Watch: Girl with Autism Saves Lives of Three Horses Who Could've Been Sent to Slaughter House
Horse enthusiast Chloe Hayden is well aware that she cannot rescue every horse in need, but she can most certainly save a few.
Hayden, who lives in Australia, has always had a passion for horses and felt deeply connected to the gentle giants.
Hayden lives with autism and, as a child, said she felt quite comfortable around horses, a passion that has continued into her adult years.
She recently saved three horses who were destined for a slaughter house, as severe drought in Australia has forced a change in life for both wild and domesticated horses.
Hayden explained that when she came across a horse sale advertisement, she felt compelled to bid on three horses that were malnourished and sick — horses that nobody else would want.
“Without thought, I bid on the three of them, and took them home that same day, away from their definite fate of meat,” Hayden wrote on her Instagram page.
When the horses first stepped out of the trailer and saw their new home, they were understandably fearful, distrusting and skittish.
For three days, Hayden came to the paddock and watched her horses. She made no attempt to approach them or touch them, she simply wanted them to get used to her presence, in hopes that they would learn not to be afraid.
She told The Dodo that while the horses may not understand exactly what she says, they do pick up on her demeanor.
“They can understand that you’re coming from a place of love and a place of kindness and a place of trust,” Hayden said.
On the fourth day, Hayden walked calmly toward the horse who had been the most timid and was thrilled when the horse accepted her soft touch.
“It was the most incredible thing, knowing that this horse who was so scared of everything, had trusted me enough to let me touch her,” Hayden said.
Hayden wants to spread a message that one person can make a difference in the lives of others.
She hopes that those who see her story might be inspired to find the one or two vulnerable lives around them that need help, and then do their part to change those lives for the better.
“Be kind. Love hard. Give everything,” Hayden wrote on Instagram. “Because you can’t save the world, but for one individual, you can save theirs.”
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