From all of us here at the American Wild Horse Campaign: Thank you
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
From all of us here at the American Wild Horse Campaign, I want to thank you for making this Giving Tuesday one of our most successful ever!
When we asked you to step up for wild horses and burros on our biggest fundraising day of the year, you responded with the generosity and passion that defines this incredible community.
Thanks to you, not only did we hit yesterday’s $100,000 goal — we exceeded it!
Your generosity helped us to raise a record-breaking amount to continue fighting to keep America’s horses and burros wild and free on the public lands they call home.
Meredith: I want you to know how deeply grateful we are for your support. I hope you will celebrate this amazing success with us and know just how important you are to our growing herd.
The hard work is unfortunately never over, but together we are a force to be reckoned with, and more powerful every day because of your commitment to our cause.
Your generosity this Giving Tuesday will go far in 2023 as we:
- Rescue more victims of the Adoption Incentive Program (AIP);
- Expand our public awareness campaign;
- Battle the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in court over the AIP and prepare for other legal challenges;
- Expand our precedent-setting humane fertility control program to other key herds across the West;
- Lobby and secure legislative victories like the $11 million in BLM funding towards reversible fertility control;
- Push for the passage of important wild horse protection legislation, like the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act of 2022;
- And so much more!
There will be more battles ahead in 2023, but for now, Meredith — THANK YOU again for your incredible generosity and support this Giving Tuesday.
Suzanne Roy
Executive Director
American Wild Horse Campaign
An Unusual Giving Tuesday …
The following is from Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue:
Unusual Giving Tuesday For SYA
Many of you have asked about the progress on regaining our non profit status. We’ve been working diligently to get it back. It’s been quite an uphill battle and is proving much more difficult than we anticipated. Here’s where we are; written by our secretary and new treasurer, Jean Cross.
This summer SYALER received a notice no nonprofit wants to hear. Our nonprofit status had been revoked due to the required 990s not being filed for three consecutive years. This came as a surprise to all of us. Our bookkeeper was sure she had filed at least the 2019 one, and we had copies of that file, which seemed to prove that. However, the IRS did not have any record of it and did not have any way of accepting it on its own at this late date. So, we were left to do the work and reconstruct the books for years. Our bookkeeper had gone silent. It may have just been too much for her to handle, we may never know. Our board being as small and tight as it is, jumped in to fill the gap. Bank accounts got new signers, QuickBooks got reconciled, and cash flow reports were run. This took a lot of time, as we had to recreate back to the beginning of 2019. The 990s were finished and mailed as of 11/21/2022. The required 1023 was filed on 11/20/2022. Now we wait. It could take as long as 18 months. Hopefully it won’t, but we have asked what do we do in the meantime?
This is what we do. We rally around the long ears. That is what we are all about. We have done what we can to make the IRS happy. When they reinstate our account, it will be reinstated back to the date they revoked it. All donations will still be tax deductible. This means, all of us will continue to work at what we do best. Hannah, Lauren and Laura will be seeing to the care of the farm and animals. Ann being our grounding support, Jean will be seeing to the books and reports, Elise will be supporting us by being our voice of reason.
We have taken in some animals this fall that have needed a lot of medical care, we are getting calls from people who need to surrender their animals to us before the worst of winter gets here. All that cost’s money. That is where you can help them, and us. Don’t be afraid of the punch to gut we received; we are more than that. You all have supported us through so much over the years. We are asking for that support again. The organizations that have graciously supported us in the past may not be able to until our paperwork comes back which means we will need the support of all you a little more this year then we have in the past. Please consider us when you plan your giving Tuesday/ year-end gift giving. The long ears thank you, and we as the board thank you.
Sincerely,
Ann Firestone
Hannah Allen
Elise Paffrath
Jean Cross
Donate to Save OUR Asses
Photos of animals currently in our care
Gandalf takes a drink of warm water dressed in his giant purple winter coat.
“Comfort in numbers.” From left to right, Athena, Apollo and Stephen all take an after breakfast nap together in the field.
Newest addition, Benjamin checks out his surroundings after coming off of the trailer and is welcomed to the rescue.
Athena walks up from the field for her breakfast mash.
Left to right, Betsy and Gandalf become friends though the fence before Betsy was let into the main herd.
Fern watching me throw hay in the field for her and her friends to eat.
Thank you all from the bottoms of our hearts, it’s for the equines that we keep on keeping on.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This is an update from All About Equine Rescue.
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc.
Thank you for supporting AAE on Giving Tuesday this year!
Because of you, we were able to raise over $13,000 for the horses and exceed our goal! We are humbled by the love you’ve shown for our horses.
The AAE community is always so supportive and wonderful, but we were blown away by everyone’s generosity yesterday. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! We are grateful to be part of a community who is committed to helping horses-in-need.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s keep wild horses and burros WILD >>
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Giving Tuesday is finally here — and this year we’ve set ourmost ambitious Giving Tuesday fundraising goal EVER!
Thanks to the help of generous AWHC supporters like you, we’ve unlocked our Giving Tuesday 2X Match, and now every single donation made today will be DOUBLED!
| HAVE YOUR GIFT DOUBLED → DONATE NOW! |
We’ve set a goal to raise $100,000 before midnight tonight to fuel our fight for wild horses and burros as we head into 2023.
