Brave Heart starts his new life.

To all our friends ringing in the Lunar New Year this weekend: Happy Year of the Horse!

The Year of the Horse is said to be a year of victories and unexpected adventure. Surely that’s the case for one special animal who, just a few months ago, was facing dire circumstances. What a difference a short time can make!

A beautiful draft horse named Brave Heart was a retired fox hunter. He still had the rest of his life ahead of him when he was sold to an auction house. Since he was very large and muscular, he quickly caught the eye of a kill buyer, who planned on selling him to a slaughterhouse in Mexico or Canada where he'd face an awful death.

But Brave Heart was lucky -- he was rescued just in time by someone willing to give him the life he deserves. Today, he is a beloved companion who spends his days nibbling hay and running around his pasture. Now, he knows only gentleness, love, and appreciation from his wonderful rescuers.

As we enter the Year of the Horse, we celebrate Brave Heart, and the kind of life he deserved all along.

Andrew Rowan
President and CEO
Humane Society International

P.S. Our work every day to help suffering animals includes advocating for horses, and fighting to stop horse slaughter. You can help us make a difference for them and all animals around the world.