Chasity is in such good condition these days that I felt I could skip a week before engaging in her formal lessons again. She does get manual abdominal flexion exercises daily when she is fed. The beauty of postural core strength exercises is that they stay strong after the initial introductory work. It has been five months of this kind of exercise for Chasity, so if her workouts are only every other week, they are enough to sustain her strong core strength in good equine posture. The muscles, ligaments and tendons are now symmetrically strong around her skeletal frame. I decided to start in the Round Pen to allow her to move out before engaging in the more intense lunging and ground driving in the open arena again. Her posture and movement were impeccable!
The “Elbow Pull” is now staying loose most of the time. This means she is strong and balanced in good postural self-carriage. Her movement is confident and fluid. She executes the turns on the haunches perfectly upon command. The transformation in her whole body and strength has been exciting to witness! Her attitude has improved by leaps and bounds as her overall health improved. We are still treating the infection she has that seems to be systemic and in her glands. Our approach will be to continue a regimen of antibiotics, then when it is done, take her off of them until it appears to be trying to return. Then we will resume antibiotic treatment.
Chasity moves beautifully and stands stock still whenever we are working on her. This is a marked improvement from the “Nervous Nellie” that first arrived at the end of March this year.
After doing a bit of lunging, we are now going to review ground driving in the Round Pen before we go to the open arena for more practice. I want to get her light in the bridle now, so I begin with a rein back. Then we proceed forward at a relaxed pace.
Chasity does a very nice “S” turn through the middle for a change of direction. I try to keep my contact with her bit as light as possible, giving her cues with no more than vibrating little fingers.
Chasity is responding well to the drive lines and is getting lighter in the bridle. She halts and rein backs easily upon command to receive her reward for a job well done!
After lunging Chasity and Wrangler individually in the Round Pen, we are now headed for the dressage arena where they will each get their turn at lunging on the lunge line and ground driving. They both lead easily alone, or together, and walk in sync with me upon request. Sometimes Wrangler gets a bit distracted.
Chasity is always on alert, but does not tend to be silly about things. She remembers her lessons well and is always happy to please. I start her with the lunge line shortened and this time she does not pull at all, but stays on the circle with her intermittent squeeze/release cues from my little finger as her outside front leg comes forward and into suspension.
As she circles, I slowly let out the lunge line. I will not ask her to trot until she offers to so so. I don’t want to force speed and sacrifice precision. She is now stopping consistently in a goos balance.
After re-tying the lunge line to the bit ring on the other side, I reverse Chasity, ask her to go the other way and she complies nicely. Again, I start with a short line and let it out gradually.
At the end of several rotations, I ask her to “Whoa,” stretch down and then stand still while I roll up the lunge line and prepare to put on the drive lines. My Ranch Manager, Chad, is ready to assist with the ground driving this time after her bolting in the previous lesson when I ground drove her by myself.
I do not want Chasity to think she can run off every time we get into the open arena, so I will set her up to be successful right from the beginning with the assistant this time. She can run and play with Wrangler in turnout later. She does not seem to mind at all and is all business about her ground driving. She completed the Hourglass Pattern in one direction, crossed the diagonal and did it in the other direction and then did a very nice halt and rein back to end the lesson.
Chasity stood quietly while I removed the drive lines and rolled them up. Then we went to retrieve Wrangler from his place along the fence. After Chasity’s turn, Wrangler got his turn at lunging on the lunge line and ground driving. Then we all headed to the gate together.
When you are consistent in the way you do things with every animal, it is easy to lead, lunge and negotiate obstacles with multiple animals because they all know what to expect and there are no abrupt changes to the routine to cause adverse behaviors. Training can be fun for EVERYONE!
After having a week off, Chasity returned to her lessons happy, refreshed and ready to go to work. I decided to go back to the Hourglass Pattern and do more leading exercises followed by lunging on the lunge line and ground driving in the open arena. She had two weeks of lessons in the Round Pen and I was curious to see how she would do on the single line, and then the drive lines, with lots of space around her. This can often be a whole new challenge! She seemed very relaxed as she fell into the familiar leading pattern.
As we negotiated the Hourglass Pattern, she easily matched me step for step, even over the ground rails. I asked her for a downward stretch and she was completely cooperative with that as well. The exercises she has been doing for the past four months have really changed her body shape and her strength. The thick crest on her neck is greatly reduced and is no longer hard, but soft and pliable to the touch. It won’t be long before it is completely gone. She is moving symmetrically, is much more agile and is in great athletic condition!
She was in good posture and stepped over the dressage arena fence gracefully without losing her balance at all as we went to retrieve the lunge line. She then stepped over it again as we re-entered the arena to begin lunging on the lunge line.
I started her on a short line to give her clear directions about what Iwanted. I made sure to give a short squeeze/ release on the lunge line each time her outside leg came forward into suspension like I had during Round Pen lessons. This caused her outside front leg to come toward me and keep her on the arc of the circle around me without getting into a pulling match. Pulling this way would not interfere with her balance and cause her to bolt.
As she circled, with each rotation, I let out the line a little bit more. I continued with the squeeze/release cue in sync with the outside front leg coming into suspension. Then before she got bored, I asked her to “Whoa.”
I gave Chasity her oats reward and waited for her to finish chewing before I retied the lunge line so we could go in the opposite direction. I tied the lunge line to the snaffle bit on the side I pull from and then left enough excess to go under her chin and snap to the ring on the other side. This keeps the bit from sliding through her mouth.
Again, I started her on a short line and let it out as she was compliant and stayed on the circle around me, always giving the squeeze/release cues in sync with that outside front leg. The I asked for a “Whoa” and a stretch down for her reward.
Chasity waited patiently as I put on the drive lines, always sporting a relaxed and happy face! We began ground driving at a pretty good clip. She was enjoying the open space! I stayed in sync with her back legs, but I was having to take very big steps to keep up with her!
Then as sometimes happens…she bolted. I knew she wasn’t really scared. She just felt GOOD! So rather than engage in a pulling match, I just let go. She took off, first at a very fast trot, then a lope….
…and finally she went into a full-fledged gallop! She stayed strong in her new-found good equine posture throughout! She galloped to the fence and made a nice 90-degree angle turn into a trot tracking right! She was clearly enjoying herself while I just waited on the sidelines for this moment to pass.
