Hello, I'm Axl Rose

Axl Rose – The Little Fighter with a Big Heart

Axl Rose came to Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary in August 2024 as a yearling — a cute, curious youngster with a tough past. When he was just two months old, twine had become tightly wrapped around his back right leg, leaving deep wounds that never healed properly. By the time he arrived at AHHS, the old injury caused him to walk with a slight limp and made him wary of anyone touching his hind end.

Life hadn’t been kind to him early on, and his fear showed up as defensiveness — kicking at the vet, snapping at handlers, and fussing during care. But underneath that fear was a smart, sensitive horse who was simply in pain and unsure how to trust.

After being treated by Cleary Lake Veterinary Clinic and gelded, Axl began his new life surrounded by safety, patience, and love. Today, he shares a pasture with his adopted brothers, Mazzie and Ozzie, who adore his playful antics and boundless curiosity.

Axl is learning his “horse etiquette” — self-regulating for a good 10 minutes before his mischievous streak takes over. He’s still growing (as Belgian crosses do!) and learning that people can be kind, gentle, and trustworthy.

Once in danger of slipping into the slaughter pipeline, Axl Rose is now living proof that compassion, care, and community can rewrite a horse’s story.