Sadie is a beautiful, gangly 4-year-old Belgian draft horse standing 18.2 hands tall and still growing! She was rescued from a kill pen in November 2020. From what we know, Sadie had a tough beginning of overwork on a farm. She came to us with collar and bridle marks and a broken soul.

Draft horses typically grow until age 7. Thus, her bones are still soft and pliable. Because she was overworked at such a young age, Sadie incurred several life-long injuries including a left-back leg turned out due to ligament damage, right front knee with cartilage damage, a slightly bowed left front leg, and emotional trauma. We are working with our farrier, vet, physical therapist, and trying new and innovative natural methods to heal her on every level.

This sorrel beauty bonded immediately with our beloved Sophie. From the moment she arrived, Sadie would not leave Sophie’s side and they were adorable sleeping next to each other. Sadie is now trying to find her place in the herd with the loss of Sophie. She is spunky, unpredictable, loving, pushy, loves the extra attention we give her, and seems to be a fit with Noel. They graze together and have even been seen scratching each other’s back.

In March of 2022, Sadie gave us quite a scare when her breathing became extremely labored. After a visit to the vet, it was determined she needed a tracheotomy to allow her to breathe normally. Winnsboro Vet Clinic did an amazing job taking care of our Sadie, she is back home and fully healed now. She will forever have the hole in her neck for breathing, but it has not slowed her down one bit.

Since she is now able to breathe unimpeded, she has been more playful and energetic than ever. She continues to be a loveable handful who’s still growing!