Yesterday you learned how some boarders at the barn where I keep Shiloh came together to rescue Classic Maverick, a thoroughbred off the track. Yesterday’s story ended with Fred and Darla’s timely intervention of Classic Maverick being taken to the kill place in Canada. Here’s the rest of the story, some of it may be difficult to read. For up to date information on Classic Maverick, check out his MySpace page.
“The kids and I were up at the barn before 5:30, let our horses and some more out to pasture to graze and pulled out our chairs to wait. The big truck pulls up again and they took Classic Maverick out and I took him into the white barn, his new home. He had been only gone for a few days. He really got beat up. I read on the internet from a news article about this place he had been and it ain’t pretty. They keep them 3 to a small stall while they wait for the Tuesday ride to Canada without getting fed. Well, the first thing I did was to give him a huge scoop of grain, a huge scoop of sweet corn, and huge serving of hay and some fresh water. Later we took him outside to eat some grass and sprayed his bite wounds from the last few days with medicine and ran cold water over his hurt leg for about 10 minutes. He went back to his stall and fell asleep.
“Since Sunday, we have arranged to have this horse saved, his board and rehab paid for, she also paid the $550, another donor has committed to two months board, another lady who has committed to give, a lady who has worked for the Minnesota Zoo for twenty years commit to retraining him to be a riding horse (she has four horses she has saved at her farm), two girls who have been around horses all their lives and know all about thoroughbreds commit to help retrain and care for him and another vet tech lady commit to watching after his health almost on a daily basis.
These people have always desired to help these horses and are excited about starting a non profit. Karen and Eleanor are going to be on the board. We have also found a lawyer to do the work to start it for free.
“This is one lucky horse and he sure is pretty. We were going to dedicate the foundation in memory of Classic Maverick, but now it will simply be called The Classic Maverick Foundation. Hey, if it is just one horse at a time, at least we will make a difference. We now have three horses and the kids are crazy about the life.
“I don’t have anything against these people who race horses for business, but I do have a problem with people who can just throw an animal away that quickly. Emily even had asked the guy if he could wait till she could secure a rescue place for him. His response? At $20 dollars a day board, he is gone. ~ Fred Jeffery”
Harmony,
Janet Roper
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Janet – I’m so glad this story has a happy ending. Have you seen the recent posts by Anne at smellshorsey.com and Mrs. Mom at ohhorsefeathers.blogspot.com? I really think that we all need to unite and come up with some way to raise money to support horse rescue operations. It’s really impressive that your friends were able to help this horse so quickly and get that much support for him. I hope that he recovers and lives happily ever after.
Hi Victoria,
Yes, thank God this story ends well for Classic Maverick. If only all horses could have an ending like this one. If Fred & Darla’s other horses are any indication of the life Classic Maverick has ahead of him, he’s going to be one heckuva happy boy.
I’m going to zip over to smellshorsey.com and Mrs. Mom and see what’s up with them. What are your thoughts on coming together to support horse rescue?
Thanks for stopping by!
Harmony,
Janet
Hi Janet,
That’s a great ending to a tragic story, one that is too often played out! I am a FOB (Fan of Barbaro) and have been since his racing and perils of life and death that followed. He was a great horse, but a greater ambassador for the horse. Barbaro brought all of us and the world an awareness of horse slaughter and we have made great advances in horse rescue.
Thank you for rescuing Classic Maverick, I’m sure he is deserving of your love and care.
Hugs to you and all creatures,
Bernel Kress
Hi Bernel,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Yes, Classic Maverick’s story has a good ending, he seems to be doing very well. Just to clarify, I did not rescue him, but some folks at the barn where I board rescued him.
Harmony,
Janet
Hi Janet!
Just want to give an online update! It has been only about 6 weeks and what progress we have made. To clarify..Classic Maverick is actually his wrong name! The tattoo on his lip revealed his given name, but we decided to keep his name as Maverick..taking Classic out so there would be no confusion.
Maverick had a severe bowed tendon and with the expert help and advice at the barn he is recovering better than most expected. From the very first day, I was determined that he would be healed. I took a long piece of duct tape and boldly wrote with a marker “Failure is NOT an option. Believe.” Maverick has had all bandages off for over 2 weeks and started daily walks with Moses…a retired racer and pony horse for about 17 years. Moses is teaching Maverick how to walk slowly and calm up and down the arena. Mavericks favorite time of the day is I finish sweeping the barn because he knows he gets a bowl of feed pellets. I am not sure what it is about these pellets but I think it is from his first week home. It was a Thursday when he refused to eat. I went back to barn really early before work and hand picked grass, dandelions, etc. coaxing him to eat..nothing…I walked around the other barns collecting different types of hay…treats, an apple, carrot…nothing. So, I just rested my arms on his stall door and gave him the motherly lecture! “We didnt go through all this just for you to die from NOT eating!!” The gentleman that runs the place saw me, came over and reassured me that Maverick was going to be o.k. I returned later that day, and Maverick was eating and even showing off by putting his over the stall with a mouthful of hay. I then gave him the pellets…and ever since he eats like a “horse”! Still showing off as if to say “Look mom! I’m eating!”
With the help and support from so many friends we have officially started the nonprofit! The name is Standing In The Gap…Our mission is to make mentors out of the horses that we are able to take in as we grow. These wonderful creatures will be retrained to work with military vets and young adults overcoming addiction…I am very thankful for Maverick…he is my leader on this path. My reasons for choosing these cause are because of my son Michael. We fought everyday for his life. Four years, a couple of months ago he clung to life by a thread. In 3 weeks he graduates from boot camp as a Marine. Michael is excelling and achieving extreme high scores in every area! I am proud, because he is proud. I was told that his story will be one of the greatest success stories. My husband Fred said that there would be no other man that he would want beside him on the front line. I am excited to have a picture of Michael in his dress blues standing beside Maverick, who is by the way 9th generation of Man o War!
Darla.
Hi Darla,
Thanks for the update on Maverick. Your passion is evident through your words!
Harmony,
Janet