"Old Age is Not a Disease, but We All Need Care"

"Old age is not a disease."

This is a powerful thought that our DVM’s first shared, and something we echo, as we seek to provide care to combat the normal problems of aging. When body parts begin to wear down, there are many solutions to continue equine life in health and comfort, as evidenced by our senior horses, who are very happy and who want to live. If we are lucky, dear reader, we also will grow old, and likely need medical assistance, too, and hope it is there for us.

But what about the old horse who hasn’t received any of that care, a horse who has been aging and surviving anyway, a horse who has been let down by humans?

Please help us welcome Ranger, rumored to be 37 yo, a noble appaloosa with a long history. We have been told some of the story and perhaps Ranger will tell us more, as we get to know him. We already know that he is well trained, a seasoned riding horse, and he likes people. We can see he still has a spring to his step, trots and canters and pushes for attention. He has a bright light in his eyes, is blessed with good genes and a strong heart. We were told that, in a previous life, he was a trail horse on Long Island. He was moved up to our area maybe five years ago to retire, and we know that is true because we used to see him when we drove in that direction, standing alone, peeking out of a garage. We remember distinctly thinking ‘well at least they are trying’ but his thinness was evident from a distance. Then one day he was gone, and we thought he must have passed away. The property was sold, changed hands, and that was early in the pandemic, when we all just tried to keep to our small world. What we learned recently is that this horse didn't die, but was abandoned then, left behind when the property was going on the market, a helpless old horse, alone. Fortune smiled upon him, and Ranger was taken in by a kind senior citizen, who offered what care he could. But the human has challenges too, his own health has suffered, his personal surgery imminent, resources are long gone, and even basic care for Ranger cannot continue. Thankfully, a mutual contact brought this situation to our attention, and we visited to see if Rosemary Farm could help.

We counsel owners of senior horses to think long and hard about relocation, as it can be well-intentioned but ill-advised, so we asked the same questions of this human and the horse, to determine what would truly be most kind. We know that Ranger is well trained and has traveled a lot, so a re-location ought not to be jarring. We had an advance vet visit last week, and he was perfect for his bloodwork and for his handling, for whatever was asked of him. The test results have come back, and there is no evidence of major organ failure or other issue that would preclude a move. He will need groceries and TLC, and we may find that he isn’t as old as the rumors predict, but no doubt he is a senior in poor condition, and he needs some serious care. This person extended a great kindness to a horse in need, and now we will take over, and give Ranger the care he needs.

We hope that you give Ranger a #RFNation welcome and support our efforts! He is very personable. As we get to know him we will share progress, and hope we can all enjoy his recovery. While we can’t control his life until now, we do believe in the power of love, and the power of a great last chapter for any life.

Thank you for caring, it truly is lifesaving.

NOTE: If you prefer to Send a donation via PayPal, click here. Please be sure to add a Comment/Memo for "Ranger".