Draft Horse Rescue / HARPS
December 15th, 2007 | by drafthorse |lgordon946 asked:
59 draft horses were loaded into a double deck trailer that overturned on Rt 41 in Wadsworth Illinois. 41 Horses survived the accident ~ this is their story.
CARL
24 Responses to “Draft Horse Rescue / HARPS”
By lgordon946 on Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
Very well said, and regardless of the cost and heartache, isn’t it such a blessing to have such sweet souls pass through your gates and know that you are doing all you can. We are one of the few humane organizations that didn’t want to see the slaughter plants closed, knowing what the outcome would be. No, slaughter plants are not the answer, but we should have had at least a plan in place before they closed.
By unbridleddreams on Dec 19, 2007 | Reply
However, it IS great to have saved so many horses. I do what I can for many bones that pass through my gates, and they are forever in my hearts. This is a perfect example of someone caring so much for horses, regardless of the cost. I emphasize again though, what about the ones we can’t save? They are set free, and die from lack of food, shelter, ect. The ones that are abused because a lack of care. The ones that are taken out back and shot. What about those horses?
By unbridleddreams on Dec 23, 2007 | Reply
It’s NOT great that slaughter plants are closed. It is good to find a way to kill humanely, and transport. That’s the biggest issue. I don’t support or condone slaughter. I see it’s horrors, BUT now I see all the poor animals that are starving to death. I’m a manager of an Equine rescue, and almost 100% of the rescues in the US are FULL. Thousands are dying at a much worse fate than slaughter. It’s great to save the ones you can, but what about the others?? Do they deserve what they get?
By JMO2101 on Dec 23, 2007 | Reply
Amazing the job these people did for these beautiful horses.What shocks me even more is that the accident happend not even 10 minutes away from my home in Illinois, on route 41. Now I live in Miami, and I wish I could have been there at the moment to offer my help.
God Bless The Ones Who DID help!
By ruralguygraham on Dec 23, 2007 | Reply
You are all ANGELS! I admire the work you do.I adopt a horse each year from a Sanctuary which is near to me, it’s heartbreaking when I visit. Keeo up the hard work……..
By spottedbumproduction on Dec 26, 2007 | Reply
lgordon, you are right, draft horses are not ponies - you have to learn how to work with them! I bought a draft cross off a meat truck a year and a half ago, she’s the love of my life, but I really needed to learn a lot and she was a patient teacher! Good video by the way - brought tears to my eyes.
By dlibbey1 on Dec 29, 2007 | Reply
Thank you so much for this video; although I am at work I did cry to myself - I so love horses and these are just beautiful. God Bless you for taking such good care of them. Donna
By filly4billy2002 on Dec 29, 2007 | Reply
I didn’t know if I’d have the courage to watch this video. Now I’m glad I did.
A load of mostly Belgians… a horse killers dream.
We should have closed our borders before we closed the slaughterhouses. Shudder to think what the horses endure now on their way to Mexico and Canada.
So sad!
You did a wonderful job with these horses and my hope is that they did get a second chance at LIFE.
Thank You for posting this one.
By lgordon946 on Jan 1, 2008 | Reply
I would try a reputable draft rescue to adopt- if you’ve owned a draft before you know how important it is to find one that is well trained, or to know of an honest reputable trainer. If you haven’t had a draft before, do LOTS of research and spend some time at a rescue to learn all you can before you take the leap of ownership - they are a 25oo LB’s of responsibility
Linda
By lgordon946 on Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
Thank you John! I recently added a video of my 2 QH’s, before and after shots ~ one of these days I put a video of their DUH training! Great to show how a horse can go from untouched, to soft and respectful. Mine were as wild as any mustang off the range and now they are lap dogs, quite spoiled but well behaved thanks to Downunder Horsemanship.
By johnharrer on Jan 6, 2008 | Reply
Great photography, Linda. Great story, too!
By froggiesheins on Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
Praise the lord that EVERY SLAUGTHERHOUSE IN THE US ARE NOW CLOSED–so this will NEVER happen again. All that is left to do is to close the boarders of canada and mexico for slaugtherbound horses!
By ThePunkIrish27 on Jan 11, 2008 | Reply
this video is so touching!
ive actually been looking to adopt a draft horse! ive had trouble finding places where i could find them though. if anyone can help me out id greatly appreciate it!
thanks!
By wildflowerlassie on Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
How lucky for horses that there are people like you! You save many a soul through such kindness and dedication. The world could never have enough people such as yourselves…
By lgordon946 on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Thank you jolee, wow, not too many people watch through to the end!
Personally, I have the attention span of a 3 year old. 
All of the horses from this accident have been placed in their new homes, and are doing great!!
By joleejosephs on Jan 17, 2008 | Reply
That last clip where you put the rescuers in the horse’s eyes–just brilliant. Nice job.
By WahKeetcha0 on Jan 20, 2008 | Reply
I’ve been at a horse trailer accident. It’s the worst sound, listening to those animals screaming and hitting the walls and eachother. It’s sad, but when a good number survive it’s always uplifting. Nice video. The accident I helped on is one of many things I’ll remember.
By isabellepj on Jan 20, 2008 | Reply
WOW!! Very very powerful! I have a Percheron - a gentle giant for sure! Bod bless you all!!
By Fredianna10 on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
thank god that you saved them!
By 3piper on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
Were they all belgians.They still looked docile and friendly despite their abuse
By tinselPixie on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for sharing this film. Going for pet food or human consumption…can you see some of these animals matched in 4 or 6 horse hitches at a horse show? I can. The head shot at 4:41 encapsulates how precious they are. Huge thanks to all who rescued them. Really really nice film. Gives me hope. Those horses deserve better, all those going for slaughter do.
By blackdogchance on Jan 27, 2008 | Reply
Thank you all who help the horses
By Miley709 on Jan 31, 2008 | Reply
I live right where this happened
By gatsbygirl14 on Feb 1, 2008 | Reply
loved it!!
luv you linda!!!