This might seem like a lofty goal, but Giving Tuesday is our MOST critical fundraising day of the entire year, and with the enormous challenges facing these cherished animals, we will need to come out of the gates in 2023 ready to fight.
Can you help kickstart our Giving Tuesday fundraising with a donation to AWHC right now?
| HAVE YOUR GIFT DOUBLED → DONATE NOW! |
Over the last two years, our Investigations Team has uncovered that the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) failed Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) has become a mechanism for nefarious people to launder wild horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline. Since we launched our investigation, our team has documented over 1,100 once-wild mustangs and burros in kill pens and slaughter auctions across the country.
That’s why we’re dedicating a portion of all the funds raised today to the countless innocent victims of the AIP.
Despite this evidence, top BLM officials went on record at the most recent Advisory Board meeting claiming that: “There is no credible information” showing horses or burros are being sent to slaughter as a result of the AIP.
This denial of truth is made all the more outrageous because our irrefutableevidence resulted in an explosive front-page New York Times exposé, ignited public outrage, and prompted Congress to take action calling for an investigation into the AIP.
In fact, our Congressional champions were so outraged that they made sure the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act of 2022 would ban the use of cash incentives for wild horse and burro adoptions! It’s time for the BLM to listen to reason and put an end to the AIP cash incentives that are sending these animals into the slaughter pipeline — and we’re not giving up until they do.
| HAVE YOUR GIFT DOUBLED → DONATE NOW! |
Thank you for your help, Meredith, and for caring so much about the lives of these magnificent animals.
Suzanne Roy
Executive Director
American Wild Horse Campaign
Chilly Pepper – IT’S GIVING TUESDAY! Chilly Pepper needs and APPRECIATES your help!
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
Hi All,
Happy Giving Tuesday!
We were able to save Grandma Gladys, and she is happy, cuddly and LOVING actually being fed. However, she needs special groceries and we need to buy more hay in NV for the permanent residents. I had to buy truck tires yesterday and did so completely on Faith! It was definitely not in the budget, but I have to be safe, especially when hauling 14,000 pounds in the winter.
Purchase truck tires $1800
Hay in NV – will be $1500
Goldendale Vet $1500 (approx.)
Sparkles Vet bill – $325 (approx) initial bill I still haven’t received
Golconda Vet bill – $100? (Doc had to do a ranch call )- Anika is ok)
Sadly I am having to really address my physical issues at this time. I am having more and more limitations on what I can do physically, and that affects everything, So I figured it was time to share what is actually happening. I am pretty much having to hire help for most ALL of the physical needs of the rescue. This isn’t really new, but the amount of help I need has definitely increased.
I have had about 50+ surgeries, with the latest being just last December. I have RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) which is a horrific nerve disease, as well asfibromyalgia.
I have a generator and battery pack in my stomach, and a spinal cord stimulator in my spine. Lately I have been needing my crutches, but my right shoulder replacement is giving me grief and definitely does Not want me using crutches. I can’t roll my wheel chair with my shoulders so messed up either. My brace is broken and I could really use a new body lol. If I was a horse I would put me down lol, but God still has lives for us to save!
This has been my normal life for years, but it is starting to affect what I need for the rescue in a much bigger way. I need to hire A LOT more help. It’s all good, but it makes for an added expense. It is also a huge reason why my Thank you’s are so behind, as well as everything else. I can only sit at my desk for increments of an hour or so at the most.
I am honestly just extremely grateful to God that I am not stuck on a couch scarfing pain pills. It’s either go non stop and “git ‘er done” (I can’t sit still because of the pain) or be in a coma on pain pills. Luckily I can get up most every day and do a little bit. I would not share this personal stuff, but I need folks to understand that although I am habitually behind, I APPRECIATE EVERY DONATION AND AM SORRY my Thank You’s are so slow.
Again, this is nothing new, with the exception of the pain being much worse lately. We still saved 83 horses this year, 5 cats and a dog. This is all due to YOU, MY AMAZING CHILLY PEPPER FAMILY. I want to make sure everyone truly understands, that me being late sending out Thank You’s is NOT from lack of caring or appreciation. It is literally being overwhelmed by 24/7 chronic pain, lack of internet which makes a 10 minute job take an hour, and just trying to get as much done as I can.
We are still waiting for the beautiful Mercedes to have her foal. Please say a prayer for safe and healthy Mom and Baby.
Please call 509-773-0369 if you would like to help with the vet bill.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES
Please check out our Adoption page!
https://www.facebook.com/
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
-<You can go to gofundme<-
You can go to Paypal<-
PLEASE NOTE – Paypal shows Wild Horses in Need, as we are dba- Chilly Pepper
if you would like to help these horses.
->You can donate via check at: (PLEASE NOTE NEW PO BOX #)
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang,
PO Box # 233
Golconda, NV 89414
You can also donate via credit card by calling Palomino at 530-339-1458.
NO MATTER HOW BIG OR HOW SMALL – WE SAVE THEM ALL!