It was clear to me that she needed to just run and have a good time for a little bit. I watched as she traveled around the perimeter of the dressage arena. I was impressed with her improved way of going. She carried her head a bit high and was not as flexed at the poll as I would have liked, but what more could I have expected considering the short time she had been worked in the “Elbow Pull.” Enhanced grace would come later!
I was impressed with her form as she jumped over the dressage arena fence! As she executed THAT move, there was more flexion over her entire top line. This was a great improvement to the sway back she had when she first got here! She evntually slowed down and began to make her way toward me.
Since she had obviously decided to go back to work, I walked toward her and gave her a reward for returning to me!
I gathered the drive lines and instead of walking behind her, I kept them short and walked beside her for more control. I did not want another runaway! She did give a half-hearted pull, but when she discovered that I had more control, she decided to comply as I concurrently led/ground drove her back into the Hourglass Pattern
I proceeded this way over the ground rails and then toward the next corner cone. As I did, I gradually made my way more toward the hind qaurters while making sure I still had her attention. She was a little strong in the bridle, but did as I asked. We did have to circle the cone to keep this control.
As she came around the cone, she got more tractable and straightened out so I could ground drive her from her hip. We were definitely making progress!
We turned around the next cone and headed back toward the ground rails in the center of the Hourglass Pattern. At the point where we would nromally halt and square up when leading, when ground driving, we halt and normally do a rein back instead. This time, however, I would be content with the halt. I made a mental note that next time, I would use an assistant at her head with a lead rope to help her to be totally successful in the ground driving before we went solo again. I would hate to perpetuate any bad habits. One occurence like this is acceptable, but to allow it to continue would be a major mistake! Longears learn EXACTLY what you teach them!
Wrangler has been a happy camper since we acquired Chasity. Before that, he was so rambunctious that there was no one else that could be in turnout with him and I had limited time to work with him. He and Chasity are the same size and the same age, so they do get along very well. I still have to make training judgments when working with them. He helped me to get Chasity moving freely in the Round Pen during her first lessons, but lately, he has been annoying her while lunging which does not allow her to relax in the “Elbow Pull” like she should. And, he doesn’t relax either because he is too busy showing off to her now! So, I had to modify my approach. I still take them out together and just tie one up while I am working the other. I find that this works very well. Wrangler is back to moving in a dignified manner!
I can say that showing off to her did have its benefits. It developed his agility and his eagerness to move more forward and into a canter. When working him alone, I did not have to tie his reins to the saddle to keep his head up as I did when I was working him with her, but I did leave them on the bridle and secured them around his neck in case I did need them. His trot was very nice this time, so I decided to actually give the command to “Canter” and Wrangler willingly complied!
As Wrangler passed Chasity, he did occasional do a little crow-hop to acknowledge her, but mostly he stayed in good balanced posture and exhibited core strength with a lot of agility and flexibility. I used to think I needed to tire my animals to make them behave, but I have since found that when I pay attention to their physical development as well as the tasks I want them to do they are much happier and willing to comply. I PREPARE them for performance and bad behaviors decrease exponentially because I make them FEEL good! Good behavior is ALWAYS rewarded!
Wrangler decided to spook at a small branch that was on the ground, so I picked it up and we played with it! Then we got Chasity after her turn at lunging and made our way to the dressage arena.
Although Wrangler does tend to get a bit distracted when I have Chasity along, he does stay in sync with my steps most of the time. This is important in order to have their full attention.
This is Wrangler’s first lunge line lesson in the open, so I began with the short line as I usually do, but when he circled around me, he got to the point where he was facing Chasity and bolted toward her!
Apparently, Wrangler did not want to jump the fence, so he headed for the opening in the fence and then ran around the dressage arena perimeter. I just let go of the lines and watched him as he ran. I stayed where I was and assessed his movement while he got his “jollies” out!
He got halfway around and decided he wanted to go back toward Chasity. I guess he is not a confident jumper because he slowed down and carefully WALKED over the fence…in good balance and then cantered in balance in her direction!
I blocked him from going to Chasity and he darted to the left and toward the other end of the dressage arena. I called his name and asked him to come back…and he did…at a full gallop!
He thought about running around me, but decided a reward was a much better idea! Chasity was impressed with his performance and so was HE! I was just happy that Wrangler had decided to go back to work!
So, we repeated the process and he did nicely tracking to the left and halted quietly upon command. I did not let the line out very far. We would add that step the next time. I rewarded his success!
We did, however, do the same thing in the opposite direction, and again, I did not press my luck and kept the line shortened and controlled. Next, Wrangler would get his ground driving lesson in the open arena…another first.
I employed my Ranch Manager, Chad, as an assistant to make certain that things did not get out of control. I wanted to set Wrangler up for success. He was just perfect through the Hourglass Pattern and over the ground rails in the middle of the pattern.
After tracking through the pattern in one direction with the halts and rein backs in their designated spots between the cones, then crossing the diagonal and completing it the same pattern in the other direction, Wrangler did a perfect halt and rein back, and was amply rewarded for his success! It was time to quit!
As I watch the clock wind down on this tumultuous and difficult year, I’m reflecting on the gratitude I feel for our amazing community of supporters, and the generous spirit and compassion of each one of you.
The American Wild Horse symbolizes strength and resilience, the qualities our country needs right now. We enter the New Year united in our love for wild horses and burros and committed to our fight to save them.
Just today, 20 more wild horses were rounded up by helicopter from their home on our public lands in Nevada. The thought of them alone – separated from their families, trapped and terrified breaks my heart and makes me even more resolute in our work to stop this cruelty from happening.
The 90,000 wild horses and burros who remain free are counting on me, they’re counting on you, and they’re counting on us as a community to keep fighting for them.
