Tristan the Gentle Giant from New Holland

A month ago, Horse Rescue United‘s Anouk Busch attended New Holland Auction. She outbid a kill buyer and purchased a Belgian workhorse for $35. The horse was young, but there was something wrong with his eye.

Anouk named the horse Tristan, and he spent a month of quarantine time with the Standardbreds she purchased that day. A gentle and friendly horse, Tristan charmed everyone who met him.

Tristan was examined by University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center and diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. When it is caught in its early stages, sometimes a horse’s eye can be removed and he can live a normal life. Unfortunately, Tristan’s cancer had spread and it is already affecting the bones in his face. The prognosis is grave for this handsome horse- surgery is not an option and the veterinarians estimated that he has a few weeks or months before the cancer spreads further and affects his quality of life.

As a rescuer, Anouk is now faced with the heartbreaking decision of how to care for this gentle giant. I met Tristan on Thursday, and other than his right eye, I did not see any other outward signs of illness.

His personality is bright, trusting, and curious. His appetite is very good, and he has gained weight since his arrival in New Jersey. He is playful, and enjoys interacting with horses and dogs.

The Horse Rescue United volunteers are doing everything they can to keep Tristan happy and comfortable. He is getting treats and affection and enjoying it all. Tristan is a spectacular example of living in the moment and I’m so happy to have met him. It is beautiful to see all the lives he has touched in such a short time.