Kalila's Health Journey

On August 24th, 2019. I rescued a bay draft gelding and a grey arabian mare. The gelding was named "Hank" and I decided to name the mare "Kalila" meaning "one who is loved".

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Kalila is a quick learner. We have had many groundwork sessions and primarily use clicker training.

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A couple months after her rescue, Kalila had several bouts of colic - one in particular that called for emergency transport to the Equine Hospital, where we learned that Kalila has several chronic health problems.

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The Equine Hospital took very good care of Kalila during her stay. She was given daily baths, frequent walks, and even a fancy hospital gown!

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Hank patiently awaited Kalila's return from the hospital.

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When Kalila came back, we put her in Romeo's paddock, since he is the oversee-er of all things at the farm. He quickly demonstrated his role as herd leader.

Despite still being chronically ill, she is certainly happy to be home!

While Summer Camp horses are typically well-trained and kind, they can easily be taken advantage of and soured from a rigorous routine for months on end, thus, resulting in a more complicated not-so-easygoing equine. I have faced many behavioral issues with Kalila, that we continue to work through.

Trying to tap into the once sweet and willing natural behavior of an ex-camp horse like her has proven to be difficult. Healing is not linear. We have good days and bad days, but the reality is that she is in a safe, loving environment and I will continue to do all that I can to keep her healthy and comfortable.

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When she first arrived, Kalila was not very trusting of people. She was lethargic and unhappy.

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She was admitted into the hospital for symptoms of colic - a deadly and painful blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.​ We learned that Kalila had an infection and severe lung disease, and we are still trying to find the best way to treat it. Antibiotics were perscribed to treat the infection, but she is still at risk for chronic infections in the future.

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Kalila had tried to eat the bedding in her stall, so she ended up having to wear this lovely fashion piece (a cribbing mask).

I was permitted to take Kalila for short walks during the day while she was in the Equine Hospital.

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Now, Kalila gets frequent visits from the vet as we try to find the best way to take care of her going forward to prevent further emergencies from arising.

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Caring for a sick horse has inspired me to be that much stronger when I am around her. Kalila continues to teach me how necessary it is to be in the right frame of mind when working with these animals, especially one-on-one.

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Donations can be made at: www.GoFundMe.com/rehoming-camp-horses