Thank you for joining us this month as we shared stories from the barn that showed how your support helped horses this year. As we say good-bye to 2020 and ring in 2021, we are reflecting on our blessings from this year and what we would like to accomplish in the new year. We have a few resolutions for 2021! Top of the list is to find forever homes for all of our adoptable horses that didn’t find a person of their own in 2020. We don’t want them to wait any longer! Each of them deserves to have a loving family. Learn more about all of our adoptable horses below. Who knows – maybe you’ll be one of our featured stories next December! Another goal for the new year is to find generous supporters for each of the horses. If you (or someone you know) isn’t looking for a new live-in friend for 2021 but still want to support one of our horses, consider becoming a sponsor. Learn more about our sponsorship program. With the uncertainties and challenges of this year, we truly appreciate your generosity, support, and kindness. It is because of YOU that we were able to help 31 horses in need and placed 23 in their forever homes. Sadly, we lost 9 precious lives. Overall, that makes 318 intakes and 254 adoptions since we started in 2009. We end the year with 48 horses at AAE. We couldn’t do this work without the help of our horse-loving community. Thank you!
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Learn more about each horse by clicking on its name.
If you are interested in exploring adoption,
please submit an Adoption Inquiry via the website.
This holiday season please consider making a year end donation to assure AAE has funding to continue the work we do and have similar stories to share in 2021.
THE DEADLINE HAS PASSED FOR THESE 2! LET’S GIVE THEM THE CHANCE TO LIVE IN 2021. THEY ARE DESPERATE, and the gelding’s story will make you cry. It literally made us ill. :(
I had to go on faith.
Meet “TREASURE”. The saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s Treasure” is beyond true. TREASURE was “THAT HORSE”.He was the bomb proof, been there – done that horse. The one you could put any kid on. The one you put the visitors on, knowing that no matter how they rode or what they did to him, the horse would take care of them through thick and thin. He was the RANCH HORSE that worked for years.
TREASURE was literally the perfect horse,
UNTIL – He could no longer work. After 20 some years of perfect service, he no longer “had a purpose”, so he was thrown away like trash. When the shipper wouldn’t even take him due to his poor condition, he decided that if he didn’t get what he wanted he would just leave him out to die. He was not going to waste money and feed him through the winter. He was not even going to waste a bullet…..
TREASURE is starved, weak and so full of worms I don’t even know if he will make it. He is exhausted and the first thing I am going to do is get his bloodwork done. Please say a prayer for him. He is so tired and so sad. He still doesn’t understand he is truly loved.
MEET “SMURF”. She is the old lady that was shipping to slaughter. She was lucky we could save her, because I received the info that she was a “done deal” and had no chance. Another “miracle for a mustang”.
She is 18ish?, a total sweetheart and did not need to end up on a dinner plate somewhere.
Saving these 2 lives is our “Last Hurrah” for 2020. Let’s end it with victory and save these precious lives! Treasure is going to need vetted asap, and will need all of us to pull together for him.
Christmas is at her new home and all settled in. Noel is with me, and sadly lost about 150 # before we could get her. She will also need lots of TLC!
I did manage to get our beautiful Annie Oakley home, in spite of the weather and incorrect forecast. I am so thankful to the folks that cared for her until I could get her. She is in better condition than when she came in, but still in horrible shape. She is extremely thin, very wormy and they literally picked 100’s and 100’s of ticks off of her. The ticks nearly killed her, and the worms are trying to finish the job. She HAS been dewormed, but is still in extremely poor health.
So we are *wrapping up 2020 with the usual 911 calls and desperate situations! PLEASE help us save these kids.*
_A quick personal note – I found out I have had Fybromyalgia for some time now. Sadly it explains why I have had such an increase in the chronic pain. Hopefully it won’t have much affect on my rescue, but prayers are greatly appreciated!
I guess being partially crippled and having an existing disease that causes chronic pain just wasn’t enough. (haha) But I know God has a plan and He will keep me going! I will keep fighting as long as I can, and I hope y’all will keep fighting with me!_
This is the link to our Chilly Pepper’s Wild Horse & Orphan Foal Adoption Page,where you can see the progress and new lives of the horses YOU HAVE HELPED SAVED! (I can’t believe I didn’t do this years ago, but it is so fun to see the horses, babies and critters that are enjoying and thriving in their new lives.)
WIN (WILD HORSES IN NEED) is a 501c3 IRS EIN 55-0882407_
If there are ever funds left over from the cost of the rescue itself, the monies are used to feed, vet, care for and provide shelter and proper fencing for the animals once they are saved.
These heartbreaking photos taken by our photographer yesterday at the Fish Creek HMA roundup in Nevada illustrate why our work to protect mustangs and burros is so important.
As I write this, our observer is in the field documenting yet another roundup of innocent wild horses who were living free with their families just days before Christmas. Now, they cling together in temporary pens awaiting shipment to a BLM holding facility and an uncertain future.
With your help today, we’re working to MAKE ROUNDUPS A THING OF THE PAST.
In the field, we’re showing that humane management of wild horses with birth control is possible.
In court, we’re defending wild horses from livestock industry demands for mass removals from public lands, and we’re fighting to stop brutal sterilization surgeries on wild mares.
In Congress, we’re gaining more and more allies committed to protecting wild horses and burros and reforming the BLM’s outdated and inhumane management practices.
We know we’re asking for a lot during this last week of the year. It’s because the stakes are so high.
At this very moment, our wild horses and burros face an existential threat: the BLM’s plan to decimate wild herds by removing 90,000 of these magnificent animals from our public lands over the next five years.
As we count down to 2021, join us every day this month as we share stories from the barn that show how your support has helped horses in 2020.
With the uncertainties and challenges of this year, we truly appreciate your generosity and support.
In Honor Of
RUSTY, RUBY, and HOPE
As we approach the last post of 2020, we can’t leave the year behind without a special memory of three more horses. Not only was this year difficult with all of the impacts of COVID, but if you’ve been with us all year, you probably know it was a year of difficult losses. From 2009 through 2019, we’d lost 12 horses, many severe colics, some illness, a pasture accident, and a few with quality of life issues. (We do not euthanize to make space). This year was exceptionally difficult with loss of 9 lives (5 horses, 1 mini horse, 1 donkey, 1 mini donkey, and 1 goat). We’ve include stories of six so far. Three that remain were too special to not honor their memory one more time. I’ve relived them all the last 30 days, and they’ve weighed heavy, especially with the loss of Hardy just a few days ago. So, making it a little lighter on me….I’m keeping it brief. It doesn’t mean we won’t miss these three that touched so many people while here: Rusty, Ruby, and Hope.
