their healing journey.
Lance faced a grim prognosis, spending much of his early days at DEFHR struggling to stand. However, our dedicated team of caregivers, veterinarians, farriers, and specialists worked tirelessly to address his many health issues. He promptly received his first trim from our farrier, aided by custom x-rays by our vet, and then was trimmed every two weeks for the next eight weeks, supplied with soft bedding and protective boots, to ease his discomfort.
Lance endured significant challenges, including multiple eyelid surgeries by an equine ophthalmologist. He battled a recurring abscess in his hind foot for months, requiring heavy sedation for treatment due to fear of the farrier. X-rays revealed coffin bone rotation, a critical issue in his foot structure. Our farrier worked for three months on corrective measures, including trimming, shoeing, and a protective plate, aiming to resolve the abscess and support proper hoof growth. It took over a year before, Lance could be barefoot and sound at the walk. However, the damage to his bone structure means he may never be fully sound for trotting or ridden work, requiring a special adopter whose goals aligned with his long-term health. Our top priority remained ensuring his comfort and pasture soundness.
When it comes to hoof neglect, the old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," holds true. Behavioral training for safe farrier handling, regular trims every 6-8 weeks, and ample space for natural hoof wear are far more economical than prolonged rehabilitative care and potential permanent damage. Due to the severity of neglect, lengthy rehabilitation, and the volume of horses in DEFHR's training pipeline, these six West Virginia Thoroughbreds were sheltered at DEFHR for an average of 605 days, as they awaited their second chances.
YOUR donation of $1,000, $500, $250, $50, or any amount supports horses like Lance, his 70 herd mates here at DEFHR and those yet to come as they heal and await for their forever homes.
Thank you for your continued loyalty and trust in our work. The strides we were able to take for Lance and all the horses in our care ARE life-saving. Today, Lance may take fewer, slower strides compared to his past racing career, but they are pain-free strides filled with hope for a better tomorrow, for him and for all horses. Because of YOUR support we are impacting their lives every minute of every day.
Gratefully yours,
Erin Clemm Ochoa Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 301
P.S. Justice was served! In March 2024, the defendant in Lance s case (Jefferson County, WV) was found guilty on all six counts of cruelty and sentenced to 10 days of jail time per count. With their neglectful past behind them, fully rehabilitated and with a bright future ahead, the first member of Lance s herd was adopted in February 2024 (after a 310 day stay). We are thrilled to share that Lance, the last of this group to be adopted, found his forever home just this past August. The best things in life are worth waiting for, and we wish Lance and his forever family nothing but happy trails ahead!
