard.
A girl needs a warm, cozy spot to nap on a chilly morning.
Check back soon to see the adorable Welcome Wagon gift SaraJane received from two handsome admirers.
