06/07/2026
Yesterday, late afternoon we picked up six standardbreds. I had a list in order as they were pulled. When I arrived, 17 year old "Locked Up GUST" looked defeated, and had given up hope.
The lifeless energy he exudes drew me to him.
I bumped him on the list to bring him back to Heartland to get him started on his new life and rehabilitation. His head hung low, flies all over his body, he smelled bad, but no wounds. The light was gone from his eyes, but trusted my intention of loading him onto the trailer.
Gust forced his frail body to step up and loaded beautifully. I kissed and held his face and told him he was safe forever. Then I prayed he wouldn't collapse on the way home. Once unloaded, I took his temperature, loved on him, and tucked him into the stall. Calling the vet crossed my mind, but he was slurping up the small amount of alfalfa and senior mash we offered. He was so grateful and looked me in the eyes as if to say thank you.
Gust passed away this morning.
He was found laying peacefully as if he waited to let go. He had obviously and recently been through the worst kind of hell no animal should endure, however we were too late.
This is why we are here and rescue.
To hear and listen to those without a voice.
He needed to pass on and leave his worn down and tired body. He needed to feel safe.
For that brief moment, his dignity was slightly restored. Gust passed away on a giant bed of straw and with food in his belly.
As much as I want to rage and blame, I will not.
If anything, this pushes me to continue to network all lost horses, in particular the standardbreds. They are what flood the auctions, kill pens and pack the slaughter trucks.
As terribly sad as this is, he is no longer suffering.
I find solace knowing he knew we cared and his life mattered. All I ask of everyone following this journey to get the horses we network out of the pen, is not to wait to help if you are contemplating.
The pens are full, the horses get sick, hurt, do not sleep, and do die.
I could blame myself and so many others, but this is reality of ship pen rescue. It's not for the weak.
It's not for everyone. But it's what I do and will not stop until I'm no longer needed there.
Gust, thank you for alerting me help you.
I pray the last 12 hours of your life felt so much more peaceful than they have in a long time buddy.
God speed boy, you were loved.
I'm sorry sorry to his new Mommy that pulled him as " he looked so sad". Bless her kind heart. I'm currently going through standardbreds in our barn to offer to help ease this pain.