SAVING GOD’S CRITTERS – FOUR FEET AT A TIME
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang, WIN Project – Rescue & Rehab
We are now part of the WIN Organization
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.
Living and working with the horses of the Virginia Range
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Deb — a longtime wild horse photographer and volunteer documenter for the American Wild Horse Campaign’s (AWHC) fertility control program in Nevada. This Giving Tuesday, I’d like to tell you about the important work AWHC is doing and why you should consider making a 2X Matched donation today as part of their biggest fundraising day of the year.
HAVE YOUR GIFT DOUBLED → DONATE NOW!
I found my love for photographing wild horses about twelve years ago when a band of beautiful mustangs wandered through my neighborhood in Nevada. My family and I live at the base of the Virginia Range, and once I noticed these majestic animals, I started following them to the canyon to photograph them. Ever since then, I’ve been in awe.
So when I first learned the plight of the wild horses and burros living on our public lands, I was appalled. They have lived peacefully in the wild for hundreds of years, but special interests who want to graze their private cattle for cheap on federal lands have gotten in the way of their freedom.
When AWHC asked me to be a documenter for their PZP fertility control program on the Virginia Range, I was thrilled! While the Virginia Range mustangs do not have federal protections, I knew working with AWHC on this groundbreaking program would provethere’s a better way to manage wild horses and now I utilize my passion for photographing wild horses to help them.
For almost 4 years, AWHC has managed the PZP program on the Virginia Range. This program is the first of its kind, and over the last few years, it’s helped reduce foaling rates by 62% — proving to the public, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Congress that there is a better, more humane, AND more cost-effective way to manage wild horses than brutal helicopter roundups and removals.
Seeing these horses roam freely and safely truly warms my heart, but this successful program would not be possible without the support of people like you. You fuel our lifesaving and historic efforts to manage wild horses humanely, Meredith.
Thank you,
Deb Sutherland
AWHC Volunteer
#GivingTuesday is Almost Over But There’s Still Time to Give!
This is an update from All About Equine Rescue.
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc.
Our goal was to raise $7500 for Giving Tuesday and together we did it!
Thank you, thank you, thank YOU! Because of your support, we can continue to transform lives of equines in need.
We met today’s goal, but let’s not stop there!
We hope to raise at least $25,000 during the holiday season, and any additional gifts made today will help get closer to reaching that goal.
We need your help to provide life-saving assistance to more horses, expanding our presence in the community, and sharing the love and healing power of our equine friends in 2023.
Ways to Give
Here are a few ways you can support AAE for #GivingTuesday and all year long.
(1) Donate by clicking here or any of the red buttons below.
(2) Text GT4AAE to 53-555.
(3) Venmo your donation to @allaboutequine
(4) Mail a check to:
All About Equine Animal Rescue
2201 Francisco Drive #140-174
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(5) Drop off your donation at:
AAE Used Tack Store
4261 Sunset Lane, Suite B
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
(6) Give your time and become an AAE volunteer. We are always in need of volunteers and have opportunities at the barn, the AAE Used Tack Store, remote roles (such as our grants or events teams), and more!
(7) Shop at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs where you can purchase tack, clothing, boots, and other items to benefit AAE’s rescue operations. The store also accepts donations of gently used or new tack.
Whether you give $1000, $100, or $5, any amount makes a HUGE difference for the horses! No donation is too small. In fact, if every one of our followers made a $1 donation, we could surpass our GivingTuesday goal by thousands.
Donate now or anytime through tonight at 11:59pm PT.
We know there are many non-profits that are deserving of donations, especially at this time of year. We appreciate your support of AAE now and always.
Helping horses like Wylie just got even easier because AAE is now on Venmo!
If you wish to donate to AAE using Venmo, search for @allaboutequine.
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!
Here’s Finn with a #GivingTuesday Update
This is an update from All About Equine Rescue.
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc.
#GivingTuesday is just about halfway over and we are halfway to our $7500 goal!
Finn wants to thank everyone who has helped make this day a success so far! Thanks for your donations, social media shares & likes, and overall support!
From the bottom of our hearts, we are grateful for you!
The horses are counting on you today!
If you choose to donate to AAE for #GivingTuesday, you’ll give more horses a second chance for the life they deserve.
Ways to Give
(1) Donate by clicking here or any of the red buttons below.
(2) Text GT4AAE to 53-555.
(3) Venmo your donation to @allaboutequine
(4) Mail a check to:
All About Equine Animal Rescue
2201 Francisco Drive #140-174
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(5) Drop off your donation at:
AAE Used Tack Store
4261 Sunset Lane, Suite B
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
(6) Give your time and become an AAE volunteer. We are always in need of volunteers and have opportunities at the barn, the AAE Used Tack Store, remote roles (such as our grants or events teams), and more!
(7) Shop at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs where you can purchase tack, clothing, boots, and other items to benefit AAE’s rescue operations. The store also accepts donations of gently used or new tack.
Whether you give $1000, $100, or $5, any amount makes a HUGE difference for the horses! No donation is too small. In fact, if every one of our followers made a $1 donation, we could surpass our GivingTuesday goal by thousands.
