Horse Shelter Heroes – S4E17
The trailers are back, the stalls are bedded and 17 beautiful souls are officially safe! Our latest mission at the auction was a whirlwind of emotions, but thanks to your incredible support, 17 horses, donkeys and mules will never have to face the threat of slaughter again.
🎥 Watch the full episode here: Horse Shelter Heroes -S4E17
The Mission: A Race Against Time
The day started with a numbers game, guessing how many horses would need us. From initial predictions of 20 to 30, we ended up pulling 17 equines from the auction.
Our team, including Dr. Nancy, hit the ground running with microchips and halters, working late into the night to ensure every animal was medically stable and settled with clean water and hay.
Meet the New Residents
Every horse comes with a story, and some are more heartbreaking than others. This group brought us several former “Big Lick” show horses who had their heavy stacks removed, leaving them with severely compromised hooves and joint issues like DSLD.
We also found a sweet donkey with a unique ear notch that matches the description of a reported stolen animal and we are currently investigating to see if we can reunite him with his family.
One of the more urgent cases is a young mare who arrived with a fever and teeth so painful it sounded like she was chewing on rocks. She is now in isolation getting the TLC and pain relief she deserves.
On a brighter note, we also welcomed some youngsters, including an 8-month-old baby mule and a yearling donkey who now have a lifetime of peaceful grazing ahead of them.
Facing the Hard Truths
Rescue isn’t always easy. We met a beautiful mare riddled with melanomas and a tiny mini with hooves so foundered she could barely stand.
While we provide every medical intervention possible, our mission is also to provide the last act of kindness for those in too much pain to continue.
Because of you, they won’t face that end alone or in a scary place.
A New Way of Working
With Dr. Nancy on board full-time, we are changing the game. Instead of working until 10:00 PM, we focused on the most critical cases first, allowing the rest of the horses to decompress and relax after the stress of the auction.
This new approach keeps our staff energized and ensures our horses stay calm as they transition into their new lives.
Ending the Broken System
As we look out at the pasture and see the donkeys happily grazing, we are reminded why we do this. The auction system is often the only resource for people who can’t care for their animals, leading to the neglect we see every day.
We won’t stop fighting until every horse is protected!
Exposing the Big Lick: Our Team Fights for Horses
The episode also shed light on the cruel practice of the Big Lick, where horses are subjected to pain and suffering to perform artificial, exaggerated gaits in shows.
Protesters, including undercover volunteers, documented the abuse: chains, stacks and chemical burns—aiming to raise awareness and put an end to this inhumane treatment.
In a bold move, the team registered a rescued horse into the show, not to compete, but to gain access and document the abuse firsthand. Undercover and discreet, they captured footage of horses in pain, exposing the cruelty behind the scenes.
Their bravery and dedication exemplify the fight for justice, showing that even in the face of opposition, compassion can shine through.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, advocacy and action.
Every horse rescued, every protest organized, and every voice raised brings us closer to ending abusive practices and ensuring horses are treated with kindness and respect.
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: Sadness | Auction Rescue – Horse Shelter Heroes S4E17
Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.