Animal rescue in Colorado gives horses a new lifeline

A specialized animal rescue in Colorado is giving horses a second chance at life, even when all hope seems lost. One of the network’s sites is in eastern El Paso County.

It may not look like it at first glance but the animals at C Lazy T Ranch in Rush were once discarded.

“There is a huge unwanted horse population,” said Carrie Terroux-Barrett, board member of the Colorado Horse Rescue Network.

For the last five years, Colorado Horse Rescue Network has been giving animals a lifeline.

“To give them another chance at a good home, I just think it’s amazing. It really makes a huge difference for that animal,” said Kristin Nigel.

“Good girl,” Terroux-Barrett whispered to Sweet Pea. She’s a 20-year-old pony that stands on three legs.

“Sweet Pea got caught in a fence and she was left for several days, and it did a great deal of tendon damage and she almost lost her hoof. She never got to see a vet after that,” Terroux- Barrett said.

Starvation and parasites also put her on the verge of euthanasia.

After Sweet Pea completes her physical therapy and rehabilitation, she’ll be up for adoption in the next three months.

Rusty, a brown Quarter horse, still has a long road to recovery. Six months ago, Rusty was found malnourished with a broken foot, along with other illnesses.

“It’s a difficult thing for a horse lover to walk into a situation where animals clearly have been neglected,” said Terroux- Barrett.

Carrie says repurposing equine life and finding them a new home life is rewarding.

“We’re trying to prevent some of those unwanted horses from ending up in bad spots.”

It costs thousands of dollars to care for each horse. To donate to the organization or to report an animal in distress online, click here.