Bhel, the Story of a Survivor
In 2011 a severely damaged mare came our way. Over the years, animals have joined our family often in unusual fashion, one of which is the tragic, yet heartwarming, addition of horses due to the kindness and intervention of commercial haulers. These men and women are employed by reputable, reliable companies to transport farm to farm or across the country. They have moved beloved pets as well as multi-million-dollar champions with safety and comfort from decades of research how best to transport equines.
Amid the movement of thousands every year, drivers come across different scenarios. Usually they encounter a cute pet, a famous name, some odd color or size. Now and then they see things that break their hearts as in those they must leave behind. They pick up and deliver whoever is assigned and get back on the road until shift’s end. What the public may not know is there are circumstances where an animal in obvious distress is not to be included in the haul. In fact, they may be abandoned, awaiting an end to their suffering. There are times when an educated eye sees promise in a body and hope in a spirit. If there is an opening in their van… some of these horses make it out, alive.
What stepped off this van was a dark horse, skin and bones, limping, with a protruding bony ridge across her forehead. This was obviously not a recent injury and could not have been caused by her trip. The driver found her in a stall without water or food, awaiting the end of the line - he could not look away. Something in her eyes begged him for help, or comfort, but not pity. Her inner strength, even reaching her demise, crept through her worn-out appearance.
He grabbed a rope from his van, loaded the mare and the horse next to her, who cried incessantly when her friend was removed. Hitting the road in Kentucky on the way to Texas, he wondered what he was going to do with the mares. Both in terrible shape, certainly more costly than valuable, and he had no farm of his own to house them, so he called a friend. She promptly told him to bring them to us… and he did.
Emaciated, skittish, damaged, cast off from a world they had been born into, one they had paid back with their wins and successful offspring, was one that left them hurting, frightened, ready for their time to end.
We would have taken them regardless, but as they began to recover, we researched bloodlines. Their histories were impressive as our new family member, Bhel, shined on the pages of the record books.
In front of us for many months to come was the rejection and grief that had taken over her beauty. Yet day by day, a tenacious horse came through. The ridge across her forehead turned out to be a fracture. She had such a bad concussion she could not eat on her own. Befriended by the nephew of a Derby Winner, they shared a feed tub, strolled to another one, sharing it as well. In the long run they got their fare but without the gelding leaning into her, rubbing her neck with his, showing her how to lower her head to eat, she might have starved, or require handfeeding from us.
Bhel took on an outward glow as her bones were covered by flesh once more. Her head healed slowly but her heart revived eagerly with her new friend by her side. She and the mare she came with enjoyed the company of the gentle gelding, but Bhel owed him her life… in more ways than food. What we could offer in sustenance pales by comparison to the meals she shared with her mate. Her mouth took in nutrients, but a horse helped her believe it was worth going on.
Bhel’s recovery was amazing. To look at her was to see greatness. It took closer inspection to see the suffering as internal scars flickered across her eyes each time we added a new horse. She remembered. She remembered a time when all was almost lost and a transport driver saw her spirit, and our number came his way.
Bhel and horses like her are safe within our walls. No more empty stomach, no more fear of brutality, no more wishing for the end, rather reveling in the gentle Florida weather with special friends who can hear their stories and help them change the finale.
Equestrian Spirits is a 501(c)(3) Forever Home Animal Sanctuary. Donations are tax deductible, gratefully accepted at www.EquestrianSpirits.ORG. Our board is all volunteer, so every donation goes directly to the animals. Many thanks for any support, and a happy summer for all!
