Woodbine Rescue Saves Two Horses with Extreme Hoof Issues

Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine is rehabilitating two emaciated stallions it says represent the most extreme case of hoof neglect the organization has seen.

Three horses were discovered recently after a good Samaritan called the Humane Society of Washington County due to concerns about the welfare of pet pigeons, according to a statement from Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

As a matter of procedure, the humane society looked around to check on any other animals and found three horses, according to the statement.

One stallion and miniature stallion were taken from a stall that had 3 to 4 feet of manure inside, their hooves stretching more than 3 feet long; the animals “could barely move without being at risk of getting tangled,” Days End Farm Horse Rescue reported.

The vet and farrier sedated the horses and removed parts of their hooves, while a third horse—a miniature mare whom the rescue posthumously named Piper—had to be euthanized because she had irreparable dislocation to her fetlock, according to the report.

The horses have “the worst hoof neglect the veterinarian and farrier have ever seen” in the rescue’s 26-year history of taking in more than 3,000 horses, according to a statement from the organization.

Rescuers said the horses may not have been let out in 15 years, and cruelty charges are pending as the investigation continues.

Upon bringing the stallions into custody, Days End Farm Horse Rescue Executive Director Erin Ochoa told them: “Today your life changes.”

See Also:

• Abandoned Horses Pack Carroll County Shelter Following Recession
• Rescue Group Cares for Neglected Horses Seized from Breeding Farm

The stallions were in critical condition when they arrived Friday at the rehabilitation center, where both saw the vet and farrier Monday, according to the rescue.

The miniature horse was named Rio, while the full-grown stallion has been named Quest, the rescue said in a statement.

The average cost for critical rehabilitative care for horses can be up to $2,400 monthly per horse, according to the rescue, which welcomes donations.

Photo Credit: Days End Farm Horse Rescue.