Walter’s World: the Story of a Homeless Horse

A horse was found wandering by the road in New Jersey in autumn 2011. Animal Control picked him up and held him for a few days. Nobody claimed him, so he took residence at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue in Perrineville, NJ, and was named Walter.

After getting three months of regular meals, Walter went from this…

To this…

Recently, Walter was evaluated under saddle, and he’s gaited! His stocky build makes him look like a Quarter Horse, but there’s no mistaking the way he moves…

Here’s more information from Helping Hearts- please contact HHER if you’re interested in adopting Walter:

“Walter is approx 18 yrs, 14.3 hh. And will be suitable for an advanced beginner on up. I plan to start putting my lesson kids in him this weekend to hack him out and start toning him up.

He’s got wonderful ground manners though he does start getting wiggly and anxious at meal-time. That is something I see with virtually every starvation case. That behavior subsides after a while when they finally realize they won’t miss a meal.

He was under saddle once do far. He was initially wiggly to mount but after 10 minutes of insisting that he stand, he did. He initially aimed for the door, and the other horses – typical school horse type study –nothing horrible or unsafe. Just needs to be pushed thru it. Some basic schooling sessions will take care of that.

He can be a bit dominant in the field, works it out in a general population but should not be paired with an overly submissive horse because he’ll bully her.

He is a nice, personable, sweet horse. His adoption fee will be $300.”

Camelot Auction Graduates- Before/After Photos

One of my favorite things about working with equine rescues and auction horses is seeing the transformation that takes place once the horses are in their new homes and are blossoming with good care. It takes a little imagination for your mind’s eye to envision a slick summer coat under a fuzzy winter coat, and to add 100 pounds to an underweight horse, but these photos can help to crystalize the potential that these horses have:

Gatsby was already sold by the time I arrived at Camelot Auction on a Thursday afternoon in October 2010, but he was so handsome and proud that I photographed him anyway.

“#111 aprx 16 hds Gray Gelding rode thru calm very thin $325.00”

Gatsby at auction ©Ida Howell/Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Little did I know that he was sold to someone who was going to keep him at the same barn where Wizard lives! I’ve had the pleasure of watching Gatsby turn into a well-loved jumper. He still has that same noble appearance, but now his coat gleams with good care and he is being prepared for the 2011 show season.

Gatsby in March 2011:

Gatsby at a schooling show in November 2010:

Gatsby at Christmastime…

Mimi is another stablemate of Wizard, and she has also become a barn favorite and a lovely riding horse. Here she is at Camelot…

“#66 Sorrel Mare 14.3 4 yrs rode thru calm- one blue eye the one she kept closing- when I blocked the light she opened it, she is very sweet and thin. $260.00”

Mimi at auction ©Ida Howell/Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Her runny and sensitive eye cleared up in a matter of days and now her vision is perfect. Mimi in March 2011:

Mimi and her Santa outfit:

I met Ursula at Camelot in December. She was probably my favorite horse of the day; while all the other horses munched on hay and rested, she romped around her pen, leaping and playing. She has a sparkle that immediately caught my eye.

Ursula at auction.

“#746 Bay filly. 12H and yearling. Standardbred. Scared and very thin. Needs tlc big time. Led through quiet. $50”

(middle)

And here she is in March at a local barn in New Jersey:

With horse show season just around the corner, please contact me if you know of any Camelot Auction graduates who are competing. I would love to cheer them on and take some pictures.