Project Report
| May 9, 2024
Bales for Bell
By Kim Mosiman | Executive Director
![Bell at the Vet's]()
Bell at the Vet's
Early in May, a Clackamas County Sheriff Deputy responded to a neglect complaint and found Bell, a malnourished 23-year-old Belgian Draft Mare. This was not the first complaint or investigation of neglected animals on the property, but this time Bell’s owner agreed to surrender her.
We loaded Bell up and headed directly to Eagle Fern Equine Hospital for a full intake examination. She was graded a 2.5/9 Body Condition Score. The weight tape measured Bell at 1350 lbs, while a healthy Belgian Horse should weigh between 1800 to 2400 lbs. She was easily 400+ lbs underweight. Bell also had a very high parasite load, for which she started treatment, and is in need of dental care, which will wait until her body is stronger. She has rain rot along her topline and hair coming out in chunks. Thankfully, she loves scratches and grooming.
With all of those concerns, the worst still, is the condition of her hooves. Draft horses' hooves absorb a tremendous amount of weight and pressure. When they are not maintained, they tend to break and crack rather than grow long like a smaller horse’s hoof might. Bell’s hooves are full of these cracks and defects that compromise their strength and strain the delicate tissues within the hoof wall. We expect it will take months for them to recover fully.
Though the road ahead of her is a long one, we got to Bell in time. She will get another chance at life where she is safe, healthy, and valued. On Saturday, Bell was transported to a foster home. There she will get the farrier and dental care she needs to thrive, tons and tons of love and TLC, and nearly as many tons of quality hay.
Proper nutrition from quality hay will help Bell gain vital fat and muscle and will allow her body to make healthy new cells in every organ in her body.
Can you help us heal Bell and others like her from the inside out?
![The condition of Bell's feet]()
The condition of Bell's feet
![Bell starting her recovery in foster]()
Bell starting her recovery in foster
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Feb 6, 2024
New Intakes Zazu and Nala
By Kim Mosiman | Executive Director
![Zazu]()
Zazu
Meet our two newest intakes Zazu and Nala. They are both significantly underweight, scoring a 2 out of 9 on the Henneke Body Condition Scale. Both horses came in covered with lice and rain rot.
Zazu is a Paint type gelding who is about 18 years old. He had some harsh lung sounds and was not thrilled to bend his hind legs. We will radiograph his hocks and look for arthritis after he is stronger and feeling better.
Nala is a Quarter Horse Type mare that appears to be about 5 years old. She is sore on a front foot, likely caused by a thin weak sole. She also is off on a hind leg from what we are guessing is a weak stifle. Both conditions will be reevaluated once her feet have been able to dry up and she has had enough calories and time to build muscle. For now, this duo’s job will be to just rest, eat and gain strength.
If you would like to help Zazu and Nala’s recovery, please consider taking advantage of GlobalGivings New Monthly Donor Campaign. Any new monthly donation will be matched 100% after 4 monthly donations!
![Nala]()
Nala
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Oct 31, 2023
Meet Mr. Elliott
By Kim Mosiman | Sound Equine Option, Executive Director
![Getting tucked in for the night at the vets.]()
Getting tucked in for the night at the vets.
Elliott recently came to Sound Equine Options from a Clackamas County Law Enforcement Case. This was only the latest step in this young horses journey.
This sweet boy is a Mustang gelding. From his brand, the BLM was able to tell us that Elliott is a 5-year-old who was born at the BLM Corals in Burns, Oregon. His parents are from the South Steens Wilderness. He went from the corrals to a TIP Trainer and then was adopted and titled by another party. We believe he has had several homes since then.
At intake, Elliott received a through veterinary exam due to his poor body condition. Fortunately, his bloodwork was normal, and x-rays showed that his pelvis, although steep looking, did not show any signs of trauma. He is now in a foster home where we can help him build up his overall health and condition.
Elliott is one of the sweetest and easy-going horses we have had the pleasure of helping. Thanks to your ongoing support, we can get him back to good health and into a loving home soon!
Thank You!
![Elliott's Body Condition]()
Elliott's Body Condition
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