Chey

When we rescued Jay, we needed him to have a companion. We visited some horse rescues, and found some lovely horses who, while adoptable, were living in beautiful accommodations. We found Chey on Craigslist, being sold by a commercial stable that didn't want to pay for her care-- she has a significant condition that affects her mobility-- and had listed a negligible price for her. Horses that are practically free online are in danger of going to any number of sad fates, and when we met Chey and found that she'd been living in her stall nearly all the time, we decided that we needed each other.
Jay lived with us for a week by himself before Chey arrived, and as soon as her trailer pulled up, they started to call to each other. They were instant friends, and Chey has been Jay's supervisor, provider of feedback, and best girl ever since their first meeting. She is independent, fast-thinking, stubborn, and full of leadership material, and she loves cold hose showers in the summer, heavy blanketing in winter, scritches on her withers, no-sugar peppermint treats, and being the center of attention.
Chey's medical issues require careful monitoring, a farrier who knows how to work with horses with navicular problems, thick warm blankets to manage her arthritis in the winter, and a diet with no added sweets. It is heartbreaking that so many horses with needs like hers don't get the help they need, are put down, or sent to kill pens, when owners lack either the resources or interest to help them.