Horse Shelter Heroes – Episode 17 – April 23-29
It’s another busy week at the shelter, and the team hit the ground running—because when you have 15 horses needing farrier trims, there’s no time to waste! Keeping hooves healthy isn’t cheap, and this round racked up a $500+ bill, but every penny is worth it to keep our herd feeling their best.
🎥 Watch the full episode here: Horse Shelter Heroes – Episode 17 – April 23-29
Among the horses getting pampered were some of our long-time residents, including Angel, who’s been with us since she was a tiny baby. Because she’s completely blind from cataracts and microphthalmia, Angel isn’t adoptable, but she’s cherished here at the shelter, where she’ll always have a safe, loving home.
Hoof trims weren’t the only thing on our radar this week.
Sadly, the latest USDA export report showed an increase in American horses shipped to slaughter in Mexico, 390 horses, up from 231 in the previous report. While the numbers are lower compared to last year, each life lost weighs heavily on our hearts and strengthens our mission to protect as many horses as we can.
Back at the shelter, it was also maintenance day, oil changes, equipment checks, and making sure our tools stay in top shape. Even the tractors get spa days around here!
COVID-19: Adapting, Preparing, Hoping
Like everyone else, we’re closely following Tennessee’s evolving COVID-19 orders. We were SO ready to reopen in early May, but the governor extended restrictions through May 29th. While we’re eager to restart adoptions, safety comes first. That means health screenings, limited visitors, and careful precautions once doors open again, hopefully by mid-May.
In the meantime, we’re still accepting owner surrenders. This week welcomed a pair of sweet donkeys whose owner loved them dearly but had to part with them after they began harming her newborn baby goats. Now they’re safe with us, and we’ll work hard to find them a home without goats, where everyone can live peacefully.
And yes, we’re still wearing and re-wearing the same precious masks we’ve had since the pandemic began. When supplies are scarce, you make every mask count!
Kicking COVID-19… Literally
To help cover feed costs during the pandemic, we launched a special fundraiser featuring a limited-edition shirt:
“I Helped Feed an Equine During COVID-19”
Flip it around and you’ll see an adorable donkey kicking the virus away! Proceeds go directly toward feeding our horses, and the fundraiser runs until May 13, 2020. Our goal? Sell 100 shirts! So far, we’re at 15, but we know our supporters can help us kick that number way higher.
And if you didn’t know, we have an online store! From hats to tees to other Horse Plus merch, every purchase helps our mission. You can find the store on our website or through the Facebook “Shop” tab.
Even with the challenges of uncertain weather, shifting pandemic guidelines, rising slaughter numbers, and endless chores, we’re grateful every day to be here for the horses and donkeys who need us most.
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 17 – April 23-29
Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.