Sweet, Starving, and Stoic

  • Breed – Bay Arab Gelding
  • Entry Date – July 27, 2013 at approximately 25 years of age
  • Type of rescue – Surrendered
  • Reason – Starvation (Henneke body score from 1 to 2)
  • Special needs – Special Feeds and Dental Treatment
  • Cause and Date of Death – Colic, April 7, 2015

Johnny B. Goode (“Johnny”) was rescued in response to a call from the Jackson County Sheriff’s office who had responded to a report of a starving horse. Johnny was not just starving – he was nearly out of time. With his skeletal frame and hair loss (a sign of late stage starvation), Johnny was in serious condition.

Despite his condition, Johnny has a sweet disposition, a bright eye, and lots of energy!  He gobbles his special feeds as fast as it is safe to give them, nickers to people who come through the barn, and whinny’s to the other horses.  We are hopeful that with proper feed and care, Johnny will recover over time and enjoy his sanctuary as part of the gelding herd.

Sadly, Johnny’s overweight appaloosa pasture mate (Henneke body score from 7 to 8) was left alone in a large field of dry grass with no shelter from the elements.  We are hopeful that they will be reunited one day when the owner realizes how likely the overweight horse is to fail in these dangerous and solitary conditions. When the fall rains come and the pasture grass starts growing again, it is very likely that Johnny’s friend will founder, perhaps not for the first time.

Starvation and obesity – both life threatening to horses.   For now, at least Johnny has a chance.

Go, go Johnny go!