**URGENT SPECIAL NEEDS HORSE RESCUE**

SPONSORS DESPERATELY NEEDED

Time is quickly running out for Max and Slim.

These two beautiful boys are facing imminent euthanasia, POSSIBLY AS SOON AS THIS COMING WEEKEND (23/24 November), unless we can raise enough monthly sponsorship to care for them.

Unfortunately, they are both somewhat special needs horses who require extra care and, as a result, their monthly feed/medication requirements are around $200-$400 a month each.

ABOUT MAX:

Max is a 10 year old standardbred (gelding) who was rescued from the doggers at the Laidley Horse Sales six years ago.

He is very affectionate with people and he is best buddies with Slim, his paddock mate, however his insecurities, which possibly stem from pain, prevent him from getting along well with most other horses. While he is curious about other animals, he can sometimes go into chasing mode, again this probably stems from his insecurity.

Max has previously torn ligaments in his right hock, twice (he is a bit of a clutz at times), so is happy to just spend his days munching away on hay and what little tufts of grass are left.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing drought, reduced income due to the drought and unexpected expenses, Max’s owner can no longer afford his upkeep.  Due to his close friendship with Slim, injury and some of his quirky traits, finding a forever home for Max, where he will find a new best friend and continue to receive the best of care, will be near impossible.

Instead of risking an unknown future for Max where he could end back up at the sale yards, his owner will have no choice but to have him euthanised, an option we and Max’s current owner are desperate not to let happen.

Max’s feed/supplement bill is around $200-$360 a month, depending on the hay that is available.

ABOUT SLIM:

Slim is an 18 year old thoroughbred gelding, ex-racehorse, but he was only raced a handful of times as he was too slow.

He then spent some time being used for eventing before he was bought ten years ago for trail riding after having been retired from eventing.

He was only ridden a handful of times before he was retired to a life of leisure with his current owner.

Slim has a lovely nature towards both people and other horses, although being a horse he does get a bit bossy towards others at times when in a herd, but is never vicious, and is well behaved towards other animals.

Slim is a high maintenance horse as he has only one upper incisor (no idea what happened to all his teeth), so needs lots of hay all year round, plus he has some gut issues from a recent bout of ill health that need further addressing to help with his weight. He also has bad conformation in one foreleg, which has led to arthritis, and he possibly has arthritis in other joints due to his age and compensatory stance and movement, so supplements are needed to help with his joint pain.

As Slim is a special needs horse, finding him a forever home, where he will continue to receive the necessary care, will prove difficult. His owner believes euthanasia will be the best option for him if we cannot raise enough money for his monthly upkeep.

With this drought, horses are lacking vitamins, minerals and fats, so extra feed and supplements are required for Slim’s health. Slim’s feed bill is around $230-$390 a month, depending on the hay available.

This is a massive ask but we are desperate to help keep Max and Slim alive and healthy.  Can you help us by pledging to sponsor them?!?