Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network.
Meaghan Martin photo
Ex-Racehorse Destined for Kill Pen Rescued by Woman Who Helped Raise Her–WATCH
Meaghan Martin has seen a lot of long faces in her years as a horse trainer, and it was this history that allowed her to turn a potentially-sad story into a happy ending.
She was just a teenager when she met the young mare Saxy, a horse that was to be trained for racing. But having never made a name for herself and collecting only a few thousand dollars in winnings, Saxy was sold on as a workhorse.
Retired equine athletes in America are often sold to the Amish communities, who use them to pull plows and buggies, and it was during this activity that Saxy was involved in a collision that left her marked for slaughter.
Around this time, Martin was all grown up and worked full-time at Red Lion Farm, in Gray, Maine. She was scrolling through Facebook and saw a mare with a brand on her neck that immediately jumped out at her.
“That number is actually what saved her,” Martin told the local NBC affiliate. “I recognized that brand and said, ‘Oh, that’s one of the babies that I worked with.’”
Her friend and owner of Red Lion, Kendra Gorham, felt as Martin did that Saxy had to come home, that they couldn’t let her fall to such a tragic end. Agreeing to split the cost and raise money and supplies whenever possible, the two ladies set off to Pennsylvania to bring Saxy home.
Within 48 hours of reaching out to their community, they had enough money and supplies to ensure Saxy had a real chance of recovering from her accident.
“People donated blankets, people donated brushes, people donated boots for her feet before we had shoes on her to keep her more comfortable,” Martin said. “People were so incredibly generous with their energy, with their money, with their things.”
News Center Maine details the moment when seeing her old trainer for the first time in years, Saxy wrapped her head around Martin after she entered her paddock, bringing immediate tears.
Once back home, it was clear that the mare would need slow and careful rehabilitation. Without shoes and with thin hooves, walking was difficult. Furthermore, she had spent her life with strict orders to run fast or pull things. Gentle but precise maneuvering was never something she had to do and must now learn.
Saxy now works for Martin as one of her horses for an equine-assisted psychotherapy program for humans suffering from trauma and PTSD. Here’s a video of the story
The good news here is life is precious and worth saving. Today’s JohnKu has more to say on this subject. I hope you have a beautiful weekend.
Life by John W. Howell © 2023
It takes but a spark,
A desire to keep going . . .
And a helping hand.
Fiction Favorites 
Saxy playing in the snow lets us know that she’s getting a second chance to live her best life because someone and then a whole lot of other someones made sure of it. Your haiku fits this beautiful story perfectly, Boss.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Pilgrim. This one is close to home.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You did great here. Have a splendid weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a peaceful one, Pilgrim and thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Back atcha Sheriff
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet. I’ve wondered about horses. Also told that a broken leg means they should be put down. Always seemed odd that nobody found a way to help them recover.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are so many tendons and complications in horses legs that repair is almost impossible. Unlike dogs, horses cannot walk on three legs either. But I agree you would think someone would figure out a way.
LikeLike
That’s the thing. We’ve designed splints and artificial limbs for ourselves and other species. I even saw a video about one made for an elephant. Unsure why nobody figured out how to do this for horses.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Big mystery.
LikeLike
This is a lovely story, John. Thanks for sharing it. You’re right, a spark, desire and a helping hand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes we need all three. Thanks, Dan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful story and poem, John. I live in an area where you’ll see horses in backyards. I asked a local about it, and she explained that people adopt old or injured horses. And less than a mile from us is Horses with Heart – these horses help the disabled find their strength. I’m daily in awe of these magnificent creatures. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have had four horses and every one had the heart of a lion. Each took care of daughter as she progressed in her competitions. I have always been in awe of them. Thanks, Gwen. Have a great weekend.
LikeLike
🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
I lost count. It was five.
LikeLike
This story sure puts a smile on my face!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad, GP. A smile is a good thing for sure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful! Just beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Annette. Thank you. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful happy ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We need these kinds of endings at the end of the week. Thanks, Craig.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jill. I liked it as well.
LikeLike
My goodness… that is truly a good news story. Your JohnKu is wonderful! Thank you, John.
