Horses have so many important roles in our lives and we rely on them constantly for strength, transportation, and sport. But despite being worked so hard, they usually respond lovingly and diligently.
Between the crucial roles they play and their amazing work ethic, one would expect them to be honored for their invaluable service, like these retired pampered ponies.
Sadly this is not the case in many circumstances. Once horses reach the age when they are no longer in peak physical condition, they are frequently forgotten about, neglected, or simply killed.
This was the extremely deplorable case for horses Arthur and Max, who were united through a whirlwind of abusive circumstances.
But right at the brink of their demise, the two friends were saved by the amazing individuals at the Ferrell Hollow Farm Senior Horse Sanctuary.
Their heartbreaking tale brings to light the terrible misuse that older animals often face—and the individuals who are working to give them the proper latter life that they deserve.
Check down below to learn more about Arthur and Max's harrowing journey.
Some readers might find the following content disturbing. If you do not wish to see evidence of animal abuse, please click back to the LittleThings homepage.
[H/T: The Dodo]
For most of his life, Authur worked incredibly hard.
But after 30 years of hard horsey labor in a New England farming community, he suddenly began to show signs of slowing down.
Since horses are generally valued for their youth and vitality, when they begin to age, some owners and dealers tend to take less care.
So once Aurthur became too old to work, he was sent off to various auctions and was frequently neglected.
Along the way he was united with Max, who was also shuffled into a series of auctions.
The two were misused and ridden, even though they were not properly disciplined for riding.
They were also purposefully starved in preparation for them to be shown at a horrible high-kill auction.
The horses' grim fate of being sold for their meat seemed to be sealed.
But then Cindy Daigre, founder of Ferrell Hollow Farm Senior Horse Sanctuary, stepped in to save them.
Daigre had watched the horses being mishandled in videos online, and was able to interject to have them transported to the sanctuary in Tennessee.
When Arthur first arrived, he was so exhausted that he couldn't even stand up and had no desire to eat or explore.
But after a few days, he began to warm up to his new, friendlier surroundings and began to take his meals.
Max, on the other hand, had a host of health problems when he arrived; he suffered from a back injury and had scars from past abuse covering his body.
Because of this, he had a lot of phycological imbalances, which caused him to be agitated and antisocial.
But after two years of recovery from their trauma, both horses have become much healthier and happier.
They love spending time together and have warmed up to the incredibly kind sanctuary staff.
Arthur has even received a new 'do!
The braids don't only make him look pretty and pampered, they also help keep his back cool in the heat.
The two have been through the ringer together—but thankfully they came out safe, happy, and loved on the other side.
Though their previous owners abused and neglected these beautiful horses, the caring sanctuary staff is giving them the respect and appreciation they truly deserve.
If you believe all creatures, no matter their age, deserve love, please SHARE this happy ending on Facebook!
