Horse Shelter Heroes – S5E26
Horse Plus Humane Society’s latest Horse Shelter Heroes episode shows just how intense rescue can be when a major buyout mission collides with power outages, medical emergencies and nonstop intake.
Over the course of this rescue effort, the team took in 77 horses along with several donkeys and minis, all while doing everything possible to help the most critical cases first!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: Horse Shelter Heroes S5E26 – 77 Horses Rescued!
Chaos, Challenges & Candlelight
The mission started with a literal bang when someone hit a power pole near the property. No lights, no Wi-Fi and no power for our medical equipment just as we were preparing for a massive intake!
But the team didn’t blink. We grabbed flashlights, hauled out the paperwork and kept moving.
While the power crew worked on the lines, we were busy getting our new Education Center insulated and ready for the summer heat. Huge shoutout to the crews working through the storms to help us keep our rescues cool!
High-Stakes Medicine
With nearly 80 horses arriving, our vet team, led by Dr. Lydia and Dr. Gina, worked overtime. Some of the cases were truly heartbreaking and rare.
The “Wry Nose” Pony: A sweet boy with a twisted face and severe leg deformities from backyard breeding. We gave him comfort and a peaceful goodbye when it was clear his pain was too great.
A “Ten Percent” Chance: A 4-year-old mare arrived with catastrophic “de-gloving” injuries after falling through a trailer floor. Thanks to our on-site vet hospital, we were able to perform emergency surgery that would have cost thousands elsewhere.
We’re rooting for her!
Each horse was treated as an individual with the team working through case after case in extreme heat and exhaustion.
From “Big Lick” to Big Love
Among the new faces is Spartan Spirit, a 16-year-old former racing Standardbred and an older gentleman who was once a “Big Lick” performance horse. You can tell by his scarred tail tendons that he’s had a hard life but his days of suffering are officially over.
We also welcomed several donkeys and ponies including a 12-year-old blind mare who is finally safe from the chaos of the auction ring.
Rescue Is Not Enough
This episode also carries a bigger message. After more than 20 years on the front lines, the team makes it clear that rescuing horses out of the slaughter pipeline is not enough on its own.
The cycle has to be stopped at the federal level. That is why Horse Plus Humane Society continues to fight not only in the field, but also in Washington, D.C., advocating for stronger laws to protect horses.
We Can’t Do This Without You
This was the biggest buyout week Horse Plus Humane Society has had so far and it came with some of the toughest cases imaginable. It was exhausting, emotional and at times overwhelming. But through all of it, the team kept going, one horse at a time.
The “Plus” in our name means we help everyone… horses, donkeys, dogs, cats and more. If you want to be the difference for our animals please consider a donation today. Every dollar goes directly to the front lines of rescue!
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 S5E26 – 77 Horses Rescued!
Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.