Gabriel

DOB: Unknown (estimated 12-15 yo in 2024)

Arrived: July 10th, 2024

Breed: Tennessee Walking Horse

Height: 15 hh

Gabriel is our miracle horse! Seized from the brink of starving to death, Gabriel was our hardest and most rewarding rescue case to date. Volunteers dubbed this skinny Tennessee Walking Horse, Gabriel, because it meant "God is my strength." Gabriel was going to need all the strength he could get to survive recovery. Gabe was extremely emaciated and in respiratory distress. He had heaves (equine asthma) and anhydrosis (the inability to sweat) on top of an already weak body. Despite his dire condition, there was a spark of life in him that gave us hope for his recovery. Volunteers gave him around-the-clock care every three hours. When we found he was too weak to stand after laying down to rest, our staff and volunteers used straps and the tractor to lift him to his feet. He required lift support for 17 days until he was finally strong enough to stand on his own.

Now the picture of health and happiness, Gabriel is in training to be a Session horse! He is learning to work through anxiety with being ridden as we suspect he was worked hard with little grace at his previous home. He is sweet and personable, inching his way closer and closer until you're in the perfect position to scratch him. He loves people and is curious by nature, sniffing and licking you good-naturedly. Gabe's story inspires us to never give up or lose hope, even in the face of death. There is nothing too hard that God cannot rescue you from!

To watch Gabe's full story, click here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1973253029780560

To read a Volunteer's inspiring story of caring for Gabe during his intake click the link: It’s Time to Rise