Happy ending for neglected horse

Mary Smith, of the Mokelumne Hill area, is adopting Gideon from Rehorse Rescue. Amy Alonzo Rozak/Union Democrat, copyright 2012

He will embark on a new chapter of his life today after being adopted by a retired Mokelumne Hill stay-at-home mom, who built a brand new barn in anticipation of his arrival.

Mary Smith stopped by the ReHorse Rescue Ranch in Jamestown on Thursday to say hi to her new companion, Gideon, who she says actually chose her.

“I’m so excited. This is the most amazing home,” said ReHorse owner Raquelle Van Vleck. “He’s been through so much. He’s waited so long for his person.”

Smith said she has a horse that she boarded at a neighbor’s property, but she and her husband decided to build a barn for a second horse.

Gideon wasn’t at the ranch on Smith’s first visit, but he was there on the second.

“I really like the idea of a rescued horse. It was kind of love at first sight,” she said. “It’s hard to describe. You just know. It’s almost like finding a husband or wife, I can’t explain it.”

Gideon’s coat is shiny and his demeanor soft and friendly. He’s come a long way from being emaciated with massive sores that took months to heal.

In December, Donald Ray Smith (no relation to Mary Smith) was sentenced to one year, eight months in prison on charges of animal cruelty after the horse he was riding collapsed along Highway 108 in Jamestown. The September 2010 incident made headlines and outraged animal rights advocates after the horse, named Gabriel, had to be euthanized due to its poor health.

Almost two weeks after Smith was found on the highway with a collapsed Gabriel, Animal Control officials found Smith’s other horse, Gideon, near Volponi Acres in the Jamestown area.

Gideon was treated for malnutrition and an abscessed saddle sore on his withers. He was found with overgrown feet on his shoes and scarring of varying ages.

Gideon’s troubled history didn’t play into their decision to adopt, Smith said.

Smith walked around the pasture at ReHorse on Thursday, with Gideon trailing closely behind.

“He just follows her around everywhere,” Van Vleck said.

“We’re happy aren’t we?” Smith said, patting Gideon.

The horse rescue has adopted out five horses in the past four weeks, but is getting two more this weekend, Van Vleck said.