Horse Shelter Heroes – S7E21
Another busy week at Horse Plus Humane Society brought everything from long-distance horse transports and successful adoptions to preparations for one of the most important advocacy events of the year. The team worked across multiple states to help horses in need while continuing the fight against the Big Lick industry.
🎥 Watch the full episode here: The Horses Can’t Speak – So We Do I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E21
Traveler & Nova Begin a New Journey
The episode began with Traveler and Nova loading up for their trip from Florida to Tennessee. Traveler, who has battled chronic founder issues since he was just two years old, traveled with special support and medication to keep him comfortable.
Nova, a sweet mare dealing with recurring summer sores also made the journey in hopes of finding an environment where she can thrive.
After a long drive through cool, rainy weather, both horses arrived safely at the Tennessee shelter and settled in for the night. Their successful transport shows the growing partnership between the Florida facility and the Tennessee shelter, allowing horses to receive the care and placement opportunities that best fit their needs.
Arlo’s Progress Report
Baby Arlo had a rough patch with a high respiratory rate and a stubborn tummy. Thanks to rectal fluids, antibiotics, and electrolytes recommended by Dr. Jess and Dr. Lydia, he is officially on the mend!
The team celebrated a very glamorous milestone: confirming he is pooping normally and actively nursing from mom again.
Residents & Goats Prepare for Florida
Several resident horses and goats underwent health checks as they prepared for travel to the World Horse Welfare Center in Florida. The veterinary team carefully monitored temperatures, checked for signs of illness and ensured everyone met travel requirements.
Most animals passed with flying colors while a few goats were given extra time in the shade after elevated temperatures were likely caused by the hot weather!
Nova’s Overnight Miracle Adoption
Remember Nova, the mare who just arrived from Florida? Well, she didn’t stay a “shelter hero” for long! Former Horse Plus team members Shelby and Caleb came by looking for a safe, level-headed horse for their family. Trey tacked Nova up to show what she could do and it was love at first sight!
She’s been with us for a long time but her big moment has finally arrived. Just like that, Nova found her happily ever after with top-tier adopters who will spoil her rotten. Talk about a perfect match!
Witnessing the Reality of Big Lick
The emotional climax of the week took us to Columbia, Tennessee, for our 11th consecutive year protesting the horrific practice known as the Big Lick where Tennessee Walking Horses are subjected to painful, forced gaits using heavy stacked shoes and chemicals.
Because our team was physically attacked by pro-Big Lick attendees last year, we had to take the extreme step of hiring 5 security guards just to feel safe entering a public horse show.
Inside the arena, the reality was heartbreaking. The show actually had to stop at one point because a horse’s mechanical stack was falling off. Our volunteers watched in tears as horses stumbled, sweated profusely after just a quarter of a lap and showed visible agony in their eyes.
We will never stop being the voice for horses who cannot speak for themselves but we cannot do it alone. The abuse thrives when people look away.
We need passionate volunteers to help coordinate and stand at protests at horse shows all across Tennessee. If you are ready to help us end this cruelty once and for all, please reach out to us!
Thank You for Supporting the Mission
From transporting horses across state lines to helping Nova find her forever home and standing up for horses who cannot speak for themselves, this episode shared the many ways Horse Plus Humane Society works to rescue, shelter and protect animals every day.
Thank you for making this lifesaving work possible. Your support helps provide medical care, transportation, rehabilitation, and second chances for horses in need. Together, we can continue changing lives and giving vulnerable animals the future they deserve!
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: The Horses Can’t Speak – So We Do I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E21
Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.