Shaq the 17-hand Heartthrob 🌿👑

Meet Shaq—a 30-year-old, 17hh Standardbred who went from almost-pet-meat to bona-fide calendar model. Back in 2014 he was standing at Echuca saleyards with just one bidder (yep, the pet-food guy). Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary swooped in, saved his tail, and he’s been ruling their paddocks ever since—lazy breakfasts, gossip sessions with best mate Big Grey, and the occasional heartbreak (looking at you, Miss Daisy 💔).

These days Shaq’s basically HSES royalty: poster boy for their “freshly cut lawn” rescue candle range and the April pin-up in next year’s calendar. But here’s the thing—old legends like him eat a hole in the feed budget faster than you can say “morning mash.” Every merch purchase, share, or spare dollar keeps Shaq’s haynet full and his paddock posse comfy. Hit the HSES shop link if you want your home smelling like fresh grass while you keep the OG paddock king living his best retirement life. 💚