A Heartwarming Story: From Rescue to Rehabilitation
In late 2022,
Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) embarked on a rescue mission that would steal the heart of a dedicated horse trainer. When The Humane Society of the United States needed assistance for a large-scale horse rescue in Ohio, DEFHR jumped in. Despite the bleak circumstances, amongst the rescued horses was a particular one who stood out. A 17-year-old pinto stallion, Zillow, whose story became a beacon of hope and transformation.
Bleak Beginnings
On that fateful day, when DEFHR's Emergency Response Team arrived at the scene, they found Zillow locked in a dark barn, standing in feet-high piles of manure. It was evident that the horses had been living in horrific conditions for quite some time.
Zillow, in particular, was showing signs of severe dental and hoof neglect. Happily, the staff at DEFHR believed that Zillow had the strength and spirit to pull through.
A Journey of Rehabilitation
Over the next six months, Zillow embarked on a rehabilitation program tailored to his condition, encompassing a structured feeding plan, and regular vaccinations, deworming therapy, dental floats, and hoof trims. Gradually, Zillow's health began to improve.
The transformation didn't end there. Once his health was stable, Zillow was castrated and entered DEFHR's training program.
The ultimate goal was to prepare this incredible horse for adoption. During the summer of 2023, Zillow was fully rehabilitated and began working with DEFHR's Leigha Schrader.
A Surprising Bond
Unbeknownst to both Zillow and Schrader, they were about to form a bond that would change both their lives. Not long after Zillow started his training with Schrader, her long-time equine partner and friend, Vinni the Mini, tragically passed away. Dealing with the overwhelming grief, Schrader found an unexpected source of comfort and companionship in Zillow.
For Schrader, the initial focus was to help Zillow overcome his trauma and fears. It involved months of dedication and patience but, with time, Zillow learned to trust and let go of his anxieties. Not only did he develop trust in his human companions, but his innate curiosity and playful nature also started to shine through.
As the training progressed,
Zillow transformed from a being a timid, fearful stallion into a confident, playful partner. Notably, he also began to show a surprising interest in liberty training. This marked a significant shift in Zillow's journey, turning him into the star of Schrader's demonstrations.
A New Chapter
As Zillow's personality continued to blossom, Schrader found herself considering him for a new role. She started contemplating whether Zillow could step into Vinni's shoes and join her on a professional platform.
As the year 2024 dawned, they were invited to participate in the Horse World Expo, an annual event held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Zillow played a starring role in Schrader's demonstration, titled "Horses With Choices; What Is Liberty Work?".
The once abandoned and neglected horse was now stealing the show and inspiring others with his incredible journey of transformation.
A Happy Ending
In Schrader's words, Zillow is a "great partner" who has "come out of his shell". Not only does he have a deep desire to learn new skills, but he is also extremely perceptive and enjoys playing with other horses at the farm. He has come a long way from his bleak beginnings, giving everyone at DEFHR immense joy and pride.
For more details about DEFHR and its adoption procedures, visit
DEFHR.org. For more information about Horse World Expo and how to witness Schrader and Zillow's remarkable demonstration, visit
HorseWorldExpo.com.
References:
- http://horsenetwork.com/2024/03/zillow-takes-real-estate-in-rescue-horse-trainers-heart/
- https://www.humanesociety.org
- https://www.defhr.org
- https://www.horseworldexpo.com
