Against All Odds

The Heart of a Horse

He was two years old. He ran into a branch in the dark and drove a three-inch stick into his head, a half inch from his brain. He was down for four months. Every day for the first week, the vet came out to put him down.

This is what happened instead.

Filmed by Bette Lamore and narrated by her husband Mark · Premiered on HorseTV · Streamed nationally

Watch the film ↓

Bunny lying in the barn, watching a television screen playing the Anderson Sling instructional video. — Bunny watching the sling instructions — he tried to escape. Caught at the door.

“Bunny is a two year old Arabian colt who suffered major injuries when he mistakenly galloped into a tree in his pasture, driving a three inch stick into his head. As a result of the head injury, he was unable to stand or walk after the accident. Filmed by Bette Lamore [narrated by her husband Mark], this is the incredible two year-long saga of the spirit and heart of the young horse who refused to give up, and the love and dedication of a small handful of caring horse people on the central coast of California and posters on an international chat room [Ridecamp]… this is an inspiring story of faith, courage, and devotion to a very special horse with an amazing will to live. This is one incredible story!”

— HorseTV Media Group

Bunny suspended in the Anderson Sling in the barn. — In the Anderson Sling, supplied by Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center.

Why there's a film

The footage was meant only for veterinarians, family, and friends asking for updates on our injured horse — including the ones who believed that keeping him alive was cruel. No mics, lights, or tripods. Filmed on the fly, it was never intended to be viewed publicly.

Endurance riders learned of the very rough footage and asked to see it. After much editing, it aired numerous times on HorseTV and streamed nationally.

A gift to those in need of hope.

Bunny's story is free to watch.

If it meant something to you, this buys hay for the horses still at Whispering Oaks — his relatives, still here and still eating a bale a week each. About $15 a bale.

Watching on a TV? Open the film directly — from there you can AirPlay or cast it to your television. Or download the file (390 MB) to play from a USB stick or a media server.

Buy Hay

Any amount welcome, and thank you.