Donate now or anytime through tonight at 11:59pm PT.
We know there are many non-profits that are deserving of donations, especially at this time of year. We appreciate your support of AAE now and always.
Helping horses like Wylie just got even easier because AAE is now on Venmo!
If you wish to donate to AAE using Venmo, search for @allaboutequine.
Give Hope to Horses like Granger for #GivingTuesday
This is an update from All About Equine Rescue.
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc.
Today is Giving Tuesday!
Together we can give more horses a second chance
for a healthy, happy future and a life of love!
Horses like Granger.
Granger came to AAE in July 2022 after an animal control intervention to a neglect situation. He was malnourished, having to fight for food in a herd of eight other much younger horses.
Once at AAE, he was started on a refeeding program with soaked alfalfa pellets, and he received long overdue dental and vet care, including vaccines and a microchip. He also saw the farrier for a much needed hoof trim. Over the past several months, Granger’s weight and overall health has improved.
Granger is looking for his forever home. This 30 year old sweetheart was used on a ranch for trail rides in his previous life, but is now best suited as non-riding companion horse.
He is easy going, and well mannered (as long as food isn’t involved). He does well in a herd environment (as long as he is fed separately to assure he gets what he needs). His ground manners are generally good, he’s good with the farrier, and he loads and trailers well.
If you are interested in learning more about Granger to see if he’s a good fit, please visit our website.
We are incredibly grateful to have supporters like you so we can continue improving the lives of horses like Granger, one life at a time.
Our goal is to raise $7,500 today and at least $25,000 this holiday season. We need your help to reach that goal. Any gifts would be greatly appreciated as we move into and through 2023 to assure that together we can continue to do what we do.
Ways to Give
Here are a few ways you can support AAE for #GivingTuesday and all year long.
(1) Donate by clicking here or any of the red buttons below.
(2) Text GT4AAE to 53-555.
(3) Venmo your donation to @allaboutequine
(4) Mail a check to:
All About Equine Animal Rescue
2201 Francisco Drive #140-174
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(5) Drop off your donation at:
AAE Used Tack Store
4261 Sunset Lane, Suite B
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
(6) Give your time and become an AAE volunteer. We are always in need of volunteers and have opportunities at the barn, the AAE Used Tack Store, remote roles (such as our grants or events teams), and more!
(7) Shop at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs where you can purchase tack, clothing, boots, and other items to benefit AAE’s rescue operations. The store also accepts donations of gently used or new tack.
Whether you give $1000, $100, or $5, any amount makes a HUGE difference for the horses! No donation is too small. In fact, if every one of our followers made a $1 donation, we could surpass our GivingTuesday goal by thousands.
Donate now or anytime through tonight at 11:59pm PT.
We know there are many non-profits that are deserving of donations, especially at this time of year. We appreciate your support of AAE now and always.
Helping horses like Wylie just got even easier because AAE is now on Venmo!
If you wish to donate to AAE using Venmo, search for @allaboutequine.
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!
You’re Invited to Stay Wild
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Please join the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC) for an intimate and exclusive fundraising benefit, Stay Wild Denver.
Featuring the art of Scott Wilson, Open Photographer of the Year for the Sony World Photography Awards; along with film, conversation, food, and drink to support AWHC’s mission to protect America’s wild horses and the western public lands where they roam.
RSVP ONLY.
—
Hi!
We are excited to host our 5th Annual Stay Wild event in Denver on December 9!
This is a reminder to please RSVP as soon as you can. Want to bring a friend? No problem! Please just reply with their name and email and we will get them added to the list.
Stay Wild,
The AWHC Team
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Introducing two new gals!
This is an update from All About Equine Rescue.
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc.
Time for a quick intro…
Meet our two new donkeys, Loretta and Lainey!
First, we would like to apologize. It’s been so busy that we’re behind with our news! We welcomed two donkeys to AAE last month. These ladies came from a family who offered to care for them temporarily to help a friend who was going through a divorce. The friend got the donks for free on Craigslist. The friend moved out of state, and the donks were left behind. The family didn’t have any equine experience and could not afford to provide for them. Their owner said to find them a new home.
Sadly, Loretta, the beautiful brown gal with the long amber mane, is aged, malnourished, and her hooves are in very bad shape. Needless to say, she’s quite arthritic, too. The gray donk, Lainey, is obese, and she has two large hernias from a spay-job gone bad. They are both ever so sweet, and they hold no grudges to humans.
It sounds like they’d never had any veterinary care or hoof care, either. More to come soon. Prayers for Loretta that we can improve her comfort level.
Gabby Update!
Hurdles continue for our sweet Gabby! Her hoof abscesses have been relentless. Just when we thought we were over the hump, imagine three hoof abscesses at once. She’s a fighter, and we know she’s a winner!
When we picked up Gabby earlier this year, her hooves had been trimmed the day before. They looked like pancakes. She was very flat footed, and her heels were very far forward. Lest forget starvation, chronic sinus infection, painful eye infections, bloodwork, radiographs, dental, surgery, drain tube, Cushing’s disease, medications. She’s ready for a break, and it looks like we’re slowly getting to a good place, again. Send this girl some love.
Elliott Update!
This lil’ character had to go in for urgent surgery a few weeks ago, as his sheath reconfiguration was healing so well, it wanted to close again. Fortunately, this time the surgeon was able to modify the sheath again and go on a treasure hunt. Good news, he found two healthy jewels, and they were not hidden too deep so he got ’em! Now we definitively have a young gelding. Better news, Elliott is healing well, he’s urinating well, and soon he’ll soon be leading a nearly normal life thanks to all of your support. He sends an enormous thank you to all of you!
MULE CROSSING: Jumping Mules
By Meredith Hodges
In 1986, when I first began using my mules in Dressage, you would never have convinced me that I would follow it up with jumping. I was fearful of jumping because of a few bad experiences I had with horses. However, once I took the time to learn to ride and train properly with Dressage and experienced the overall stability of a mule, my fear disappeared.
Nowadays, when people find out that I jump my mules, the response is often, “I didn’t know mules could jump!” Not only can mules jump, they are quite good at it. However, if a mule or any other equine is to have the strength and coordination they need for jumping, their training must be approached in a specific, practical and healthy way. Then they can learn to maintain good rhythm in all gaits between jumps, to jump only as high as needed to clear fences, and to adjust their strides to and away from jumps. Proper jumping training takes time and patience because there is much more to jumping than just making it over the fences.
If you speak to mule owners all over the world, you will hear at least one tale in ten about a mule jumping out of his pen. If they have the inclination, most mules have the ability to easily clear a fence up to and even over six feet high. The capability is certainly there, but in general, mules lack the motivation to expend the energy to actually jump out.
The muscle structure of a mule is a bit different than that of a horse—somewhat like the difference between the muscle structure of a ballet dancer and a weight lifter. A mule’s muscle structure (like that of a ballet dancer’s) is comprised of longer, smoother muscle with less bulky areas, a trait inherited from the donkey. This gives him a slightly more streamlined appearance than that of a horse. And like a ballet dancer, a mule can spring his body effortlessly into the air using the muscles in his hindquarters, giving him the ability to jump either from a standstill or while in motion. For the weight lifter or the horse, this maneuver is not as easy due to their particular muscle structure. So when selecting a horse for advanced jumping, it is wise to select a breed or type of horse that has less bulk muscle and more smooth muscle, like the mule.
When riding toward a jump, a mule’s approach can often interfere with his coursework because his impulse is usually to gallop to the jump, stop and then spring over the top. Horses, on the other hand, tend to naturally do their coursework more smoothly and in stride. The mule can learn to jump in stride if given the correct schooling to overcome his instinctive way of going.
Regardless of the mule’s inherent strength and endurance, in the beginning of jumping training, he will lack the muscle development and stamina required to negotiate a course of jumps effortlessly and in stride. Like any other living creature, he can only strengthen the muscles that he uses, so it is up to you to make sure he is doing specific exercises that pinpoint the correct sets of muscles so he can do his job 
over the jumps, between the jumps, before and after the jumps. These three tasks require different postures that need to be supported by different muscle groups, so work on training and strengthening the specific exercises as outlined in DVD #7 of my Training Mules and Donkeys series. A proper conditioning program of exercises for your mule will strengthen the muscles needed for jumping and will prepare him for a more polished performance. This is also a good opportunity to fine-tune all the muscles in your own body as you fine-tune those of your mule or any other equine.
While training your equine to jump, you must ask yourself some very important questions. Does my animal possess the strength of body to carry him from the hindquarters with sufficient impulsion, rhythm and balance? Can he readily lengthen or shorten his stride to accommodate the distance to his fences? Are these adjustments easily made, or does my equine tend to throw his weight onto his forehand during transitions between gaits and over fences? Remember, the animal that is well schooled in jumping will carry his body with ease and make smooth transitions from an uphill balance.
There are a series of exercises that will help to build your prospect into a beautiful, stylish and exciting jumper, but it will take time and patience— there just aren’t any shortcuts. Taking the time and exercising your patience will produce not only an animal that jumps properly, but one that is also strong and confident in his abilities. This can come in mighty handy later on when you find yourself in more demanding jumping situations. Having taught your equine to jump safely, you will have a more pleasurable and stress-free ride.
When initially riding a mule over jumps, you will notice the slightly “different” way that he feels in action, compared to a horse. If you are used to jumping horses, this may seem a little odd at first but you will soon find that the mule feels more sure and stable. To me, a mule seems more balanced and stronger throughout than does a horse, and so the chance of taking a misstep or crashing a jump is lessened. Should a loss of balance or error occur, the mule is usually able to more quickly recover than the horse, making for a safer ride.
For those of you who still don’t believe that mules can really jump, all I can say is, believe it! More than a few retired cavalry officers have personally told me about Hambone, the infamous jumping mule from Fort Carson, Colorado. They’ve also told me about jumping their mules Roman-style, which means standing with one foot on the rear end of each of a pair of mules while doing patterns and jumping obstacles!
