Ox aka Makin Rain
Ox came to us several years ago a walking skeleton. He is an off-track thoroughbred that was born and raced in Louisiana. He was not a very good racehorse, likely due to an accident of some sort that affected his knee, hips, and mouth. He found himself in a kill pen in Oklahoma where he was then purchased by a trader in Mississippi. When he was with the trader, he was under weight and lame from an abscess hole in his foot. From there he was purchased by a woman who was incapable of caring for him properly. We rescued him almost a year after he was purchased from the trader, still lame with the same abscess and extremely underweight. We were told he was taught to play the guitar and piano with his lips. Later, when he gained some weight and was not too weak to "perform" it appeared he had also been taught to bow for food. We don't have an explanation on the logic behind all that. He still bows now and then, but we don't encourage it. See, as soon as Ox started feeling better, it was clear he was angry. And truthfully he had every right to be after being betrayed so many times. The foster who had gotten him to health was having trouble with him trying to kick and bite her and we were worried we would have to put him down for aggression. We brought him to the rescue and his life as a permanent resident began. He has his days when he is in a foul mood, and we warn all volunteers he can bite, but for the most part the anger is gone. He can be a delight under saddle...if he likes you. If Daisy is the Queen of the rescue, Ox is the King. He remains with us for the safety of potential adopters (since his attitude changes so much based on environment) as well as his safety. Emotional, moody horses can often end up in situations where they are manhandled, abused, or wind up in kill pens or passed from trader to trader. We don't want that for him, and he has a job here showing volunteers how to read body language, basic skills in the round pen, and that even the toughest guys can be teddy bears on the inside. Don't think after reading all that that Ox is all salt and no sweet. He is a favorite at the barn despite the warning labels.
We have put together a few wish lists for Christmas. The lists have a variety of items that will be useful to making Ox happy, healthy, and comfortable. He (and we!) would greatly appreciate any item or items you wish to donate. Items from tractor supply can be ordered online for pickup at the Hattiesburg store under the name Miranda Swilley. Or, if you wish to bring them directly, please let us know by emailing us at [email protected]. If you prefer to use Chewy, there are a lot of great items on there that would be greatly appreciated.
If you would like to purchase food for Ox, we get his food at Seminary Farm Center. They will allow you to purchase it over the phone at 601-722-4163 for pickup by Miranda Swilley. Ox eats ARCO sweet feed and All Stock pellets.
If you would like to purchase food for Ox, we get his food at Seminary Farm Center. They will allow you to purchase it over the phone at 601-722-4163 for pickup by Miranda Swilley. Ox eats ARCO sweet feed and All Stock pellets.