Winslow, the Little Horse That Could
Little Winslow was rescued from a kill pen in PA in May of 2015. Why would anyone subject a yearling to a death sentence you may be asking? Winslow was badly in need of surgery for umbilical and scrotal hernias. Surgery that costs thousands of dollars. There are not many people or rescues that want to take on that expense or level of care to save one horse. Except for us. We take on the horses that need us the most because we believe every horse deserves a second chance. Winslow was just a baby. When we received word that there was a Belgian yearling in a kill pen we sprung into action. We stepped up and pulled him out of that kill pen and brought him home to CDHR.
Time was of the essence in getting this little guy into surgery. In Doctor Golub’s words, “Hernias can be like a time bomb, especially the scrotum- it twists or gets trapped and suddenly it’s emergency colic surgery.” Thanks to our generous donors, we raised the funds for Winslow’s surgery, and he was brought up to Tufts Equine Hospital where he underwent extensive surgery on two hernias.
Just like the story of the little train that could, after months of stall rest and around the clock care and love shown by our volunteers, Winslow made a full recovery. He joined the herd and our horses taught him how to finally be a horse. When he was old enough, two of our trainers started working with him and sweet Winslow was adopted in January 2017 by a wonderful, loving family who owns Vance Acres in Gansevoort, New York, where he was welcomed by his new humans and their horses into the fold. Winslow had found his forever home.
Today Winslow is a healthy Belgian and has become a celebrity of sorts as he and his teammates provide wagon and sleigh rides for the local community. He’s also a perfect gentleman under saddle and shows off his athletic ability jumping. There’s nothing he can’t do.
Winslow is a shining example of the work we do. We are committed to helping Draft horses in need. We know we can't save every horse, but for the ones we do save, their lives are completely changed. Every draft horse deserves a chance at a new life and we are that chance for many horses who have no hope.
Winslow rescued from a kill pen in 2015
Umbilical and Scrotal Hernias
Winslow Today, September 2020
Winslow Today, September 2020
Happiness and a Forever Home for Winslow
(photo courtesy of Vance Acres)