Horse Spotlight: Jake

In March of 2018, I was given the privilege to go with Ashley to Sugarcreek Livestock Auction in Traci's place due to having a conflict.  We saved four horses that day and one of those horses was Jake the Belgian.  He was never supposed to come home with us but when he entered the auction ring.  He melted our hearts.  There was a certain look in his eye that will always stick with me.  When he was bought by the meat dealer, we knew that we had to buy him and Charlie gave the guy two hundred dollars in the bathroom.

So, on that day, we blindly bought a twelve year old Belgian gelding with no clue on his age, gender or personality.  We didn't know if he would fit into our barn.  What we did know was that this was a special horse.


Once back on the farm, Jake's main task was to gain weight as he was severely thin.  He started to learn how to ride and was unbelievably calm.  Months later, in July, Jake came in from the pasture limping.  We put him on stall rest and after he went down and we couldn't get him up, the vet was called.  Several x-rays later, it was determined that Jake's shoulder had been shattered by another horse's kick.  I was not very hopeful for his recovery. 

Jake sat in his sling for months and slowly regained his strength.  He finally filled out weight wise and his shoulder slowly but surely healed.  I am still in awe that he was able to heal.  His shoulder becoming injured again will always be a concern but he was still adopted quickly by one of the families who take lessons at our barn nonetheless. 

One week ago, Jake went home to his forever home with one of our minis, Rusty.  There, he will be forever loved by his three little kids, have green grass to eat and trails to ride on.

If you are interested on learning more or would like to donate, please contact Happy Tails Farm and Rescue Center.  Every donation helps us to save more horses from the auction ring, just like Jake.