No need to get your glasses. You are not seeing things – this horse really does not have any ears!
I have written about this horse before but for those new to my articles, let me introduce VanGogh. He is a spotted Tennessee Walking Horse who was brought to Rainhill 20 years ago. A family from Scottsville adopted him from a rescue but could not keep him (I call that “horse remorse”).
I had heard about the earless horse before I ever saw him, never realizing that someday he would show up at Rainhill. The reason for his missing ears is still a mystery, and he’s not talking. Fortunately for us, VanGogh holds no grudges and is kind and understanding to humans and fellow horses. He lives with the group we call “the herd,” which is five horses that have been with us for many years. They have their own barn on six acres surrounded by trees and rolling hills covered with grass. It is a peaceful life for them, which is a blessing after all these horses have been through.
As prices continue to climb and everything we need to survive gets more expensive by the day, I worry that some folks will not be willing or able to keep their animals. Big or small, sometimes we must make difficult decisions. It breaks my heart knowing the animals don’t understand. One day everything is good and the next, well, you get the idea. I have no easy solution. We should all try to do our best to care for the animals that love us like family.
I get so many calls and texts from people who can’t keep their horses for many reasons. It’s always so sad but I can’t take more than I can care for. I know horses are very expensive and situations change, so there is enough heartbreak to go around. Let’s all do our best. Our pets are counting on us.
There is so much need right now, we all know that. If you would like to help Rainhill care for our 55 horses, we would feel so blessed. We are a 501c3 non-profit rescue/sanctuary. We do not sell, breed or re-home any of our horses but instead give them a peaceful life until they pass. You can check us out on Facebook and see more pictures and updates on our daily life at Rainhill.
Thanks for reading our little stories.
-by Karen Thurman
Rainhill Equine Facility
11125 Ky. Hwy. 185
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-777-3164
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