She's 10 years old. Her entire history was scribbled on just four short lines:
"Lived in a feed lot its whole life. Never messed with much. Young smooth mouth mare."
That was all anyone knew about her. No mention of kindness. No mention of care. No mention of ever learning to trust people.
We named her Delilah, and today was the first step in changing her story.
Straight to the Hospital
After picking Delilah up from the sale barn, we headed directly to the hospital for a full veterinary evaluation. The first challenge?
We couldn't even get a halter on her.
With the help of our experienced hauler and veterinary team, we were finally able to place one while she was still in the trailer and safely sedate her.
But the moment they asked her to step off… She bolted. Terrified, she ran straight toward the nearest horses in the pasture, searching for safety.
Once she settled, we were able to quietly secure her and administer additional sedation.
Meeting Her Where She Was
Normally, horses are examined inside a set of stocks designed to keep them safe during an exam.
For Delilah, that simply wasn't possible.
Instead, Dr. Sciba and the team adjusted their entire approach, performing her exam outside in a pen—where she felt just a little less overwhelmed. Even then, she needed multiple rounds of sedation just to make it through. When you've spent ten years never being handled, every touch is unfamiliar.
A Thorough Checkup
Dr. Sciba completed a comprehensive exam to better understand Delilah's overall health.
He performed:
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Bloodwork
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A dental exam
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Heart evaluation
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Chest ultrasound
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Strangles test
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Pregnancy check
To our surprise, Delilah was in remarkably good health. She still needs her feet trimmed and her teeth floated, but those can wait until she's had time to settle into her new surroundings.
Learning That People Can Be Kind
Right now, Delilah is scared, and that's not her fault. No one ever gave her a reason to trust a halter, a veterinarian, or a gentle hand reaching toward her.
But today...
We had a few quiet moments where she stood still long enough for us to simply touch her. And in those moments, you could see it. Behind all that fear is an incredibly sweet horse, just waiting to discover that people can be safe.
A Team That Never Gives Up
Helping a horse like Delilah takes patience, experience, and compassion. It's moments like these that make us so grateful for our incredible team.
For an experienced hauler who stayed calm under pressure. For Dr. Sciba, whose patience never wavered. For every technician and caretaker who worked together to meet Delilah exactly where she was.
No rushing, no forcing, just kindness.
A New Chapter Begins
Delilah's journey won't be measured in days—it will be measured in tiny victories.
The first time she walks calmly in a halter. The first time she leans into a scratch. The first time she realizes she never has to be afraid again.
We're honored to be part of that journey, and we can't wait to share every step with you.
