One of the worst cases of neglect to face Kings Bridge Equine Rescue, Inc. was 15 year old "Toto." When the veterinarian called to request our assistance with the care of this thoroughbred gelding discovered hidden in someone’s backyard, the news was not good. Just days away from starvation, the vet told us Toto may not survive the trailer ride to our facility, which had already been arranged, we were prepared for the worst in spite of the best care we could provide.
 | |
|
Toto made the trailer ride and weighed in at less than half of the 1100 pounds which would have been normal for a healthy horse of his size. He was nothing more than a skeleton as all of his muscles and tissue had been eaten away as his body attempted to survive off itself. For the first 24 hours Toto was fed one handful of grain every hour until he learned more feed would be coming to him on a regular basis. His first mouthful of grain caused him to suffer "choke" as he had grown so unaccustomed to eating any solid food
Eating four small meals each day Toto’s grain was slowly increased over the next six weeks until he was able to eat the proper amount to allow him to regain the weight he needed to survive. Nearly eight months later Toto arrived at near optimum weight for his frame. During that time he re-grew a completely new hair coat, mane and tail. Toto’s recovery is remarkable since he returned to full health without any side effects often associated with recovery from starvation. Today Toto is a robust, active gelding and has been relocated to the Westfield, Massachusetts area.
| |
Toto could not ask for help. He was lucky someone found him before it was too late. But, on his behalf we can ask you for your help to aid other horses served by the Kings Bridge Organization. Your tax-deductible contribution will go to cover direct expenses of the horses in the rescue program: grain and hay, veterinarian and surgical expenses; hygiene supplies; foot care and special needs. All physical work and daily handling of the horses is voluntary. No wages or salaries are paid ensuring every penny possible is returned directly to the horses care.
The continuing operations at Kings Bridge are reliant upon public support by way of donations, contributions and gifts.
We hope in telling you Toto’s story you will want to become one of the growing numbers of horse lovers able to help Kings Bridge serve other horses across Massachusetts and the New England states subjected to neglect, starvation and abuse.
