Today, a small horse with a big personality is frolicking in the fields of our sprawling Texas sanctuary—but it wasn’t so long ago that he was barely able to walk.
Creating a more humane world means, in part, creating a support system for animals who are neglected, displaced or abused. One of America’s largest and most diverse animal sanctuaries, our Black Beauty Ranch is home to a community of nearly 600 rescued animals, spanning over 40 species, all of whom have a home for life there. Every animal at the ranch has a story. And this is Spicy Jalapeño’s.
Earlier this year, the miniature horse now known as Spicy Jalapeño was confiscated by law enforcement officials in Texas because his owner was clearly unable to take care of him. His little body was emaciated, and his hooves were terribly overgrown. Thankfully, the sheriff’s office knew that there were options for this animal, including our nearby sanctuary.
Once Spicy Jalapeño arrived, our veterinarians and caretakers got to work providing him with the treatments he needed, starting with trimming his hooves, which were curling upward at least six inches. This severely affected his mobility at the time, and will likely have lasting effects. Even with properly trimmed and maintained hooves, Spicy still walks with an odd gait due the slight curving of one of the bones in his foot.
“But that doesn’t slow this little horse down!” said Christi Gilbreth, senior coordinator of outreach and development for the sanctuary. As soon as Spicy was settled in and cared for, his personality began to shine.
The HSUS
“Spicy may be small, but he has a very large personality,” Gilbreth said. “It’s hard not to fall in love with this spunky miniature horse who lives up to his name every day. We think he forgets that he is in fact a miniature horse.”
Spicy has also taken full advantage of being able to socialize with other horses at the sanctuary, whether miniature or full-sized, blending well with each group as a kind of overly enthusiastic little brother.
Seeing a downtrodden animal begin to change and thrive is part of the reward of this work. The caretakers at Black Beauty Ranch are incredibly devoted to all the hundreds of rescued animals there. Such work is nonstop: “People need to be there every single day, holidays included,” Gilbreth said. “The animals make it all worth it.”
The HSUS
The 1,400 acres of Black Beauty Ranch provide permanent haven to domestic and exotic animals rescued from research laboratories, circuses, the pet trade, roadside zoos and other circumstances involving abuse, neglect and cruelty. Spicy’s story is an inspiring reminder of the difference love and care makes for each individual who has found a home at the ranch—even the littlest ones.
Send the animals at Black Beauty Ranch a gift.
Follow Kitty Block @HSUSKittyBlock.
