At thirty years old, Teton had never experienced companionship until the gentle giant Phantom came along.
If you’re curious about the tallest horse in the world, allow me to introduce you to one of them.
His name is Phantom, and he stands at a staggering height of 7 feet at his withers. When you factor in his head, he reaches a remarkable 8 feet. Weighing approximately 2,000 lbs, he presents an awe-inspiring sight.
Despite his massive stature, one might expect Phantom to be intimidating, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Those who care for him at the Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue, where he resides, describe him as a “puppy.” They liken his demeanor to that of a friendly and affectionate Great Dane, full of playfulness.
“He possesses incredible strength, yet his calm and relaxed nature leads him to approach everything with a leisurely pace, enhancing the overall experience,” expresses Courtney Garner, a horse trainer at the rescue facility. “Phantom epitomizes the concept of a gentle giant – he’s silly, affectionate, and craves attention. Whenever guests or volunteers approach the fence, he eagerly comes forward to greet them, making him an absolute delight to be around.”
In addition to all these wonderful qualities, this colossal seven-year-old horse also possesses a heart of gold. He consistently demonstrates his willingness to assist more vulnerable horses, just as he did with a recent arrival.
“One day a fresh addition arrived at the rescue. This horse was in a lot of pain. His mobility was severely limited.”
The horse in need, named Teton, is in the early stages of his thirties. Upon his arrival at the farm, it became evident that he had endured significant hardship throughout his life. Neglect had taken its toll, with his hooves exhibiting deformities, holes, and evident discomfort.
Teton faced difficulties in walking extended distances. He was also timid and hesitant to interact with other horses. However, Phantom sensed the potential for a friendship with Teton.
“Phantom, with his gentle and affectionate nature, would motivate Teton to venture out and gradually increase his walking distance.”
As a result, the bond between the two horses grew stronger, prompting the trainers and volunteers to arrange outings to the nearby creek.
Phantom had always been fond of water and delighted in frolicking and splashing around. The team was curious to see if Teton would be inspired to imitate his behavior.
Indeed, despite initial shyness and reluctance to enter the water, the newcomer eventually mustered the courage and joined his newfound companion in the creek, thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Typically, younger horses tend to mimic and take cues from their older counterparts. However, in this unique bond, it is older Teton who follows the lead of young Phantom, a dynamic that has greatly contributed to Teton’s healing journey.
“While our dedicated team at Gentle Giants attended to Teton’s medical needs, Phantom played a vital role in providing him with the much-needed emotional and psychological support,” shared Garner.
Today, Teton has made a complete recovery, reclaiming his vigor and self-assurance. He has ascended the ranks to become one of the dominant horses in the herd, undergoing a remarkable transformation from timidity to robustness, health, and contentment.
The instrumental role played by Phantom in aiding his companion’s remarkable resurgence is truly awe-inspiring.
Watch their story in the video below.
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Rewritten Source: https://animalchannel.co/giant-horse-helps-neglected-horse/