Today, mules are jumped in all kinds of events, from Combined Training to Hunter/Jumper classes. Jumping mules adds excitement and variety to training events and events where mules jump in competition under saddle against each other, and even against horses. Coon hunters often display the mule’s natural ability to jump from a standstill by jumping them in-hand over fences, either on hunts or at shows, and some mule owners even try their luck at Fox Hunting. By any standards, the mule’s capacity to jump is unquestionable, and there is no doubt he will continue to climb the ladder of equine success.
To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com or call 1-800-816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
© 2016, 2017, 2022 Lucky Three Ranch, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Yearly Baths: 7-14-20
Each year, I try to pick the hottest week in July to do the equine’s yearly baths. The mules and horses have shed out their winter coats, except for a strip of hair on the mules’ bellies, and the donkeys are getting closer to being completely shed out. This makes a difference when you are trying to get them dry after their baths. They all begin to grow their winter coats in September.
Their natural hair coats will insulate them from the heat and cold and will protect them from insects, so I do not advise clipping them unless you are showing. Even then, it is not advisable to clip the hair inside of the ears! I bath as many as four at a time and in smaller friendly groups like Wrangler and his “Lady Love,” Chasity! I am polite, considerate and respectful, so it is always an enjoyable experience for all! I begin with the introduction to the hose on their front legs.
Wrangler and Chasity enjoy their yearly baths to get off the dirt that has built up during the year. I offer a drink to their lips and afterwards move to their foreheads, being careful not to get water in their eyes or ears. I spray the water gently into their mouths and we “water pick” the teeth! Playful antics like this teach them to always remain calm and keep things safe between us. This keeps interest to a maximum and intimidation to a minimum.
When they are approached in this manner, Chasity and Wrangler can enjoy the cool water on a hot day! Chasity knows I am being careful and doesn’t pull away, then takes a sip from the hose.
I reward Chasity with crimped oats from my fanny pack for being such a good girl. Then I rinse off the oats that were stuck to her whiskers as she gazes at the other equines in the pens nearby who are anxiously awaiting their turns.
Her attention returns to me and I work my way up her forehead to her forelock and ears. I make sure the spray is light and doesn’t sting so she will keep her ears laid back for the rinsing. I would hate to get water in Chasity’s ears, but if by accident I do, I just back off and allow her to shake her head to get the water out before I resume.
We use Tres Semme (Breakage Defense) shampoo and Aussie 3X Conditioner on the manes and tails only, and just water on their bodies to keep their hair coats from drying out. In the case of Chasity’s white legs, I will use the shampoo and conditioner there, too. The result is a healthy and shiny hair coat year round.
I spray the water over their bodies and then follow up with the serrated side of the shedding blade to scrape the dirt from their body. I keep going over each spot until the water runs clear. I pay special attention to the legs and any places that flies might have laid eggs. I will scrape these places with a stiff brush or with my fingernails and apply Neosporin to these spots, and any sores, after they are dry. I scrape off the excess water with the smooth side of the shedding blade. Then Chasity and Wrangler are put on the hot walker to dry.
When Wrangler and Chasity are dry, I sprinkle Johnson’s Baby oil in the manes and tails and spray for flies with Farnam Tri-Tech 14. The baby oil will keep them from chewing on each other’s manes and tails. Those who have sensitive skin around their eyes will receive fly masks. Chasity and Wrangler do not need them. When entering or leaving an area, we ALWAYS execute gates exactly the same way! That way, there is no confusion and chaos that could result in resistant behaviors.
Chasity and all my equines always know exactly what is expected and know exactly what they need to do.
Chasity will be rewarded with her favorite crimped oats for her cooperative behavior. Good manners, and being polite and respectful are paramount to getting your equine’s full cooperation! Even if Chasity does go right out into her pen and roll afterwards, she always seems to enjoy having clean, healthy skin and hair. And, most of all, she enjoys her time with me and looks forward to the next time!
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Yearly Baths: 7-14-20
Each year, I try to pick the hottest week in July to do the equine’s yearly baths. The mules and horses have shed out their winter coats, except for a strip of hair on the mules’ bellies, and the donkeys are getting closer to being completely shed out. This makes a difference when you are trying to get them dry after their baths. They all begin to grow their winter coats in September.
Their natural hair coats will insulate them from the heat and cold and will protect them from insects, so I do not advise clipping them unless you are showing. Even then, it is not advisable to clip the hair inside of the ears! I bath as many as four at a time and in smaller friendly groups like Wrangler and his “Lady Love,” Chasity! I am polite, considerate and respectful, so it is always an enjoyable experience for all! I begin with the introduction to the hose on their front legs.
Wrangler and Chasity enjoy their yearly baths to get off the dirt that has built up during the year. I offer a drink to their lips and afterwards move to their foreheads, being careful not to get water in their eyes or ears. I spray the water gently into their mouths and we “water pick” the teeth! Playful antics like this teach them to always remain calm and keep things safe between us. This keeps interest to a maximum and intimidation to a minimum.
When they are approached in this manner, Chasity and Wrangler can enjoy the cool water on a hot day! Chasity knows I am being careful and doesn’t pull away, then takes a sip from the hose.
