I was on my way home from work yesterday and saw an upside down board sign
nailed to a post that was painted HORSE.
I stopped in at the well-groomed Amish farm to inquire, believing the
horse might be a Standardbred that I could advocate for.
I stood outside in the cold wind until an older woman emerged and I asked
her if she knew about the horse for sale. She commented that she didn't
know "nothin" about the horses so went to get her daughter or daughter in
law in the next house. In the meantime, an open cart came up the driveway
being pulled by a bay pony that I later found out was a Haflinger. The
open cart was stuffed full of Amish boys coming home from school, coolers
stacked in the back. The Amish boys piled out, curious about why I was
standing there. They were proud to tell me about the pony. The pony was
in good flesh and healthy. Just then, the father came from the back field
with two large drafts being led by only a rope around the neck. The
drafts were well cared for, and almost overweight.
I anxiously asked if they knew which horse was for sale. The man kept
walking by with the horses and the boys and their mother pointed to a corn
crib type shed with a small sorrel filly tied on the end of a cable. The
green grass was eaten down to nubs, and there was no hay or water nearby.
The first thing I noted was that both rear fetlocks were sliced up and
swollen. "Oh, yes" they commented, "that's rope burns from getting
caught". I asked if they ever untied her from the end of the cable and
they said they did not because she was hard to catch. Their story was
that they were gifted the QH filly from another Amish. They hoped to train
her, but she has trust issues. I approached her and she moved away from
me. She behaved like the first mustang I owned on the first day home from
auction. No trust. No life. No spirit. Broken. Tired. Afraid.
The wounds on her back legs have not been treated. I can see her ribs.
They would like to get $50 or offer for her. If you think you can help,
please call me or email me and we'll go over to the farm together in
Hillsboro.
My next stop was at a farm near Ontario, WI. An Amish man had called me
about an "older" gelding he was looking for a home for. This farm was
also neat and clean, and a sign for the business which sells hickory bent
furniture was visible. I followed the wood smoke inside the furniture
store and found John. John said he has a 13 year old
SADDLEBRED/STANDARDBRED cross. He has had him for 11 years. He bought
him from an English woman and he has done everything from riding to
driving. Little kids can drive him down the highway and anyone can ride
him. He is a proud red bay color. He does not appear to have arthritis
but says every once in awhile his feet get sore. After 11 years on the
road we can probably empathize! His name is Magic. He is very fond of
this horse and only wants the best for him. If you are interested please
let me know - he sounds like a winner!!!!!
Sue
