Using a handful of crisp apples he always carried for such moments, Ovidiu enticed the horse to lower its massive head, easing its taut muscles. Slowly, the stallion sank to the damp grass, wary but too drained to resist, keeping one watchful eye on the veterinarian.

With the horse resting, its breathing heavy with relief, Ovidiu began his work. He donned thick gloves and carefully started to separate the rusted chain links. The task demanded patience: the chains were stubborn, their rust unyielding. Every so often, Ovidiu paused to stroke the horse’s trembling shoulder or whisper, “We’re almost done.”