25 yr old Mare

In Rehabilitation
River was turned over to H.O.P.E. Acres in early July 2023 after being taken into emergency protective custody by Berkeley County Animal Control. She arrived extremely malnourished, with a serious case of rain rot and multiple cuts and sores.

At some point in her life, she suffered injuries to both hips. These happened a while ago and have since healed, but she won't ever be sound to ride. But as she's gained strength, her balance has noticeably improved. She was very wobbly when she arrived and was unable to lift either of her back feet for her first farrier trim. For her second trim, she stood confidently and was able to bear enough weight on one hind leg to lift the other one.

In the first 2 months of her recovery, she's started to fill out, her coat has improved, and her personality has really started to shine. River is very sweet and eager to greet everyone with a happy little whinny. We love watching River trot around the pasture with her pasture mates, Dakota and Kami.
River stands in a green pasture, tail mid-swish, and turned slightly to look at the camera with her ears up. You can still her ribs and the point of her hips, but her flanks have noticeably filled out and her coat is smoother and healthier.
River in August, 2023
River, viewed from the side as she walks across a green pasture. While her ribs are still visible, her flanks and hindquarters are starting to fill out.
River in August, 2023
A close up of River's face, viewed in profile as she looks curiously at something off camera.
River in August, 2023
Side view of River, a sorrel mare, as she eats hay. She is emaciated, with ribs showing and a number of sores on her flanks, hindquarters, and legs.
River in July, 2023
A close image of River's hindquarters, which are sloped due to old hip injuries. Her coat is patchy and coming off in clumps due to rain rot.
River in July, 2023
River's front hooves, which are cracked and in bad need of a trim.
River's feet prior to her first farrier visit. (Note that the wounds on her legs are being treated with Scarlex, which is bright red in color and can make the wound appear bloody when it isn't).
Interested in adoption? Find adoption information here or contact our adoption coordinator through the link below. 
River has a sponsor! Thank you Nancy!
Interested in sponsorship? Find more information here or visit the link below. Thank you!