freedom

Freedom's story as it appeared in the March 2006 newsletter. Freedom is a beautiful ex-racehorse from out west who placed in a few races, winning several thousand dollars!  However, his racing career ended early and he was sold at auction, along with another racehorse, to an abusive individual in Catawba County.  It is so heartbreaking to see the situations that many off the track horses find themselves in once their careers end and they are no longer of use to their former owners.    

Freedom's plight was brought to the attention of authorities when he was discovered locked in a barn barely able to stand and near death.  His new owner had been renting a barn and pasture from an elderly gentleman until ending his lease and turning in his keys.  Almost 2 years later, the elderly gentleman's son was showing the property to a realtor.  When he unlocked the old barn, he discovered two starving horses locked inside.  He was shocked beyond belief.  How the horses had been able to survive for such a long time is still a mystery to us all.   

When they arrived at the HPS sanctuary, they could barely stand.  Their heels had grown forward over six inches and their hooves curled under.  Rot was everywhere - the stench was horrific.  Freedom and his friend laid on the ground and let farriers trim their feet.  The farriers worked slowly on the horses for half a day, in the rain, and then returned to continue to perform corrective trimming.  Putting weight back on horses with severe hoof problems must be done especially carefully to ensure their condition is not exacerbated.  With time and great care, Freedom - and his hooves - recovered. 

Today Freedom is healthy and waiting for a new home.  He is a beautiful, American Quarter Horse gelding and stands 15.3 hands tall.  He is healthy but had experienced a knee injury and a pelvis injury at some point in his life.  Digital radiographs have been taken of his knee, and a vet who also is an equine chiropractor have determined him to be sound.  Frequent light riding (walk, trot, light cantering but no steep hills, jumps or tight turns) is recommended by his veterinarian for his old pelvis injury to keep him in condition and sound.  

Freedom needs an experienced horse person and rider, as he is a lot of horse and needs someone who will not be intimidated by his large size and big personality!   ​