05/10/2026
RESCUE IS MORE THAN A PLACE TO STAY
Last Tuesday 9/29/26, Thunder came to Lazy B as an owner surrender/shelter transfer that a concerned volunteer facilitated.
Her story has really stuck with us, and we felt it was time to share it with you.
Thunder has spent approximately 10 years in rescue. Not just one rescue, but TWO prior to joining Lazy B last week.
Thunder's first 5 years were spent at a rescue that has since closed. The following 5 years were spent at the rescue she came to us from.
Ten years. Two rescues. An entire decade of her life.
Unfortunately, Thunder arrived needing some of the most basic things that should be provided to any horse, especially one in the care of a rescue.
We were told she had not been haltered for at least 5 years, and who knows how long beyond that. She has little to no training, is in desperate need of farrier care, has significant dental problems, and is a bit thin.
Yet within about 10 minutes of arriving at Lazy B, loose in our 60x100 indoor arena, we were able to safely halter her and begin her intake evaluation.
We were able to start making a plan.
A plan that shouldn't be needed for a horse of her age who spent years in organizations who were supposed to be helping her.
Part of the intake evaluation is to estimate age based on teeth and what we found when we opened her mouth was shocking!
She is in desperate need of immediate dental work as she has significant overgrowth and hooks on her premolars that are stabbing into her lower jaw every time she closes her mouth.
This is exactly why rehabilitation matters.
A horse doesn't just need a place to live. They need someone who cares to notice when something is wrong, to ask why they're losing weight, check their teeth, care for their hooves, evaluate their bodies, and continually consider their quality of life.
We know rescue is hard.
We know resources are limited.
We know there are more horses needing help than there are organizations able to take them.
We also believe deeply in working together with other rescues because ultimately, this isn't about organizations.
It's about horses.
But Thunder's story is a reminder that simply being "in rescue" does not automatically mean a horse is receiving what they need.
Ten years is way too long for someone to finally decide it's time to give this horse even the most basic care.
Thunder doesn't have to wait anymore.
We don't know how long it will take.
We don't know everything she will need.
BUT we do know where we're starting:
Dental care.
Farrier care.
Veterinary care.
Proper nutrition.
Training.
Her next chapter starts now, and we will make sure it's her best yet.
Welcome home, Thunder! ❤️🐴
