Mini horse Martha was born with Skeletal Atavism, known as the most damaging form of dwarfism. Her biggest health issue is the severe deformities in her front legs which are splayed, making it very difficult, and often impossible to walk, with life expectancies no more than 6 – 12 months. Most mini horses born with this condition are put down immediately, but this little sickly foal was spotted on Craiglist for sale as a ‘Christmas present.’
Luckily for Martha, she was purchased by the R&R Ranch horse rescue. Owner Stacy Rolfe, 57, from Missouri, said: ‘There are many complications of dwarfism. With Martha, hers are her deformed legs. ‘Other dwarves have very round, barrel-like stomachs, issues with their organs, teeth and mouth issues are very common, bulging eyes are prevalent too. Dwarves need special medical and farrier attention.
According to Stacy, ‘it was immediately clear that Martha had many health issues. And she nearly passed away after the seven hour drive back to Chesterfield. When they got her to their vet she spent three days in critical condition.’
‘She has come a long way from the lice-infested foal she was when we first brought her home. Her feet are now cared for by an expert farrier – at first, weekly, then every two weeks, three weeks and now every four weeks.’
‘Martha does not let her leg deformities define her. She is a happy girl who lives life to the fullest, despite the imperfections. This is one of the things that makes Martha so marvellous.’
Good people saved Martha’s life. And now Martha is giving back by helping people in nursing homes as a certified therapy horse.
Mini horses are believed to have originated in Europe in the 1600s and were bred not only for ‘novelty’ but also to work in jobs like mining, where their small size was ideal. Mini horses cannot be taller than 34 inches at the withers.
h/t Bugsy278
To help horses like Martha, you can support R&R Ranch: https://www.randrranchminis.com/donate
Me says
If the donate link in the story doesn’t work for you, then here is a backup 🙂
https://www.randrranchminis.com/donate
BareNakedIslam says
Me, thanks for the Update.
Linda Rivera says
ADORABLE!
What JOY to see the dwarf horse with her legs healed and running free with her special friends; dogs!
And bringing JOY to the lives of humans!
What a Beautiful Gift from our Kind, Merciful, Compassionate, Wonderful Creator!
Fritz the Cat says
What a dear, dear story. And she became so spirited and confident in the end. Thx Bonni!
Martelson says
Poor little sweat heart. Hope she has a good home now for a long life.
I wonder if this is something leftover from the horse’s past. The species started as almost rat-like millions of years ago, and slowing grew to the present-day size. Do you Bonnie know anything about this? I only know a little about the horse species.
BareNakedIslam says
NO, these mini horses have been overbred, only starting in the 1600’s, and many adverse side effects have resulted.
Martelson says
Thanks. Overbred? Is this due to in-breeding or does the term mean something else?
BareNakedIslam says
They have become desired “pets” for many people, a novelty, that has led to breeding for smaller and smaller mini horses, which has resulted in the adverse medical conditions associated with them.
Martelson says
Genes can be pushed around, but too much and all manner of problems arise as a general result. The horse evolved larger and larger, but naturally people ‘know’ better, and pushed too much for a wanted condition. Here’s the result – like an ‘Hapsburg jaw’. Thanks, for the input – I am better informed.