Two Belgian draft horses have moved to Carmichaels to live out the rest of their days at Horse and Hound Hilltop Haven horse sanctuary after spending their lives working for their families.
These two geldings worked selflessly their entire lives and, when they showed signs of aging, their owners made the decision to sell them to a man who buys horses to ship to meat slaughter. It is common practice for work horses to be sold at the end of fall when someone thinks they may not work the next year because they want to avoid having to spend the money to feed them all winter just to get rid of them in the spring.
Fortunately, Big John and Prince both made their way onto the grounds of The End of the Line in Harmony, PA, an organization this meat buyer has an agreement with to which allows five days to find a home for the horse (at the same cost as the meat price guarantee, of course). Angel Wings Rescue of Jefferson, PA was alerted to Big John waiting for a home as his window was closing and they raised the funds to save him.
The next step was to send these horses to a quarantine facility to be kept separated from other horses and kept under close observation for any illnesses that may develop and to treat any injuries that the horse may have come in with. It was during the four-week quarantine stay that Big John met another Belgian draft gelding named Prince and the two became fast friends. It was decided that for the two horses to have a happy rehabilitation and retirement, they needed to be together.
Most horses live to be about thirty years old, but it is thought that because of the very large size – 18+ hands and 2200lbs – of draft horses, they may not live quite that long. With these two horses being estimated to be 20+ years old already, the hope for Angel Wings Rescue and the sanctuary that is caring for them is to simply let them know love and happiness for the rest of their time.
“Their personalities are already shining through after just a few days in our care! They are both the gentlest giants you will ever meet. It is overwhelming how huge they are, but they look at you and all they want is love and attention!” says Jenn Buzzatto, a board member with Horse and Hound Hilltop Haven.
The next steps for these two include raising funds for a covered hay hut so they can eat round bales throughout the year, more daily grooming sessions, and actively working to help them gain weight – which is a real challenge, as aged horses who have ribs showing are very difficult to bring back to form. But don’t worry, the team is working with local veterinarians on an excellent nutrition program for these two giants.
If you are interested in following the story of these two rescues and donating to their cause, follow Horse and Hound Hilltop Haven on social media for updates.