From Starved to Stunning: Burke Bounces Back

Anyone who meets Burke, a stunning, silky black Tennessee Walking Horse, would never guess how far he’s come in just seven months.

Last April, Nicky Walters, founder and president of West Virginia Horse Network (WVHN), received a heartbreaking call from a local humane officer who was standing by with deputies in Putnam County, West Virginia.

“They'd found a starving horse in a barn with two deceased cows,” Nicky said. “Neighbors called because of the stench.”

The owner immediately surrendered the horse to county officials, who transferred him to West Virginia Horse Network, an ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partner.

After a thorough exam, dental check, bloodwork and other tests, a veterinarian determined that Burke was 19 years old, and the only explanation for his emaciated body condition was a lack of proper nutrition. His hooves were mildly overgrown, his hair coat long and rough, and the scaling skin on his back was likely from a prior injury. Burke had been severely neglected.

Burke on the day he was rescued and brought to the West Virginia Horse Network.

Burke’s owner eventually pled guilty to animal cruelty for not providing an animal with sufficient food, water or shelter. This type of animal cruelty is a crime in all 50 states.

Weight Gain — The Easy Part

Despite his emaciated condition, Burke gained weight back exceptionally well.

He received as much hay and water as he wanted, along with 3 to 4 pounds of senior feed twice a day.

“The weight gain aspect of Burke’s rehabilitation went pretty quickly,” Nicky said. “That was the easiest part of preparing him for adoption.”

Burke four months after his rescue. “He still had some weight and muscle tone to gain, but, WOW,” said Nicky Walters, founder and president of WVHN.

WVHN has invested thousands of dollars in veterinary care and diagnostics to transform Burke into a healthy, comfortable horse.

“He battled Lyme disease early on,” said Nicky, who anticipates he will need another round of treatment. “But there were other problems. We never stop with veterinary diagnostics until we are certain that the horse is comfortable and we can provide potential adopters with a clear understanding of the horse's needs and limitations moving forward.”

Undertaking Riding Vulnerabilities

By the time Deborah Pennington agreed to foster Burke, he was well on his way to recovery. Deb runs Hoofbeats and Heartbeats Stables, a horse-riding and training school she founded in 2020, which uses several adopted horses from WVHN in its programs.

Burke at his foster home, Hoofbeats and Heartbeats Stables.

“Burke is such a gorgeous animal, though he’s still a work in progress,” said Deb, a retired service sales rep and school bus driver with four horses of her own.

Burke faced setbacks, including a respiratory infection, but he recovered with Deb by his side.

During a recheck at the end of October, Burke’s body condition score improved. On a scale of 1 (extremely poor) to 9 (extremely overweight), Burke’s score rose from 2 to 5. Burke still had a ways to go, but he was looking and feeling healthier.

“Because of his former emaciated state, he needs to build more muscle to accommodate his new body,” Nicky reported.

Burke was placed on medications and began hoof soaks. He now receives less concentrated feed and exercises more to build muscle.

From left: Burke in booties for his hoof soaks; Deb on her horse, Shebella; Burke with Deb’s horse Binx.

“The vet thinks he’ll eventually be fine to ride,” Nicky said. “He said, ‘There’s no reason this couldn’t be someone’s show horse, he’s that nice.’”

A True Gem

Deb described Burke, who is available for adoption, as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

“You can’t ask for a better personality,” she said. “He’s as gentle as they come. He takes his injections without needing a halter lead rope. He loads beautifully into a trailer. He’s your best friend whether you have food or not. He loves company and people, and he gets along with other horses.”
Nicky added, “Burke loves getting attention in the form of grooming, scratches and, of course, treats. He loves a good roll in the dirt, too.”

Even if Burke couldn’t make a good riding partner, Nicky always knew he'd make a great companion for horses and humans.

“He attracts the adoration of anyone watching because of his dashing good looks.” “Like many nonprofits across the country, we have felt the impact of decreased donations and increasing costs of care,” said Nicky. “So, getting Burke and other horses well and placed in adoptive homes is vital to clear up space for others.”

Inspired to adopt? Visit West Virginia Horse Network's website to learn more about Burke and other horses who need homes.