The Wilson Post
LEBANON WEATHER

Hurricane horse Turner makes friends during recovery




Turner, left, and Mr. T have become friends at their Gladeville stable. Turner is recovering there from injuries received while being transported back to North Carolina after Hurricane Florence.SUBMITTED

Turner, left, and Mr. T have become friends at their Gladeville stable. Turner is recovering there from injuries received while being transported back to North Carolina after Hurricane Florence.SUBMITTED

He’s all up there in Gladeville the past few weeks.

Even has a girlfriend from – afar.

Turner, a North Carolina horse injured in his trailer while evacuating from a hurricane, found respite on a Wilson County farm with no less than five four-legged companions, along with human foster mom Tracy Bullard.

Tracy and Randy Bullard were out on a run two weeks ago and came upon a grim scene with Turner bleeding. Tracy, an ER nurse, provided aid to save Turner’s life and has fostered him since then.

Veternarian Dr. Andy Ligon has provided non-stop care for the horse on the Bullards’ farm. Tracy has spent many nights holding compresses to the horse’s injury.

“We were pretty scared when he had an allergy to the antibiotic,” she said.

Turner had some swelling but fought off the infection and seems pretty steady now. Ligon removed the stitches and cleaned out the wound this week.

The Bullards also learned this week that someone paid the remaining $1,300 vet bill for them.

A young military couple owns Turner, and they had to return to North Carolina. The Bullards, plus their five other horses, are caregivers for now.

Even Mr. T. He’s the Bullards’ miniature horse.

“Well, he sort of rules the farm and at first wasn’t real cool with Turner, but, as you can see, they are fast friends,” said Tracy, who finally has slept half a night since Turner’s arrival. “All the horses love Turner. I do too.

“I can’t say enough about Dr. Ligon. He’s been out here multiple times. With IV’s and medications.  He’s been tremendous.”

Tracy is now able to walk Turner around for five minutes twice a day as he recovers.

The horse is sheltered and loved on this Gladeville farm for as long as it takes.

“He’s taken a good turn,” Tracy said. “I’d keep him forever.

“I would do it one thousand times over. Turner is worth everything. His heart is so big and he’s brave. He taught me true love.”

Leave a Reply