Provide Quality Care for Rescued Horses in Texas

Dakota is the newest horse at Easy R Equine Rescue. We received a call from a land owner about 6 weeks ago who reported that his renter had moved out of town with the promise that he would come back to town to pick up his horse.  Four months passed and he never came back for him.  Fortunately, Dakota was on a piece of property where another renter threw hay for him and gave him water, so he wasn't as thin as most horses we get.  But it was obvious that the basic responsibilities of horse care had been neglected.  His feet were long and cracked.  His tail hair was so extremely matted that when we tried to get it untangled, most of it just fell off.  The halter had been on him so long that it had made a scar on his nose.  And per report of the land owner, Dakota had been in the field without companionship of another animal for 3 years.  Horses obviously survive without the presence of other horses, but they are herd animals and most do much better with a companion.

As with most of the horses we get into the rescue, we know nothing about Dakota's history.  When the dentist visits, we will get an idea of his age, which we suspect is in the early 20s.  He has a deformed right eye and has limited sight in that eye. He turns his head to look at things and people out of his left eye, which has caused what looks to be some muscle and bone imbalances--possibly arthritis. He choked on hay the first time we offered it, which indicates that his teeth are probably in terrible condition.  So, he is getting softened alfalfa pellets and senior grain until the dentist can see what is going on in his mouth.  He will be vaccinated, de-wormed, given supplements to help with joint comfort and probiotics to assist with good digestion. 

What is most wonderful to watch is Dakota's  interaction with Ranger and Magi, the two horses at his foster home.  He likes Ranger.  But he loves Magi! He follows her around like her shadow.  And because she is such a sweet, kind horse, she doesn't mind.  She lets him go where she goes. As a herd animal, it has to feel so comforting to, after 3 years, have companions.

Dakota will get the best care at Easy R Equine Rescue.  And hopefully, someone will be interested in providing him a wonderful adoptive home.  He deserves one.

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