Special operation brings battered horse home to Israel from Gaza

Ohio, a sport horse and a warmblood, arrived at a quarantine stable near the Gaza border and was being treated for injuries that likely occurred several days ago.

By SHARON UDASIN
Updated: AUGUST 10, 2016 23:37
Special operation brings battered horse home to Israel from Gaza (photo credit: AGRICULTURE MINISTRY)
Special operation brings battered horse home to Israel from Gaza
(photo credit: AGRICULTURE MINISTRY)
After suffering from poor treatment at a farm in Gaza, an Israeli horse named Ohio has now safely returned home.
Ohio’s owner had sold him to a trader in Gaza, only to later find out that he was being used for show jumping at a farm in the strip, according the Agriculture Ministry. Once the owner became aware of the situation, he requested the ministry’s help in bringing the horse back home. Due to the horse’s poor state of health at the farm, the ministry’s Veterinary Services made a special exception and decided to immediately bring Ohio back to Israel.
As officials arranged for Ohio’s release, they also established a quarantine stable in an Israeli community close to the Gazan border, the Agriculture Ministry said. They selected the specific community for its close proximity to the border as well as the lack of other horses within a 300-meter radius.
Ohio, a sport horse and a warmblood, arrived at his quarantine stable wounded from injuries that likely occurred several days ago, presumably due to the use of equipment unsuitable for riding, the ministry said.
Warmbloods are middle- weight horses that typically originate in Europe. Most warmblood breeds are continuing to evolve, according to the International Museum of the Horse, and have open studbooks – the allowance for breed registry even if the horse’s ancestors were not previously registered.
A senior doctor at Veterinary Services has paid numerous visits to Ohio’s quarantine stable to ensure his welfare, while the owner’s veterinarian will be performing comprehensive health examinations prior to his release from quarantine, the ministry said.