FEATURED HORSES

At rescue Johnny and RC each scored dangerously low on the body scoring scale used by law enforcement to judge emaciation in livestock. Head held high, nostrils flared, and showing the whites of his eyes, RC exhibited a pitiable awareness of his own vulnerability. Johnny, on the other hand, was stoically indifferent, even though every bone in his body was visible under a thin layer of skin. Luckily, both horses had been referred to Equamore in time to prevent the fate of so many other neglected and starving horses. Following an all-too-familiar protocol, our helpers fed them a special, twice-daily diet of high fat rice bran, alfalfa pellets, and senior horse feed mixed with water to soften, as well as all the hay and/or alfalfa they could eat. Careful monitoring of their diet continued until they began to recover the lean skeletal muscles their bodies had been forced to consume to stay alive.

JOHNNY B. GOODE (“JOHNNY”)

Their second set of photos at five and seven weeks respectively, demonstrate much improvement in both attitude and body score. Because he has been with us for a shorter time than has RC, Johnny remains the slimmer horse. At five weeks, he shows good muscle regrowth, an improved top line, and a new interest in his surroundings. His seven-month photo shows him well on his way to full recovery.

: At arrival, Johnny is a “1” on the 5-point Henneke Scale.

: Every bone shows, and he appears to be indifferent to his plight.

: Johnny’s ribs and hip at rescue.

: The same shot seven weeks later.

: Johnny begins to take interest in his surroundings.

: In February 2014, Johnny is on his way to health.

: and looking good.

: Go, Johnny, Go.

ROYAL CROWN (“RC”)

RC’s is a similar story: at six weeks his ebullient personality revealed itself. Ready for just about anything, he looked us straight in the eye with (sometimes comical) interest instead of fear, and he moved forward with confidence. Now, a year after rescue, RC’s stride shows the power and grace of his Arab heritage. He is the confident and determined horse his creator meant him to be.