Debbie, Erlene & Ella

Today, we want to say thank you. Because of your continued support, three severely emaciated mares who once stood on the brink of collapse are now thriving, safe, and living a completely different life than the one they were rescued from. What you made possible did not end on intake day—it carried through months of care, healing, and steady recovery. These girls are here today because you showed up for them.

These mares were originally found in devastating condition after a local family went to pick up one horse, and couldn’t leave the other two behind. When they arrived, they were met with a heartbreaking sight. Hips, ribs, and spine visible even through their winter coats, sunken eyes, severe rain rot, and hooves in horrendous condition. Two were registered Thoroughbreds, and the third, likely a Quarter Horse, had almost no teeth left and was well into her 30s. One mare was also dealing with a swollen belly that required urgent monitoring and care.

At intake, all three were severely emaciated, covered in parasites and skin infection, and at very real risk of refeeding syndrome, organ failure, and secondary complications. They required immediate stabilization, strict refeeding protocols, and intensive veterinary oversight just to survive the first critical phase. Because of your support, they received exactly that.

Over the months that followed, these mares were placed on a carefully structured refeeding plan, beginning with soaked feeds, probiotics, and small frequent meals to stabilize their compromised systems. They were monitored closely for digestive complications, and slowly, their bodies began to respond. What started as fragile survival became steady progress.

They also received full veterinary care, including intake exams, bloodwork, dental evaluations, vaccinations, deworming protocols, ulcer treatment considerations, and corrective farrier care. Their hooves, once overgrown and painful, have now been brought back into balance through ongoing trims. Their skin, once ravaged by rain rot, has healed through medicated care and consistent maintenance.

One of the most emotional parts of this journey has been watching who they are come back. As their bodies healed, their personalities slowly re-emerged. The dullness in their eyes faded. Their expressions changed. These mares are now unrecognizable compared to the horses they once were.

The family who originally stepped in to save them did so at great personal sacrifice, using rent and utility money to purchase them and prevent them from being left behind. Because of that, part of this campaign included reimbursement of the $3,000 purchase price, ensuring they were not left in crisis after doing everything they could to save these horses. Your support made that possible, and allowed the remaining funds to go directly into care. And that care has continued month after month.

None of this has been quick or simple, but it has been successful. Today, these three mares are no longer starving. They are no longer breaking down just to survive. They are strong, bright, and fully present in a way that once felt impossible. Because of you, they were given the time they needed, and the chance they had never been offered before. Thank you for making that possible.