RUSTY
Rusty was a 1986 Arabian that came to AAE in August of 2010 when his owner was facing deployment. Rusty was like a fixture at AAE until he passed April 16, 2020. Sadly, we were in the middle of COVID stay at home orders, and due to COVID fears, our care team had reduced to a skeleton crew. You can read Rusty’s story from earlier this year here.
RUBY
Ruby was a 1987-ish grade mare that came to AAE with her weeks old colt (Gem) in May of 2011. Yes, Ruby had a foal at about 24! Ruby left us on Christmas Eve 2013 to be a companion to an older horse, then came back in 2014 when he passed. She was a very sweet mare and was Rusty’s pal in the end. You can read Ruby’s story from earlier this year here.
HOPE
Hope was a 1998 grade Andalusian/Lusitano mare that came to AAE in February 2020 just prior to the COVID-19 stay at home order. She had been suffering from a horrific eye tumor for about two years. She was an incredibly brave mare that seemed so appreciative for the help. Hope was only here a short while, but she touched so many people with her kindness and gratitude. You can read Hope’s story from earlier this year here. Rusty, Ruby, and Hope left huge hoofprints on our hearts for a multitude of reasons. They were much loved and will never be forgotten.
Thank you for your support helping horses each and every day!
Your donations, volunteering, adopting, and social media shares & likes allow us to make this work possible!
Give the gift that keeps on giving by sponsoring a horse on behalf of a horse-loving friend or family member!
As a sponsor, your annual or monthly contribution helps support the costs of care for a specific horse.
You can sponsor at any level or any amount you choose. You will receive an electronic “gift letter” with a photo of an AAE horse, acknowledging your gift on behalf of your recipient.
The Patriotic US Flag/Mustang image on front and Mustang is My Favorite Breed (or Rescue is My Favorite Breed) in white on back. Available in Black, Ash Gray, Navy, and Brown.
Orders may be picked up at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs or
Stop by the AAE Used Tack Store to find the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life! Don’t know what they need? We have gift cards, too!
Here are more ways you can help!
Doing any winter cleaning? Donate your gently used tack to AAE’s Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs. We very much appreciate tack donations delivered to the store in sale ready condition (e.g. clean, conditioned, oiled). Please email tack@allaboutequine.org for information about donating or to schedule a delivery.
Proceeds from used tack sales help pay for feed, veterinary expenses, and other operational needs.
UPDATE — We’re nearly 25% of the way to our $125,000 End of Year goal we have to hit in order for all donations to be matched. We only have 24 hours before our EOY match goal deadline, and before you lose this amazing opportunity to more than double your donation impact.
Before we ask — for one of the very last times this year — for you to make a donation to our largest match opportunity EVER, we wanted to give you a glimpse of one way your donation will be used.
AWHC operates the world’s largest humane management program for wild horses and burros. The cornerstone of this highly successful program is the remote darting of wild mares with the scientifically proven fertility vaccine known as ‘PZP’. No need for roundups, expensive and crowded holding corrals, or risky sterilization surgeries. And do you know how much it costs for a single mare’s annual PZP vaccine?
$30
$30 today — on the 30th of December, one day before our LAST fundraising deadline of the year — is all it takes to keep a wild horse wild and show that brutal roundups and invasive surgical sterilization are not necessary to humanely manage wild herds.
Compare that to the $48,000 the Bureau of Land Management spends on the roundup, removal and long-term holding of a single horse. PZP is worth every dollar saved to keep wild horses living free with their families.
Here at AWHC, we’re feeling the holiday spirit and that’s because of you.
Our incredible AWHC community is the greatest gift of all this season, and with it we have accomplished some of the most historic and unprecedented achievements in wild horse advocacy ever. Together, with our growing community of more than 700,000 wild horses defenders, we are showing that nothing is impossible when we speak as one.
We’ve talked a lot about our progress on the range, in Congress and in the courts, but today we want to share the stories of some of the precious lives we’ve helped to save by working together this year.
Our community is made up of everyday people coming together from all walks of life united to protect wild horses and burros. Time and again, you’ve shown up to help wild horses and burros. You’re always there when they need a helping hand.
We have a lot of work ahead of us — both to hit our fundraising targets before our EOY deadline this year, and to prepare for the challenges of the year ahead. However, we wanted to take a moment right now to celebrate our “herd” — YOU are the reason for the success of our work.
For the lives you’ve helped us save this year, thank you. There’s nothing we can’t achieve when we come together.
As we count down to 2021, join us every day this month as we share stories from the barn that show how your support has helped horses in 2020.
With the uncertainties and challenges of this year, we truly appreciate your generosity and support.
BLUE UPDATE
Remember this guy? Blue came to AAE from Nevada in March of 2017 after a request for assistance from the Virginia Range Wild Horse Sanctuary and Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund. Blue had been carrying around a large mass of proud flesh (granulation tissue) over his left rear fetlock/pastern area for some time. Although he had been haltered and handled some previously, he was not halterable when he arrived at AAE. We knew we had a big job ahead in helping Blue.
Before we could evaluate the mass, he had to be gentled and easily halterable, and his legs/hooves had to be readily handlable for frequent bandage changes after surgery. With a straightforward mustang, not a big deal, but Blue had some substantial fear/trust issues. Initial efforts with befriending and haltering him were lukewarm. Thanks to Dr. Stolba and Team LBEMC (throughout Blue’s journey), he had made enough progress that we were able to sedate him, radiograph the bony area beneath the mass, and collect tissue samples for biopsy. We wanted to make sure there was not an underlying reason for the mass before getting too deep into corrective measures if they would be for naught. It was not an easy feat. Even with heavy sedation, he kicked quickly and with purpose.
Radiographs and biopsy detected no obvious issues, so the work continued. Weeks in, Blue seemed to have had a reaction to something and developed a mysterious condition that turned out to be a form of vasculitis. He developed sores/ulcers throughout his entire mouth. The first layer of tissue pulled off with any type of pressure. They were horribly painful. Though his history and symptoms didn’t suggest, we had to quarantine him and test him for vesicular stomatitis. Thankfully, it was negative. We scaled back our efforts to reduce his stress and allow him to heal. But, the mass was growing and oozing, and flies and yellow jackets swarmed the oozy mass.
