Mishka, Our Gentle Giant
In 2014, this majestic Percheron – truly a gentle giant – captured my heart during a chance drive past a kill buyer’s property. There he stood, huddled in the corner of a paddock by the road, his spirit visibly shattered. Drawn irresistibly to him, I saw beyond the unhealthy coat that masked his underweight frame: open sores marred his frail body, a heartbreaking testament to his suffering. He desperately needed help, and that’s our calling at Beauty’s Haven – to extend a lifeline to horses like him, pulling them from the brink and into a world of compassion and care.
We named him Mishka. He was vetted and his dental and feet needs were taken care of. We doctored his sores, tended to his feet, put him on a controlled diet, and showered him with love. Day by day he grew stronger, his spirit ignited, and he blossomed into a vibrant, loving horse that everyone simply adored.
Mishka was more than a survivor; he was a quiet and calming healer for countless people, dispensing the purest form of solace: boundless, unwavering love. He was also a devoted friend to all horses that came here as you can clearly see in the video by clicking on the image above.
I later discovered that Mishka was once owned by a renowned NBA star that once live in Florida, who undoubtedly never imagined his equine companion could fall into such dire straits. Regrettably, his story underscores the critical need to verify that anyone receiving your horse is fully dedicated to its lifelong well-being. Equally important, in my opinion, is ensuring that you, yourself, are prepared to offer a horse exemplary care throughout its entire life before ever acquiring one. It’s the sole reliable guarantee against your beloved horse ending up in a horrible situation such as Mishka did.
We were truly blessed to share so many precious years with this gentle giant, whose kind spirit touched us all. Though he battled chronic foot problems throughout his time with us, our devoted care team poured everything we had into easing his discomfort.
As the years took their toll and his struggles intensified, our hearts ached at the thought of losing him – but our love ran deeper still, guiding us to grant him the peace he deserved. Now, free from all pain, he runs alongside our cherished Beauty’s Haven herd that awaits us at Rainbow Bridge. Run free, beautiful boy. You shall forever remain in our hearts.