I reward Chasity with crimped oats from my fanny pack for being such a good girl. Then I rinse off the oats that were stuck to her whiskers as she gazes at the other equines in the pens nearby who are anxiously awaiting their turns.
Her attention returns to me and I work my way up her forehead to her forelock and ears. I make sure the spray is light and doesn’t sting so she will keep her ears laid back for the rinsing. I would hate to get water in Chasity’s ears, but if by accident I do, I just back off and allow her to shake her head to get the water out before I resume.
We use Tres Semme (Breakage Defense) shampoo and Aussie 3X Conditioner on the manes and tails only, and just water on their bodies to keep their hair coats from drying out. In the case of Chasity’s white legs, I will use the shampoo and conditioner there, too. The result is a healthy and shiny hair coat year round.
I spray the water over their bodies and then follow up with the serrated side of the shedding blade to scrape the dirt from their body. I keep going over each spot until the water runs clear. I pay special attention to the legs and any places that flies might have laid eggs. I will scrape these places with a stiff brush or with my fingernails and apply Neosporin to these spots, and any sores, after they are dry. I scrape off the excess water with the smooth side of the shedding blade. Then Chasity and Wrangler are put on the hot walker to dry.
When Wrangler and Chasity are dry, I sprinkle Johnson’s Baby oil in the manes and tails and spray for flies with Farnam Tri-Tech 14. The baby oil will keep them from chewing on each other’s manes and tails. Those who have sensitive skin around their eyes will receive fly masks. Chasity and Wrangler do not need them. When entering or leaving an area, we ALWAYS execute gates exactly the same way! That way, there is no confusion and chaos that could result in resistant behaviors.
Chasity and all my equines always know exactly what is expected and know exactly what they need to do.
Chasity will be rewarded with her favorite crimped oats for her cooperative behavior. Good manners, and being polite and respectful are paramount to getting your equine’s full cooperation! Even if Chasity does go right out into her pen and roll afterwards, she always seems to enjoy having clean, healthy skin and hair. And, most of all, she enjoys her time with me and looks forward to the next time!
GivingTuesday Is Next Week But You Can Give NOW!
This is an update from All About Equine Rescue.
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc.
Thanks to the support and generosity of our AAE family, you’ve helped turn a challenging year into one filled with hope.
AAE moved to our new home in Pilot Hill. It has been a difficult transition at times and it is still a work in progress. In the coming year, we need to set up more equipment, including a new barn, and cross off a few other to-dos on our list. Nevertheless, we are beyond grateful to be here and are thankful to everyone who helped us make the move. We are excited for what the future holds and all that will be able to accomplish with this larger property.
This year we received an increased number of requests from families who needed to surrender their horses. We always strive to rescue as many as equine as we can, but with the increased requests along with the soaring hay costs and California fuel prices, we unfortunately weren’t able to help everyone who needed it. Thanks to you, we did rescue some equine who had special needs and gave them a second chance for a better life. Horses like Gabby, a retired racehorse who was emaciated and battling chronic issues; Elliott who struggled with urinating freely, and instead, had urine dribbling almost continuously, scalding his skin; old Granger who arrived undernourished, having to fight for food in a herd of eight other much younger horses; and most recently, a pair of donkeys (one in dire need of care) who were abandoned by their person.
Our goal is to raise $7500 for GivingTuesday, beginning now until next week on November 29, and at least $25,000 this holiday season. We need your help to reach our goal. Tis the season for giving, and any gifts would be greatly appreciated as we move into and through 2023.
Together we can give more horses a second chance for a healthy, happy future and a life of love!
Kick off your Thanksgiving by giving to your favorite horses!
GivingTuesday might be a week away, but you don’t have to wait. You can donate now and help us reach our goal of $7500!
Whether you give $1000, $100, or $5, any amount makes a HUGE difference for the horses! No donation is too small. In fact, if every one of our followers made a $1 donation, we could surpass our GivingTuesday goal by thousands.
Ways To Give
Whether you donate now, on GivingTuesday, or any day in between, there are several ways you can give.
(1) Donate by clicking here or using a red donate button below.
(2) Text GT4AAE to 53-555.
(3) Venmo your donation to @allaboutequine
(4) Mail a check to:
All About Equine Animal Rescue
2201 Francisco Drive #140-174
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(5) Drop off your donation at:
AAE Used Tack Store
4261, Suite B
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
We know there are many non-profits that are deserving of donations, especially at this time of year. We appreciate your support of AAE today and always.
Thank YOU!
Helping horses like Wylie just got even easier because AAE is now on Venmo!
If you wish to donate to AAE using Venmo, search for @allaboutequine.
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!
~Stay WILD~ this Black Friday with these awesome deals 🐎🐎
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
We’re sure you won’t want to miss these wild gifts this holiday season!!
This Black Friday, use some of your shopping dollars to protect wild horses and burros! When you purchase any of these special items below, a portion of the proceeds will go directly toward the fight to keep wild horses wild!
Happy shopping!
— AWHC Team
LTR Training Tip #76: Canter Under Saddle in the Open Arena
Starting your equine at canter in an open arena requires a systematic and simple approach to sustain good balance and posture.
