Lisbon, IA – An Iowa-based horse sanctuary is struggling to cover the veterinary expenses necessary to save a retired racing Thoroughbred’s eye. The horse is I Am Awesome, and the non-profit organization is Unbridled Spirits. The 17-year-old gelding, who retired from racing in 2016, recently suffered a significant injury to his eye and he now has a deeply infected stromal corneal ulcer.
I Am Awesome has been receiving treatment at Abraham’s Equine Clinic in Cedar Rapids for weeks and the associated expenses are expected to top $4,500. Dr. Jeremy Servantez said:
“We are doing everything possible to prevent the ulcer from rupturing, and to save his eye.”
But the veterinary expenses for I Am Awesome are crippling the sanctuary, which pays an estimated $400-$500 per month, PER horse, to feed the animals at the rescue property. Currently, there are approximately 35 horses in the sanctuary’s care. Unbridled Spirits celebrated its 10-year anniversary this month, but without support, their amazing work cannot continue.
Founder and Executive Director Christina Norris said:
“We take great pride in providing a safe haven for equines whose racing and/or breeding careers have ended. But none of this would be possible without the contributions from our devoted supporters.”
If you are interested in supporting Unbridled Spirits’ efforts to provide retired horses with the comfort and care that they need in the twilight of their life, you can make a donation at this link to the organization’s website.
If you would like to help I Am Awesome specifically, you can call 319-471-3545 to make a tax-deductible contribution. Checks can be mailed to:
PO Box 663
Lisbon, IA 52253
Follow Unbridled Spirits on Facebook here.
Pray for horse eyes better
I hope this beautiful horse’s eye can be saved. Prayers for his recovery.
These wonderful people need money, not PRAYERS. SMH.
Will pray and share — heal his eye — the money will come