Equine Niagara News - Rescued on the 401

Horse Rescued from Busy 401 Highway
rescued horse

Ellie Ross, once again, helps a horse in need

Last night, the 401 was a cold, frightening place for a loose mare. Winds whipping at 70 kph, blowing snow, darkening skies, traffic whizzing by, and a frightened large white pony not knowing where to go. Ellie Ross never knows what will happen in a day. Known as the ‘Thoroughbred Lady’, Ellie Ross of Ayr, Ontario, has rescued many horses over her life, but last night was a different call for help.

A staff member heard a radio report of a loose horse on the 401 half way between Hwy 2 and Oxford Rd.29 (Drumbo Road). The OPP were desperate to keep her from being hit. She said, “Ellie, we know if anyone would help get it done it it’s you so.”

They were right.

Ross arrived and offered help. The police officers gladly accepted. The horse, a large white pony, was panicing and had no halter, making it even more difficult to capture the frightened mare. “Apparently someone had dropped off a halter and lead, but didn’t stay,” says Ross, and admits to being baffled they hadn’t stayed to help. When Ellie returned with her trailer she enlisted the help of the officers. “The officer was quite determined and didn’t show any fear.” The two ventured onto the highway, headlights swerving around the terrified mare. Ross roped her with the lead and pulled her to the safety of the shoulder. “Although I’m taking roping lessons, even though reports said I lassoed the horse, I simply slipped the lead around her neck and popped on the halter.” Now to get her onto the trailer.

“We were on the eastbound shoulder of the 401... the cruisers parked behind my trailer with their lights going, any horse would have been scared.

“I opened the trailer and gave the officer a bucket of feed and I got behind her. She didn't want to load and I was terrified she would bolt off the ramp into traffic.” So Ross told the officers she was going to give her a shove that concerned them. He said to Ross, “Hey! I don't know what she's like back there!” But Ross felt there was no time to discuss, she had to get the mare to safety. “I put my shoulder under her butt and shoved her as hard and fast as I could. She had no idea how she ended up in the trailer! The officer who helped me load was frozen, but never complained. He was incredibly patient.”

Once the horse was loaded, Ross had another problem. Where to take the horse?

No one had any idea where she’d come from. “I called Shadyview Farm, which is right beside the 401, to request board for this girl of course they welcomed her.” Ross admits it was ‘kind of cool’ to have a police escort down the 401. The OPP were incredibly grateful.

She's a large pony mare; all white and very pretty. She was in good body condition but had some burrs that were probably picked up during her adventure. Her mouth says she is 11 to 12 years old. “Apparently she’s a 14.2 hh Standardbred. Solid white! A rare horse indeed.”

When the mare arrived at Shadyview, Ross blanketed her last night and fed her a nice warm beetpulp meal. “She looked very grateful and content.”

CTV aired the story last night and happily, early this morning the OPP called to advise Ross that the owners have come forward and will be take her home today.

“She travelled quite far! Her farm is not really near the highway! Apparently, the storm blew stuff down that pulled the gate down, and so she left. Sadly, her owner didn't notice until this morning. He went looking and a neighbouring farm told him she was on the news. He was quite shocked to find out she was on the 401!” Ellie cannot believe how fortunate it was for this mare that a car didn’t hit her. “I urge everyone to check their horses each night…Especially in a storm.”

Ross, who’s known for her Off-track Thoroughbred rescues, works with United Animal Nations and has worked with the APSCA, HSUS and OSPCA. She laughs, “I used to transport horses internationally as my career so... I guess I'm cut out for this!”

Ellie Ross’s Blog and Twitter accounts keep horse lovers informed of horses rescued from slaughter. If you can help, or want a horse under your tree this year, contact her.

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