Read Dr. Hunter’s tips on what to do if you find an injured horse who may be abandoned.
Lucky Pal returned to Hunter Stallion Station on Wednesday, October 26th. His leg and other injuries are healing thanks to the team of vets who pitched in at the request of Dr. Hunter to perform his surgery and provide other services. Come by and visit!
Even with all the generous donations received, Lucky Pal still has some bills to pay. If you wish to donate toward his care, please contact Bank of America and reference account #23643 70775 that was just established for Lucky Pal.
On Oct. 18th Dr. Hunter, Dr. Galupo, Head Surgeon from UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, and the surgeon team at Pioneer Equine Hospital performed Lucky Pal’s procedure. They are optimistic that the plate now attached to his elbow will succeed in giving him full mobility. Lucky Pal is responding so well that he is expected to return to the Hunter Stallion Station early next week where he will begin a long recovery process. He will be accepting visitors if you want to come by to offer encouragement (10163 Badger Creek Lane, Wilton)
Many generous horse lovers have stepped up to donate toward his surgery expenses and continued care. Approximately $4,000 still needs to be raised in addition to the services that have been donated, and several fundraisers are planned in surrounding communities. Click here for new photos.
Lucky Pal’s Story…
A Palomino yearling was found along side the road in Wilton on October 10th, evidently hit by a car and left for dead. 
Animal Control was called to pick up what they thought would be a deceased horse and a vet from Loomis was called to assist. Fortunately, News 10 reporter Duffy Kelly who was on the scene thought to call a local equine veterinarian in hopes the horse could be saved. Dr. Hunter arrived in just a few minutes and the rest of the story is a happy one.
Dr. Hunter found the young gelding in shock but able to be transported.
Watch the story unfold on video.
News 10 Reporter Duffy Kelly was very taken with this young gelding, which she later named “Lucky Pal Thank You Bob Hunter” – Lucky Pal for short. After being transported to the Hunter Stallion Station Equine Veterinarian Clinic in Wilton, Lucky Pal was on his feet and eating fine. Dr. Hunter started to coordinate his care, including obtaining generous donations of services from other vets in addition to his own. Authorities searched for the horse’s owner, but the seven day waiting period passed and no one came forward to claim the young gelding.
We don’t know how Lucky came to be in harms way, but his story has made people in the Central Valley aware of the plight of many horses who are being abandoned by owners who have fallen on hard economic times. Hunter Stallion Station wants horse owners to know that rescue organizations, such as the Grace Foundation of Northern California have taken in hundreds of horses and they need support from horse lovers who appreciate their good work.
Hunter Stallion Station will keep you informed on Lucky’s progress on this page, and they thank everyone who has called in to check on his condition. He is in good hands at Hunter Stallion Station.
A Bank Account has been created to help defray the costs of Lucky Pal’s treatments. Those wishing to donate to the fund can contact Bank of America and reference account number 23643 70775. According to the News 10 website, funds will be directed to cover the costs of his surgery and other related services. Any remaining funds will be donated to a horse rescue operation. Read more…
More from News 10 Reporter Duffy Kelly
I dont see anyone concerned about the people who left him. but took the adult female, his mother..it doesnt seem it would be too hard to find the owners..just drive around in the area..and ask around..they should be held accountible..even if they dont have the money..they can at least have some morels and admit they left the horse..
Thanks so much for your Veterinary Tip of the Month in the October 2011 newsletter. It’s good to know why Animal Services called the Loomis vet who was so far away, and also to have the suggestion about asking our local vet to sign up with their local shelter. So glad Lucky Pal is doing so well!
Anymore updates? Been checking daily and still nothing….
Lucky Pal is doing well and recovering at Hunter Stallion Station. You are welcome to visit! The address is 10163 Badger Creek Lane in Wilton.
It’s so good to know there’s still good people out there who care for something other than themselves.Thank God for the reporter, and Dr.Hunter!.
Bravo to Duffy who called a local vet, Dr Hunter, for getting prompt medical attention for this little palomino. The horse was wearing a fairly new halter with an attached lead rope, and appeared to be welll fed. Perhaps the owner is fearful of the liability involved (and the big vet bill). This is truly sad.
I hope that this palomino finds a forever loving home.
“Lucky Pal” is right! I’m so glad the reporter thought to call a local vet, and I must say I think he’s the best…he’s my vet too! I know that this little cutie is receiving the best care anyone can give. I have an elderly horse 30 years old and a big part of our family that I thought was going to die a couple years ago. He was at Dr. Hunter’s barn for a couple weeks….Now, he runs through the pasture full speed to have his treats just like old times.
Thank you Dr. Hunter for caring for Lucky Pal and the great care from you and your staff saving our Billy the Kydd!
P.S. I would hope that Animal Control will look at this and improve on who they call to help out, maybe they could use the internet/GPS to find local vets that would help prevent an unnecessary death.
Hello there!!
So very happy he is getting the treatment that is needed! Hopefully he will be up and running in no time!
I am actually the president of my high school club, Paws 4 a Cause, and recently made my club aware of his plight. On Oct. 24th, we will be collecting donations for Lucky Pal and forwarding it all to the bank account. We also work with the Placer SPCA and Chance for Bliss animal sanctuary. As Sheri was wondering, if the owner is not found, will Lucky Pal be available for adoption?
Thank you!
Thanks so much Taylor for your message and your club’s generosity. We will keep you informed.
Duffy is a hero for stepping up and calling Dr. Hunter! Cheers to both of you!!
It is possible that the horse wasn’t abandoned and just got loose…even possible that the owner saw what happened if the horse got away from them and didin’t want to deal with the liability if they saw the accident. I guess that is abandonment too. The fact that he has been gelded and is in good health indicates that someone was taking care of him.
In any event – so glad the horse is in good hands and getting the care he needs. Hopefully his owner if found.
WHEN WILL THIS GELDING BE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION – OR WHERE CAN DONATIONS BE MADE FOR HIS CARE – HE IS ABPSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL
Thanks for your comment. Dr. Hunter has been informed that News10 reporter Duffy Kelly is setting up a bank account at Bank of America this afternoon for Lucky Pal. We will keep you informed and want to thank everyone for their concern.