My Nonprofit Reviews

Spring Creek horse rescue provides a much needed service in saving unwanted, orphaned, or abused horses in southwest Colorado. We adopted a wonderful horse (Darla) nearly two years ago and have been active in helping the program since. Here is her story: Darla and her daughter Strawberry came to the rescue from a “home with good intentions, but little experience” of horse ownership. Her owner first contacted us to tell us that Darla probably needed to be put down, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She asked if we would use our knowledge to try to save her, or at least alleviate her pain. The owner had given up. Darla had gotten tangled in a fence a few years ago. Tragically, she had completely torn the heel bulb off her left front hoof. The injury exposed her to the elements and infection. She also developed a very deep crack on the inside of this foot from exposure. The Owner’s farrier mis-diagnosed the ailment and mis-treatment damaged some of the surrounding area. Over a few years, the hoof deteriorated to the point of putting Darla’s life in jeopardy. When Darla arrived at the rescue, we called our vet who pulled the shoes and cut away at the crack. He was able to find healthy tissue. Accurate diagnosis was made. The leg was x-rayed to determine how extensive the damage was. Our farrier arrived the next day. He put on backwards shoes to support the heel bulb that was missing, and we soaked the foot twice a day for the infection. Our farrier declared her fit to ride as soon as she had enough foot to support her. After a long time of care to improve her health, she has been adopted by us. Darla has a forever, loving home now with people who care for her damaged hoof as part of her daily routine. She is pampered and ridden and has adapted to her new life. We are THRILLED with her and the efforts made by Spring Creek. Her hoof has grown out completely now and our farrier continues her care. For the previous owner, a novice working with unskilled people, Spring Creek made it appear easy. However, with skilled farriers, vets, and knowledgeable horsemanship skills, this story has a very happy ending!

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