Alfa Pro

Alfa-Pro® is a top-notch fortified ground alfalfa cube formulated to meet all of the nutrient requirements of a mature horse. Recommended by our veterinarian to support the needs of the senior rescued horses. We soak the alfalfa pellets in water to make a mash for the horses. Since most of the horses have never had dental work it is hard for some of them to chew alfalfa. Alfa-Pro mash is easiest for them to eat and digest.

Alfa-Pro is the main portion of our special needs rescued horses' diet. We go through about 5 bags per day to feed the special needs horses. A pallet of Alfa-Pro contains 40 - 50 pound bags and costs $678.00. One pallet will feed the horses for 8 days. HF&C Amarillo, our local feed store where we purchase Alfa Pro does give a per pallet discount. An individual bag of Alfa-Pro is $17.45.

Beardless Wheat Hay

We have changed the way we feed the herd since we have grown rapidly over the last year. The main portion of the herds diet is beardless wheat hay. We have been purchasing beardless wheat from a local supplier at a discounted rate.

The herd goes through 10 round bales of beardless wheat hay every other day. Round bales are $115 each. We also use square bales of beardless wheat for the special needs horses in the barn. Square bales are $14.95 per bale. We use 6 bales per day inside the barn.

Alfalfa

Another portion of the horses' diet is fresh alfalfa. We have been purchasing alfalfa from Mauls Feed and Seed in Pampa, TX. After doing some research, we found that Mauls Feed grows and bales the alfalfa here locally in Amarillo, TX.

The cost of alfalfa does fluctuate during the year. Each bale of alfalfa is $13.50. The horses go through 5 bales of hay per day.  ​

Medical Bills

Veterinarian medical bills are always different costs due to what is being performed on the horse. A regular exam is $60 but an after hours call is $95. If our veterinarian comes to the farm there is a farm call fee of $100.

With any new rescued horse we always do blood work to check for infection, teeth floating, vaccines, dewormer, and a general check up. An initial medical exam costs around $500 per horse. Some of horses may need X-rays because of arthritis joint issues. X-rays vary in price but range from $30-$50 per view and can get quite expensive depending on how many are needed.

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In the next section of this page, you can view detailed medical bills and copies of the payments we have made.

Medications

Some of the horses have severe arthritis and require medication to live a comfortable life. The medications to treat arthritis is Previcox. ​

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180 tablets of Previcox is $400 or about $2.22 per pill. Currently, 20 horses take Previcox which is 10 pills per day.

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Other times if we have a sick horse, they may require antibiotics or Banamine. Antibiotics for horses are in pill or liquid form and are anywhere from $75 to $125. Banamine is $33 per tube.

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Out veterinarian also recommended that we treat all the horses with dewormer twice per year with a product that also kills tape worm. The recommended dewormer is $22 per tube.

Alternative Medical Treatments

After researching alternative treatments for arthritis in horses, we’ve found that acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments can provide similar benefits to those experienced by humans. For these treatments, we work with Amarillo Equine and Mobile Veterinary Practice.

• Acupuncture appointments cost $175 for the veterinarian to come to the farm.

• Chiropractic adjustments are $135 per session.

• Laser therapy is another treatment we use, ranging from $110 to $150, depending on how many areas are treated.

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We’ve seen excellent results with acupuncture, particularly for horses with severe arthritis and horses suffering from cellulitis, which is inflammation of the subcutaneous tissues beneath the skin.

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Another effective treatment for severe arthritis is an injection called OsPhos, a bone-building medication that slows or stops bone deterioration and supports joint health. OsPhos injections cost $375 each and are repeated every six months. Horses receiving these injections have shown noticeable improvements in mobility.

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We also use joint steroid injections for horses with arthritis, costing $185 per injection site. In addition, we’ve administered Noltrex, an injection that provides extra cushioning in the joint, at a cost of $350 per injection.

Emergency Situations

Emergency situations can arise with horses, and severe conditions such as colic and choking require immediate attention.

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Choking occurs when a horse’s esophagus does not close properly while eating, which can make clearing the obstruction difficult—especially in larger horses. In some cases, the horse may need to stay at the clinic for observation, with veterinary bills for such treatment reaching around $1,200.

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Colic is a term used to describe abdominal pain, usually caused by issues in the gastrointestinal tract. There are over 70 different types of intestinal problems that can lead to colic, ranging from mild to potentially life-threatening. Some colic cases can be treated medically, while others may require surgery, and unfortunately, not all cases can be resolved despite our best efforts.

The cost of colic treatment varies widely depending on severity. Mild cases that resolve with medical care can cost around $1,000, while severe cases requiring surgery and hospitalization can reach $6,000 or more.

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Emergencies like these can be costly and unpredictable, which is why it’s essential to have funds available to provide the care horses need when these situations arise.

Farrier and Dental

Our farrier visits weekly to work on as many horses as needed, depending on how quickly their hooves grow. Each farrier trim costs $100 per horse.

Equine dental care is also essential, as a horse’s teeth continue to grow throughout their life. Floating is the process of gently filing down sharp edges or hooks to create a smooth, even surface for efficient chewing. This procedure is typically done once per year or whenever we notice issues with a horse’s chewing. The cost is $140 per horse.

Fundraisers

We hold fundraisers to rescue horses from kill pens and prevent them from going to slaughter. The amount we need to raise depends on the location of the kill pen, the cost of bail, and the condition of the horse.

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If a horse requires extra medical attention due to poor health, the estimated medical expenses are included in the fundraiser, along with bail and transportation costs. Whenever possible, we transport the horses ourselves, as it is more cost-effective than hiring a transport company, though there are occasions when professional transport is necessary.

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All of these expenses are covered through our fundraisers, ensuring that each rescued horse receives the care and safe transport they need.