Smokey (aka Dixie Cash)

Smokey arrived at the Sanctuary on March 1st from his home near Eastland, where he had been in a small acreage with one pal (donkey.). Although he had a very loving family, they could no longer keep him due to various health reasons. Smokey (we gave him a new name to free him of his pedigreed moniker - Dixie) is a dappled grey Tennessee Walking Horse. He is about 10 years old, gelded, and is a bit anxious and excitable, although he still trusts humans.

Bred for the “Big Lick” circuit, Smokey did not perform well in the show ring and was sold at auction and has been shuffled around most of his life. He has scars on his front ankles from chains that are used to produce the high stepping that is part of the TWH gait. It is a not a pleasant training process, which also includes putting shoes on their front feet that have spikes or broken glass in them so that they lift their legs to relieve the pain.

Smokey has periodic lameness in his back legs, but upon arrival here at the Sanctuary, he has been shoeless and is enjoying his freedom and socializing with the other horses. We are so happy to have our new resident and to give him a good, loving home here at BHS.
(click the image to see more pictures)