Rescuing Two Friesians
My farm is now home to two more very sweet, handsome Friesian horses.
For some time, my horse manager, Helen Peparo, and I, have been following the progress of two horses under the care of The Dorset Equine Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in southwestern Vermont dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming at-risk horses. The now bonded pair, three-year old Ulysses and 10-year old Stewart, were removed from a neglectful facility at separate times and brought to DER where they could get the attention they needed. After months, and in Ulysses' case, two years, of recovery, the horses arrived at my farm yesterday and so far, they’re doing great - they're healthy, curious, and enjoying the time in my giant run-in pasture, their new home. Everyone here at the farm is thrilled to have them here.
Enjoy these photos and more of their story.
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- Ulysses and Stewart are now here at Cantitoe Corners, running through the field and exploring their new home. Welcome to my farm boys!
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- Founded in 2012, Dorset Equine Rescue has rescued and cared for more than 500 equids. Over the years, DER had been doing much of their work at their small facility and through various borrowed farms and foster homes. Last year, DER was able to purchase a 170-acre farm property where they could expand their services and meet the needs of their many equine residents. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- Ulysses was a timid, sick, and underweight yearling at the time of his rescue in 2023. Here he is getting loaded onto the trailer headed for the Dorset Equine Rescue facility. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- This is Ulysses being introduced to his first pasture mate at DER, both in the process of healing from their rough beginnings. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- Ulysses had some health issues to start and needed specialized diets for the duration of his recovery. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- This is Ulysses starting his training in the fall of 2024 – he looks so much better. And look at the weight he’s gained. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- At DER, Ulysses was well-socialized and loved by so many horses and humans. Socialization and enrichment are crucial in rehabilitation. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- Ulysses is now three-years old and doing very well. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- 10-year old Stewart was also emaciated at the time of his rescue earlier this summer and had to stay in an equine hospital for some initial treatment. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- Here he is grazing at the hospital – very underweight and unable to eat properly due to dental neglect. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- After a month at DER, Stewart already looked so much better. Here he is in July. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- And here is Stewart getting a bath – I don’t think he minds the added attention at all. DER provides all the care these horses need until they are properly and carefully re-homed. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- Stewart received close care. In this photo, medicated cream is put on Stewart’s skin to help improve the condition of his coat. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- And here he is after weeks of recovery – Stewart is already looking more alert and healthy. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
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- Yesterday was the big day – both horses arrived on a sunny, mild afternoon. Here is the trailer as it pulled into my run-in pasture.
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- Ulysses was the first to come off with DER barn manager, Tiffany Vittum.
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- Here’s Helen with Stewart. Stewart is so curious.
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- Here I am offering the horses their very first treats at my farm. Both horses are now on regular diets and eating very well.
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- Right away, the two were eager to stretch their legs and explore the surroundings. We had just harvested 208 bales of hay the day before – the field smelled wonderful.
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- And here they ate looking at all of us from the other side of the run-in shed – always together.
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- Such handsome boys – they’re sure to love it here at Cantitoe Corners.
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- Here I am with Helen, Tiffany, and executive director and president of Dorset Equine Rescue, Jen Straub. Thanks DER for all the care you give these needy equines. Please go to their web site for more information on how you can support this wonderful organization. More photos of the horses’ first weekend at my farm on my next blog.
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