• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Care
    • News
    • Fun
    • Heartwarming
    • Videos
    • Rescue
    • Horse Fun
    • Tips For Riders
    • Fun Facts
    • Stories
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Heartwarming

    Foal Gets Special Shoes To Help Him Learn To Walk

    Modified: Aug 16, 2017 by ihearthorses · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Susan and Robert Gilliland describe the newest addition to their family as a "blessing." Chalee's Dream Jet - Jet for short - was born to their beloved mare, Josie in May.

    Josie underwent surgery at Purdue University's Large Animal Hospital to remove an ovarian tumor four years ago. When she became pregnant at age 18, the Gillilands brought her back to the veterinary team they trusted.

    Image Credit: Youtube/Purdue University

     

    It appeared that Josie may have complications, but according to Dr, Gillian Haanen, her labor was unremarkable. Despite the easy birth, the vets noticed that Jet was struggling to walk or even stand. They discovered he had been born with malformed rear legs, forcing him to walk on his hind legs instead of his hooves.

    Image Credit: Youtube/Purdue University

     

    Luckily, Jet was in the right place! Dr. Haanen and her team fitted the foal with special shoes to help him stand upright and strengthen his ligaments. Three months later, on August 6, Jet was walking normally and ready to head home!

    Jet was named for the Gillilands' 11-year-old daughter Chalee who passed away in 2012 from Cystic Fibrosis. Josie served as Chalee's physical and emotional therapy horse.

    "Horses and barrel racing were her physical therapy and life support," Susan Gillilam told WTHR News. "They set her free."

    Image Credit: Youtube/Purdue University

     

    Chalee dreamed of seeing her precious Josie have a baby. Now that Jet is here, the Gillilands see him as a blessing - even if he can never be a barrel racer like his mother.

    "We don’t mind that Jet isn’t a barrel racer," said Susan. "This is what Chalee would have wanted."

    The Gillilands have created the Chalee Gilliland Foundation to help other children and adults living with cystic fibrosis.

     

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    H/T to WTHR News

    Featured Images via YouTube/Purdue University

    More Heartwarming

    • black horse jumping over orange green and white bars
      15 Fantastic Pictures of Horse's Jumping to Make You Smile
    • Horse Rescued from Mud Pit at Adorado Nino Sanctuary
      Community Comes Together to Rescue Horse Trapped in Mud
    • Horse Therapy Center Aims For Indoor Arena To Help Others Year-Round & Honor Late Son
    • Gentle Carousel Mini Therapy Horses Work Their Magic To Brighten People's Day

    Sharing is caring!

    12.2K shares
    • Share12.2K
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 17 Gorgeous Equestrian Outfit Ideas for Women
    • 15 Fantastic Pictures of Horse's Jumping to Make You Smile
    • Pros and Cons of Braiding Your Horse's Mane or Tail
    • 10 Things to Do with Your Horse That Aren't Riding
    • 30 Stunning Pictures of White Horses You Must See

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    12.2K shares
    • 12.2K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy