Sometimes a rescue starts with a plan. Other times, it starts with an emergency.
When we learned about two senior horses in heartbreaking condition, we knew we had to get them to safety as quickly as possible. Scout and Cash were picked up and taken straight to the hospital, and we were praying they would make the trip.
A Race to the Hospital
The condition these two boys were in was devastating. Scout, the brown horse, and Cash, the gray horse, were both severely underweight and in desperate need of veterinary care. It was hard to see them in such poor condition, especially knowing how incredibly sweet and gentle they were.
It was heartbreaking. It was not okay.
But the most important thing was this: they were safe now.
Our transporter, Justin, had them in his trailer and drove straight to Weems & Stephens Equine Hospital. We knew he would speak softly to them, reassure them, and let them know they were finally somewhere safe.
We hoped they could feel that kindness all the way to the hospital.
A Gentle Arrival
When Scout and Cash arrived at Weems, Dr. Stancoff and his team were ready for them.
Despite everything they had been through, both boys were incredibly quiet and calm during their exams. They led gently and politely, which made it even harder to see just how much they had been through.
Both boys are seniors and need to gain hundreds of pounds. They will need a carefully managed feeding plan to safely rebuild their bodies, strength, and muscle.
Scout’s Teeth Need Attention
Scout, our brown horse, desperately needs dental care.
He has huge hooks on his teeth that are growing into his mouth and rubbing against his cheeks. His teeth will be floated—filed and reshaped—to help make eating more comfortable and allow him to properly process his food.
Because Scout is so underweight, getting his dental health addressed is especially important as we work to help him safely regain weight.
Cash Has an Old Jaw Injury & Melanomas
Cash, our gray horse, has a history of an old lower-jaw fracture. Thankfully, the fracture has already healed on its own.
Cash is also covered in melanoma, which can be relatively common in horses with his coloring. Most of the tumors aren't currently causing a problem, but there are two located very close to his hind end that we will need to monitor carefully. If they grow, they could potentially cause an impaction.
His fecal testing also showed that he desperately needed to be dewormed.
Thankfully, Cash’s bloodwork and ultrasound were otherwise unremarkable, which was reassuring news.
Scout Needs a Little More Help
Scout is experiencing some lameness and pain. At this point, we believe much of his discomfort is related to his extremely poor body condition and lack of muscle.
He also has an injury on his leg with proud flesh protruding from the wound. Scout will remain at the hospital while the veterinary team removes and cleans up the affected tissue and continues treating the injury.
They’re a Package Deal
One thing became very clear almost immediately: Scout and Cash are bonded.
Where one goes, the other follows.
Considering everything these two boys have been through, we can't imagine separating them now. They have each other, and that companionship is incredibly important.
So they will face this next chapter together.
Safe, Together & Starting to Heal
There is something incredibly powerful about seeing Scout and Cash standing together in a hospital stall, safe and finally being cared for.
They are eating small amounts of hay as we carefully begin the process of rebuilding their strength. There is a long road ahead. They need weight, muscle, dental care, medical treatment, and plenty of time.
They don't have to be afraid anymore. They don't have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. And they don't have to face any of this alone.
They have each other. And now, they have us.