After several weeks, he improved, and we resumed course. He would take a few steps forward, then a couple steps back. Finally, after many weeks with nominal results, we had a marathon day. We worked until we broke through. Six hours, he accepted handling and touching all over, and we practiced bandaging and removing bandage, over and over. The next day, our learning curve was much shorter, and the next and the next, until finally, we could halter, touch all over, and pick up his left hind and handle it all over. We practiced with big, bulky bandaging materials again, wrapped it up, and he was a gem!
We scheduled surgery, and in late August 2017, he lost nearly seven pounds in a matter of minutes. The mass had a narrow base and truly looked like a big brain. It weighed in at nearly seven pounds. Imagine what that must have felt like with every move. Needless to say, it was done!
However, the mouth lesions returned. There were more, and they were worse this time. They were on his body, around his anus, and on his sheath. Poor guy, these things were awful, and they appeared to be an autoimmune issue. At one point, we questioned his prognosis and quality of life, but before jumping to conclusions, we biopsied the tissue. We ended up with the vasculitis diagnosis. The best thing was, we changed up his meds, and the sores began to heal. The area where the mass was removed was beginning to heal. In the meantime, the next test came when it was time to change his first bandage. With a bit of sedation, it went fairly smooth, but cleaning the lesion was a little challenging. But, wow, it looked amazing! Such a tremendous improvement. It was like a victory in and of itself, even though not healed.
Healing progressed nicely. After several bandage changes, Blue was getting resentful of the needle for sedation, so we tried without. It went well with cleaning a few times, until he didn’t like it when placing the medicated bandage over the lesion. It seems he was healing, and he could feel the area again. He stomped the bandage off, over and over. The stomp was a little intimidating, but really, he was only trying to get the “big white bug” off his leg. He didn’t kick out or kick at. His stomp was purposeful in knocking the bandage off his leg. Unfortunately, we couldn’t keep the bandage on, so we had to go back to sedation for a bit. Eventually, we could remove the bandage, clean the lesion, and replace the bandage without issue, without sedation, thankfully. Healing continued.
By November 2017, the lesion was almost healed, but there was a small area where the tissue was changing, so it was trimmed by vet. By January 2018, the lesion had nearly healed again. Blue made tremendous progress. However, as the months went on, the small area persisted and started to grow again. We lasered the area and biopsied for a third time, and this time the biopsy revealed a sarcoid. They are persistent little buggers!!!
We tried some different medication over the months, but nothing resulted in complete healing, and by Fall, we decided to laser again; however, by November 2018, the sarcoid was growing, it was removed, and another course of treatment began with new medications. Blue stood quietly for bandage changes every two to three days.
As of mid-February 2019, Blue’s lesion appears to have healed, we continued applying an anti-viral cream daily for several weeks, maybe months. So far, so good. The lesion is scarred (about a silver dollar-sized area with no hair growth), and his fetlock remains enlarged from lymphatic scarring. He’s sound, just a bit awkward looking above his hoof.
Blue’s healthy, happy, and in much better shape than when he arrived. He continues to have challenges with trust, mostly when introducing new things, but he continues to show progress, one baby step at a time. He loves his carrots, and he will respectfully do almost anything for a bite of carrot. He also enjoys being “Uncle Blue” to the youngsters, a job he does well!
Like we have said before, Blue’s story is not an uncommon story in terms of the hurdles we cross with any intake with special needs. We have unexpected bumps in the road that required more than anticipated. For Blue, it was the bouts of vasculitis and later, the discovery of the sarcoid. For some, it’s colic; for others, abscesses, lacerations from tree branches or scuffles with others. We can’t plan for these things, but need the resources to handle them when confronted. We are grateful to have had the support of our AAE community to assure we can manage most any unexpected issue along the way.
Blue is available for adoption only to the perfect, forever home. He needs a person that is mustang-experienced, extremely patient, and has no expectations other than companionship and providing a safe, caring home. Keep in mind, he lived on the open range for years, and he does not enjoy confinement. At AAE, he lives in a herd environment on about 10 acres. He comes in every morning and every evening at feeding time. He is somewhat social, but still skeptical of humans. Given the choice, he’d prefer a free-roaming life with occasional visit to two-leggers. Blue gives his feet for cleaning, and he is ok with the farrier when trimmed in a small paddock. Blue has learned very basic groundwork. He is always looking for Plan B, an escape. He can be touched and handled all over, but continues to have a difficult time relaxing and enjoying. He’s pretty good with his hooves, but the front right is still an effort. His leg is checked regularly for any recurrence of his sarcoid. Fortunately, we are still sarcoid free, and his scar is about the size of a quarter. Blue needs much more confidence before considering saddle training, and he will likely be a very long term project. Continuity and consistency will be key in building his confidence and advancing his skills. Blue is current with hoof and dental care, vaccines, and deworming. He has a microchip.
Thank you for your support helping horses each and every day!
Your donations, volunteering, adopting, and social media shares & likes allow us to make this work possible!
Give the gift that keeps on giving by sponsoring a horse on behalf of a horse-loving friend or family member!
As a sponsor, your annual or monthly contribution helps support the costs of care for a specific horse.
You can sponsor at any level or any amount you choose. You will receive an electronic “gift letter” with a photo of an AAE horse, acknowledging your gift on behalf of your recipient.
The Patriotic US Flag/Mustang image on front and Mustang is My Favorite Breed (or Rescue is My Favorite Breed) in white on back. Available in Black, Ash Gray, Navy, and Brown.
Orders may be picked up at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs or
Stop by the AAE Used Tack Store to find the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life! Don’t know what they need? We have gift cards, too!
Here are more ways you can help!
Doing any winter cleaning? Donate your gently used tack to AAE’s Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs. We very much appreciate tack donations delivered to the store in sale ready condition (e.g. clean, conditioned, oiled). Please email tack@allaboutequine.org for information about donating or to schedule a delivery.
Proceeds from used tack sales help pay for feed, veterinary expenses, and other operational needs.
