Amir - Arabian Horse
- morethanpethk
- Jul 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 24
HIGHLIGHTS
Foaled June 7, 2007
The Incident: January 15, 2021 (at 13yo) - US
The Incident: Amir suffered a serious accident at the ranch, which resulted in his left foreleg being completely shattered from the knee.
The Leading Surgeon: Dr. Ted Vlahos
The Outcome: A Success - After his amputation in January 2021, Amir returned to the ranch and lived a fulfilling and positive life.
ABOUT THE HORSE
Amir is a white coated Arabian gelding, the beloved horse of Elizabeth Cabral and her family in Southern California. Amir was born on Elizabeth’s 13th birthday, a girl and a horse have built deep connection while growing up together. Amir is her family and ‘soul horse’, Elizabeth can read the horse better than anyone, Amir could express how he feels and what he wants. The horse is intelligent, playful and stamina.
THE INCIDENT – 15 January 2021 (at 13yo)
Amir broke his leg in pasture, his left front leg from the knee down was totally shattered when he was kicked by another horse. Elizabeth was shocked, she begged him to and hopped into the horse trailer, immediately drove him to the nearby equine hospital.
Elizabeth knew that Amir was in severe injury, she decided to save his life while Amir was not giving up. The horse was still in good spirit, kept drinking and eating. She knew that the only way was to amputate his leg, she wants Amir to stay happy and enjoy his life by all means.
Unfortunately, none of the equine hospitals in Southern California were willing to try to help - even as Amir was standing up and nickering for horse cookies despite the fact that he had a terribly broken leg. Elizabeth didn’t give up, she kept searching for help.
Finally, she learnt that Dr. Ted Vlahos who specializes in fixing broken legs and prosthetics for horses in cases when healing is not possible. She sent Amir’s X-ray to Dr Vlahos, then he decided to try fixing his injury given Amir's attitude. Elizabeth also sought help from GoFundMe and raised total of US$5856 for the unexpected expenses. She then created a Facebook page @savingAmir to update his ordeal and recovery journey since January 2021.
THE SAVING EFFORT - led by Dr. Ted Vlahos
The Cabral family drove 1200 miles away from S. California to meet Dr. Vlahos in Cody. Amir’s leg was securely splinted and he of course had painkillers throughout the journey. Amir is a healthy horse while he ate and drank the entire way in his usual way.
Once arrived Dr. Vlahos’ hospital, Amir had his surgery after two days of his injury (detail info of the surgery not available). After surgery, he got his temporary prosthetic and went outside, Amir was in good mood that he pawed at the snow and tracked the geese flying overhead. He nickered and asked for horse cookies and went on scavenger hunts for pieces of tangerines, his favourite fruit.
It's amazing how bright and happy he has been even after such a major operation. After coming out of anaesthetic, he walked back to his stall. He immediately figured out how to lay down and get up with ease while his leg was bandaged and he had a temporary prosthetic. It was made of metal and plastic that he would happily bang on the fence when he wanted a slice of tangerine or some scratches behind his ears.
THE RECOVERY AND REHABILITION
In 2021
June: Amir was home after 5 months recovery staying in Dr Vlahos’ Hospital, with love and care from his team.
July: Amir’s new permanent prosthetic arrived. It has shock absorber in the post and additional layer of padding in the bottom, it’s comfort while walking.
August: Elizabeth started to rebuild Amir’s fitness and flexibility with various exercise and daily stretching. Amir required daily leg wash, massage and sock change. Need regular exercise and game. One of Amir’s favourite game was placing his prosthetic feet on different objects, the obstacles get smaller and more precise. A game to build proprioception after becoming an amputee.
In summer, Amir sweats a lot in the prosthetic, multiple sock changes required throughout the day. Elizabeth discovered his skin responds really well to a bath of cold green tea with a few drops of organic lavender oil.
In 2022
January: Amir was in good spirit playing with his horse companion ‘Aladdin’ in the barn.
June: Elizabeth and Amir travelled to Wyoming, he tried on another test leg, it’s of great fit.
July: a new prosthetic leg was made with a gel liner and blade runner (like Paralympic runners used), It’s lighter and more comfortable. Amir could move better with the shock absorption and break over. But when on the way home, she realized that his new prosthetic was a little too tight at the top to accommodate the muscling on his leg, it shall be re-made.
In 2023
March: Amir’s new prosthetic limb arrived, a human prosthetic foot cut to fit inside a horse hoof boot. It has an ankle joint that moves back and forth, and the foot is shaped exactly like a normal horse hoof. It’s created by a hoof specialist, a designed hoof for high impact outdoor sports.
June: Amir had birthday party with Elizabeth and his barn companions. They enjoyed summer time as usual.
November: Amir was enjoying autumn vibe, he went foraging in the branch pile exploring tasty blackberry bush on his favorite trial as in the old day.
THE OUTCOME
Though the riding days are over, Amir can play, lay down and get up, and lives a full life. Amir is 19yo on 4 June 2026, posted recently by Elizabeth.
Source: Facebook - Saving Amir
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