Sponge Bo Bob “Beau”
Sorrel Quarter Horse
Estimated 30+ years old (as of 2024)
14 hh
Gelding
Rescued 11/9/2024
Beau was rescued from the Lebanon Valley Livestock Auction in Pennsylvania, where his condition was utterly gut-wrenching. Severely emaciated, his body condition score (BSC) was just a 2, and he was so exhausted he could barely lift his feet. Despite his fragile state, he was ridden by both a child and an adult, forced to trot for bidders. When bidding for Beau began, the highest offer was $100. It was at that moment we knew we had to act. If we didn’t intervene, Beau would likely have been purchased by a kill buyer and shipped to slaughter.
Since our farm wasn’t set up for quarantine (QT), Beau spent his first 30 days in a QT facility to ensure the safety of our existing herd. Here, his dire situation became even clearer:
He suffered from a parasitic overload.
His top row of incisors was completely gone, making it difficult for him to eat hay.
He was much older than expected, with signs of long-term neglect.
When Beau arrived at our farm, we began addressing his most immediate needs:
His severe dermatitis from poor nutrition was treated with MTG oil, soothing his extreme itching.
He had an infected bite on his abdomen and severe swelling in his sheath from being stalled 24/7.
His physical condition reflected years of hardship, and he was incredibly head-shy, showing signs of possible past abuse.
Beau’s name for a while had been Sponge Bob and he seemed to respond to it, however that was not what we were calling him on a daily basis. His prior life was clearly not a good one, so we wanted to remove that daily name and give him something new. Mary Ellen, one of our highly trusted guardians has done so much for our rescue that I wanted to let her name him and that’s how Beau got his new name. His old name kind of ended up sticking because we were all like who names a horse “sponge bob” so for his formal name I was going to do “Bob Drop the B” or “Sponge Bo Bob” and obviously you see which one stuck. Although his past life was hurtful and keeping any part of that name into his future felt like “yuck” at first. And then I had a moment of clarity and remembered its our past that shapes us into who we are now and without it we wouldn’t be where we are. It will always be part of our story but it doesn’t define that final chapter. And that’s exactly what we are for Beau, his final chapter and we couldn’t be more honored to offer him this life in his golden years after all of his service to humans. Beau is considered a hospice case due to his age and medical conditions. He can be with us for a few months or a few years, its really up to him. My gut tells me, he will be around for a while, he is a spry guy for his age and has shown an incredible will to live.
Fast forward to today, just 7 weeks later, and Beau is a different horse. He’s learning that he is no longer here to serve but simply to exist as his beautiful, authentic self. His transformation has been nothing short of miraculous as he begins to trust, heal, and enjoy the life he so richly deserves.
Beau has seen both a veterinarian and an equine dental expert to address his dental challenges. He is scheduled for a significant dental surgery on February 4th, 2025, with Dr. McAndrews, which will provide him with much-needed relief from his painful condition EOTHR and improve his quality of life.
Beau’s resilience and progress inspires us every day, and his journey wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community. His story serves as a powerful reminder of why rescues like ours exist—to provide a second chance for animals who have endured so much.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Beau’s future is bright because of your compassion and generosity. Keep following his story on our blog and social media to see how far he’ll go on his road to recovery.
Together, we’re giving Beau—and so many others—a new lease on life.
Beau 4.5 weeks after being home and on a refeeding program and receiving proper supplements.