Gentle Ben

Resident

"Big John Benjamin"

Ben is a permanent resident due to his excessive overload of
past work miles that have rendered him extremely arthritic and in need of
additional T.L.C. and supplements.

Ben safe at Amaryllis.

Ben's hind quarters showing the abuse he endured.

Ben is going to live on at Amaryllis.

Ben

Gentle Ben 1989 17h Percheron gelding.

Ben worked his entire life for his owners.

He could ride, drive and pull heavy loads.

When Ben's youth began to fade, his owners dumped him

and he ended up in a kill pen awaiting his murder.

He did not understand.

He had done his very best.

Why did his people just throw him away?

To be tortured and killed!?

He is safe now and is loved.

Christine always wanted to {{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}} a draft horse!

Update:  September 2007.  Ben has had a course of cortizone shots therapy in his hocks and he has been blessed with a donor who supplied his HUGE stall with great "mighty lite" mats for his comfort.  He thrives and other than having a tough time rising after a long nap, he is doing quite well.  He resides in the assisted living facility with his buddy Abraham and they will remain together for life.  They are good buddies and need each other.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of this mighty Percheron.  The day came that he could no longer raise his great body.  It happened on a sunny, warm day.  I fed him his breakfast as he lay in the field.  Comanche and Abraham were with us.  The vet arrived and Ben never again tried to rise.  I told him everything he was never told.  I told him how awesome a horse he was, how he enabled an Amish family to survive, how he was needed and respected and how much he was deeply loved.  He understood and listened intently.  I told him of where he was going and how the rainbow bridge was where he would regain all his lost strength and vigor.  He would gallop free again and his mighty heart would be happy.  I told him that God would meet him as he entered Heaven and the words he would hear would be "Well done, my faithful servant" and God would (((HUG))) him.

I love you Ben, thank you for coming to us.

Ben and Comanche

 The following is a letter of tribute to this fine horse.  It was written by our AFER secretary/volunteer.