It’s hard to believe we are already nearing the end of August! It’s been a busy and exciting month here at AAE, filled with adoptions, new arrivals, special moments, and plenty of hard work behind the scenes. We’re eager to share some of the highlights with you in this month’s roundup.
JULIETTE
This month’s featured horse, Juliette, is going to her forever home today! We are so excited for her, and we look forward to hearing about her future with her new partner in life!
Juliette was the most beautiful “ugly duckling” who came to AAE in March of 2024. She was part of the large abandoned group of 15 horses that came to AAE. Juliette was one of two older fillies, and she was the skinny and somewhat sickly looking gal that was at the bottom of the pecking order. She was pushed off feed wherever she went to eat. It didn’t take long to see what was going on, and soon she had a paddock shared only with the other older filly. They got along very well. Juliette has come a long way, mentally and physically, and she blossomed into one of, if not the most beautiful of the bunch. We’ll miss this sweet girl!
As a reminder, in late 2023, officers discovered 24 abandoned horses on a remote high-desert property, left without food or care. With winter approaching and the horses in deteriorating condition, authorities began providing support, but sadly, a few did not survive. By February 2024, the herd was officially seized, and the following month AAE stepped in, taking in 15 of the horses—mares with foals, young fillies, and a colt born shortly after seizure. Both Juliette (above) and Coley (below) were part of this group. Congrats, Juliette and Chibbon!!
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 6
Facility and Special Projects Day at the barn! (Details below)
December 2
Giving Tuesday!
May 16, 2026
Boots & Bling
Stay tuned for more information!
Thank You
To Our Sponsors
ANOTHER RECENT ADOPTION!
COLEY
Coley was also in the group of 15. She arrived with her mom, Claire, and she has since grown into a healthy, curious, and beautiful young filly. She was weaned, learned her basics–haltering, leading, farrier work–and enjoyed life with the other youngsters in the big pasture while growing and building her confidence. Cute, spunky, and full of personality, Coley quickly caught the eye of her new family and, last week, she was adopted into wonderful and loving home, and she has a very bright future ahead. Remember when she they arrived….
Congratulations to Coley, Amanda, and Joe!
Say Howdy to Jinks!
Jinks is a mid-teen stallion who came to AAE at the end of July following a law enforcement seizure. He was reported to animal control several times over the past few years due to repeatedly wandering the streets and bothering neighboring mares. He wasn’t halterable, so neighbors and law enforcement had a hard time capturing him, and he’d eventually go home He was finally captured behind a gate, taken into custody, and seized, then transferred to AAE.
Jinks wasn’t halterable, initially, but he’s smart, and he learned (or relearned) quickly. He’s learning quickly about hoof care and the farrier, he’s been castrated, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped, and he’s having dental work today.
Jinks has a friendly disposition, but he does not appear to have any substantial training. Other than being a bit mouthy, he’s been a well-behaved stallion (all things considered), and he will continue his learning as we go. So far, he’s getting along well with his neighboring geldings, and they’ll be introduced once he’s healed from his surgery.
Keep an eye on our website, and stay tuned for more information and updates on this handsome fella! He will be available for adoption in the next month or so!
Lucky 7 Update
Earlier this month, Nevada law enforcement reached out for help with nine horses in urgent need. An elderly couple owned them, but when their primary caregiver became bedridden, the responsibilities for the horses’ care fell upon her spouse, who lacked the knowledge to provide proper care for them. Sadly, two were in such dire condition, they were humanely and compassionately euthanized. They had all been confined in mare motel paddocks, apparently for years with no turnout. They were standing on mounds of deep manure, and though they had food and water, it appears they had gone without hoof and dental care for years, as well. The undersides of their hooves were some of the worst we’ve seen with extremely overgrown bars pinching through frogs, deep thrush, abscesses, and severe imbalances, flares, and white line separations.
