Splash

We’re kicking off our Horse Spotlight series with one of our newest barn friends Splash!

Splash has been owned and adored by one very sweet man for most of his life. Together they rode countless miles on trails throughout the Southeast. He has been loved, pampered, and cared for the way every horse deserves.

Unfortunately, like many Appaloosas who refuse to wear fly masks and spend a little too much time looking toward the sun, Splash developed a painful eye ulcer just as his owner’s living situation changed and he needed to find him a new home.

Because Splash was so deeply loved, his owner made the heartbreaking decision that if he was in pain, he would rather humanely euthanize him than risk him suffering.

When we got the call that his pasture mate, Rose, needed a place to stay, we noticed Splash in one of the pictures.

“I just love Appaloosas,” I said.

The response stopped us in our tracks.

“He has a euthanasia appointment in five days, but if you want to come assess him, you’re welcome to see him.”

When we walked into the barn, Splash immediately licked Clyde’s head and gave Lani a playful “Where are the treats?” nudge. Right then, we knew we had to give him a chance.

“Cancel the appointment. Let’s see if we can save that eye.”

In a whirlwind, Splash and Rose arrived at the barn that very afternoon.

Our fantastic veterinarian examined him and gave us the challenge of administering eye medication three times a day to help heal the ulcer. After dealing with Piper’s eye ulcers, we felt confident giving it our best shot.

So far, Splash has been much more cooperative than expected. We know the treatments aren’t comfortable, so we certainly don’t blame him for not wanting fingers near his eye! The good news is he’s already holding it open more and has much less drainage.

After trying three different brands and styles of fly masks, we’ve finally found one he’ll keep on, a Cashel fly mask secured with a halter over top.

He’s also living in the wood paddock with Piper, whom he has surprisingly decided is a good friend. Anyone who knows our horses understands just how remarkable that is. Most horses aren’t exactly fans of Piper’s… unique social skills.

While all of this was unfolding, a little girl was dreaming of having a horse of her own.

She had been riding her best buddy, Gideon, and showing Big Ted, but she had so much love to give to a horse she could truly call hers. Her family had begun searching, only to discover that finding the right horse can be filled with scams, disappointment, and dead ends.

One day, she was overheard praying with her puppy.

“God, if You have a horse for me, can You bring them to me?”

Cue the chills.

God, in His perfect timing and infinite wisdom, had already set His plan in motion.

When her family heard, “We have a horse who might be perfect and just needs a little girl to love him,” they didn’t hesitate.

“Yes! We want to love him unconditionally! What size halter does he wear? What are his favorite treats? I’m making him his own fly spray, bucket, and T-shirt! When can we come meet him?”

The moment Splash met this special little girl, he wrapped her in the sweetest hug and gently nudged her as if to say, “You’re my girl.”

If you spend any time around these two, you’d better bring tissues.

She loves standing beneath his chin, talking to him while he rests his head gently on top of hers, quietly listening. She regularly sings original songs to all the horses, and Splash seems especially honored to receive his own private concerts.

He knows he’ll get treats, pats, and endless affection simply for being himself. And in return, he gets to experience that once in a lifetime kind of love that only a little girl can give a horse.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue sharing updates on his eye as it heals, along with their journey together in the arena.

God is using Splash to bless his little girl, and He’s using her to give Splash the beautiful retirement he deserves.

This is exactly why we do what we do.

By saying “yes,” three lives were forever changed.

Splash’s owner can rest knowing his beloved horse is safe, cherished, and deeply loved.

A little girl gets to experience the unconditional love that only a horse can give.

And Splash gets to spend his retirement exactly as he deserves, pampered, adored, and surrounded by people who love him.

Welcome to the family, Splash. We think God had this one planned all along.