Puff, the Miracle Mini Horse (Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue)
Special thanks to Deborah Finco for the incredible story and to Doug Foscale for the photos!
In September of 2015, a young mini horse named Cocoa arrived for auction at a barn in New Jersey, and it quickly became clear that nobody wanted her. According to Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue, “Most folks do not realize that over 100,000 US horses per year are shipped to slaughter and a large portion of the meat is used for human consumption overseas.” Unless someone took action, Cocoa would be sent to another auction – or even worse, she’d end up being shipped to slaughter. It was for this reason that the farm stepped and paid to get Cocoa out of the auction barn and to safety.
From the moment Cocoa stepped off the horse trailer at Beech Brook, it was clear that she was very ill. Shortly after Beech Brook removed the auction number from her hip and formally named her Cocoa (due to her dark chocolate color), her labored breathing worsened and she was diagnosed with pneumonia. After several weeks of medication, it became clear that Cocoa’s health was only getting worse. The human residents at Beech Brook worried that they might have to euthanize her. During this trying time, the vet performed an ultrasound and discovered Cocoa was about 6 months pregnant. Concern mounted that the Cocoa’s medication might harm the fetus, but there were no alternatives. Luckily, after about 2 more months of receiving a variety of antibiotics, Cocoa turned the corner and started to improve. The pneumonia had scarred her lungs, and her already difficult breathing only became more challenging as she continued to gain weight during the pregnancy, but her health was improving.
Finally, on March 29th at 8:50 PM, Cocoa’s baby entered the world at about 25 pounds after a quick delivery. The baby, fondly named Puff by the folks at Beech Brook, was dark in color like his mother and was standing in no time, although it took a bit longer for him to figure out eating. Beech Brook breathed a sigh of relief that he was born alive and appeared to be fairly healthy. Beech Brook reflects that, “He truly was a miracle baby. The efforts to save his mom resulted in saving two horses, and without the intervention of [our] rescue, Cocoa may have ended up at other auction barns or died due to her severe pneumonia.”
Now, Cocoa and Puff are free to enjoy their lives away from the dangers of the auction yard. They found their sanctuary at Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue.
A Note from Beech Brook: Beech Brook Farm Equine rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit that saves horses and donkeys from slaughter and neglect. Volunteers help with daily care and fundraisers and are always needed. You can learn more about the farm at www.beechbrookfarm.homestead.com and on their FB page. Puff is now 6 months old and both he and his mother are available for adoption. Cocoa has since been diagnosed with COPD and will need a home where her owners can take the time to wet her hay and provide other support when needed. Puff is an active boy who is learning to lead. He loves people.
