Transformation: the Story of Desert Spark

Desert Spark, or "Desi" is a 6 year old 16h chestnut Thoroughbred gelding by Desert Rival out of Strip N Get, born in Arizona. He raced and trained at Turf Paradise up until 2005, no winnings on record.

He was rescued on September 11, 2006 at a feedlot in Colorado. He weighed 875 pounds, and was covered with bite marks and scratches from other horses. With the help of Shiloh Acres and Colorado TB Rescue, SAFE was able to purchase Desi from the feedlot, and place him in a foster home in Larkspur, CO. Desi fought his way back not only from starvation but from strangles, cellulitis, abcesses, and insomnia. His story is best told with photos, for his amazing transformation must be seen to be believed.

9/8/06 Desert Spark at the feedlot

Desi is the horse at the far right.

9/17/06 Desi arrives at his foster home, clearly exhausted from his ordeal at the feedlot

9/21/06 Safe now, but painfully thin...

10/4/06 Desi's weight is already improving...

10/25/06 Desi reaches 1000 pounds!

11/5/06 Looking even better now...

11/5/06 ....but still thin.

11/23/06 Problems with the left hind...scratches and cellulitus.

11/29/06 Winter in Colorado

12/24/06 Merry Christmas, Desi!

1/12/07 Baby, it's cold outside!

3/25/07 After 6 months of good care, Desi has finally reached a decent weight. Incredibly he also gains 2" of height, going from 16 hh at his rescue, to 16.2hh. It is still not clear sailing with Desi, as he will probably never recover 100% from his ordeal, but neverthess, Desi's foster mom decides to officially adopt him and give him a forever home.

A happy ending for our Desi, shown here displaying one of his talents: making people laugh!