We have a truly game changing opportunity before us in these last few days of the year, but we’re going to need your help to make it happen:
The Opportunity: A generous donor has just pledged to match every single donation made up to $125,000 before the end of the year. This represents the largest matching gift in AWHC history — and we can put it toward sprinting right into next year’s important work, if we can meet this one condition before midnight on the 31st.
The Condition: Together, we need to raise $125,000 in grassroots donations to unlock this generous matching gift. Our wild horses are counting on us.
We have a chance to exceed 2019’s end-of-year fundraising total and gallop past our $75,000 Giving Tuesday goal, but in order for that to happen, we need everyone to pitch in and work together to take full advantage of this amazing generosity.
If you have saved your payment information with FastAction, your contribution will go through immediately on clicking a link.
Together, we’ve made tremendous progress this year. We made history with the first wild horse protection legislation introduced in Congress in more than a decade. We obtained the support of over five dozen members of Congress in the fight against brutal surgeries for wild mares. We have broken all records with our groundbreaking fertility control program for mustangs in Nevada, which is setting a worldwide standard. And perhaps most importantly, the momentum you created with HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of phone calls, emails, and letter-writing has grown our scrappy horse-loving grassroots movement into the powerhouse it is today.
We also have significant challenges to overcome in 2021: with 90,000 wild horses and burros in the crosshairs for removal within the next 5 years if we don’t keep up this work. We need to pull out all the stops, Meredith.
As we count down to 2021, join us every day this month as we share stories from the barn that show how your support has helped horses in 2020.
With the uncertainties and challenges of this year, we truly appreciate your generosity and support.
CHESNEY, CLARE, and CURLY
Meet the three C’s, Chesney, Clare, and Curly, recent intakes that came to AAE the end of November 2020, like others before them, from a distressed mustang sanctuary situation due to a family health crisis and financial distress. After 20 years of serving mustangs, the sanctuary was unable to adequately meet the needs of their horses.Upon arrival, these three were quarantined together, and they have had their hooves trimmed, dental floats, vaccines, deworming, and they got microchips. Two still have hind hooves to trim because they were naughty and need a bit more work!
CHESNEY
Chesney is a 14-ish mustang mare that was on the thin side needing hoof and dental care. She was very timid, but with lots of try. At pickup, she haltered with a slow, patient approach, and she loaded relatively easy.
Chesney lacks confidence, but she tries hard to understand. She allows her front hooves to be handled without sedation, but she needed sedation for her trim (fronts only). She wasn’t so confident with her hinds, so we’ll be working on that.
CLARE
Clare is a 15-ish Mustang mare. She is sweet (most of the time) and was relatively easy to halter. She loaded without issue, until trying to shift her inside trailer. She’s naughty around her hind end and will kick.
Clare was thin and in need of hoof and dental care. She also has a chronic fungal issue on her hinds. She is sweet and social, but can be evasive when haltering. She comes around with patience and persistence.
CURLY
Curly is about a 14-year old Curly Mustang. She is halterable, friendly, and easy going. She was easy to approach and loaded without issue.
Curly needed hoof and dental care. She was trimmed without issue (and no sedation necessary). She’s cute, personable, and seems uncomplicated.
We’re spending some time getting to know these three girls, but they should be available for adoption soon. Thus far, none have any obvious limitations, but we’ve only just begun to explore. We’re focusing on basic handling with Chesney and Clare, with priority on their hind hooves. Curly seems to have a great start, and we’ll likely introduce a saddle soon.
Thank you for your support helping horses each and every day!
Your donations, volunteering, adopting, and social media shares & likes allow us to make this work possible!
Give the gift that keeps on giving by sponsoring a horse on behalf of a horse-loving friend or family member!
As a sponsor, your annual or monthly contribution helps support the costs of care for a specific horse.
You can sponsor at any level or any amount you choose. You will receive an electronic “gift letter” with a photo of an AAE horse, acknowledging your gift on behalf of your recipient.
The Patriotic US Flag/Mustang image on front and Mustang is My Favorite Breed (or Rescue is My Favorite Breed) in white on back. Available in Black, Ash Gray, Navy, and Brown.
Orders may be picked up at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs or
Stop by the AAE Used Tack Store to find the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life! Don’t know what they need? We have gift cards, too!
Here are more ways you can help!
Doing any winter cleaning? Donate your gently used tack to AAE’s Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs. We very much appreciate tack donations delivered to the store in sale ready condition (e.g. clean, conditioned, oiled). Please email tack@allaboutequine.org for information about donating or to schedule a delivery.
Proceeds from used tack sales help pay for feed, veterinary expenses, and other operational needs.
As we count down to 2021, join us every day this month as we share stories from the barn that show how your support has helped horses in 2020.
With the uncertainties and challenges of this year, we truly appreciate your generosity and support.
A Favorite Christmas Story
RASCAL & MADDIE
Maddie and Rascal have been buds for a while. They are two very special girls that both had very rough entries into this world, but they are doing very well. This year, the best gift ever, they went to their new home together! Rascal’s story is a long one, poor lil’ thing went through so much, but her will to live was ferocious.
Rascal faced a lot of challenges from her first day on Earth! Many of you may have heard her story, but reminiscing about Rascal never gets old. AAE got a call for help with on April 5, 2017. Rascal was just hours old; she became an orphan when her mom scaled a six foot paddock and left her behind. She was located over five hours away, so we mobilized and met in Reno to pick her up. Her lil’ body was very weak, and she couldn’t get up on her own.
First stop from Reno was Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center. Surprisingly, her initial outlook wasn’t horrible. She was diagnosed with selenium deficiency…
She was hospitalized. The initial outlook was fairly good, but after getting blood results, it was bad. Then, we got call at midnight and her blood values were moving in the wrong direction. We were preparing for not so good news in the morning. HOWEVER, Rascal had different plans. By morning, she was fighting back, she was drinking milk replacer on her own. As it turns out, she was fighting a severe selenium deficiency that caused white muscle disease, which also put her kidneys in distress. Her blood levels started trending in the right direction. There was no doubt she wanted to live! She was a FIGHTER, and she battled to live. Docs thought she was likely she’s dealing with the results of being rejected by mom, stresses of transport, and secondary effects resulting from mom’s malnourishment and selenium deficiency. but they were hopeful that with 5 +/- days of hospitalization and supportive care, she had a good shot at a relatively normal life. A BIG THANK YOU to LBEMC for their quick actions and the outstanding care provided for this little filly.
