Ruined Horses, Donkeys and Mules...

From Jim: This blog is the result of pondering what I had written about Jessie in the blog just below. We have a number of residents here that have been described as "ruined". I think that notion is more one of perspective than truth. By far the worst case of outright abuse we've dealt with is Quincy. He was beaten with chains, boards, pipes, ropes, whips and wire. He was pulled off his feet, tripped, and dragged. His hock was destroyed. He would shake all over when you touched him. He was wired up so tight he was really dangerous-always near panic. We've had this guy for years now. He's a lot calmer and his many scars have healed up some. He'll let you pet him and he's happy with his herdmates. So, was he ruined? I'm pretty sure he doesn't think so. He's rightfully cautious and suspicious. He travels pretty well, given his broken hock. He knows that we will not hurt him and he enjoys his life. Then there's Chance. Our beautiful Thoroughbred 4 year old. We got him when he was two. In his fourth start on the track, he fractured his knee-happens when you race babies. He was on his way to slaughter when he was rescued. He's about as sweet a colt as ever was. He can do regular trail work and should live a nice long life. Is he ruined because he can't race? Smoke was being trained up as a reining horse. Over-training resulted in a bowed tendon in the front leg-left a lump. No more competition for Smoke. Worse, the trainer used really harsh tactics with this boy and scared him to death. It took about 2 years of gentle handling to get him to trust us. He's a beautiful, kind, intelligent horse. Is he ruined? There's Juan, our grand old mule. His flexor tendon tore off the coffin bone. Without a corrective shoe, his foot won't/can't turn over and he would walk on the face of his hoof. Juan is the biggest love you could ever know. He is Home At Last's greeter and a diplomat for all of our longears. He would rather be petted than eat. Is he ruined? Outright abuse, ignorant training, a racing industry that destroys babies, accidents, starvation and founder from over-feeding and so on all inflict terrible injuries. Our kind can quickly decide the animal is ruined, because of limits for human use. Kind of a one way street for the critter. The folks that can't see beyond their immediate need for a "useful" animal really don't appreciate what these creatures are. Most of our residents came here because they were deemed unadoptable. Not usable. Ruined. Come spend some time with them. Get to know them. They're a lot of things, but ruined isn't one of them. They are the very best they know how to be-every day, all of the time. They've overcome physical injuries and mental harm that's hard to believe. They are inspirational and humbling. When I have my hands on them and look into their eyes, I honestly wonder how anyone could think of them as ruined.