Barneby is a 1.5-year-old Belgian gelding and the very first rescue to arrive at Soulstride Sanctuary.

When he first came to us, he was extremely cautious — nervous, unsure, and often avoidant. But with time, consistency, and gentle support, Barneby has blossomed. Now, we can’t step into the herd without him walking straight over for a visit.

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He adores neck scratches, carries just about any object he can find in his mouth, and loves tapping people’s clothing with his lips to explore the different sounds they make. Curious and playful, he’s discovering the world, and his own confidence, one day at a time.

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Barneby turns two this May, and while he is already one of the largest horses at the sanctuary, he is still growing into his big draft body.

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We’ve noticed that his back right leg has a suspicious angle, and this spring he will receive a full veterinary workup to determine whether it is congenital or injury-related. Regardless of the cause, he is receiving the highest level of thoughtful care — made possible by this community.

If you feel connected to Barneby’s journey, consider becoming one of his guardians and helping support his continued growth, comfort, and confidence.