Linus, a small Welsh Cobb gentleman with an enormous heart. His enthusiasm for eating knows no bounds, and he's quite insistent on being the first to be fed. Despite his joyful nature, he's not fond of rainy or cold weather, and for chilly nights, he has a set of cozy jammies to keep him snug.
Due to past struggles with laminitis, he retired from show jumping and later from being a therapy horse. Linus adheres to a meticulously curated diet comprising low-sugar food and supplements, specially formulated to support his health. As a treat, he relishes homemade low- sugar delicacies and finds delight in munching on celery for snacks. His care is tailored to ensure his well-being and happiness at every turn.
Leo, whose full name is Emilio, is a kind-hearted and gentle soul, who boasts a unique journey as a retired carriage horse from Dallas, where he enjoyed giving Christmas light tours. A blend of Half Belgian and Half Quarter horse, Leo transitioned from his carriage duties to become a therapy horse. However, his journey was not without challenges, as he grappled with severe allergies aggravated by the Texas heat and local allergens. Leo is allergic to almost everything that goes with being a horse, including oats, grasses, soy, and even flies. To manage his allergies, Leo is currently prescribed medications and follows specific allergy protocols.
Bill and Mitch are a bonded pair of Belgians, who are former Amish work horses, rescued from a kill pen (tags 225 & 224) who were heading to a meat market in Mexico. They are truly "gentle giants" at 18 and 18.1 hands. After years of hard work, they are finally able to rest and relax, and just enjoy life.
Both horses eagerly anticipate feeding time, and the sight of food prompts a spirited trot in your direction. Brimming with affection and responsive to loving attention, Bill and Mitch serve as profound teachers about the importance of love and companionship. Their vibrant personalities add an element of joy to the sanctuary. Mitch enjoys watching Mr. Ed, especially during any necessary treatments.
Despite their challenging pasts, both horses have encountered health issues. Mitch has grappled with multiple hoof abscesses and the loss of some teeth, while Bill has undergone numerous dental surgeries to rectify years of neglect. Despite these adversities, their resilient spirits shine through, making them a testament to the healing power of love and care.
Apollo, a 10-month-old blue Percheron colt, found himself labeled as tag number 302 at the Elkhart auction. Enduring the auction twice, he appeared increasingly defeated each time. A well-known horse trader insisted on $5000, making it challenging to secure his freedom. Finally, when he showed up to run in the auction for the third week in a row, 1 Horse @ A Time Draft Rescue stepped in, paying his ransom. Michelle Patterson, President/CEO of Guardian Therapeutic Horsemanship, became his foster mom for the next year and a half. Upon going to pick him up from the auction, she discovered a disheartened baby with a crooked front left leg. Calling him “Neil," he battled depression, sadness, and a fever of 107. It was then that he had his first trip to Texas A&M's equine hospital, where he spent weeks in the ICU for severe pneumonia and underwent numerous rounds of IV antibiotics. It was a miracle he survived. When he was well enough, she took him back home to continue recovering. Later, they returned to Texas A&M for surgery on his “crooked leg”, hopefully to straighten it enough to give him a chance at survival and a “normal” life. He spent three long months on stall rest to heal from the surgery, during which his personality started to shine, but he always remained very well-behaved, despite his rough beginnings, and being confined. Finally at the end of the third month, he had the green-light to go outside. His pasture mate was a miniature, and they became the best of friends. He captured the hearts of everyone at Guardian therapeutic horsemanship and remained true to being a true gentleman. Neil loves life and is a sweet and loving boy. Not knowing if he can ever be ridden, or if the screw in his leg will ever need to come out, we adopted him from 1-Horse @ a Time Draft Rescue. We continued to ensure his continuity of care and sent weekly photos of his healing leg to Foster Mom Michelle, his orthopedic surgeon at A&M for about a year. This past year he was released from care at A&M by his orthopedic surgeon, but we keep in touch every so often, just because. Today, his full name is Neil Armstrong, and he goes by “Apollo,” because of his extraordinary abilities to overcome enormous obstacles, and because we love him to the moon and back! Apollo is on a special supplement to help ensure healthy growth.
This gentle soul, initially labeled as tag number 47 at the Elkhart horse auction, encountered a Christmas miracle on December 17, 2022, when 1 Horse @ a Time Draft Rescue rescued her, christening her Hope. Once a robust workhorse, age caught up with her, and she was discarded when she couldn't match the pace of younger horses—replaced and neglected instead of appreciated for her years of service.
Arriving malnourished, uncared for, and frightened at the auction, Hope bore the physical scars of her past. Fostered alongside a friend named Gabriel at Guardian Therapeutic Horsemanship, her transition was marred by the loss of Gabriel within 48 hours, leaving Hope in deep grief. Initially wary of human interaction, she would walk away when approached, lacking trust in people. Foster mom Michelle Patterson patiently visited throughout the day, waiting for Hope to signal acceptance.
Through incremental efforts, Hope learned to trust again, revealing her personality. Due to space constraints, she moved to another foster home. On January 1st, 2024, after spending 380 days in foster care, we welcomed her into our family through adoption. Despite her older age and the challenges of Cushing's, her sweetness and gentleness shine through. On daily medication and a special diet, she relishes low sugar / low starch treats, and the joy of a good scratch. Hope, a survivor, embodies resilience and kindness..
Sammy Jett was rescued by a compassionate organization that initially believed he was blind, crippled, and wild, wanting to euthanize him. Jasmin Shinn of 1 Horse @ a Time Draft Rescue intervened, saving him from this fate. Loaded into a cramped trailer with minimal space, Sammy, exhausted, collapsed immediately and remained on the floor throughout the lengthy journey to Texas A&M’s Large Animal Hospital.
Upon arrival, he was dehydrated, emaciated, and infested with worms. The veterinarians at A&M provided wonderful care for him. Afterward, Sammy found solace in the foster care of Michelle Patterson, President/ CEO of Guardian Therapeutic Horsemanship, where he experienced unconditional love. During this time, he faced colic, requiring a return to A&M. It was discovered that dental issues were hindering proper food consumption, contributing to the colic. Dental procedures, akin to dental implants, were performed to address the gaps in his teeth, along with medication for his legs affected by dropped pasterns due to malnutrition during development.
Adopted in October 2023, Sammy may never be rideable and necessitates proximity to A&M for ongoing treatment. Despite his challenges, he exudes love, joy, and a lively spirit. His foster mom named him Sammy because "God Heard his cry," a name we retained as he became an answer to our prayers. The name Samuel, originating from the Hebrew words Shem ("name") and El ("God"), conveys the meanings "name of God" or "God has heard."
In addition to regular specialty dental appointments, Sammy is on a special supplement for his joint and tendon growth.
Elliot, a timid young appaloosa mini, tag number 720 at kill pen, was rescued right after Christmas in 2022. Due to all he endured he harbors distrust, especially towards men, but is gradually opening up. Despite limited knowledge about his past, we discovered he's around 2-3 years old, not 10 as initially thought. This sweet and affectionate young gelding possesses the speed of a thoroughbred, the strength of a mule, the courageous spirit of a lion, and the intelligence and gentle soul reminiscent of an elephant.
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