Meet Papichulo.

Papi arrived at our rescue in 2016 under circumstances no horse should ever experience. At 16 years old, he had been abandoned at a boarding facility when his previous owner could no longer care for him. The facility owner reached out to us, hoping we could help and once we met Papi, there was no question that he needed to come home with us. From the very first meeting, it was immediately clear that Papi was suffering from uveitis, a painful and degenerative eye disease that Appaloosas are especially prone to. It’s likely this diagnosis - and the reality that it could eventually lead to blindness – played a role in his abandonment. Regardless of the reason, what mattered most was that Papi deserved safety, comfort, and a future.

Now approximately 26 years old, Papi is believed to have little to no vision, possibly seeing only faint shadows in one eye. But you would never know it by watching him live his life. He runs confidently in his turnout, walks himself straight into his stall, recognizes voices and footsteps, and absolutely knows who his people are, especially his favorites.

Papi is the definition of resilient. Stoic, consistent, and endlessly kind, he is the type of horse whose quiet strength leaves a lasting impression on everyone who meets him. He is thriving, happy, and deeply loved – proof that a diagnosis does not define a life.

Papi is the kind of horse who might have been forgotten, or even worse, if the right call hadn’t been made at the right time. We’re grateful every day that we got the call. He reminds us why rescue matters and why all horses deserve a chance, no matter their age, condition, or past.