As I was mucking and raking and adoring our herd this morning I was contemplating what I might blog about today. I thought about telling you the story of what has been going on that has been diminishing my computer time; I thought about talking to you about failing suspensory ligaments and all that entails; in my mind I was formulating the story of Max and how he came to live with us but when I sat down to find photos I realized that the story of the day, the week, the month (and as many months as it takes,) should be Makia.
Makia has been on the blog before. She is listed on Pet Finder and I have talked to as many people about her as I can. We did have a call on her last week. They sounded so certain that they wanted her. The callers never came back to see her. How sad.
Makia was brought to a boarding stable in horrible condition and pregnant. Makia successfully gave birth to a beautiful blue eyed filly in spite of her own condition of starvation and neglect. My dear friends watched over her and her baby. Makia was a good mother but she was limited in her ability to care for her filly by the starvation she was forced to endure. She just wasn't getting enough groceries to feed her baby. Worse yet, the baby that was already deprived of life giving mare's milk was in a stall that did not allow her to reach water. Three weeks after her birth, the filly weighed less than she did when she was born. She was on the slow train of death by starvation and dehydration. Makia was clearly distraught. My friends were beside themselves and called me.
The problem was that I was full. The other local horse rescue was full. This situation was further complicated because Makia was not abandoned but owned by a heartless individual. My friends showed me the mare and described the situation as I sat in the stall with Makia and her baby. The stall had nearly a foot of manure in it. Now, I don't cry very often... but that day I simply could not hold back the tears. My friends were as touched as I about the situation and I asked them to find out what it would take to get the mare and filly. I wasn't sure how we would do it, how we could afford it, where we could put her... and after much negotiations, many deliberations... my friends managed to free the mare and filly. And they stepped up to rescue them both. My heart had wings.
(Makia's neglected feet at the time Lindy took her in.)
The filly was adopted quickly but Makia.... well.... Makia is taking time. Does Makia have less appeal because she is photosensitive? It isn't her fault she was fed on straight alfalfa. Alfalfa tends to be inexpensive hay so individuals that are watching pennies tend to feed it exclusively. If you are a lover of spotted ponies you might know that straight alfalfa has can lead to photo-sensitivity in horses. Limited alfalfa/clover mixes and providing plenty of shade (and sometimes a nice fly sheet) will help these horses tremendously. Lots of horses have mild photo-sensitivity.
Makia is a sweet mare with a lead mare personality. She needs clear direction and a leader. The times that I have worked Makia she has been a very responsive horse once she understands what her handler wants. This is not saying that Makia does not test humans because she very clearly does at this stage. Why should she trust? Every time I get the opportunity to work her I see in her the desire to connect. I also see her reluctance. She has been used up by the heartless and her trust has been badly damaged. Still, I see the glimmer within.
Makia needs a heart of her own to settle into. She needs someone to give her time and patience, to provide strong, compassionate leadership for her. She is a small (14.2 hand,) strong, stout tovero paint mare with one blue and one marbled blue eye that is quite beautiful. Joe has worked with her and believes she has been ridden before. She does come with 30 days of professional training and four lessons with our trainer.
Let's find Makia a home. It's time for humans to stop letting her down. Don't you think?
I know we can do this. I have faith. I have hope.
Yes, I do think it's time. I hope she finds a forever home soon and know that she will because of wonderful people like you.
Posted by: morningbrayfarm | October 05, 2010 at 04:44 PM
You brought tears to my eyes again. If she wasn't already in my home I would take her home all over again. Makia is a beautiful little mare and I thank you so much for getting the word out on her behalf.
Posted by: lindy | October 05, 2010 at 09:38 PM
Makia's just beautiful! Thanks to all of you for helping her along! aIknow there's someone out there looking for her, too.
Posted by: Cyndi and Stumpy | October 06, 2010 at 05:59 AM
Lindy... Thank YOU for doing this and making a difference as well as being part of our rescue efforts every single time we have needed you!
Cyndi and Stumpy and MB.... please feel free to cross post and spread the word!
Posted by: wooofwhinnywhisper | October 06, 2010 at 10:51 AM