The Ones Left Behind 3

The storm has been brewing for several weeks now. We all knew something was up, that something was just not right. The nice man local man who wanted to adopt all seven of the horses was a crook. He didn't come to get all seven to keep them together. He was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Somehow he managed to convince the judge that he was a good person and wanted to rehab the 5 remaining seized horses on his 55 acre farm. The judge and animal control were convinced he had good intentions so the order was signed to move the horses from the people who had devoted 45 days to the care and Restoration of the 5 starving horses. Weeks passed and then one day a man arrived to take the 5 horses to their rolling green pasture, but it wasn't this "nice man" it was a horse trader who had been contracted to pick up the horses and take him to the farm. However, what was supposed to be the plan was only a cover for the true intentions of "the man". He intended all along to sell those poor horses at the auction in Goreville, IL. So that very night those 5 poor horses were marched into the sale ring, their futures unknown, with no one there to protect them from the killers.


Word reached the devoted caregivers and the wheels began to turn. Word spread of the missing horses. Rescue organizations all up the east coast were on the lookout for the lost horses. We were desperate to find where they had gone. Finally it was confirmed they had gone through the auction, the records were searched and after several very tense days of hoping and praying, all five were found save and sound, together. The had been saved by a family in Harrisburg, IL. The family was repaid and the horses were returned to Paducah.


Through all of this the truth came out that the ones left behind were still there. They had never been picked up, so again the calls were made and the travel arrangements settled. Friends came together and homes have been secured for all but one.


I am proud to say that two were delivered into open and loving arms on Thursday night. To see the uncertainty in the eyes of a horse is something I never want to see again; but to see the relief in those same eyes at the soft touch of a hand on their neck. The spark in their eyes at the rattle of a feed bucket, knowing that they will be loved and taken care of. I feel like a weight has been lifted. I know they will never be hungry again. They will live out their lives, in rolling green pastures, with no worries. They have earned the security of those pastures.

I cried when the trailer pulled away. Tears of joy, because I know the old lady will have soft places to lay down, she will get breakfast in bed if that is what it takes. The young one will get her foot cared for and there is a small hope for improvement. She will never be sound to ride but she will be comfortable.

There is only one left. I don't know if she will let him go, but if she can't I know at least she can handle only one. I can't say I don't worry about him. I would love to bring him home with me and keep him forever. I am afraid that will never happen. The lady, she thinks that I was the one. I was not. If she had not been willing to give them to good homes I would have, but she was. It doesn't really matter now, what is done is done. The horses are being taken care of and that is really all that matters.

Sam, may have saved them all. We will never know what started the wheels rolling but they did and it is better for all concerned.