"Gabby's Story" sadly, is an all too common one. She was on of several horses seized from a small acreage. She scored between 1-2 on the body scale and had a major parasite infestation. She was approximately 7-8 months old but the size of a 4 month old. We can only guess, but since there were stallions running with the mares on the property, one being a paint, she could be a "solid paint", which was a big strike against her for a sale after weaning. We assume the present owner could not find a buyer so she was left to fend for herself. Last year The Animal Rescue League of Iowa assisted in the seizure of her and her 17 pasture mates. Once legal custody was granted to the state and the ARL the horses could begin their slow rehabilitaion and be adopted or placed into foster homes.

We visited the ARL in November and decided to participate in the foster program and our choice was between Gabby or a young dun filly. We wanted to foster the one who appeared to need the most help which was the dun. Sadly, she died the day before we were to pick her up. So we took Gabby home and started the careful process of refeeding. We realized that her weakened state rendered her less resistant to handling, but it went beyond that. We found a kind and willing partner in her. She was standing tied, picking up her feet and being groomed all within a few days. Her weight gain was slow but steady and within a month we felt we were over the hump. The worm infestation was the biggest obstacle to overcome. It took several months to get that under control. She also had lice, which is common in neglect situations. After two months we were so impressed with her and very attached, so we decided to adopt her. We had the room, time and knew she would work in nicely with our other two horses. It did not take long before we integrated her into our herd of two other horses and it went without a hitch. The effects of neglect, while waning, are still evident in her hair but we are hopeful that by spring shed, her good nutrition will produce a shiny healthy coat. She now looks like a filly her age should and she is developing into a well balanced horse. Still not sure if she is a dun or sorrel, but she has a strking blaze, cowy acting and looking, and still the most cooperative filly we have ever had. Our greatest joy is watching her develop into the fun loving yearling she should be. She gives back to us in so many ways. She is like a "social director" for our herd. She entertains my lazy mare and encourages our senior gelding to move around and play.

We know these are hard times for many people with horses. Horse owners need to be responsible and not allow indiscriminate breeding which adds to the overflow of horses in the market. Many owners have suffered job loss and can no longer afford to provide the proper feed and vet care for their horses. However, neglect and starvation is never excusable and there are options. People can call their local humane organizations for assistance or surrender their horses.

I strongly encourage people to participate in the Foster Programs or look at Rescue Horses to adopt if you are considering purchasing a new horse. Contact your an Equine Rescue Group and talk to the barn mananger. If you have horse experience and can provide a safe and loving environment the perfect horse may be waiting for you at a rescue. If you cannot provide a home but want to help, monotary donations, feed, medicine and tack supplies are always needed at your local shelters.

Gabby is truely a "Diamond in the Rough" and we are blessed she is sharing our home!