Some horses are just moments away from an irreversible fate when fate intervenes. Keops was one of them—marked for slaughter, his life hanging in the balance. But thanks to the determination of one person who refused to look the other way, his story took a different path. His rescue is a testament to the power of compassion and the unwavering belief that every horse deserves a chance.

The story of Keops

One of the last Boulonnais horses

Keops was sent to slaughter due to a severe issue with his leg, but no one truly understood the extent of the problem. As a draft horse, he carried himself with pride, masking his pain and making it difficult to understand the severity of his condition. His resilience, while admirable, also meant that his suffering went unnoticed for too long.

Keops’ journey began when Hassen, through his association Les Sabots du Cœur, rescued him from slaughter after he was deemed hopeless due to a serious injury to his right front leg. As Hassen recalls, “A great love story started between us, and I couldn’t bring myself to have him killed.” Since that moment, Hassen has been dedicated to securing a bright and pain-free future for Keops, working together with the Equitom team to provide the best care possible.

Hassen, a devoted horseman, is no stranger to extraordinary horses. Through his association, Les Sabots du Cœur, he and his loyal companion, his horse Peyo, bring comfort to those in their final moments. But Keops was far from his final moments. If it was up to Hassen, he had a whole future in front of him, pain-free and bright.

Despite Keops' proud nature and hidden pain, Hassen recognized his worth and refused to let him be discarded. From that moment, a great bond was formed, one built on trust, understanding, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Arrival at Equitom

Hassen traveled all the way from France to Equitom’s equine clinic in Lummen. When he arrived, Dr. Lothar Vanslambrouck, Equitom’s specialist in equine orthopedics, conducted a full orthopedic evaluation on Keops. He carefully examined him on different surfaces to asses how movement changed across various terrains. A flexion test revealed significant pain, and ultrasound confirmed severe joint inflammation.

To dig deeper, X-rays were performed, and the results were heartbreaking. Keops was diagnosed with advanced arthritis—shockingly severe for such a young horse. This condition was likely caused by past trauma, and since arthritis is degenerative, it would only worsen without proper intervention.

Watch the video of the orthopedic evaluation and X-rays here .

Standing Robot CT Scan

The team decided to move forward with the next step: a standing robot CT scan. At the Equitom clinic in Lummen, this advanced 3D imaging technique allowed us to get an incredibly detailed view of Keops’ affected fetlock joint. Unlike traditional CT scans, the standing scan eliminates the need for full anesthesia, reducing risks and providing a safer, more comfortable experience for the horse.

But the process was not without its difficulties. Keops struggled to fall asleep during the sedation. We avoided the need for full anesthesia, significantly reducing the risks involved. With our patient, caring team, who ensured Keops felt safe and at ease, we were able to do the scan.

The scan revealed severe remodeling of the fetlock joint, but fortunately, no significant subchondral bone loss at this time. This cutting-edge technology allowed us to better understand his condition and helped guide the next steps in his treatment.

You can watch the video of the standing robot CT scan here.

Pain relieving injection

After reviewing the results of the CT scan, the Equitom team, in close partnership with Hassen and always with Keops’ best interest in mind, decided to proceed with a carefully considered joint injection. This would ease Keops’ pain and encourage joint healing. The area was cleaned and prepped with utmost care, following strict protocols to prevent infection. The medication was delivered directly into the affected joint, where it will begin to take effect in the next days.

Keops will enjoy some well-deserved rest with a protective bandage in place to keep the area clean. Should the injection not provide the relief we hope for, Keops can return for further treatments, ensuring that we remain committed to his full recovery.

Watch the video of the joint infection here.

Follow-up

Keops’ journey is far from over, but with the support of Hassen, the Equitom team, and animal lovers like you, Keops has hope for a pain-free future. His story is one of resilience, compassion, and the power of a second chance.

After his thorough evaluation and treatment, he is now back in France with Hassen, where he continues his recovery in a loving environment. His joint injection is helping, and his comfort remains the top priority.

Saved by Les Sabots du Cœur

Les Sabots du Cœur, founded in 2016 by Hassen Bouchakour, promotes a humane and dignified approach to end-of-life care. The association provides emotional support to terminal patients, with Peyo, a unique horse, offering comfort.

In 2011, Hassen adopted Peyo, from the world of performance. During his shows, Hassen noticed Peyo’s unusual behavior: despite being typically energetic and avoiding physical contact with people, Peyo became gentle and protective around certain individuals. Shortly after their encounters, these people passed away, revealing Peyo’s extraordinary gift to sense and comfort those nearing the end of their lives.

Hassen also assists with funeral arrangements and offers support to families in need. The organization is involved in training healthcare professionals and is working on a center for end-of life care.