Gus

There is a great story on Bloodhorse.com by Steve Haskin about one of the 33 "miracle horses" who were rescued from the Cavel International slaughter house at the last minute, when the Supreme Court issued a ruling to shut down the facility in April, 2007. HSUS was instrumental in saving these horses when they teamed up with Denkai Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, which is where they were shipped. After about a week, Denaki helped distribute the horses to new homes, except for seven, which they kept on their premises.

One of the horses who found a new home is named Gus and was adopted in May, 2007 by Christine Schultz. Her plan was to turn what she thought was a seven year old ex-thoroughbred, into a dressage horse.

After months of research, all the while nursing Gus back to health, Christine was able to determine that the tattoo on Gus' lip, which her vet believed to be composed of all numbers, actually began with the letter B. As Haskin writes: "The mystery finally was solved. The 'young' thoroughbred Schulz had obtained...was named Ribot Dream, who amazingly, was 36 years old." Ribot Dream was a great-great grandson of the famed champion, Ribot, and during his two year racing career, from 1974-76, he made 24 starts, won three races and earned $4,551.

What happened to him since then, will always remain a mystery. The only sure thing is that he was sold for slaughter at the age of 35.

In the meantime, Ribot Dream has been "reborn" at the age of 36 and is living a happy, healthy life in Schulz' care. His best friend is another "miracle" horse, a 13 year old thoroughbred and quarter horse mix named Smiley. "Smiley, despite suffering from ringbone, a badly bowed tendon, and arthritis, is doing as well as can be expected, and he and Gus remain inseparable," writes Haskin.

The fate of the other five "miracle" horses that were sent to Denaki is on their website. As for Gus, well, he is in great hands. "I am committed to giving him the end he really deserves--being loved, safe and treasured, living like no one else," says Schulz.