CLIPPER UPDATE

 

Click to hear a tune dedicated to Clipper:

 

MONDAY, September 26. "41 days since rescue.."

Click to see photos updating Clipper's condition, comparing then and now!

 

FRIDAY, August 12

Clipper rescued and welcomed to HartSong Ranch.

 

THE WEEKEND…Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th

“Lots of good groceries (4 times a day) and TONS of attention from folks just wanting to stop by and lay a gentle hand on Clipper and to wish him well.  One would think a horse of any animal for that matter, abused to such a deplorable state, would want nothing to do with humans… but not Clipper.  He was right in the middle of the action…walking over to greet everyone that entered.

His pasture. He lapped up every bit of sweet talk and behaved himself beautifully. He is now safe and he knows it!!!  Sadly, Clipper must remain at the east barn for 3 more weeks which means, when people aren't around, he's all by his lonesome.  Throughout the day and especially at night, we'll hear his "lonely, where did everybody go" cry.  Won't be long though until we can move Clipper over to the west barns.  Awaiting his arrival are 8 beautiful mares who no doubt, will find him exceptionally handsome and well worth their attentions.    

 

TUESDAY, August 16TH

Dr. Scott McIntosh, DVM, conducted a thorough medical evaluation on Clipper. Here's what we learned...
*Dr. McIntosh DID NOT find Clipper to be a sickly horse (either)...rather a starving horse
*Clipper's body conditioning score was rated at #1...the worst ("0" is dead).
*Eyes, exceptionally clear for a horse in his condition (of course, we already knew his eyes were all telling about his desire to live...they truly do sparkle!!!)
*Teeth, in pretty darned good shape.  Suggested we have his teeth floated in 3-4 months
*No lameness detected but Dr. McIntosh did notice Clipper's hind end difficulties (dragging his feet)...could be a neurological issue but more than likely, the difficulty Clipper has picking up his rear feet is a result of extreme muscle loss
*The rectal exam revealed no tumors...all seems well up inside
*Clipper is at least 400 pounds under weight.  His current weight is estimated to be 800 pounds (GAST!!!)

 

WEDNESDAY, August 17th

GREAT NEWS!!!  Clipper's blood work results were far better than anyone expected.  No red flags except for one "slightly" elevated liver enzyme which Dr. McIntosh feels is due to stress. No tumors or disease noted. Clipper was also just "slightly" anemic.  Absolutely amazing results considering his current condition.  No meds have been prescribed other than RED CELL, a blood booster to help his slightly anemic state.  Clipper's blood work results are indeed true and profound testament to the exceptional constitution of this horse.

 

THE WEEKEND, Saturday August 20th & Sunday, August 21st

More and more and more folks stopping by to meet Clipper.  Some with bags of grain...some with bags of carrots...all with love and concern in their hearts for Clipper. The response to Clipper's Plight has been overwhelming, in the very best sort of way.  With all the attention he's been receiving, his emotional wounds should heal quickly and soon, he'll occupy a stall in the west barn...next to Haley, HartSong's other bea-U-tiful Thoroughbred rescue and soon... every morning after breakfast, his gate shall be opened and Clipper will be free to roam and graze with the other 9 sanctuary horses at HartSong.  Sigh...

Clipper's Tattoo...One of the most incredible gifts we've received since rescuing Clipper came from a horse loving woman named Christine Boyd.  Christine is very familiar with Thoroughbreds and in fact, has rescued 2 herself.  She is also very familiar with "tattoo's"...how to read them and how to track the parentage and history of Thoroughbred racers. Clipper's tattoo is readable except for the last digit.  Not to worry though, says Christine.  She'll figure it out!  Her research so far has revealed the following...
*There was a racehorse named Clipper, bay male registered born in May 1988 in Kentucky. This finding matches Clipper's estimated age of early twenties. “IF" he is the same "Clipper", his parentage can be traced back to the great Man-O-War.  WOW!!!  Interestingly, the breeders of "that" Clipper were involved in a court case for abuse/neglect in the early 2000's. Christine will complete the paperwork with all Clipper's identifying markings, include photos and submit to the TB archives for evaluation.  One way or another, we'll eventually find out everything we can about Clipper's history.

Clipper's abuser...Since Clipper's rescue, I've had very detailed conversations El Dorado County Animal Services. They are investigating with hopes to prosecute the party responsible for Clipper's abuse/neglect.  Updates will be posted when we receive clearance to do so from ELCAS.

Thank you to everyone for your support...your encouragement and your all out efforts to aid in the rescue of Clipper. None of this "goodness" would have been possible without "YOU"!!!

 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30

Today marks Clipper's 19th day at HartSong Ranch. Here's an update on his progress...

*Clipper's quite fond of Clipper's Catering Crew, all of whom go to extraordinary lengths, 4 times a day, to whip up the most delicious concoctions designed to promote weight gain and good health. His eyes are crystal clear...his poops look good...his numerous infected wounds have healed...his feet have been trimmed and his beautiful spirit is alive and well. Slowly but surely, we are beginning to see slight evidence of weight gain. Time, patience and good groceries will no doubt pack on the 400-500 pounds he needs to be in optimum health.

 

*Emotionally, he's in a really good place even though STILL very lonely for the company of other horses. In an attempt to ease his loneliness, Jim and I decided to walk Haley, HartSong's incredibly gorgeous Thoroughbred brood mare rescue, over to the east barn to meet Clipper. Clipper immediately trotted over to the pasture fence...ears pricked...tail up...head held high...so interested to meet the BEAUTY who had come to pay him a visit. Haley, being typically "Mare-ish", wanted NOTHING to do with Clipper. All she wanted was to get back with her girlfriends on the west side. Fearful that she might try to jump the fence, we had no choice but to lead her back to the west barn. All in all, the introduction only lasted a half an hour or so but believe you me, it was quite an exciting 30 minutes for Clipper. Just a taste of what awaits him on the west side. Plans are to move him over with the "girls" by the end of next week. That will be a very happy day!!!

*Many, many, many folks have stopped by to meet Clipper. He absolutely adores the attention and always behaves like the grand gentleman he is. So...if you've been wanting to come by to meet Clipper...well, consider yourself invited. All we ask is that you give us a call to let us know when to expect you. The ranch line is listed below.

His loneliness just got the better of us so we decided to take him out of his pasture for a short evening walk to the pond. He had the best time...so interested in the BEAUTY that now surrounds him...the cows, the geese, the water...it was pure heaven to see him in a setting of peace, calm and tranquility. "This Happy Ending" would not have been a possibility if not for "YOU". We are so grateful for your response to Clipper's need for help and deeply appreciate your compassion, concerns and generosity. Thank you so much!