Adorable! Precious! Special little guy! Cute as a button! These are the expressions spoken by those describing the captivating, sweet-‐tempered, huge hearted Paint horse known at The Red Bucket Equine Rescue Center as “Mozart.”
“He is a wonderful horse with a precious personality. It takes a village to save a horse,” according to Susan. Rescuing Mozart took the long and winding road before he found himself in safety and comfort at Red Bucket. The efforts made to get Mozart were well worth the efforts of those who were involved. His story began in a slaughterhouse feedlot where he was awaiting the inevitable. He had been betrayed, abandoned and dumped there by a breeder who considered him a bothersome burden. It is difficult to process and heartbreaking to see how many wonderful horses are ending up in the feedlot pens at auctions.
Luck stepped in for Mozart, as he caught the observant eye of one of Red Bucket’s rescue colleagues. Thankfully, he was in the right place at the right time. Mozart was born a crypt orchid stallion, which means he would eventually need a surgery. A second rescue colleague actually performed his surgery. A third rescue colleague and friend cared for Mozart and took him to Red Bucket for training and to prepare for his forever home. Mozart is doubly blessed to have his best buddy and guardian Aileen with him many days each week. Upon arrival at Red Bucket, she quickly took an immediate liking to this wonderful and even-‐tempered horse.
Mozart is known as a handsome and polite gentleman. He has come a long way from the horse that would not let anyone get too near to him, especially near his head. He has become a hard-‐working and huge hearted horse in training. He is a beautiful, kind and gentle Paint, with the classic black and white spots along with a very unique face. He sports one blue eye and one brown eye. Looking at both sides of his face, you can see a very big difference because of his distinct eye colors. Each side has its own character! He loves his friends and stable buddies. Cody Oats, another handsome Paint, and Mozart are the very best of friends. Through out his stay at Red Bucket, Mozart has shown vast improvement from the skittish and untrusting horse that was rescued. Along with regaining his confidence, he has learned to trust humans again. Once considered a burden by his owner, this wonderful little horse with the big heart and sweet spirit is in training and enjoying the finer things in life while patiently awaiting his forever home.
His dignity has been restored as he trains diligently everyday in the safety of the Red Bucket facility and its volunteers. Trainer Kimberly has worked hard with Mozart and has seen an amazing improvement in his ability to learn and perform. Once a neglected slaughter-‐bound horse, Mozart is now healthy, happy and vibrant. He is so full of gratitude and life as he prepares himself for the journey to his eventual loving and forever new home!
Written by: Johanna Downs September 2013