Apache

Apache's owner moved away and left him behind.

She did not feed or care for him once she left the property. Apache was slowly starving to death.

We received a call from a good samaritan who told us that Apache's days were numbered and that he needed help.

Born without retinas, Apache -- a young mustang stallion -- had been blind since birth and had little handling or education.

Apache was born without retinas.
 

We went to have a look and saw a pitiful, emaciated, filthy white and brown paint horse. When he heard our truck pull up, Apache ran to his bucket and rattled it, even putting it on his head for attention.

We fed him some horse cookies over the fence and though he wouldn't get near us, he would take the cookies from his bucket.

Apacha upon arrival.

We were over our limit at the sanctuary but could not say no to Apache. After two days of trying to put a halter on this wild man, I called friends Dennis and Kathy Morgan from Top Rail Training Center in Williston for help. Within a half hour, Dennis had calmed Apache, haltered him and started his education.

Dennis Morgan training Apache to wear a halter.
  

Apache was a bit of a loose cannon, impetuous and dangerous, but slowly he learned to be haltered, lead and stand for grooming and to have his feet trimmed. Our helper, John is very proud that he is finally able to give Apache a proper bath to keep his white coat beautiful.

Apache has gained 300 pounds since coming to the sanctuary. He has taught us patience and how to think out of the box to help him be safe and smart. He spends his days in a paddock sharing a fenceline with his buddy, Matt. They run and play along the fence and a few times a day. Apache kicks up his heels and gallops around his territory, bucking and storming along, somehow staying within a foot of the fences.

It is quite a sight to see a blind horse running full out and putting on the brakes just in time!

Jun 2008 - A healthy Apache posing for a treat.