At Colorado Horse Rescue, every horse who arrives has a story. Some are straightforward; some are full of unknowns that take time, expertise, and patience to understand. Alonso’s story is one of the latter.
Alonso came to CHR as a foal, just a few months old, when a partner rescue reached out needing help with an Animal Control seizure. Now five years old, he has grown up under our care, receiving careful, individualized attention every step of the way.
Early on, CHR’s veterinarians detected a heart murmur. Over the years, as he grew, that murmur changed. Sometimes it appeared benign, other times it showed danger should Alonso exercise too much. Each change required follow-up exams, adjustments to training, and careful monitoring to ensure his health and safety.
Alonso also spent a period in a foster-to-train home. There, he received focused work under saddle, built confidence, and developed skills, giving our team a deeper understanding of his long-term care and temperament. This step was an important part of preparing him for a successful adoption while ensuring his health was never compromised.
Alonso in training at CHR after returning from his foster home.
When the prognosis on his heart condition changed again, we knew it was time to get answers from the experts at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Last week, thanks to donor-supported programs and our partnership with CSU, Alonso had a thorough echocardiogram. And the diagnosis was great: the cardiologists cleared him to return to training! After years of uncertainty, Alonso now has a clear path forward to adoption as a riding horse.
Alonso visiting CSU Vet Hospital
His journey isn’t completely finished — a small lump remains that may require minor surgery to fully resolve. Each step, from early diagnostics to specialized cardiology care and foster training, highlights the thoughtful, high-quality care that our horses receive at CHR.
Alonso’s story is a reminder of the time, expertise, and resources needed to give every horse the best chance at a safe, happy, and healthy future. And it’s all made possible by donors and supporters who step in for horses who need it most.
