Former Carriage Horses Dumped At Auction In Poor Health Are Now Living Best Lives At Animal Sanctuary

Life has been tough for two former carriage horses, Moose and Aslan, who spent their days hauling a cart and people from place to place. They did their job without complaint but were not well cared for. When they were no longer of use and their health was starting to decline, they were dumped at an auction.

Thankfully, the kindhearted people at The Gentle Barn came to their rescue. The Gentle Barn saves abused animals (big and small) and gives them a safe place to live out their lives at one of their three sanctuaries.

The non-profit shared the rescue story of Aslan and Moose on TikTok, and it is sure to bring tears to your eyes. They wrote, “Aslan and Moose were used as working horses their whole lives, and have the physical issues and emotional scars to prove it. We’ve been working closely with them in New York, getting them expert veterinarian attention, massage therapy and chiropractic care, farrier treatments, and more, along with switching their diets to nutrient-rich foods, giving them @sunchlorella immune-boosting supplements, Jill and Joan CBD, and @puremedyinc salve for their aging bodies. After a lifetime of work, they are finally living in peace like they’ve always deserved.”

@thegentlebarn It’s official: The former carriage horses we rescued have ✨arrived✨ at our Missouri animal sanctuary! Aslan and Moose were used as working horses their whole lives, and have the physical issues and emotional scars to prove it. We’ve been working closely with them in New York, getting them expert veterinarian attention, massage therapy and chiropractic care, farrier treatments, and more, along with switching their diets to nutrient-rich foods, giving them @sunchlorella immune-boosting supplements, Jill and Joan CBD, and @puremedyinc salve for their aging bodies. After a lifetime of work, they are finally living in peace like they’ve always deserved ❤️ #horserescue #carriagehorses #farmanimalsanctuary #animalrescuestory ♬ Possibility – Lykke Li

Once their health improved, the horses were transported to the Missouri sanctuary to be spoiled and live their best lives. It didn’t take long for them to settle in and enjoy the little things in life like itching against a tree and having a good roll in the dirt.

Meet Moose

The 18-year-old Belgian draft horse arrived with overgrown and sharp teeth which made eating nearly impossible. His caretakers shared in his bio, “his hooves were overgrown making it difficult to walk, and his body hurt all over. Instead of getting him the help he needed, his owners brought him to the auction to be sent to slaughter.”

Moose is finally getting the care he needs, and his personality is starting to show. “Now he is enjoying a soft, warm barn at night, sunny, green pastures by day, and of course, bedtime cookies every night,” shared his rescuers.

Meet Aslan

The Percheron draft horse was barely able to stand when he was rescued from an auction. His hind end was giving out after years of hard work. The sweet fella was rescued just in time and receives weekly acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic treatments to help him recover.

The sanctuary shared that he has improved and said, “When Aslan first arrived, he could hardly hold himself up, but now he is strong, running, and playing. Aslan has no idea what love is, but he is about to find out that people can be kind, and life can be good.”

@thegentlebarn From a lifetime of pulling heavy carriages to playing hide and seek, getting cookies, and more with the freedom to choose what he wants to do. Aslan’s new life is what we wish for all horses. #farmanimalsanctuary #animalrescue #horsesoftiktok ♬ New Home – Austin Farwell

Moose and Aslan now spend their days grooming each other, meeting other farm animals, eating treats, and just horsing around.

The Gentle Barn has been rescuing animal for the past 23 years and continues to be a voice for the voiceless. These heroes rescue mistreated animals and give them the lives they deserve. Feeding and caring for animals is expensive, so please consider sponsoring an animal or making a donation to help save even more lives. Learn more about their amazing work by visiting their website here.

Countless carriage horses are overworked and neglected. They deserve better. Sign the petition below that calls for a ban on carriage horses in New York City.