Tougher Than Wet Leather - Annaleigh Barker

Kaisa Gifford rescues former racehorses sent to kill pens when they can no longer race. Horses are usually sent south, not fed or watered properly, and abused before they are either rescued or meet their untimely deaths. Kaisa had her eyes on Manny, but couldn’t afford to rescue him when she first discovered his situation. Manny kept popping up online and Kaisa knew she had to make it work.

Manny arrived from Texas in the spring emaciated and injured after suffering from an alleged trailer accident. His body was cut up and pus was coming out of his legs. Although in rough shape, Kaisa knew she could rehabilitate Manny, formerly known as “Rifleman”. However, Manny took a turn for the worse. He walked some, but laid often and had to be flipped over to avoid injuring himself. Although his ribs protruded from underneath his skin, he still weighed enough that he could inadvertently cause damage to his legs if he laid in certain positions for too long. Manny stayed under almost 24-hour watch as Kaisa and friends worked together to care for him.

Many vets told Kaisa to euthanize Manny, but Manny was fighting and eating regularly. Mid-summer his urine was red from blood and his kidneys were potentially failing. After a make or break visit from the vet, Manny reached a turning point. Something was strange on the ultrasound, but his kidneys weren’t failing. He was dubbed “tougher than wet leather”.

By the fall, slowly Manny grew stronger. He no longer had to be under constant watch and was walking around more regularly. If he continues to improve, he could likely participate in a horse show in Kentucky in year with Kaisa.

Kaisa Gifford walks slowly with Manny at the Gifford Horses barn in Snohomish, Washington on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. Manny is able to walk longer periods of time and is regaining some of his lost body weight. (Annie Barker &amp;#x2F; The Herald)

Kaisa Gifford walks slowly with Manny at the Gifford Horses barn in Snohomish, Washington. Manny is able to walk longer periods of time and is regaining some of his lost body weight.

Charles Gifford looks into Manny’s mouth to reveal his tattoo at the Gifford Horses barn in Snohomish, Washington on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2023. These tattoos are standard for race horses. (Annie Barker &amp;#x2F; The Herald)

Charles Gifford looks into Manny’s mouth to reveal his tattoo. These tattoos are standard for race horses.

Kaisa tends to Manny’s wounds and makes notes for the vet at the Gifford Horses barn in Snohomish, Washington on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Manny arrived with cuts on his face, emaciated and on the declining in health quickly. Many vets told Kaisa to euthaniz

Kaisa tends to Manny’s wounds and makes notes for the vet. Manny arrived with cuts on his face, emaciated and on the declining in health quickly. Many vets told Kaisa to euthanize, but Kaisa refused. Manny was eating regularly, a key sign that he was still fighting.

Kaisa holds Manny’s head up to drink water at the Gifford Horses barn in Snohomish, Washington on Friday, June 23, 2023. Manny spends a lot of time laying down and doesn’t have enough energy to consistently drink water. Today Kaisa waits for the vet to se

Kaisa holds Manny’s head up to drink water. Manny spends a lot of time laying down and doesn’t have enough energy to consistently drink water. Today Kaisa waits for the vet to see if Manny’s kidneys are failing and if they can continue treatment. A potentially swollen kidney and bright red blood are not promising.

Kaisa checks Manny’s legs for lesions and brushes away dirt during his initial inspection.

Left to right, Dana Bridges Westerman, Kaisa, and Charles look at Manny’s kidney at the Gifford Horses barn in Snohomish, Washington on Friday, June 23, 2023. Thankfully there seemed only to be a bruise and it went away over time. (Annie Barker &amp;#x2F; The Hera

Left to right, Dana Bridges Westerman, Kaisa, and Charles look at Manny’s kidney. Thankfully there seemed only to be a bruise and it went away over time.

Kaisa and Shay Daniels hug and celebrate after learning Manny will survive at the Gifford Horses barn in Snohomish, Washington on Friday, June 23, 2023. (Annie Barker &amp;#x2F; The Herald)

Kaisa and Shay Daniels hug and celebrate after learning Manny has a chance at survival.

Dana Bridges Westerman removes part of Manny’s hoof to offer him relief from pain and pressure.

Manny rests his head on Kaisa at the Gifford Horses barn in Snohomish, Washington on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. (Annie Barker &amp;#x2F; The Herald)

Manny rests his head on Kaisa after wandering about one of several grassy yards.

Annie Barker