Clinton Corners Horse Rescue Says Goodbye to Cherished Horse, “Hitch”

A Dutchess County equine rescue has shared an sad update about a beloved member of their family.

2 Horses Rescued from Ice in Dutchess County

Earlier this week, several agencies were called out to an equine rescue in Clinton Corners, New York.

We learned that 2 older horses were stuck on the ice and needed some assistance standing up at 13 Hands Equine Rescue. Thankfully, staff from the Stanfordville & Patterson Fire Departments as well as staff from Rhinebeck Equine, NYS Troopers from Salt Point, Matt’s Autobody and members of the community came out to help.

The older mare was able to stand with some assistance,  however Hitch, a beloved member of the 13 Hand family needed extra help.

Once Hitch was able to stand, he was put under medical care at Rhinebeck Equine.

Cherished Rescue Horse Under Close Medical Care

As Hitch underwent medical care, his family at 13 Hands asked the community for a little bit of help.

They started a fundraiser to help pay the medical bills for Hitch that were piling up. A Facebook support page called Support For Hitch began taking donations. The community pitched in thousands of dollars in a few short hours.

On Tuesday, February 4th, the rescue gave followers a Hitch update writing  he was receiving the best possible care at Rhinebeck Equine adding "He received fluids and stitches for a laceration on his leg, but he’s still needing a sling to support him. While his prognosis is not good, we are grateful to see him in slightly better spirits today. However, his quality of life remains a concern."

By Wednesday, February 5th, the rescue had an unfortunate update to share.

13 Hands Equine Rescue Says Goodbye to Hitch

While Hitch was able to stand with the help of a mechanical lift, he was still very week after being stuck on the ice earlier in the week.  Hitch, who was estimated to be around 30 years old, couldn't stand without continued assistance.

Sadly, after a strong fight, the staff at13 Hands Equine Rescue made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Hitch. According to the rescue Hitch was estimated to be around 30 years old.

In an emotional Facebook post 13 Hands explains that in recent weeks at had been getting more difficult for Hitch to stand after laying down. They add "He had been battling chronic muscle wasting and neurological issues in his hind limbs, leading to significant weakness."

13 Hands concluded their post with thanks to the community who helped with Hitch the last few days and this:

Hitch was very loved by many far and wide, and we like to think he knew that.