We have a chance to double our impact in 2023 — can you help?
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
I’m reaching out today because we have a chance to double our impact for wild horses and burros next year — but to do it, we need your help.
We set our biggest Giving Tuesday fundraising goal ever this year — and while it might seem high, our $100,000 goal will ensure we have the resources necessary to fuel our lifesaving programs in 2023.
A generous donor has offered to match every single donation that comes in towards our Giving Tuesday $100,000 goal! In order to unlock this 2X Match, we need your help → Can you chip in right now to help us raise $35,000 before tomorrow at midnight to unlock this critical match and kickstart our Giving Tuesday efforts?
Our Giving Tuesday fundraising is critical to our 2023 efforts, and this 2X Match will do SO much to power our fight next year — like fueling our Legal Fund as we continue to build a firewall of legal protections around wild horses and burros.
A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decision to round up thousands of wild horses from across the Wyoming Checkerboard is imminent. The plan will likely include the total eradication of two herds and the elimination of 50% of the state’s wild horse habitat. Our legal team is anticipating an upcoming court battle over the future of Wyoming’s iconic wild horses.
Your support helps us defend wild horses and burros in court and is critical to us continuing our other lifesaving programs. Will you make a contribution now to help us raise $35,000 before tomorrow at midnight to unlock this critical 2X Match and kickstart our Giving Tuesday efforts?
I’m grateful for your support,
Suzanne
911 for Starving Senior Mare. Will You Help Save “Grandma Gladys”? Clock is ticking to save this poor mare! She needs you now!
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
Another EMERGENCY Call, ANOTHER 911!
Will you help us save “Grandma Gladys”? Look at that beautiful face and those sweet eyes. The pictures do not show how skinny she really is under all that hair.
Gladys has been suffering in single digit temperatures and going without food for days at a time. She stands shaking and trembling through the cold nights,SHIVERING violently to try and stay warm. If we don’t do something now, it is going to be too late.
She is literally starving to death before our eyes. Enough is enough, she has been suffering far too long! Will you PLEASE help us give her the love and care that she deserves?
Starving is a horrible and extremely painful way to die. She is probably close to Sparkles’ condition under all that hair. Her head looks enormous because her body is so depleted and she is so emaciated.
PLEASE HELP ME HELP HER BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! I can’t take another heartbreak like Sparkles, and Grandma Gladys is in extremely critical condition. No horse deserves to starve/freeze to death.
Thank you for everyone for your love and support. Y’all are amazing and together we are changing the world, one life at a time. Let’s change Grandma Gladys’ life too! Let’s be her Thanksgiving miracle.
Please call 509-773-0369 if you would like to help with the vet bill.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES
Please check out our Adoption page!
https://www.facebook.com/
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
-<You can go to gofundme<-
You can go to Paypal<-
PLEASE NOTE – Paypal shows Wild Horses in Need, as we are dba- Chilly Pepper
if you would like to help these horses.
->You can donate via check at: (PLEASE NOTE NEW PO BOX #)
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang,
PO Box # 233
Golconda, NV 89414
You can also donate via credit card by calling Palomino at 530-339-1458.
NO MATTER HOW BIG OR HOW SMALL – WE SAVE THEM ALL!
SAVING GOD’S CRITTERS – FOUR FEET AT A TIME
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang, WIN Project – Rescue & Rehab
We are now part of the WIN Organization
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.
Help us unlock our biggest Giving Tuesday goal EVER
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Giving Tuesday is just around the corner — and I’m excited to announce that this year, we’ve set our biggest fundraising goal ever. This Giving Tuesday, we’re aiming to raise $100,000 to have the necessary resources to fuel our work in the field, in courts, and in Congress in 2023.
As one of our most loyal supporters, you know that Giving Tuesday is our most critical fundraising day of the entire year. And, this year is even more significant because a generous donor has offered to matchevery single donation that comes in towards our $100,000 Giving Tuesday goal bringing our total possible Giving Tuesday impact to $200,000!!
But, there’s a catch → in order to unlock this very special double match, we need to kickstart our Giving Tuesday fundraising and raise $35,000 before this Sunday at midnight! Will you make a donation right now to help us unlock this critical match and DOUBLE our impact this Giving Tuesday?
So much is at stake in 2023. As I write this, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) holding facilities are reaching their breaking point. More wild horses and burros are confined in these facilities than ever before. Worse, the BLM’s own reports show widespread animal welfare violations at even the newest holding corrals, leading to disease outbreaks, overcrowding, and worse. Meanwhile, the cost to taxpayers for this program continues to skyrocket as the threat of slaughter for these innocent animals increases.
While these circumstances are dire, the backlash against the BLM’s cruel and costly practices is growing. Mounting public and Congressional opposition is creating a mandate for change and the opportunity to make it happen. We know there is a better way to protect wild horses and burros and keep them in the wild where they belong. We’re proving it with our highly successful fertility control program in Nevada and by building key stakeholder partnerships for humane management of other western herds.
But timing is of the essence — we must act now.
Thanks for your help,
Suzanne Roy
Executive Director
American Wild Horse Campaign
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