Ace
When people who have no experience with horses whatsoever, run right out on a whim and buy at least one, I have to shake my head. Then there are the ones who buy horses that are so far beyond being something they could possibly handle, it’s rather ludicrous. Ace was just such a horse.
A young horse, Ace was only three when the family I did odd jobs for, purchased him. He had no training, was barely halter-broke, and they were woefully unprepared for horse ownership. With no fences up or place to house him, they did with him what they’d seen many do with their horses, they tethered him out. Ace knew nothing about being tied, never mind tethered long. I wasn’t there to see it, but didn’t need to be either. Ace panicked when the long ‘snake’ wrapped around his legs. He fought that rope until he was so tangled, he was completely immobilized. Even after he was loosened from the cruel, burning grip of that rope, they didn’t release him.
Wben I arrived to do some odd jobs, that’s how and where I found him. Too terrified to move, half his poor face hanging from nerve damage, like a person who had suffered a stroke, one lower leg so badly injured, it was swollen to twice its normal size. Simply aghast, I was speechless at the sight of this poor horse. I wished they’d asked for advice before buying a horse, definitely before tying one out. The poor beast could’ve been saved so much suffering.
They were the sort of people, to whom horses were much like any other possession. They were disposable. A horse that was damaged and suddenly unattractive wasn’t something they wanted. There was no compassion, no sense of obligation or responsibility, after what they’d done to the poor horse. It was, quite simply, to be discarded, and then I appeared. Long story short, I took Ace home with me.
There’s something to be said for caring for an injured horse. No matter how wild, how distrustful, the constant handling tames the wild soul within. It eventually has no choice but to calm. This was true of Ace as well. He had to have the horribly deep wound encircling several inches above one back hoof soaked and treated several times a day. The drooping face and lips massaged, in the optimistic hope the nerves would rebuild. It wasn’t very long before he was putty in our hands, and he received a good deal of extra massaging, as my mother looked at him as her special project. I swear that horse’s face and muzzle came back to normal, because of her tender care.
Over time, the leg healed as well. Ace was a pretty fellow. Bay with front socks and back stockings, the scar on the one hind foot disappeared, yet the hair that grew in coal black was a forever reminder of what had been done to him.
Though he had a hitch when travelling along, Ace wasn’t in pain. As time progressed, we began training him. He was an avidly eager student. He’d always been unhappy, about being left behind when his buddies got to go out on a ride, so we began to take him along.
One ride in particular, will always stand out in my mind. We were riding in an area that was lovely and flat. It was winter, and a wide path had been packed down by countless snowmobiles. Perfect for a nice, little canter we took advantage of it, as we were prone to do. Ace and my buddy Del, usually fell behind at those times. Though Ace’s leg had healed, the hoof was like a fingernail that had been hit hard by a hammer. There was evidence of another growing beneath, but these things took time.
Anyway, as mentioned, slowed by his hoof, Ace usually fell behind when we cantered. We were loping along, enjoying the crisp, yet lovely winter’s day, when Del on a bay horse, suddenly zipped right on by! Astounded, we all wondered what had happened. What had happened was, Ace lost the hoof that had been damaged so long before. He now stood on a perfectly formed, slightly smaller hoof! Unbelievably, that tough, little horse had completely recovered from injuries that many would have euthanized him for. The obvious, sheer joy Ace felt was obvious in every inch of his being. It’s something I will never forget.
Love your stories
Thanks!
Another wonderful rescue story! I’m sure he lived a long and happy life with you!!
He made a young girl who had lost an arm in a farm accident very happy.
Awww so wonderful to read another tail of a rescued and wonderfully healed horse! So very glad the Tails will continue no matter what FB does. Ace is an amazing animal that was brought to life by an amazing author. Thank you for sharing.
Thank goodness for media not tied to Facebook. I will continue to post a daily short story, thanks.
Well. Sure hope you are able to get back on fb. Or maybe someone will come up with a good alternative to fb. Really quite infuriating that they would block you.
There is certainly magic in those hours spent doctoring an injured animal. Lovely to hear that your mother was involved as well. Somehow I’d guessed she had a kind heart too.
Sadly, some of the worst abuse is inflicted by that sort of unthinking people. Wish they would stick to four wheelers and such. Even without intending to be mean, they can do so much damage.
I agree, those kind of people should stick with equipment not equines. As for Facebook, we can always hope things improve.
So glad you were there for Ace. I cringe when I see horses tethered out, often along a busy highway, around here. One day I actually saw a mare tied out, her foal running loose around her. This wasn’t on some quiet road, it right beside a busy, 4 lane divided highway. I only saw it once, and I pray nothing happened to the mare or foal. I hope that someone stopped and reamed them for being so stupid. If I’d been the one driving, I would have stopped and done it myself.
Tethered beside the highway, with a foal too! That’s insanity!
Sweet, sweet story of redemption❤️
Thanks!
Lovely story. So glad you were there for him.
Thank you.
Another lucky horse!
Such a lovely boy too.
As always you seem to take in the most damaged, and with time, love and patience bring them back to health both physically and mentally. You and your family are good people.
Thanks so very much.
He was beautiful you are an amazement of your tender care your mother an angel for taking such good care what happened to him??????
He went to a girl who lost an arm in a farm accident.
Can’t wait for more, as always!
Another night 🙂
Love the story of Ace! What a tough one!
Thanks so much.
Another great tale!!! What happened to Ace???
😊😊😊
He went to a girl who lost an arm in a farm accident.
Another great tale!!!! What happened to Ace???
Thank you! He went to a girl who lost her arm in a farm accident.
Thanks for another great story – he sure was a handsome boy! Yes, I will second the query – what happened to him? Did he have a long and happy life with you or a friend?
Thanks! He had a long, happy life with a girl who lost her arm in a farm accident.
Wow! People never cease to amaze me. Them by their uncaring attitude and of course you with your amazing knowledge and love. And sometimes the persistence AND love brings healing! Great story
Thank you so much.
What a beautiful boy. Another one that was lucky to have found you. And as usual another great story
Another lovely tale, Trudy, thank you – and how wonderful that he ended up with another “injured” soul – I am sure they were very happy togehter
Ace was like her big dog, and they were perfect for each other.
Hi Trudy, I could not find you “tails” on fb so went to your blog. (I guess I needed a “fix”). Ha Ha! Tethering a horse is a VERY tricky thing and should never be done by a newbie. Loved your story about Ace and was glad he got a good home with the young girl. Looking forward to your next tail. Have a great day!
Too many people do things with horses that they’ve seen done, but don’t realize that it takes training. Ace was a very sweet horse. Glad you found the blog!