A friend who grew up around horses told this reporter, “Remarkable! That she’s 35.”
Most of the volunteers and staff at Tierra Madre Horse and Human Sanctuary in Cave Creek feel the same way about “Birdie”—she’s remarkable indeed, and so sweet, but with a little side of “ornery” to her nature as well.
Just open the gate to her stall a bit too much and Birdie may make a little push out for a game of “catch me,” and the volunteer will get a workout trying to compel her to stop rebelling and let them hold the bridle for her walk in the main yard.
But hey, most would agree, old gals have earned the right to act however they want when they reach a certain age.
Despite the condition of Birdie’s hind end (and the terrible state she was in upon being rescued), Birdie has the spirit of a much younger horse.
Considering the fact that horses are considered “seniors” by their late teens, Birdie has beaten some daunting odds—big time.
The “father” and founder of the sanctuary, Jim Gath (he’s really more like “daddy” to the herd) Gath is the man responsible for Birdie’s rescue and all of the current herd of 19 horses at Tierra—he’s the one who saw to saving each horse that was slated to be put down.
Gath understands just how uncanny it is that Birdie has survived her 35 years, some of them spent in dire conditions.
Gath told Northeast Valley News, “Birdie has a congenital problem in her hind end that causes her to walk ‘wonkily. ‘ It’s not really arthritis, but her right rear is a little worse than her left.”
According to Gath, one of the most unique things about Birdie is her heart and her will to live, especially considering the horrible condition she was in when she was brought to her forever home at Tierra Madre.
“She continues to do so well, despite her age,” Gath said.
Birdie requires a daily dose of Prascend (pergolide) to help treat her PPID/Cushings, a fairly common condition in horses in their teens and older.
The daily medication can be very costly, and the Tierra Madre Horse Sanctuary relies solely on the donations of public caregivers who respond with monthly donations of any amount or corporate sponsors that hear the call of need.
Still, well beyond her teens, Birdie continues to astound all who meet her.
Oh, and by the way, according to the staff of volunteers, Birdie loves her treats!
What girl doesn’t?
Of course, she loves carrots, but is also especially fond of the Oats and Apples horse treats the herd gets each day at the sanctuary.
But above all, Birdie loves her people.
Her ears perk up and she moves toward the volunteers as well as Gath as they call out to Birdie and show special care and attention, greeting her each morning, saying goodnight each evening, and loving her throughout the day.
For information on how to help meet Birdie’s needs, please visit the Tierra Madre Horse and Human Sanctuary’s website, where you can make a one-time donation or join up as an “Angel Sponsor.”
Visitors to the sanctuary are asked to make reservations ahead of time by contacting Gath (email or phone) and are encouraged to visit Birdie and the rest of the herd.
A visitor’s guide to the sanctuary is also listed on the website.
