The Survival of Destiny

The drought across Australia is seeing too many livestock episodes with tragic endings. Neglected horses are figuring very high in these scenarios.

When the resources of animal welfare organisations are stretched to their limits, the efforts of caring individuals can be vital to help animals in distress. This is a story about how two people heard of a horse in extreme difficulty and stepped in. The reputed reason for the intentional neglect of the horse was turned around. In the hands of the ‘rescuers’ the horse discovered talent and potential which the previous owners were either too impatient or too blasé to notice.

‘Destiny’ is a ten year old, thoroughbred mare. It is believed that she had a successful racing history interstate. Subsequently, she was acquired for showing purposes through a dealer. However, it is understood that the mare did not rate in either the beauty or performance stakes. She was quickly dismissed as unlikely to make the grade of the highly valued, highly priced show horses already in the stable.

Her owners were known to have a number of horses aimed at top level competition. When Destiny was dismissed she was not moved on. Instead, her owners put her in meagre yards, turned their backs on her basic needs, and concentrated on the horses deemed more likely to deliver talents and awards.

Months went by. Destiny began to suffer a wide range of neglectful conditions, starting with malnutrition. She developed rain scald and began to lose her coat. She became lice infested. From standing in cramped yards with inadequate room for exercise she suffered swollen and stiff legs. Her teeth were found, upon eventual rescue, to be in need of major work. Sores had developed under her winter rug which was never removed.

Somehow, word of the tragic existence of this ‘Cinderella’ leaked out. A keen competitor, but above all, a local horse lover and her friend, heard of her plight and visited the property. Amazingly, the neglectful owners were reported to be only a little sheepish about her condition. Nevertheless, they asked $500 for a sale. They were quickly shamed into relinquishing her at no cost.

This was in June 2006. Much effort later, with a photo album to record her transition from starving and frightfully unwell state to sleek, prize winning show horse, Destiny has come through hell to the other side. The tears of despair her rescuers reported, upon first sighting of the horse, have become tears of joy and pride. The months in between, while Destiny underwent intensive care for her dental, hoof, nutrition and coat needs, have rewarded the new owners. Her transformation has been quite rapid given the appalling state in which she was found – down to her rump being a hairless, sore-covered bony frame.

Now, with over thirty show ribbons to prove it and the admiration of many who know her story, Destiny may well be achieving far more than her earlier stable mates. Her new owners delight in showing off this confident, happy, loved and promising horse. She was lucky enough to be discovered by people with the passion, resources, patience and heart to restore her health.

There will not be many stories like this coming out of the East Coast drought. It is more than heartening that at least one horse has not had to be euthanized or become the subject of unsatisfactory welfare battles. In some ways Destiny is symbolic of what some individuals acting on their own can achieve.

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