Bobby and Edita Birnkrant, FoA NY Director, getting acquainted.

Bobby, the NYC Carriage horse Friends of Animals helped rescue from a Pennsylvania slaughter auction on June 25th in a collaborative effort with the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages and Equine Advocates is now doing well and getting adjusted to his new home at the beautiful Equine Advocates Sanctuary in Chatham, New York. As a recent press release explained, Bobby was destined for the slaughterhouse after he could no longer make a profit for his owners — NYC carriage horse operators — and our efforts ensured that he would be spared this fate and would live the rest of his life in freedom.

more facial-scarring that shows the effect of the exploitation and neglect Bobby endured for many years.

Bobby, a bay gelding who is estimated to be 18 years old was examined by a veterinarian after his rescue and was found to be in very bad shape with lameness in his front right leg, stomach worms and teeth that were badly neglected. Bobby also had several scars on his face and around his neck that were caused by the equipment that he was forced to wear while pulling a carriage.

I had the opportunity to visit Bobby at his new home on July 11th, at the sanctuary where over 80 rescued horses live in freedom on 140 peaceful acres.

Bobby was frisky, curious and affectionate, and was thrilled at the carrots I’d brought as a treat. In spite of the neglect and exploitation he’d endured for his entire life, Bobby’s joyous spirit was in evidence during my visit.

A July 5th New York Times article detailing Bobby’s rescue and relocation to the sanctuary included a description of the first thing Bobby did when he got there: roll around on the grass.