Should I rescue them??

    • Gold Top Dog

    Should I rescue them??

    OK..some of you may have read my post about getting a mini that was for sale at my stable. Well he has already been sold but I found 2 others for sale in my area.
     
    I went to look at them today and they are looking pretty rough - the mare's hooves are in desperate need of a trim, their coats are pretty gross and their manes and tails are in desperate need of brushing (have burrs in them), they are grossly overweight, and their halters are waaaaaay too snug. They also must go together. While I wouldn't say they are being abused, I would say that they have been neglected.
     
    They have access to a stall and an outdoor paddock of which both are full of manure- its everywhere..and didn't appear that they had anywhere clean to lay down.
     
    I didn't really want to get 2 mini's but..the price is good and I would feel bad leaving them there...they are going to be a lot of work though.
     
    Anyone care to give me their opinions on what they would do? I also must add, that once I buy them, they will stay with me forever so this isn't a decision I make lightly. I don't believe in rehoming animals - this is must my philosophy..not passing judgement on anyone who does this.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Just remember, there could be more wrong with them than what you can see.  If they look that bad they could have worm infestations that could cause colic, or worse.  Colic surgerys is at least $3,000.00, if it was me I would look elsewhere, if you feel really sorry for them and feel that possibly they are being neglected I would call a rescue or the sheriff and have it checked out.  At least you would feel better about their situation if all checks out o.k.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Lisa,
     
    Thanks for your advice.
     
    I know you will probably disagree, but I am going to buy them. I talked the owner down a lot on the price. And feel good about this decision. I have always had good luck with all my past horses and -knock on wood- hope this will be the same.
     
    They appear to be healthy from my general overview of them (I have 20 years horse experience). Eyes and noses were clear and they moved out well. I didn't feel any lumps anywhere and they have no sores or abrasions.
     
    They don't appear wormy, just overweight. They were previously kept in a pasture and ate all day long! They were recently moved to a stall with a dry lot attached after the lady was chewed out by her farrier for letting them get fat. To many people they probably look just like pasture horses..somewhat rugged and unkempt. 
     
    I keep my horse stalled, he does get turn out and has pasture access, though I don't take him out there much as he doesn't like to be out there long (its bascially just a large dirt "paddock"). He is groomed regularly and I keep his ears and bridle path neat. He gets fans in the summer and has numerous blankets for all different types of weather as well as fly sheets and fly boots. He's a bit of a prima donna.
     
    Anyways, I will be picking these little guys up on Saturday. They will get a thorough once over from my vet, get their shots, and get wormed. Once they are settled I'll get the farrier out for the mare, and when the weather is warm enough both will get baths. For now they will be thoroughly groomed and their bridle paths, manes and tails will be trimmed up and brushed.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Here's a photo of currently named Diamond and Gordon. They are looking more shaggier now.
     
    I am planning to change Diamond's name to Grae (pronounced Grey) and change Gordon's name to O'Malley....I'm a fan of Grey's Anatomy.
    • Silver
    Good for you for buying them!
    • Gold Top Dog
    You are an angel for taking them in. Please be extremely watchful of their water intake and the poop output. My Jet just went through an impaction episode at Christmas.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Thanks, I'll keep an eye on them.
     
    Luckily I've never had a problem with that (knock on wood).  When my old guy was still alive he did get hay stuck in his esophagus and it was blocking his throat! He didn't get hay anymore afte that.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Good luck with the little guys, I'm sure your love will take them a long way!  Lisa
    • Gold Top Dog
    Did you get your little guys yet?  Hope everything is going well, I'm sure you'll be busy with them for a while.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Aww, congratulations DDB, they are adorable!  Welcome to the 'haven' little guys! :)