When we go to an auction we never know what we might find. In January we found quite the treasure. He was a beautiful horse that would catch your eye, but when we took a closer look he stole our hearts. Blind horses are a usual sight at the kill buyer auctions, blind horses cannot legally be shipped across the border to Mexico or Canada for slaughter, although we know some do. Auction yards are the dumping ground for blind horses. When kill buyers buy 100+ horses a week, they often don’t know they are buying a blind horse and dump them at auctions to get rid of them. They run through the sale scared and alone. Auction houses are full of loud noises and bad smells that overload their senses. We could not pass him up. We knew he needed another chance at life and a name.
The vet confirmed Buckshot was completely blind. He was only 9 years old and dumped at the auction. It was obvious he had amazing training at one point and a great personality. He was such a sweetheart. Our trainer could not wait to see what he had to offer.
Buckshot was indeed trained well. He had an amazing gait and was very responsive to his cues. He was great on the trails and happy to lead or follow. We knew he would make anyone a great horse. We just couldn’t believe he had been dumped at the auction.
We were so happy when Buckshot was pending adoption and waiting to meet his potential adopters. It was love at first sight. His little boy even brought a new halter with him for Buckshot. This connection would not have happened if we were not there to rescue him from the auction.
Many people see a problem horse when they look at a blind horse. They do not see the potential or the treasure we saw that night. Buckshot could have wound up in a very dangerous situation if we had not saved him, and he would not be in the loving home with his boy like he is now.
Misunderstood and forgotten horses like Buckshot end up in auction every day, but it does not have to be their ending. Thanks to donors like you, we can save these horses and provide new beginnings.
We will be going to an auction tomorrow. Help us keep these beautiful treasures from going on the trucks that are made of nightmares. Donate now and save a life.
