Horse Shelter Heroes – S6E27
Another busy week at Horse Plus Humane Society brought life changing surgeries, incredible recoveries, emotional goodbyes, and an important look at the fight to protect horses beyond our shelter.
From historic training milestones and life-saving surgeries to heavy hearts and groundbreaking undercover work, the team has been moving at lightning speed to ensure every animal gets the care they deserve!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: Echo and Whiskey in Surgery! I Horse Shelter Heroes – S6 E27
A Full Day in the Surgery Suite
The veterinary team kicked off the day with three scheduled equine surgeries, beginning with Chocolate Chip, who had recovered well enough from respiratory illness to undergo a successful castration. The procedure went smoothly and also served as a valuable learning opportunity for the veterinary staff gaining hands-on surgical experience.
Next up was little Whiskey, one of our rescued paint boys. Because of a significant body wall hernia, his procedure took place inside our sterile equine hospital. Dr. Lydia successfully closed the hernia in three separate layers, performed a seamless castration, and Nicole even pulled his compromised incisor tooth.
He is recovering beautifully!
Big Wins for Gambler & Misty
Our training and rehabilitation teams have been celebrating some serious breakthroughs with two very special residents.
Gentler Payton gave us an amazing update on Gambler. When this guy first arrived, he would not let anyone touch his face, nose, or hair. Fast forward to this week: he is officially wearing a saddle and pad to get used to the weight!
Payton has been using a hula hoop, flags, and a tarp to desensitize him. Gambler even stood directly on the tarp, showing just how much he trusts his human partners now.
Misty, a young Mustang mare, unfortunately had a scary accident in a training barn chute, resulting in a deep puncture wound on her shoulder. Thanks to our on-site vet staff, she received immediate care. Dr. Lydia has been using a careful combination of pain meds and sedatives to keep her relaxed, alongside daily hydrotherapy to keep the wound draining and prevent infection.
To keep her gorgeous mane out of the injury, the team even gave her some protective medical braids!
Investigating the Illegal Horse Meat Trade
In a sobering turn of events, our founder Tawnee shared details regarding a multi-state, undercover black market investigation. For months, Horse Plus has been quietly investigating the illegal sale of horse meat for human consumption right here in the United States.
Tawnee recently went deep undercover to buy samples from food trucks and private residences where horse meat is being illegally processed and sold, often mixed directly into beef. Because horses are bought cheaply at auctions compared to cattle, unscrupulous vendors are turning a profit at the expense of these animals and public health. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns that horse meat is toxic to humans due to the lack of USDA oversight and the medications horses receive throughout their lives.
We are working closely with law enforcement and pushing for the passage of the SAFE Act to make this federally illegal. We desperately need your support and donations to keep these vital undercover investigations funded!
Saying Goodbye to Remus
One of the most difficult moments this week came with Remus. Despite weeks of supportive care, weight gain efforts, and careful monitoring, his condition suddenly declined. After evaluating his worsening pain and mobility, the team made the compassionate decision to give him the Last Act of Kindness.
Although his time at Horse Plus was brief, Remus spent his final weeks surrounded by kindness, friendship, and plenty of cookies. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is a peaceful goodbye!
Standing Together Against Big Lick Abuse
Horse Plus Humane Society is inviting supporters to join the peaceful protest in Shelbyville, Tennessee, on August 21 at 5:00 PM, helping raise awareness about soring and other abusive training practices that continue to harm horses. For those unable to attend in person, supporters are encouraged to participate virtually and continue sharing the message that this cruelty has no place in the horse world.
Thank You for Standing With Us
Every successful surgery, every rescued horse, every investigation, and every life touched is made possible because of supporters like you. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, sharing our mission, or advocating for stronger protections for horses, you’re helping build a future where every horse has the opportunity to live safely, comfortably, and with dignity.
Thank you for standing with us through the triumphs and the tears!
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: Echo and Whiskey in Surgery! I Horse Shelter Heroes – S6 E27
Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.