“How People Can Be So Cruel”: Equestrian World Sobs as Horse Abandoned and ‘Left to Die’ on Road Wins Show Competition

Horses are animals that have the capability to exhibit unparalleled strength and resilience. Even when faced with the worst of humanity, these pillars of the equestrian community persevere through astonishingly horrendous circumstances. Such is the story of Woody, a gorgeous pinto horse who was “left to die” on the roadside by his cruel owners.

Found on the side of a road in Tipperary, Ireland by local police officers, Woody was in volatile condition. When the horse was discovered, it was envisaged that his chances of survival seemed to be extremely low. But this equine wonder was not ready to give up. Now, Woody is fully recovered and just won an equestrian competition.

How the bravery of a horse made the equestrian world sob

In October 2022, a horse rescue charity, My Lovely Horse Rescue, received a call from the local police along with a picture of a pinto horse that had been abandoned by its previous owners. Now, less than a year later, the same horse lying near-lifeless on the cold hard road is now a successful show horse and just made his owner proud after he managed to win second place at the Cork Summer Show in Currahee.

According to the Mirror,  MLHR, the charity that brought Woody back to life with love and care, revealed that the original owners of the horse “took their tack and cart and ran away and left him there to die.” Kelly Mellerick, a representative of MLHR, personally took care of Woody during his darkest times. Commendable is the courage of Woody, he did not want to give up on life even after being abused in such a horrible manner. After proper rehabilitation, Woody was adopted in December 2022.

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As his health got better, the horse was introduced to Orianna, a local girl. For them, “it was love at first sight”. Orianna spent hours grooming the horse, who enjoyed the 13-year-old’s attention and adoration. When Woody was completely rehabilitated, he was sent under the care of the teenager, and together, they prepared for the competition in which the horse managed to get second place. When the news of Woody’s bravery reached the masses, they were inspired and moved in equal measure.

Netizens were overjoyed by the good news

A member of the equestrian community was enraged at the treatment of the horse, and commented, “I don’t understand how people can be so cruel but what a wonderful ending for this lovely creature. There are lots of good folk out there.” Another commentator was equally touched by the happy ending, and said, “Thankfully there are good hearts in this sometimes cruel world. Absolutely lovely story….well deserved success for both.” While the horse got second place in the event, according to a comment, “He’s won first place in our hearts , keep going Woody x x.”

A comment also praised the charity for doing an amazing job in rescuing the poor horse. The comment read, “Thanks to My Lovely Horse rescue who took him and he is the beautiful horse here today. He was at deaths door. My Lovely Horse are the best rescue in Ireland taking in not only Horses but dogs, and pigs goats and many more animals.” Woody is indeed lucky that he was rescued in time by the quick action of the police and the charity. And we are lucky to witness the resilience of this amazing horse who overcame heart-wrenching adversity.

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