Journey the horse’s life was a hard one: pregnant and unwanted, she was one of 29 horses crammed into a trailer in the middle of the night and taken hundreds of miles to a slaughterhouse.
But while en route to the slaughterhouse, the trailer carrying her was involved in a horrific crash on the 1-44 in Franklin County, Missouri.
The crash happened in October 2020 which resulted in the deaths of 10 of the horses, two having to be euthanized on site, two later at a vet hospital and one more had to be put down because it was suffering too much.
Most of the surviving 16 horses were taken to the Humane Society’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch where they were treated for shock, deep skin leg abrasions and lacerations, head and eye trauma, and back injuries.
Thankfully staff at the rescue ranch secured ownership of the horses and posted the good news on its Facebook page.
“This morning we have some very good news: Longmeadow Rescue Ranch has secured ownership of the horses involved in the tragic tractor-trailer accident last month,” the group shared on its Facebook page in November 2020.
“It has been confirmed that these horses were being transported to slaughter. Never again will they face that dreadful fate!”
A month after the accident staff at the rescue ranch discovered one of the horses Journey was pregnant.
“Journey managed to walk away from the accident with minimal, superficial injuries, but was underweight and had sustained abrasions in several areas on her right front leg that made it particularly painful to walk and trot,” the rescue’s website said. “Journey was taken to Longmeadow Rescue Ranch for rehabilitation and recovered beautifully.
“About a month after the accident, Journey underwent a routine pregnancy check via ultrasound. It was at this time that we learned Journey was pregnant, and the baby appeared to be healthy and viable in all prenatal evaluations.”
Staff decided to livestream the strong mama’s pregnancy leading up to the delivery.
“We will be livestreaming Journey leading up to the delivery and you can watch the mom-to-be on our baby cam from dawn till dusk,” the post read.
“Most mares prefer to give birth at night when no one is around, so it is very important that we give Journey her privacy during this time. Don’t worry though, we are watching closely for signs of delivery and are ready to step in if needed.”
Journey’s baby arrived on August 16, a handsome colt whom the staff named Cruiser.
“Journey’s colt really is a miracle,” the rescue posted. “Her colt is such a blessing and we are overjoyed with this addition to Longmeadow Rescue Ranch!”
Animal lovers at the center said once Cruiser is weaned at about 8 months, both mother and baby will be available for adoption.
I’m so glad Journey has been given a second chance to live the life she and her baby deserve.
Help us praise the work of the staff at this wonderful rescue ranch by sharing this story.
