Horse rescued from slaughter

by Tamara D.
(White River Junction, Vermont)

Hello,

As of this morning at 6am (:D) I have owned my slaughter-bound bay paint gelding for a week. He's a sweet old dude (I named him Indy, short for Fortunate Son Indeed) who I suspect has been used for western cow cutting or barrels (or both) given his musculature (overdeveloped haunches and shoulders), and was most likely dumped at auction after too many bouts of lameness. Love owners who can't give their horses stall rest... ugh. Well, he's clearly been treated right at some point in his life (vet ages him at about 17, possibly an Arab-Standardbred or Arab-Quarterhorse cross) because he loves face rubs, ear rubs and even eye rubs. He stands quietly to be groomed (mostly) out in the pasture with just a halter on. I've been able to pick up all four of his feet, but I've only picked out his front feet because he really doesn't like his back feet handled... working on that. But I suspect he's got some front end pain to go with his back end stiffness. Anyway... all things we can work on. I'm in NO rush to ride him... I just want to make him feel safe and loved. He's been on SMZ's for a bit of a respiratory infection (now gone) and was on Bute for 5 days for suspected pain and to avoid foundering (which seemed to make him crabby... stomach pain? he's actually been much sweeter since he's been off the Bute) Which brings me (almost) to my question.

His faith in humanity has clearly been tested recently. I've been working with him just in the pasture, grooming, fly spraying, being quiet, asking him to walk with me on the lead, back up, etc. I know he's broke to ride as I saw video and spoke to the rescue people. But... even though I'm patient and quiet, speaking in low tones, he's displayed mild aggression when I've been grooming his knees or put weight on his back (we're talking my arm laying over his back, like to give him a neck hug... nothing more). And as I mentioned, he's also not too keen on me handling his back feet yet. And, although he allows me to touch his eyes, ears and face, his nose is off limits (currently sunburned because he won't let me apply any sunscreen :( ). He's also displayed a pretty big fear of loud engines, especially big trucks. Now, he did load fine to come to my house, but the other day he freaked out a little when I walked him in the general direction of a trailer. I'm trying really hard to display confidence and calm around him, to help him feel safe, but I can't lie and say he doesn't make me a little nervous when he jumps back or to the side or throws his head up. I'm getting better at displaying confidence (and actually feeling confident), but I have to work on myself too, I guess. He seems like a smart guy who really likes to avoid drama (all very good)... but how do you suggest I work at getting him to allow me to work with his back legs, knees and his nose, and put gentle weight on his back? How can I condition him not to fear big trucks (there will never be a trail ride in our future if we can't get past that one). Should I just keep doing what I'm doing? Work with him little by little? He's not that food driven. The day I got him he acted like he'd never seen a carrot or apple. I've got him to enjoy a carrot now, but apples are of no interest! I try to reward his good behavior with a mix of loving touches and carrots. I've never thought it a good idea to rely solely on treats for training as that can produce a pushy, spoiled horse.

So essentially... I'm asking for tips on how to work with a horse that was once well-trained and happy with people but who has had recent experiences that were assumed quite rough and uncaring at the meat broker's lot and auction, and it seems like his prior owner probably treated him like nothing more than a motorcycle.


I know I've only had him a week... I'm absolutely ready to be patient and give him all the time he needs... I just don't want to do it wrong. I'm willing to consider a trainer, but I'm a little wary as I've heard so many horror stories from people who sent their horses to people who really don't know what they're doing or are dishonest about their methods (I'd prefer to find somebody who will work with ME as much as the horse).

I'm in Vermont, if it helps. I have no idea where my horse came from. I only know he ended up at the auction in New Holland, PA... he could have come from anywhere in the country. He was being fattened up for slaughter so that was why we were concerned about founder and put him on Bute and a diet to drop weight quickly.

Thanks for listening. Sorry for the long post. Any tips you have are much appreciated.

Tamara D.

Answer:

I would give a horse like this at least an entire year off all human agendas! Let them become “a horse” again allowing the body to heal.

My focus would be to build a trusting relationship which is going to take time for this horse and only work on her health which embodies physical and emotional areas. Indy is in a new environment and the loud noises are just setting off her insecurities for the moment. Don’t worry about this is will pass as she becomes more comfortable and confident that she is loved and cared for.

Your best tool here is to put better information and experiences for this horse on top of all the bad stuff she remembers. And they remember everything! Set up patterns and schedules so she can learn for herself what’s going to happen next. For example whenever you see her, say hello, have something good to eat for her like the carrots then groom her. Do this every time. Even groom the same way starting at her neck and working your way back or whatever way you choose just do it the same every time. Horses find great comfort in humans when we are predictable! So be very predictable for her.

His mild aggression is all “fear” based. Watch closely and you will see and feel the signs of what I refer to “old baggage” of experiences coming forth. Just ignore them meaning try not to initiate the response and you will discover most of these will fade away on their own. If you feel unsafe it’s okay to ask for his attention by saying “No” and refocusing the task at hand onto something else. Boundaries are important too.

Keep on picking up the back feet and releasing quickly. This will build confidence for Indy and suddenly you will be able to take one swipe with the hoof pick and release again quickly. Before you know it you will have this accomplished. But don’t try to do it in one session. Take at least three to five. Slow and steady will win this race!

Additional information:

Your quotes:

“We were concerned about founder and put him on Bute and a diet to drop weight quickly.“

“Was on Bute for 5 days for suspected pain and to avoid foundering (which seemed to make him crabby... stomach pain? he's actually been much sweeter since he's been off the Bute)"

Bute is not something to be used for “suspected” pain or to “prevent” founder . As you noticed he was better off of it because it is very hard on their stomach and digestive track. There is a time when this product is helpful to relieve pain and inflammation and we should only use it when we “know” the horse in question is suffering and needs relief and preferably under a veterinarians recommendation.

Elaine Polny
Horses by Nature