Remarkable Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation (UPDATED!)

Bella Run Equine is a non-profit organization located in Athens OH, dedicated to the responsible rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of at-risk horses and dogs.

To more learn more about our organization, visit our website or check us out on Facebook!

If you would like to donate and help us save more horses, follow the links down below. You can donate via mail, PayPal, or Venmo (see info below). Every penny counts and will go directly towards saving more lives! If you are unable to donate PLEASE spread the word about our organization. Spreading the word helps save lives!❤️

Venmo: @BellaRunEquine

[bellarunequine]

What is my all-time favorite rescue/rehab story here at Bella Run Equine?
THIS ONE, hands down.
Watch this video to see why… I promise it has a beautiful ending❤

This horse was starved quite literally to just this side of death.
I was alone the day that the shipper brought her to us. She went down in the trailer on the way here. When the mare couldn’t get up, the shipper unhooked the trailer and left.

There is an old saying, “A down horse is a dead horse”. I can’t say that’s not true, so we make grand efforts to get any down horse up and give them a chance… at least once. I was alone, but I knew if this horse was going to live, she had to get onto her feet.

We named her Chevy as a nod to the beat-up old pickup truck that pulled her out of the trailer that very first day.

When it comes to extreme cases like Chevy’s, it is important to NEVER extend suffering when euthanasia is the kindest option. When rehabbing these cases, the end MUST justify the means. We set emotions aside and look at the case before us. We must see continued upward progress. In Chevy’s case, her will to live and momentum was visible from the very first night we lifted her to her feet. I am so glad we kept trying for her. This jet black mare took our help and ran with it… never looking back.

Chevy is now unrecognizable. She is shiny, relaxed, and in absolutely glorious condition! Adopted soon after her rehab was completed here, she now lives a fairytale life, leaving her past long behind her. To be honest, she left her past behind her the very first time we lifted her up.

Three years later, we still get regular updates on Chevy. Every new photo we get of her stops me in my tracks and makes me reflect on those days. She is a one-in-a-million mare, no doubt.

**This REAL, UNSTAGED footage was taken on my cell phone in the moments of a very REAL rescue situation. The footage of her still in the trailer was initially taken only because I was texting it to other team members in real-time so they could help me troubleshoot the situation. Later that night, we got the equipment on site to get her up. If you are one of those people who feel the need to watch this video and say “Well you should/shouldn’t have done this or that!”… We have no acknowledgment for you. We did what we did because it was definitely the best choice at that moment. It worked out well, and we would do it all over again ❤**

In a world and at a time when so many feel like giving up, I hope that the ripple of Chevy's story inspires the struggling to keep fighting.
-Rachel Bendler
Director

Chevy was rescued and rehabilitated by Bella Run Equine in Athens, Ohio.

[annereidy]

Every time I come across a story so full of love, respect and honour, I have to say thank you!

[eiloen]

Crazy that's the same horse. What a difference!

[janadogan-qyci]

I cried because it reminded me or a horse I use to take care of on the racetrack called Dr. Guy. He was given to an official on the racetrack when this racing days were over and he was put on a farm. About two years later I got a job with this official in an office working for this racetrack official who took Dr. Guy. One day I heard him talking to a man about Dr. Guy and he said he was in bad shape. My heart was broken so I contact the original owner and told him. Long story.short, Dr. Guy was sent to the racetrack where I worked and I met the van at the stablegate. I hopped into the back of the van and saw this horse that could hardly stand up and was nothing but skin and bones, with long hair and swollen legs. I recognized him by the star on his face. The vet was called and he was given fluids and.placed in a stall. Everyday after work I took care of him, fed him and walked him when he was able to. I took care of him for five months and brought him back to his grand self. I could not take him so he was given to a riding school. The day they pick him up he followed me on to the trailer and I cried. That was 40 years ago and I still pray for him everyday. I loved him.

[gords]

The tears ran all through this video. Sad tears because of the cruelty of humans to let her get to that poor state and happy tears for Chevy to have been placed in your hands. Thank you to you and your team for everything you do for the horses and for what you did for this heaven sent Chevy. This mare wanted to live and it took the kindness of earth Angel humans to help her live. God bless you all. Blessings from Australia.

[yolandaz]

Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you & God bless you for not giving up on Chevy!!! What a remarkable transformation thanks to you!!!🙏💜

[denisetuck]

Thanks for the update, I often wondered how Chevy fared & what happened to her. She morphed into a real beauty,

[debbiespeckmiear]

Bless your hearts for helping that sweet horse!!!

[pepeboy]

What an amazing transformation and even the most recent photos show a stunningly beautiful and healthy mare!

[darlenemckay]

Thank you for saving this beautiful girl!❤

[carriebradley]

Wow! This one was a tear jerker! Thank you for the love and dedication to get Chevy back to fit! I often wonder if we realize the full impact of something like this? It's not just the gift of saving an animal, but it's about the impact it has on the human spirit as well. It's a beautiful win win! ❤ Bless you all!

[patriciaremeika]

Bella Run Equine, you brought Chevy from death's door to full recovery! You are so kind! Thank you for my tears of joy. 🐎✨️🙌💗

[carolpridgeon]

I am in a healing process....processing grief....I have been watching channels similar to this one and crying almost uncontrolably. Thanks so much for your big ❤💚💜🙏namaste' from Humboldt County in California.

[matthewalexander]

You are the guise angels come in.. May God bless you and Chevy.
This broke my heart, animals and kids always do.
You're so strong.. With a strength only women have, and men can only dream about.
Thank you for your incredible love for horses. ❤💪❤

[lindag]

Best thing I have seen all day. In a world full of cruelty, it's heartwarming to see the opposite. Thank you for your kindness, hard work, and commitment.

[petervenema]

Who are these criminals and cruel people who neglect helpless animals - thanks and thanks again - may you have all of life, s blessings - because you DESERVE THEM -- thanks again and again

[Jesusofsuburbia]

Poor horse 😥😥 Thank you so much for rescuing Chevy. I can't bear animal cruelty. I'm pleased she's away from danger. Nice to see an improvement 🖤🤎

[pamelaremel]

That brought tears to my eyes! GREAT JOB on the rehab! The sheen on her coat at the end was nothing short of miraculous!

[Janie-id]

Don’t cry much, watching this Dear Horse inspired me. Prayer’s Up for continued Good Health.

[xScooterAZx]

That you were willing and caring enough to take the time and effort to keep her alive, ...God will reward you for this.