Once a greatly valued sport horse, Gigi was eventually forgotten about and abandoned by her former owner as she got on in years. Cared for at a friend’s acreage for a number of years, Gigi’s former owner simply began visiting less and less until eventually ceasing all contact whatsoever. Shortly after, her caregivers kindly surrendered her to the Sanctuary where she was eagerly welcomed and quickly accepted by RASTA’s eclectic family, equine and otherwise.
Sadly, the majority of horses used in sporting events are treated like nothing more that expensive sporting equipment. They're only kept around as long as they are winning the ribbons or able to produce profitable offspring. As soon as their bills outweigh the revenue they generate, they're generally disposed of with slaughter remaining a very popular choice among many so-called “horse lovers”. Very few horses remain in one home their entire lives and even less are ever paid back for their many years of service by being given a retirement home.
