Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

~ John W. Howell

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

By Andy Corbley

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.

 

90 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News”

  1. 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.

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    1. 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.

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      1. 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.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. 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. ❤️

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    1. 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.

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  17. 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. 😊😊😊

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  24. 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!

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  26. How can you not love a happy ending animal story? I had no idea what happened to racehorses after they retired.

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  27. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  29. 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,
    ⨷♾️

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