​SABENE

​Paladin Arabian StallionMAY 1983-

​A Stallion's Tale A few years ago we were notified of a tragic situation in which a family became unable to care for their animals; inadvertently, leaving them to die. We stepped in and were able to save those remaining but the condition of an aging stallion tore at our hearts. Uncertain if we could rescue the two dogs and three of the horses, we called in our vet. The old gray staggered when he walked. He had soiled water to drink, not a blade of quality grass, no hay or grain had been offered in quite some time... our veterinarian had to palpate twice to assure himself this was even a stallion. Huge tumors under his tail made it nearly impossible for him to move it, even to swish a fly. We stroked his skinny, filthy neck and promised him hope. The vet drew blood, obtained a fecal sample, carefully examined obvious lameness and drew up a plan for a possibility of survival. Today the horse can be seen running and playing with any number of new friends. His gaunt body replaced with muscle; limping replaced with grace; manageable tumors allow his noble tail to flag, but of all the miracle of his survival it is his eyes that tell the tale. His once empty, soulless gaze has been replaced with a knowledge even beyond his long years. The knowledge that for many, and definitely for him, there is a hope. A chance at survival which once appeared so dark, became a dream of more food, more happiness and, more life...

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​HAILI

​Paladin THOROUGHBRED2002-

​A Winning Race HorseWho Hoped for aComfortable Future A lonely seven-year-old bay mare came to us skinny, lame, shy and unpredictable. The races she had won were not for her to revel in as her damaged body had become her enemy. One of the lucky ones, she found her way to our door. Many months later, many specialized meals and many new companions slowly nursed her heart and soul to a place of hope. Eight years on, she now happily lives and eats with equine companions, cattle, dogs and a cat. Finally sound and rid of plaguing colics she looks like the winner she is and, if she so choses, may eventuallymove herself into the Centaur Herd but for now love, gentle care, friendship and food are all she needs to know.

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​MAEPHAL & SHAMM

​Paladins STANDARDBREDMaephal 1991-Shamm 2002-

​A Mother and Her Son In 2009 a lovely, sound, clean-legged gelding who retired as a winning racehorse fell into poor hands. There, he and his dam were carelessly injured and severely neglected to the point of potentially losing their lives. We rushed the imperiled animals to Surgi-Care in Brandon, Florida, where they were diagnosed and treated by Leann Kuebelbeck, DVM and her diligent staff. Lame in three legs and cut to the bone, the mare was in possible need of skin grafts; her son had a challenging case of pythiosis (sever fungal infection) which could get into his bloodstream and end his life. After more than a month of aggressive treatment, the mare was sent home with us for follow-up. Due to her excellent care it was determined she could heal without grafts. Stabilized after surgery and months of hospitalization, the gelding was sent to Peggy Fleming, DVM in Dade City, Florida, to fully rid his body of the pythiosis. Following two surgeries, over five months in two hospitals and over a year of specialized after-care, each were on their way to recovery. Although both horses will forever bare the scars of their ordeal, they are together again in the comfort and safety of a herd with good friends. With the aid of gifted veterinarians, donations of numerous quality products and extremely creative bandaging techniques, traumas like these still cost thousands of dollars and man-hours far exceeding any forty-hour week. The dedication and passion of hospital staffs and our tireless volunteers allowed us to give this pair and others like them, a chance to enjoy life again. If not for financial support by concerned and generous people, we would not be able to continue the saving of those spirits.