JULIAN
Welcomed to the Sanctuary - November 2023
Crossed the Rainbow Bridge - March 2025
Donations may be made in Iron’s name to Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, to help the next equine in need.
“The Belgian Boy”
The decision was made, after reviewing the inside and outside of Julian, that the kindest act was to let him go. His damage has progressed much faster than anyone could have predicted, not that anyone has seen this kind of colossal neglect. It was so cruel that this poor horse was left without care. But they did, and he became ours, and enjoyed love for 18 months. Love from all of us and love from all of you.
There was extended debate here today, weighing what was possible, what was reasonable, what was kind. Julian’s hock had degraded to bone on bone. We simply needed to let go.
Thank you for opening your hearts to this horse. Thank you for caring about a neglected Belgian and believing in our efforts to honor and care for him, for as long as possible.
Julian’s Story
Someone dumped this young Belgian gelding with a severely damaged hock at auction, the weekend before Thanksgiving 2023. What caused the damage and how long he had lived with it were unknown, but someone needed to help him.
Some saves are called 'mercy pulls', to spare a poor horse a long painful ride. All rescues sometimes do this, and everyone involved knew this boy may be one of those.
In the end, his life was secured, and he travelled to Rosemary Farm.
Initial assessment by the veterinary team indicates he has lived with his hock in this condition for a long time, and his young body tells the tale. Compensation for the issue has left him with severely atrophied muscles, a crooked stance, and an uncertain future.
Just 2.5 years old on arrival, he is tall, thin, incredibly kind, as his breed is famous for. He is in quarantine at the Sanctuary, the normal protocol for horses that arrive from auction or unknown exposure to other animals, to prevent any possible disease from infecting the main herd family. This also provides time to get to know him, get an idea of his training, handling, and mental state. This will help inform future decisions about his care going forward.
For now, he is receiving pain meds, and regular food, care and love.
Tomorrow is still to be determined.