Thoroughbred racehorses typically retire from their racing careers between the ages of three and four years old—very young considering a horse can live into his 30s! But just because they are retired from their first careers doesn’t mean they...
The plight of the unwanted horse continues to haunt most horse lovers. There seems to be no practical one-size-fits-all solution to ensure that every serviceably sound horse has a suitable home. If it weren’t for the dedicated souls who...
Kelly Bustillos had only ridden occasionally during her life, yet she enjoyed the role of horse show mom for her teenaged daughter. When her daughter lost her equestrian zeal, Kelly felt a void in her life: She missed the...
I Studied the dental radiographs of the big chestnut horse that had just arrived at the horse rescue. He was alarmingly underweight and quite old, had awful feet, a heart murmur, and dental problems so severe I’d insisted on...
Q: I recently bought an off-track Thoroughbred, and he’s had time to let down as well as a saddle fitter and vet out to check him, and all is fine. He goes pretty well in one direction, but he...
In the world of horse rescue, you never know what "tools” you’re going to have to pull out from under your hat to deal with daily surprises. This week – Jennifer Swanson and Brad Gaver, co-founders of Pure Thoughts...
Rescuing, rehabilitating and finding homes for more than 1,600 horses over the past 10 years, Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue co-founder Brad Gaver focuses his horse-training energy on teaching skills for life. Here, Gaver shares some tips for working with...
This year, Horse Illustrated will be giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) in Lexington, Ky. Following three horses throughout their time at the center, readers will find out how Thoroughbreds end up there,...
Sadly, there is a never ending supply of horses that have been neglected, abandoned, or abused. Anyone with a warm and caring heart may find themselves drawn to helping one or more of these creatures. Saving a horse from...
Adopting a horse through an equine rescue facility can seem bewildering at first. There are so many different entities that claim the title "horse rescue” that you can become immobilized due to confusion. So you don’t lose your enthusiasm,...
