Benedetto

2006 bay Quarter Horse Type gelding
type of rescue: born at SAFE on 8/10/2006 to a mare rescued from the feedlot
intake date: 8/10/2006
adoption date: 10/23/2009
length of time with SAFE: 1 Year, 10 months total

ADOPTED!! by Lyn F and Eunice K

Benedetto (Benny for short) was born at SAFE to a mare named Vivian who was rescued from the Zillow feedlot. Benny was born strong and healthy, and he was adopted at 6 months of age and given plenty of time to grow up. But about a year later, Benny suffered a serious pasture accident and severed the extensor tendon in his left front leg. The cost of surgery to repair the tendon was quoted at $3–5k to start, and his adopter simply could not afford that, and was going to have to put him down. The SAFE community pitched in with donations to cover some of the surgical costs, and Dr Hannah Evergreen, who had been present at Benny’s birth, offered to perform the procedure at a greatly reduced rate. Benny also has a serious laceration on his right knee, which ended up being the more worrisome of the two injuries due to the amount of swelling. Luckily the joint capsule had not been compromised, so that injury could be sutured. After nearly 3 months of limited turnout, bandage chewing, and a few minor setbacks like pressure sores and escaping tendons, Benny was declared completely sound. At age 3, Benny was started under saddle by Juliane Hanley of Cowgirl Spirit, and had a remarkable education that included mountain trails, riding at the beach, walking through rivers, and eventually, taking part in the SAFE Benefit Horse Show. Benny was adopted by long time SAFE support Lyn, and the two of them continued the adventures, adding horse camping to the list of activities that Benny excelled at. After nine years together, Benny’s adopter reached a point where she was no longer able to ride, but the owner of the barn she boarded at offered to take over ownership so Benny could remain in the place he considered home. Sadly, in late 2023, we got word that Benny had suffered a severe colic, and couldn’t be saved. Our tough little man was gone. Benedetto lived a wonderful life, and was universally adored for his sweet nature, his willingness, and his strength. He will never be forgotten.