Neglected horse adopted

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Shadow the horse got his name from Save a Stray volunteers. When they found Shadow, he was extremely skinny and his face as badly injured from a fight with another horse.

"The injury had been left alone, not treated properly. It started to dry so the skin was hanging in dreadlocks from him face,” said veterinary technician and president of Save a Stray, Stephanie Williamson.

Now, Shadow has been nursed back to health and has a new owner.

“I wasn’t aware of how bad his condition was when first got him,” said Arianna Ginsberg. “I saw the pictures a few days after and I can’t even express how devastating it was to see that.”

Ginsberg said she grabbed a bag of apples, sat with Shadow for about two hours and bonded with him.

When he first came to her home about ten days ago, Shadow began running through the fields. She said he’s warmed up to people and other animals and seems happy.

But it's been a long journey for Shadow. After Save a Stray volunteers rescued him, Shadow went through countless procedures and was sedated several times.

“Never give up. There is always hope. This horse has come back form horrible situations and now he is happy, not to mention quite inspiring,” said Ginsberg,

Williamson said when she first saw Shadow she didn’t know he was going to survive but thanks to the community’s help and the service of Doctor Justin Mims and Shadow’s foster mom, Susan Woods, Shadow now has a better life.

Mobile County humane officers said they have been checking on the remaining horses at the property where Shadow was rescued from. Officials say the remaining horses are gaining weight and the living conditions have also improved.