When a Nebraska woman joined the military, she made arrangements for her beloved 19-year-old gelding, Cash, to be cared for while she served her country. She trusted that he would receive proper food, water, and attention in her absence.
But when she returned home on leave, she was met with a heartbreaking sight.
Cash was severely underweight, weak, and infested with intestinal worms and lice.
The Basics of Proper Horse Care
Horses are large, sensitive animals that depend entirely on consistent care. According to the Humane Society of the United States, an average-size horse typically consumes around 20 pounds of food daily and drinks at least eight gallons of water.
Without sufficient nutrition, hydration, and parasite control, a horse’s body condition can decline rapidly. Weight loss, dull coat, visible ribs and hip bones, and lethargy are common signs of neglect.
Cash was showing all of these symptoms.
A Shocking Discovery
After months away, the soldier expected to reunite with a healthy horse. Instead, she found Cash emaciated and suffering from severe parasite infestations.
Heartbroken, she quickly reached out for help.
She contacted the Colorado Horse Rescue Network, an organization that assists horses in Colorado and neighboring states. Although Cash was in Nebraska, arrangements were made for immediate intervention.
The Road to Recovery
Due to his fragile condition, Cash was initially fostered by a board member in Nebraska to stabilize him before transport. Horses recovering from emaciation cannot simply be given large amounts of food right away. Doing so can lead to refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.
The rescue organization explained that bringing a horse back from severe weight loss is both dangerous and expensive. Cash required:
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Multiple small, carefully monitored meals per day
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Veterinary oversight
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Treatment for intestinal worms
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Treatment for lice
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Gradual weight restoration
Once strong enough, he was transported to the rescue’s facility in Colorado for continued care.
Financial Help Through Emergency Funding
To assist with the mounting medical expenses, the rescue sought support from Greater Good Charities through its Emergency Animal Medical Fund. This fund provides grants to shelters and rescues facing urgent veterinary costs.
Cash’s recovery is expected to take months, requiring ongoing treatment and specialized feeding plans. Rehabilitation of a neglected horse can cost thousands of dollars in veterinary care, medication, and nutrition.
A Gentle Spirit Despite Neglect
Despite everything he endured, Cash reportedly maintained a sweet and gentle temperament. Rescue staff described him as affectionate and kind, winning over everyone he meets.
It’s a powerful reminder that animals often continue to trust and love humans, even after being let down.
A Broader Issue: Equine Neglect
Unfortunately, cases like Cash’s are not isolated. Horses require consistent, knowledgeable care. Long deployments, financial hardship, or lack of oversight can sometimes lead to unintended neglect.
Animal welfare organizations emphasize the importance of:
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Clear written care agreements
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Regular check-ins and inspections
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Financial planning for feed and veterinary care
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Backup emergency plans
For service members and others who must be away for extended periods, ensuring a reliable support network is critical for animal welfare.
Hope for Healing
Cash’s story is both heartbreaking and hopeful. While he suffered from serious neglect, he is now under professional care with a clear recovery plan in place.
His journey will be long, but with proper nutrition, medical treatment, and patience, horses can regain strength and thrive again.
Stories like this highlight not only the vulnerability of animals but also the compassion of rescues and donors who step in when things go wrong.
Cash may have been let down once, but thanks to the intervention of dedicated advocates, he now has a second chance.