Meet Vinnie

Vinnie

Arrived 2nd August 2019

“The first duty of love is to listen” – Paul Tillich

…And listen we did when a kind woman and her daughter appealed to Alan to take in a former racehorse, whom we’ll call ‘Vinnie.’ Vinnie was losing weight rapidly and had an injury so bad to his shoulder while he was at an agistment property that it required extensive vet care.

The injury occurred when Vinnie was placed in a paddock with five, gelded, heavy horses who attacked him. The vet bills were more than this lovely family could handle and knowing he deserved a life where he would be treated with kindness, love and an abundance of care, they contacted Calan Horse Sanctuary and were able to surrender him to us.

According to the rescuers, when he came off the track he was “emaciated, full of ulcers and lame, couldn’t believe he was raced a couple of days prior in that condition. He didn’t know how to be a horse, didn’t know what to do in a paddock, had no idea how to interact with our other horses for some time- the day he figured out he could move was beautiful to see. “ they said.

Vinnie started growing taller and filling out under their care and six months later he was 16hh and in a 6 foot rug. He was quiet, could be led, although became lame after seeing the farrier so he was no longer ridden. Personal circumstances of this family meant this lovely horse with a warm heart had little options.

As is often the case, Calan Horse Sanctuary gets more offers to take in a horse than we have room or time for. Alan is the main and often only person on the property to feed meals, rug, trim hooves, administer care and upkeep the property as well as all of the animals. Taking on another horse in need is significant for one man caring for dozens of horses and other animals with a range of needs.

However, one look at Vinnie was so compelling that even with other horses to care for Alan made the decision that this fella came into our awareness for a reason. We listened and heard him.