LikeLike
Thank you, for letting me know you liked it Jennie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very much so, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful, happy ending!! I need a tissue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here take the box. Thanks, Jennie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John!! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
Oops Deborah. Just finished a note to Jennie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL! I thought that’s what happened. No worries! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLike
What a touching story. Without a doubt, I believe Saxy recognized Meaghan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They never forget, Joan. 😁Thanks for the comment.
LikeLike
This makes my heart so happy – what a wonderful ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Teri. Thanks for the comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
John, this was a wonderfully touching story highlighted by your most appropriate comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jim. Have a great weekend.
LikeLike
It’s heartwarming to hear about people doing good things. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so agree, Tim. Have a super weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too, John. Thank you for these Friday posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love them too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this story John. For my upcoming birthday, my cousin is taking me to a horse farm for an experience I know I will never forget.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you will so enjoy communicating with these wonderful animals. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
This is heartwarming, John. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most moving and beautiful story I’ve heard in some time, John. Thank you so much for sharing this! Fri-Yay, indeed! How lovely to be reminded there are still plenty of kind and generous souls in the world, willing to help where needed. Loved your JohnKu, too. 😊😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marcia. I enjoy telling these stories. I’m so glad you liked it. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
You captured this wonderful, heart-warming story perfectly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful good news story John! ❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cindy
LikeLike
Love this, John 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Denise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A single spark can start a life or keep one going. How wonderful.
LikeLike
Thank you, Pam. It is wonderful. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a wonderful story, John. I love it when people come together to make something good happen!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So true, Jan. I too love it when people make things work by pulling together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s like a Black Beauty story. I just love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Come to think of it is is a Black Beauty story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a coincidence that she discovered Saxy again. It would take a lot of heart and commitment to care for a horse with injuries. Funny that she did not know how to take things slow. It is sad when race horses don’t make it and owners have not use for them. Rather like retired greyhound dogs. I can see where the Amish could use them. Thanks for a good story for a Friday, John. I hope Lucy is getting some rest. Cheers for the weekend!
LikeLike
Such a heartwarming story! I love the idea of Saxy becoming a therapy horse after what she’s been through.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that idea too, Liz. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
How can you not love a happy ending animal story? I had no idea what happened to racehorses after they retired.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The money earners go to stud. The rest? Who knows?
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful story, John. Thank you for sharing. That photo of Saxy playing in the snow speaks volumes! Perfect JohnKu, too.
Hope you had a fabulous Friday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dale. We did have a beautiful Friday. I hope your weekend is peaceful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely. I think it will and I must take advantage of today’s sunshine because it’s rain for the next week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea. We are supposed to have more rain too. Enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did but my magnolia trees were not where I thought they would be at this point. Bummer
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine is beautiful and blooming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ll have to see it on your Thursday post 😉 Or any other one, of course! 😀
LikeLike
Oh my gosh John, thank you for sharing this beautiful story.💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you liked it, Lynn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your JohnKu is right on.
I adore this story.
As a vegetarian I have been heart broken for years about the fate of animals at our hands.
Canada has a horrible reputation for selling unwanted horses to the Japanese for meat. The conditions they are kept in and shipped in until slaughter are worthy of a mind like putin’s.
I’d go on, but I don’t want to bring you down, and there is still some Sunday left to enjoy.
Much love,
⨷♾️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. As an ex horse owner my heart is with them. 4⭕️❌
LikeLiked by 1 person
4⭕️❌ 4⭕️❌ 4⭕️❌ 4⭕️❌
LikeLiked by 1 person
4(4⭕️❌ 4⭕️❌ 4⭕️❌ 4⭕️❌)
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be 64 OXen.
I’ll see your 64 & raise you a 🐷
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see your 🐷 and raise you 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard of a pig in a poke.
Pig in a hug?
Oink in a hug?
Okay… I’m out on hugs.
You win this one with that sneaky hug!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Told you I was bad. 🤗😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really sweet. I enjoyed the video too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you did, Betsy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful story. And the horse now being cared for and giving others some wonderful mental health therapy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a real win-win. Thanks, Debby.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike