Springwood Sanctuary

 Gatsby - The Wild Herd

 

Gatsby is a beautiful 16h thoroughbred x Irish sports horse gelding. He is black with white speckles over his body - mainly on his rump. He is 15 this year - his birthday is 3rd May 2009. He came to live at Springwood in July 2023 and was very underweight and submissive in the herd. He is now positively thriving and it's so wonderful to see him leading the herd into new places, forming strong friendships with all the herd and enjoying life to the full!

 

Gatsby's past:

Gatsby was born in Ireland, was shipped to England in 2013 as a 4 year old and then was passed from home to home several times, being separated from bonded herd mates each time. He had a difficult past which culminated in being labelled too aggressive to let out of a stable or be around people and other horses. He had a severe leg injury so was put onto ‘box rest’ whilst that healed for several months, but then no-one could go near him or even go into his stable so things escalated for him very badly. He lost weight and condition and struggled with his mental and physical health. His guardian knew he needed something more, so sought help and enabled him a life in the sanctuary in Sussex for a couple of years, before it had to close in July 2023. He had settled into life at the sanctuary, which suited him and he could at last let go of his previous anger, frustration and his aggressive coping mechanisms. As with all horses, being in a herd, having freedom to roam and not having expectations made of him was what Gatsby so desperately needed.

 

Gatsby's life now:

Gatsby came to Springwood in July 2023 with the rest of his herd, unfortunately in a very sorry state. He was very underweight and on the periphery of the herd, finding it difficult to integrate with the others and not having much energy to try. Having plenty of grazing of long meadow grasses, medicinal herbs and healing to support him, no expectations and not being used in any way enabled him to really release his fears, to build trust and confidence and to start putting on weight. Through the winter he had ad lib hay and like the rest of the animals here, never went without. He began to really thrive, his condition, body score and weight is great and his beautiful soft coat now actually gleams! In the spring he even started leading the herd into new areas, being interested in the mares in season and asserting himself for the first time. It is so lovely to see the new found energy Gatsby enjoys. He now hangs out with lots of the herd and is a happy, integrated and healthy member of the Wildies. Gatsby is a very gentle, sensitive, inquisitive and friendly horse who is now really embodying his name - The Great Gatsby! We are very grateful to his previous guardian for continuing to help towards his costs. If you would like to also help us care for this magnificent horse, we’d greatly appreciate your sponsorship. Thank you.  

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