HAPPY HOOVES: ELSA AND ISIS

How Elsa and Isis found safety and comfort at H.O.R.S.E. of CT

When two sweet mares needed a helping hand in May, 2023, H.O.R.S.E. of CT stepped in to give them a safe place to call home, receive medical treatment, and find love, nourishment, and a trust in humans that had been lost at the hands of their abusers.

On May 10, 2023, H.O.R.S.E. of CT received a call from the state's Animal Control Department with a case of 5 starved horses, asking that we take the 2 that were fully grown (a bay mare and a gray mare) as they had found another rescue to take the remaining 3.

The next day, the pair were trailered to our farm by the state with very little information - We were being asked to house and rehabilitate them until next steps were determined. A senior animal control officer contacted the farm that day as well, letting us know that she had taken over the legal case from the state and was pursuing prosecution against the former owners of these horses.

When the girls arrived to us, they were in rough shape; Both of them had clearly been starved and neglected, and scars and wounds made it obvious that they had been mistreated and abused. They were immediately placed in our isolation paddocks to protect the other horses on the farm, and we got to work with an emergency treatment plan. By the next morning, Dr. Sarah was on her way to examine both horses and help us to determine how to best facilitate their road to recovery. Their teeth, GIT, and lungs were inspected, rabies shots administered, and feet looked at - all of which were severely overdue with shoes still on and thrush. The gray mare had also sustained trauma to her right eye and become partially blind. We treated what could be treat immediately, and discussed a plan to correct all other possible issues.

Two days later, our farrier Joey came to visit and get to work on their hooves, all of which were in serious need of some TLC. He removed 3+ inches from each of the girls' hooves, as well as old shoes and nails. Underneath it all was severe bruising, making it evident that these sweet girls had been raced on pavement.

On the colder, rainier days of late spring, the girls wore brand new jackets. They were each given fly masks to protect their eyes and faces, and volunteers and members of the farm visited multiple times daily to pamper and give them love.

The bay mare was named Isis, for the great Mother of Egypt, the goddess of healing and magic.

The gray mare was named Elsa, a beautiful, powerful and loving snow queen.

Dr. Carlson visited the following week to take a look at Isis, whose breathing was still noisy and nose running. She was treated with antibiotics, and determined to have sustained a nasal injury. Dr. Shrack also came to see the girls, checking their weight and floating their teeth. Dr. Carlson returned on June 9th to give them both the rest of their shots and check their weight, and we learned that they had each gained over 100 pounds since their rescue!

On June 14th, their case went to trial and we were awarded custody of Isis and Elsa, and they have been happy and well-cared for in their new home ever since. We've been working hard to build their trust and give them their happiest days, running in the fields, sunbathing in their paddocks, and playing with their friends.

Now we gladly introduce to you:

Miss Isis

She is 16 years old and 16 hands tall, and is available for riding lease, adoption, and sponsor. Click here to learn more about her.

Miss Elsa

She is 22 years old and 15.2 hands tall, and is available for sponsor and adoption (but only as a companion, as she cannot be ridden). Click here to learn more about her.

To meet these sweet girls in person, visit the farm during one of our events or volunteer with us!