The days passed, and her progress was steady but slow. After 13 days in the hospital, she still couldn’t stand up on her own. We brought her home to continue treatment. That basically meant 24/7 care, but fear not, AAE volunteers rose to the occasion. This little gal had someone with her at all times. Rascal was playful and sassy, can’t you tell? We had so much fun with her, and she was a super sport!
Even this special volunteer kept a watchful eye. Like Holli, volunteers slept beside her at night, not the least bit phased by the enormous rats that ran across the rails of the barn and the roof. Rascal had to be lifted to her feet every two hours. Once standing, she was fine. She would romp around the inside of the barn at night, and she run around the outside of the barn by day.
After 13 days at LBEMC and another 13 days at AAE, Rascal was able to STAND up on her own.
As if selenium deficiency, white muscle disease, and distressed kidneys weren’t enough, Rascal had several more hurdles along the way including an umbilicus infection, two bouts with c. diff bacteria (diarrhea doesn’t begin to describe it), large umbilical hernia (some would say she was a he) followed by surgical repair, an enormous hoof abscess, then chronic diarrhea for nearly a year. Once the diarrhea resolved, so did all of her health issues. Today, she is healthy and thriving (and she passes normal poop). For Rascal, that’s reason to celebrate.
Beautiful girl about a year old.
Growing up
Love this girl.
She had a lot of interest and a few adoptions fell through for one reason or another
Then this happened! We couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity for Rascal and Maddie.
You met Maddie with her mom, Tae, earlier this month.
Maddie was only a few days old when she arrived at AAE. This beautiful little gal was being rejected by her mom. Mom was young, and this was probably her first foal, but sheesh, she needs to eat (drink). It was truly hard to watch.
Mom would bite her every time she tried to nurse, and she had little sores all over her tiny body. Sadly, as we were observing, mom was escalating, and it seemed to be getting more serious.
Smart little Maddie knew how to think outside of the box; she was creative. She learned she could come in the back side to find a teat. Unfortunately, she didn’t nurse like that all the time. After a while, mom picked her up with her teeth, and she tossed her. Heartbreaking to see! At that point, it didn’t look like these two would work out, so we separated them. An hour, maybe two passed.
Without baby beside her, Mom began to worry. We tried re-uniting them once more, and thankfully, everything changed. From that point on, these two were a great pair.
Soon it was time to stand on her own, but really, Maddie has always been her own girl. She’s smart, witty, sassy, and strong (minded). This is going to be one dynamo partner, but you’ll need to assure her you’re the better leader.
Before long, it was time for school, but this lil gal is still young, so she learned the basics, then she waited. And, while she waited, you know what happened next! So grateful! Happily ever after!
Thank you for your support helping horses each and every day!
Your donations, volunteering, adopting, and social media shares & likes allow us to make this work possible!
Give the gift that keeps on giving by sponsoring a horse on behalf of a horse-loving friend or family member!
As a sponsor, your annual or monthly contribution helps support the costs of care for a specific horse.
You can sponsor at any level or any amount you choose. You will receive an electronic “gift letter” with a photo of an AAE horse, acknowledging your gift on behalf of your recipient.
The Patriotic US Flag/Mustang image on front and Mustang is My Favorite Breed (or Rescue is My Favorite Breed) in white on back. Available in Black, Ash Gray, Navy, and Brown.
Orders may be picked up at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs or
Stop by the AAE Used Tack Store to find the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life! Don’t know what they need? We have gift cards, too!
Here are more ways you can help!
Doing any winter cleaning? Donate your gently used tack to AAE’s Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs. We very much appreciate tack donations delivered to the store in sale ready condition (e.g. clean, conditioned, oiled). Please email tack@allaboutequine.org for information about donating or to schedule a delivery.
Proceeds from used tack sales help pay for feed, veterinary expenses, and other operational needs.
Wrangler is wondering why Augie and Spuds, the mini donkeys are here. He is usually worked with Chasity…just the two of them! Wrangler is big on being the center of attention and stands quietly while I put on his surcingle instead of his English saddle this time. He is sure something is up, but he doesn’t exactly know what it might be just yet!
Wrangler and Chasity are now getting REALLY GOOD at being led together and stay in sync with my steps. They negotiate the gate easily and obediently. This is how well things can go when you are clear and consistent about the way that you do things. The animals then know what to expect and can comply without anxiety.
I led Augie and Spuds to the Round Pen and tied them up outside so they could watch Wrangler and Chasity while they were lunging. I thought maybe I would be able to lunge all four of them together if things went well. When they have someone to watch, my animals learn to stand still when tied. They know it will soon be their turn.
Wrangler immediately noticed the mini donkeys and wondered why they were there, but when asked, I regained his attention to business. Chasity walked off to practice while I adjusted Wrangler’s “Elbow Pull.”
Wrangler stood quietly while I made some adjustments and asked him to flex at his poll to make sure it was not too restrictive. Then I sent him to the rail for lunging. He went quietly forward in a nice working walk.
When asked, Wrangler and Chasity moved into a smart working trot. Chasity is getting better with her posture and will soon be able to keep the “Elbow Pull” loose throughout the entire workout like Wrangler does. It takes time to develop that kind of core strength in good balance!
I added the drive lines to Wrangler after successful lunging while Chasity stood by and watched. He was a bit hard to turn in his last lessons, but this time his turns were much improved. He stayed very light in my hands and moved at the touch of a finger. I made sure to use the verbal commands “Gee” (go right) and “Haw” (go left). It makes a huge difference!
Wrangler stayed calm as we walked around the Round Pen doing an occasional “S” turn through the middle to change directions.
Wrangler was much improved from his last lesson! I don’t “drill” them until they get it right. That would just make them tired and cranky…then they do not learn. I spend about 20-30 minutes on their lessons and quit when they have made an honest attempt. Wrangler came into a nice quiet halt and was rewarded.
Wrangler did a much better rein back than he had before and offered many more steps on a very light rein! I was extremely pleased with him! It was time to quit with him. I tied him outside the Round Pen so he could watch the others do their workouts…and learn to stay quietly tied…which he did!
