Saving Victor

I discovered Victor at a local CSA farm in Muskego, WI. The owners were telling people that this is what a horse looks like when he  gets old. I still don't know if they are just ignorant of proper horse care or didn't want to spend the money. My husband and I were able to convince the owners to give him up. Victor was welcomed to Jericho Creek Farm II, in Eagle WI. Victor is extremely malnourished, anemic, has mange and long tooth with worn down incisors. Due to his former paddock conditions and lack of food, he developed thrush which has eaten away most of the under sole of his hoof. Due to lack of dental care he is unable to eat hay. He just chews it and spits it out. 

For now, Victor is eating three mash meals a day and working on getting his strength back. He gets daily multivitamin and probiotics in his mash. The farrier has trimmed his hoofs and said the thrush is gone but it will take time and nutrition for his hoofs to heal. He is getting blood builders to deal with his anemic condition. The vet will work on fixing his long tooth (three separate stages of filing down the tooth) once he is strong enough to handle a sedative. Its important that he has three meals and slowly gets his weight back. He only weighs 475 pounds and should weigh 675 pounds. If he gains weight to quickly it could send his body into shock and he could have a heart attack or other organ failure. That's what happened to many of the POW's who came home after the war.

Victor is estimated to be 25 years old. The farm he now lives on has horses that are 33 and 36 years old and are in great health due to trainer/owner Wendy Konichek. Victor has been at the farm one week and is looking better already. Once he is back to full strength and weight he should be able to interact with the other 28 horses living at Jericho Creek Farm II. 

I'm asking for help through funding to pay for Victor's monthly boarding costs, grain and alfalfa, bi-monthly farrier bills and bi-yearly vet visits which include all dental work costs. It's been stated that he could easily live another 5 years. Any funding you can provide for the on-going costs for Victor's care is greatly appreciated.  Anything given above the amount needed for Victor's care  will be donated to Jericho Creek Farm II. The vet says Victor is determined and has a strong will to live. 

This Welsh pony has entered my life and my heart. I've never owned a horse before and Victor and I are learning from each other. I've met the most amazing people since bringing him to Jericho Creek Farm II. Everyone is kind, helpful and full of love for this sweet pony. I'm hoping once he is strong enough he can give back by helping out with the Horse Power Healing Center that runs it's programs on the farm. If you go to www.horsepowerhealingcenter.com you can see all the wonderful ways Wendy Konichek gives back to our Veterans, Seniors, Disabled children and adults along with those folks who are terminally ill.

Victor's journey can bring light and hope to all who are suffering and show us that there are people out there that care, love us and will help when the need arises. Please help me care for Victor and let him show us All how we can fall down and get back up when there is love and support all around  us.