Faces of Rescue

[Laurie Taylor]

Magic, a Thoroughbred and former racehorse, was advertised for sale. An interested party went to look at him at a local boarding stable.

[Laurie Taylor]

Within a few days, he was seized by the local animal control.

[Laurie Taylor]

Within a couple of days, he was turned over to the Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue ( http://www.sctbrescue.org/ ) for rehab.

Just three months later, with ample food and constant veterinarian care he has made an amazing turnaround, and does not look like the same horse. The dull eyes are now full of interest and mischief. His weight is much improved, and his coat is sleek

He is starting back under saddle now, to evaluate his suitability for various disciplines.

Soon, he will be available for adoption.

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[Laurie Taylor]

The SCTBR volunteers found Katie at a low end auction. Funds were available for the possible rescue of one horse but there were seven Thoroughbreds there that night, that were in danger (including one with what appeared to be a broken knee). Emergency donations allowed the rescue to outbid the kill buyer for a few more of the horses.

Katie’s consigners had taken her to the auction because they could no longer afford to keep her.

Katie’s history showed that she had raced a few times, taken time off to raise a foal, then returned again to the racetrack. She later went to a private owner.

Katie, despite being under tack during the auction and ridden in the auction ring, still went to the feedlot.

The rescue was given a reprieve of 48 hours, to pull her from the lot. Funds came in for her rescue, and what eventually turned out to be two other horses as well.

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[Laurie Taylor]

Due to her condition (very thin and sporting wounds from whips), she went to a foster home in the SCTBR system, for her rehab.

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[Laurie Taylor]

I met her for the first time two weeks into her rehab. At this point, she has already gained 100 pounds.

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[Laurie Taylor]

While she initially was apprehensive and not very trusting, she does appear to be realizing now, that whatever has been in her past, is now indeed that - the past.

She is trying very hard to trust those around her. She is wanting to trust.

And I see hope in her beautiful eyes.

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[Sarah K Andrew]

Beautiful work, Laurie.

[Diana Duffy]

Laurie, these are wonderful stories, and beautiful images of "before" and "after". Thoroughbreds are dear to me anyway.

[Bev Pettit]

Thanks for sharing these heartwarming stories Laurie. The pictures speak a thousand words (and more).