by Julie Hauserman
When staffers at Cleveland Armory Black Beauty Ranch checked on the animals in one of the many pastures earlier this month, they were shocked to find the beautiful and sweet colt named Braveheart with a gaping wound, exposing the bone on his right hind leg.
The injured foal – who is part draft horse and part mustang – was rushed to Gresham Veterinary Hospital, about an hour away. The wound was very serious, and veterinarians had to operate to clean the wound properly.
Although prognosis for the six-month old is very good, Braveheart needs months of extensive care in a dry stall with medications, wraps, and hydrotherapy to make sure he doesn’t become lame. He will also require a second operation.
So far, his medical care and hospital stay has cost $9,000 and the bill will likely rise to $15,000.
Staff has combed the pasture searching for the cause, but it remains a mystery. The veterinarian said it looked like the colt may have caught his leg in a wire and struggled to get it out.
“Unfortunately, injuries on a ranch are part of life,” said Diane Miller, director of the ranch. “In this case, it seems an injury occurred with no hazards present at all.”
A bit shy, Braveheart is warming up to his medical care staff. He’s learned to wear a halter and loves affection. The young colt will grow to be a model citizen with good ground manners, acclimated to regular handling.
Since he is part draft horse, he’s a big boy -- the size of a year and a half old quarterhorse. The hope is that when he’s fully recovered, he will be offered for adoption through the Doris Day Horse Rescue and Adoption Center at the ranch.
To make a donation to help cover the costs to care for Braveheart and the other animals at the ranch, please click here.
