Post by Erabbit on Jul 12, 2007 13:04:51 GMT -5
Ben's real name is Big John Benjamin Yoder and he is a 20 year old Percheron gelding. Ben's story is a hrad one to swallow. Ben is big and strong and loyal. He would work his best on his worst day. He is a "work horse". Ben was purchased by an Amish family and was put to work. Ben knew no kindness, he was treated as a machine. He worked from sunrise to sunset as a beast of burden with never a carrot or a good pat. Ben took his job seriously and put all his effort into pleasing his boss. As the years wore on, though he became slightly stiff and could not pull quite as hard. Instead of giving Ben some time off to recoup, he was pushed harder. A couple years later when Ben was steadily declining in health and stregnth, instead of calling a vet or giving him some needed vacation, the whip was brought out to ensure this "animal" was earning his keep. A few more years went by and Ben, tired and weak, sick and depressed, not understanding why he could never seem to please his boss, Ben tried once more to prove his mighty stregnth and thurst himself foward against his heavy load, but alas, his strength was truly gone and he bowed his left front tendon. It is excruciating to rip a tendon. Tendons attach muscle to bone, so every step would further increase the torture. Ben was given no reprieve. The whip was used again and again for the next few months. Finally the day came when Ben could not stand the pain and gave in. He was lying down and could not rise. He wanted to die, to be free from this torture. But no, the boss came and whipped him until he rose...and loaded him onto a trailer and sold him to the butcher for meat........he never even looked back at Ben as he walked away putting the money in his pocket. 18 years of service meant nothing. Ben found himself in a kill pen staring into the eyes of several desolate looking horses and one catatonic pony mare who had just foaled and the other horses, not knowing any better killed the foal in front of her. Ben thought this was the hideous end for him, and that it was his fault, he must not have worked hard enough. He must not have tried hard enough.... Then someone snapped a few photos of him and the others. He did not know it, but they were rescuers and they posted th photos on the internet. Christine from Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue saw those photos and raised his ransom staright away.....and also for the pony mare...and even 2 other thoroughbreds. Ben was soon loaded into another trailer and brought to Southampton were he was met with cheers and carrots and hugs, though he had NO IDEA what either were.
It has taken extensive months of vet care and hugs to bring Ben to the place where he now knows he is safe and loved and secure....so it is with great gratitude we all thank you for sponsoring this great horse!