Horse Shelter Heroes: Episode 7 – February 13-20
🎥 Watch the full episode here: Horse Shelter Heroes: Episode 7
Packages, Panels, and Preparation
The week kicked off at the shelter with a bit of excitement…mail time! A generous supporter named Sharon sent in a beautiful new nylon halter, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Meanwhile, the team was hard at work installing new red panels in the quarantine area, keeping the facility secure and ready for the next group of rescues. The minis rescued from the previous month’s auction had finally completed their quarantine and were heading down to the adoption barn to start meeting potential adopters.
Auction Day: 20+ Horses Given a Second Chance
As the sun set, the team loaded up and headed to the horse auction—a place where hope and heartbreak collide. Their mission: rescue as many horses as possible from the slaughter pipeline. With your support, they were determined to make every dollar count.
At the auction, Tawnee coordinated updates from her laptop, sending photos and details to supporters in real time. Jason and Tana worked the pens, identifying the horses most in need. The team knew they’d be facing tough decisions, some horses were in such rough shape it was painful to see. But thanks to rapid donations coming in during the event, they were able to save over 20 horses and donkeys that night!
The Cost of Compassion
Every rescue is a commitment. On average, it takes about $1,000 to fully rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome one horse. From transportation and vet care to quarantine and training, the process is both expensive and essential. Intake alone costs around $250 per horse, covering vaccinations, microchipping, deworming, and a full veterinary exam.
But when lives are on the line, every bit helps, and your donations directly make these rescues possible. In fact, mid-auction, additional contributions allowed the team to hire another trailer and go back to save even more horses.
From Desperation to Hope
Among those rescued was a horse in especially poor condition that Jason spotted before the sale began. The team acted fast to buy him before kill buyers could bid the price up. Another heartbreaking case was a “big lick” Tennessee Walking Horse, once forced to endure the cruel practice of soaring for show performance. Now, she’ll finally have the chance to live pain-free.
There were also young horses, barely weaned foals, and once-beloved companions like a silky-maned Arabian who had clearly been cared for before ending up in the wrong hands. Each had a story, and now, each has a second chance.
The Morning After: Intake and Healing
After a few hours of rest, the team was back at sunrise for the initial intake process. One by one, each horse received an ID tag, photos, and a medical evaluation. Some had lameness issues, others were severely underweight or had hoof problems from neglect. The veterinarians and farriers worked tirelessly to assess injuries and start treatments.
A newly gelded donkey rested on a hay bale, symbolizing the beginning of a brighter chapter for all the animals rescued. As the team wrapped up, exhaustion mixed with gratitude, their work had turned tragedy into hope.
Your Support Do Make It Possible
Every halter, every dollar, every share—it all adds up to lives saved. Because of your generosity, over 20 horses and donkeys escaped the slaughter pipeline in this single rescue mission.
If you’d like to help make more rescues like this possible, please consider donating or sponsoring a horse today. Together, we can continue turning heartbreak into hope.
Watch the full episode here: Horse Shelter Heroes: Episode 7 – February 13-20
Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.