Horse Shelter Heroes – Episode 16 – April 16-22
This week’s episode of Horse Shelter Heroes had a little bit of everything: a wandering pony, new faces on the team, heart-melting baby updates, and a closer look at how the pandemic is affecting horses across the country. Grab a snack and settle in—there’s a lot to catch up on!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: Horse Shelter Heroes: Episode 16
A Pony in Someone’s Yard?!
The episode kicks off with an unexpected adventure: a small pony mysteriously appeared in someone’s yard, and the landowner insisted he wasn’t theirs. The team headed out immediately to retrieve the confused little wanderer before he found his way onto the road.
Though friendly, and clearly food-motivated—he had no microchip. Without that, tracking down his owner was a challenge… but the story has a happy twist later on.
Welcoming Jessie: A New Trainer Joins the Team
Even during COVID-19 restrictions, the horses still need training, handling, and care. This week, the shelter welcomed Jessie, who arrived for a trial period as a potential permanent trainer.
Jessie jumped right in, working with Aphrodite, a stunning mare with lots of potential but plenty of nerves. Patient groundwork is helping her slowly build confidence.
The minis also got their evaluations: two mini mules and one tiny pony, including adorable Adora, a gentle little mare rescued from auction.
Mama & Baby Pasture Move
It was moving day for the moms and babies! To give them a pasture full of fresh green grass (and a well-deserved buffet), the team moved the little family group to a new field. They’ll still be checked on daily, but the pasture right outside the window will definitely feel a bit empty without them.
Slaughter Numbers Drop During Pandemic
The team also gave an important update on horse slaughter statistics during COVID-19. Export numbers to Mexico have significantly declined:
- 353 horses exported the previous week
- 231 horses exported this week
- Last year at the same time? 834 horses.
From March to now:
- 2019: 6,548 horses shipped to slaughter
- 2020: 3,556 horses – a drop of nearly 3,000.
It’s a dramatic temporary decline, but the team reminds viewers that once the pandemic ends, auctions and slaughter exports will likely rise again. Still, this pause gives more horses a chance to find safety and rescue.
Good News for the Little Lost Pony
Remember our wandering pony friend? The team located his owner! The owner had actually been wanting to have him gelded, so Horse Plus stepped in to help. With the vet visit complete and the procedure done, the newly gelded fellow is ready to go safely back home.
This is what the shelter strives for, keeping horses with their families whenever possible.
Preparing for a “New Normal”
With the governor discussing reopening Tennessee, the shelter is making careful plans. Reopening won’t look the same as before. Adoption events, public programs, and volunteer activities will all be adjusted to meet new safety guidelines.
But no matter what, the mission stays the same: rescue, rehabilitate, and advocate for horses in need.
Be sure to catch the full episode if you haven’t already, and stay tuned for more incredible transformations and behind-the-scenes moments from Horse Shelter Heroes!
Want to help more horses like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.
Watch the full episode here: Horse Shelter Heroes – Episode 16 – April 16-22
Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.