Rescued Hearts
The Transformative Journey of Thistle and the Lifesaving Work at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
Nestled amongst 165 acres of woodland near Union, Missouri, the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is a haven for hundreds of abused and neglected horses, cows, goats, pigs, ducks and other farm animals. The ranch is one of the most comprehensive horse and farm animal care and rehabilitation centers in the country. In addition to animal care, ranch staff provide hands-on humane education experiences for both children and adults.
In May 2023, HSMO's Animal
Cruelty Task Force (ACT) conducted a rescue of four starving horses from the rural property of a neglectful owner. All four mares were in similar condition: severely emaciated with overgrown hooves and external parasites. Thistle, the youngest of the four, was in the worst condition. She was extremely thin, weighing only 727 pounds. Covered in lice and desperately needed dental care, it was clear she had never had her hooves trimmed and was terrified of the farrier.
They knew it would take time for Thistle to come around, so Longmeadow staff began her rehabilitation and hoped for the best.
Once she started gaining weight, Thistle’s personality began to show— and WOW was this 7-year-old Thoroughbred full of hidden spunk and energy! She loved eating, running and playing with her friends during turnout. Her head was always hanging out of her stall window, looking for attention from volunteers and visitors. As she gained more weight and her coat began to shine, she began to display a proud mustache that they didn't realize she had! Before they knew it, Thistle had turned into a beautiful, playful, healthy horse. With her dappled coat and cute features, they knew she would be adopted quickly. Nobody could imagine a better forever home for Thistle than with the Longmeadow staff member who was there from the beginning.
Recently, Thistle went home with our Lead Ranch Assistant, Kaitlyn! Kaitlyn, who was there throughout Thistle's entire rehabilitation, knew that Thistle was coming home with her from the moment she helped unload her from the ACT trailer in May. She saw the potential in the grey mare—Kaitlyn's dream horse since she was a little girl—and didn't have to think twice. From thin and neglected to healthy and beloved, Thistle is one of our favorite adoption stories yet!