Dash finds peace of mind

It is difficult, even heartbreaking, to imagine where Dash was before arriving at Humane Colorado’s Harmony Equine Center. Upon intake, the veterinarian described him as “the walking dead” due to his ill health and severely emaciated condition. Like most of the horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules we care for at Harmony, Dash was removed from his previous owners by law enforcement authorities due to maltreatment. Fortunately for Dash, Harmony’s compassionate and nurturing environment was the perfect place to heal before joining his new herd and family at Kiana Creek Equestrian Center in idyllic Sedalia, Colorado.

Melissa, once a member of the Harmony team, first met Dash during the emotional intake process. Dash had been so starved and terribly neglected that he initially required around-the-clock care. “Literally, it was us spending the night with him, making sure he was going to make it, “remembered Melissa. Thankfully, Dash not only made it through the harrowing first night, but after regaining his health, he went on to help our staff train colts and even became an official Harmony “Ambassahorse”. In this capacity, Dash patiently gave children the opportunity to learn about equine behavior , well-being, and the importance of treating all animals with respect.

Five years after Dash arrived at Harmony, Andrea, the owner of Kiana Creek Equestrian Center, was looking for a friendly horse to add to her herd – one who could be a good companion for her family and assist with the center’s educational programming. Melissa, now the manager at Kiana Creek, knew just the right horse for the job – her old pal, Dash. Soon, Harmony’s beloved, quietly inquisitive “mascot” was adopted by Andrea, her husband, and their four young daughters.

Once in his loving new home, Dash became Kiana’s elder statesman, participating in the center’s clinics, trail-riding, and various learning experiences for school-age children through the Douglas County 4-H program. Moved by his courage in the face of adversity, Andrea said, “Any horse who has been through what he’s been through deserves nothing but the best treatment. It just makes me so happy to make sure he’s comfortable.”

His many friends, old and new, couldn’t be more pleased for this gentle giant and absolute gem of a horse.

This article was originally published in a 2023 edition of Pet Tales. Catch up on the latest stories of healing, hope, and how we’re creating a more humane Colorado.