Celebration of Life -
Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 3:00pm
Each horse that finds their way home to Wings of Hope is living out their second chance. Through no fault of their own they find themselves needing a second chance. A safe home and through God's grace Wings of Hope is able to become their home where they live out their last days this side of heaven with them.
We were likely Moses' fourth home. He was originally an eventing horse that was injured and then went to a boy's school and was reinjured and then found his temporary home at PERL.
He came home to Wings of Hope March of 2020. At 17.3 hands he was the largest of the herd and exhibited servant leader qualities. He didn't rush to the gate for meals instead you'd find him standing back waiting for everyone else to go first. During a Bible study a volunteer was pointed out that Moses was also very polite. Even if enjoying grass out in the field he would raise his head and acknowledge when a guest walked by his pasture.
Wings of Hope is grateful to the volunteers who cared for him daily, his sponsor and all the ranchers who spoiled him with lots of affection.
Moses last week with us included a lot of veterinary care to determine the cause of symptoms he was exhibiting. His emergency vet visit at the barn, medication, inpatient isolation stay as well as his transport and burial came to $8170 ($2962 has been raised as of 1/22/25). Moses' final test results showed that he had spinal meningitis with an unknown cause.
While all treatment options were discussed, the surgeon at Woodside gave Moses a very somber prognosis. It was decided by the Executive Director Team, with agreement from the Board of Directors, and on the advice of the veterinarian that Moses should be shown both mercy and love by choosing to humanely euthanize on, January 18.
Moses was brought home to be laid to rest alongside his former herd mates.
For as difficult as it is when a herd member passes, we are reminded that each horse becomes a member of a much greater community touching the hearts of everyone they come in contact with. They give love, confidence and care to the volunteers and children.
The outpouring of love and sweet memories shared are a healing balm to our souls, and we thought we'd share and record some of the comments made on social media below for us to soak up.
Thank you for loving Moses so well during his time at Wings of Hope.
I will miss him and his snuggles ~ Megan
I remember how excited we were the day this beautiful boy arrived at the ranch. He was such a regal gentle giant. Rest easy sweet boy. ~ Sharon
Moses, I will love you forever! Thank you for loving me! Run free in heaven my friend! ~ Anna
Moses was so big... in so many ways... and not just physically as our largest horse. He was big on attitude, big on humorous actions, big on having his way, but most of all Big On Love for all the wranglers he served. So many will miss you... thank you for the joy you gave so many! ~ Wendy
I remember the day Conway chose Moses. I literally had to walk away so that my anxiety regarding his size didn't affect Conway...He continued to work with Moses and was fearless. His devotion & admiration shone thru and Moses never treated Conway with anything but gentleness and patience.
Thank you our gentle giant for loving Conway the way that he loved you...
One time at Miss Betty’s he came running up to me at the fence . He was making a whining noise. He turned sideways and there was a huge horsefly on him.
I swatted it away and he stopped whining and went back out in the field. ~ Steve
Praying for you all during this difficult time.. I remember when Donna and I first went out to meet him before he came into the rescue. I’m so glad after all he had been through that he ended up with you guys. He was a gentle giant. ~ Allison
He was such a sweet and gentle giant. I never had the opportunity to be around horses growing up. My first time around horses was during training to become a volunteer. The first horse I worked with was Mo and I think he picked up on my anxiety by placing his head on my shoulder after a few minutes. I was instantly hooked. Thank you for all you taught me and for all the love you brought to everyone that ever worked with you. ~ Alayna
Sweet Moses I teared up reading this post thank you for all you’ve done for our kids rest easy sweet guy. Thank you to all the volunteers what you do is so meaningful to the children and to the animals. Sending so much love and prayer. With much love ~ The Kendzia’s
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