As we count down to 2021, join us every day this month as we share stories from the barn that show how your support has helped horses in 2020.
With the uncertainties and challenges of this year, we truly appreciate your generosity and support.
RED
Red originally came to AAE back in July 2015. He had been at the Monty Roberts International Learning Center (MRILC) for several months. His owner passed while he was at MRILC for gentling. He had been rescued, but we none of the information about him or his rescue situation was available.
Though Red spent quite a bit of time at MRILC, he had a difficult time accepting human interaction. While at MRILC, he experienced a lot. He was socialized, learned basic groundwork and long-lining, and he was introduced to a saddle (no rider). All that considered, when he arrived at AAE, it was like starting over. It took tremendous time overcoming fear and accepting humans. All of his vet care was updated when he was ready.
Red was adopted by a youth adopter in Fall of 2016. and his progress continued, but due to the life circumstances and the realities of work and finances that come with adulthood, his young adopter was unable to continue to meet Red’s needs. Red continued building trust and learning about saddle work, even carrying a rider a few times.
Red returned to AAE the beginning of January 2018. His vet care was updated again, including dental and hoof care, vaccines, and deworming. Though disappointing, we were glad Red was back at AAE. He was always a volunteer favorite, and he was enjoyed by all of the horses,too.
Such a handsome guy! Not long after returning to AAE, Red suffered a freak pasture injury. Veterinary exam indicated he ruptured his peroneus tertius muscle. This usually happens when the hock is hyperextended, likely in a quick turn or change of direction. Thankfully, it was a soft tissue injury, and not the ghastly fracture it appeared to be. Red was on stall rest for more than a year, but he healed well.
Red is a super kind and willing guy, but still has considerable difficulty accepting human interaction and trusting that no harm will come to him. First contact with him is like 50 first dates…or 593,625 first dates by now. He snorts when approached. He snorts whenever he encounters something new….even if he’s seen it a million times. Once he’s been touched by human (or monster), he is relatively easy to halter, and he seems to enjoy grooming and hanging with humans. With his injury, after a few months, he was haltered and hand-walked almost daily, but you would never know. He still acts like it’s something new.
Red is sweet, smart, and honest, however he is reactive and perpetually snorty. He is always respectful of his handler’s space. Red was looking for a home where he would be loved for him and not what he could do, a home where Red would be a companion first, potential riding horse or not. Thankfully, Red finally found his person a short while ago!!
Thank you for your support helping horses each and every day!
Your donations, volunteering, adopting, and social media shares & likes allow us to make this work possible!
Give the gift that keeps on giving by sponsoring a horse on behalf of a horse-loving friend or family member!
As a sponsor, your annual or monthly contribution helps support the costs of care for a specific horse.
You can sponsor at any level or any amount you choose. You will receive an electronic “gift letter” with a photo of an AAE horse, acknowledging your gift on behalf of your recipient.
The Patriotic US Flag/Mustang image on front and Mustang is My Favorite Breed (or Rescue is My Favorite Breed) in white on back. Available in Black, Ash Gray, Navy, and Brown.
Orders may be picked up at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs or
Stop by the AAE Used Tack Store to find the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life! Don’t know what they need? We have gift cards, too!
Here are more ways you can help!
Doing any winter cleaning? Donate your gently used tack to AAE’s Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs. We very much appreciate tack donations delivered to the store in sale ready condition (e.g. clean, conditioned, oiled). Please email tack@allaboutequine.org for information about donating or to schedule a delivery.
Proceeds from used tack sales help pay for feed, veterinary expenses, and other operational needs.
As we count down to 2021, join us every day this month as we share stories from the barn that show how your support has helped horses in 2020.
With the uncertainties and challenges of this year, we truly appreciate your generosity and support.
Hello from Hearty Hardy!
HARDY
Hardy came to AAE in July 2019. He retired from the Folsom Police Department in 2017. Hardy was originally going to retire at AAE, but plans for him changed. We were thrilled to finally welcome him about two years later.
We recently searched the Standdardbred registry and learned he was born March 9, 1997 in Marlborough, CT. His name was HeartofHearts. Very suiting for such a loving guy! We were told he was a pacer on the harness track until he was 11 or 12, before he was retired to another rescue where he was loved by volunteers. He was subsequently adopted to the Folsom PD where he served as a police mount until 2017.
We recently searched the Standdardbred registry and learned he was born March 9, 1997 in Marlborough, CT. His name was HeartofHearts. Very suiting for such a loving guy! We were told he was a pacer on the harness track until he was 11 or 12, before he was retired to another rescue where he was loved by volunteers. He was subsequently adopted to the Folsom PD where he served as a police mount until 2017.
He was on the thin side and arthritic on arrival, so our first priority for this big love was getting him back on track with his joint injections to make him more comfortable. At retirement, he was getting bilateral hock and joint injections, but those had not been continued for an unknown period. He was also started back on daily Equioxx tabs to help, too. Then we updated his vaccines and hoof and dental care updated, he was dewormed, and he had a microchip “installed”.
Hardy is a beloved volunteer favorite, and the feeling is mutual. When he’s not getting the love of our volunteers, these days, we find this big hearted guy wandering the barn and keeping a watch over our operations and all of the horses.
He’s also known as our “taster”. As if we were a winery, he takes a little nip of everything he sees (except his own food)! And then, he acts like “What??? Me?? I didn’t do it”!
Hardy is truly one of the heart horses of AAE. He is a deeply soulful old guy that gives something to everyone without even knowing it.
He keeps a watchful eye over all of his equine friends, small and large, and we are grateful to be able to keep a watchful eye over him.
Hardy wishes everyone a happy and hearty holiday season. Happy holidays to you, Hardy, from all your AAE family!
Thank you for your support helping horses each and every day!
Your donations, volunteering, adopting, and social media shares & likes allow us to make this work possible!
Give the gift that keeps on giving by sponsoring a horse on behalf of a horse-loving friend or family member!
As a sponsor, your annual or monthly contribution helps support the costs of care for a specific horse.
You can sponsor at any level or any amount you choose. You will receive an electronic “gift letter” with a photo of an AAE horse, acknowledging your gift on behalf of your recipient.