Cowboy is a 21-year-old Dun Paint (as of 2026), with the kindest heart and the sweetest personality. He previously boarded at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center during 2022 and 2023.
During that time, Cowboy began to show signs of physical deterioration. After being evaluated by his vet, it was discovered that he had a heart murmur, along with some older back injuries that may have been causing him discomfort. His owner made the compassionate decision to retire him to a horse sanctuary. Heidi Van Der Hoek, who helped care for Cowboy while he was boarded at the center, worked with his owner to find him his next home. Cowboy moved to his retirement home on April 1, 2023.
On May 1, 2026, Cowboy was seized by Animal Control as part of a large-scale rescue and investigation into poor animal welfare on the property. Because of Heidi’s connection to Cowboy, she advocated through Animal Control to get him out and to safety. She was able to arrange transportation and have Cowboy brought directly to San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, as we had no idea what condition he would be in after everything that had happened. Cowboy’s medical evaluation revealed malnourishment and neglect.
Cowboy is truly the best boy. He loves attention, has the kindest heart, and we feel incredibly honored to give him a safe place to live out his years. We are especially grateful for Heidi’s commitment to Cowboy’s rescue and for making sure he had a way back to safety. He will now receive the love, dignity, and care he has always deserved.
