Community Rallies to Save Injured Horse in Ashland: A Sad but Inspiring Story of Compassion
ASHLAND — What began as a heartbreaking sight on Troy Road quickly became a powerful reminder of how deeply this community cares, not just for one another, but for every living creature who calls Ashland home.
Around 2:15 p.m. Friday afternoon, the Ashland Police Division responded to reports of a horse standing injured in a residential yard along the 1200 block of Troy Road. The animal was still attached to a broken pole, frightened, hurting, and alone.
But within moments, the people of Ashland, neighbors, officers, animal rescuers, and complete strangers came together in an extraordinary display of compassion.
Multiple neighbors rushed to help. One woman, familiar with horses, immediately approached, calming the distressed animal and staying by its side the entire time. Others brought bottles of water, while another neighbor offered apple slices to help soothe the frightened horse.
Ashland Police Division officers acted with remarkable tenderness and patience, doing everything they could to keep the horse safe until help arrived. Lieutenant Bloodhart used his cell phone to video conference with a veterinarian, allowing for real-time assessment and guidance on how to care for the horse until transport could be arranged.
The Ashland County Humane Society stepped in to coordinate rescue efforts. In a public post, Humane Society representative Tiffany Meyer shared gratitude for the overwhelming number of people who called in offering help. But she gave special thanks to Cory Boliantz, who rushed to the scene with a truck and trailer, partnered with Brandon Willson, ensuring the horse could be safely transported for urgent attention.
“This afternoon, the Ashland City Police Department responded to a call about a horse running loose and in need of help,” the Humane Society wrote. “Thanks to the quick response of officers — and the incredible support from Cory Boliantz and Brandon Willson — we were able to get this horse secured and transported for urgent attention. Ashland County truly shows its heart when it matters most.”
In a surprising turn, an ex-Amish man watching the incident unfold via livestream came to the scene and offered his help in trying to find the owners and finding the initials on the items in the buggy. Because of his background, he was able to identify which Amish community the animal belonged to — and his name helping Police to identify the owner.
Though the circumstances were sad and the horse’s condition remains a concern, what happened on Troy Road was nothing short of extraordinary.
Strangers became rescuers. Neighbors became caretakers. Officers became comforters. And the community — Ashland — showed exactly what it is made of: compassion, teamwork, and heart.
As the horse receives the care it needs, one thing is certain: this community did everything in its power to give the animal a fighting chance.
And in the middle of a difficult afternoon, Ashland once again proved that kindness is its strongest trait.