As of today, the two stallions have been castrated, all have had at least one round of hoof trimming, dental care, vaccines, and microchips. All have some degree of lameness and/or muscle weakness after years of confinement. This group needs a lot of TLC, and we are hopeful they will all come around and be able to enjoy their golden years with
They arrived at AAE thin, neglected. After quarantine and a recent spa days, they’re finally on the path to recovery.
Lex & Luther, the Super Men
As of today, the two stallions have been castrated, and they’re recovering well. Lex, the palamino paint, is a 20+ gelding that is mild-mannered and easy-going, at this point. Luther, a mid-teen gelding, is less confident and needs a bit slower approach. They will be separated from mares for at least six to eight weeks, but as soon as their surgical sites heal, they’ll start the transition to herd life. The incredible Uncle Finn will likely be one of their mentors since he’s such a mild-mannered guy that tolerates a ton.
Toothless
We were told Ol’ Toothless is a 25-26 year old, we think at least. He is the sweetest old man, and we can’t wait to see him feeling better. He’s not quite toothless, but it’s looking like his lower jaw may be before long. It’s no wonder he’s so thin. Despite what’s likely a painful mouth with dead teeth and a solo loose tooth (in front), he follows us around like a pup, and he enjoys every second of interaction. His hooves were in bad shape, too. He’ll be feeling better soon. Poor mister, he’s an all around easy guy, and he’s looking forward to being spoiled and loved from now on.
Tori and Millie
These two senior ladies are very bonded. We were told they were 20/21. They both had serious hoof issues that caused significant pain. Beautiful bald-faced Tori was very imbalanced and uncomfortable (though the photo doesn’t do justice to how bad it is), and Millie was trying to hobble along with overgrown bars in all hooves, and there was an abscess in her hind hoof hidden under the bar overgrowth that had pinched off the front of her frog. These poor mares hooves were sooo bad, though from the surface, it wasn’t so obvious. They’ve had a round of trimming, but they’ll need some extra hoof care while their internal structures adjust. They’re already moving so much better. Despite all they’ve been through, they’re so kind and still seek interaction with humans, and they enjoy it so much!
Bria and Lacey
We were told Bria is a 20-year old paint mare, and Lacey is a 30-year old BLM mustang mare. They are both sweet as pie. Besides horrible hooves, Bria has had chronic fetlock sores for who knows how long. Sweet Lacey has much overegrown hooves and very deep thrush. These two have are very tender-footed and with recent trimming, they are on their way to relief. We’ll know a treatment plan for Bria’s fetlock sores later today. No doubt these two are ready for relief! Bria is a bit mare-ish with Toothless, so she has been kept separate while the other girls and Toothless have enjoyed some cohabitating and a bit more social time.
As of today, all have had at least one round of hoof trimming, dental care, vaccines, and microchips. Sadly, all have some degree of lameness and/or muscle weakness from long=term confinement and standing on a bed of manure. That said, they all seem to be moving more comfortably after their trims. This group needs a lot of TLC, and we are hopeful they will all recover so they can be pampered in their golden years with loving families of their own.
Stay tuned for information on sponsorships, auction donation opportunities, and more! Until then, save the date!
Volunteer Needs!
We are currently looking for volunteers to help in the following ways:
· Special Project Day: Saturday, September 6, AAE Pilot Hill Ranch; Join us from 9am to 1pm (or until done) as we tackle general cleanup around the property to prepare for fall and an upcoming event. Once we know how many volunteers are signed up, a coordinator will reach out with details and let you know if any specific tools are needed for the day. Please sign up hereunder “Facility and Special Projects”.
· Welders: If we have any WELDERS out there that might be available, you are especially needed to help with some pipe panel repairs. Please reply if you’re available.
· Outreach: Draft Horse Classic, September 18-21, Nevada County Fairgrounds; Share with event attendees about AAE at our information booth. Sign up for a shift here. (Times are tentative, we’ll be confirming this week).
· Data Entry: We’re looking for a volunteer to assist with data entry, inputting donations into our donor management system. If you’re detail-oriented and comfortable with computers, this is a huge way to support our work behind the scenes and from home. Interested? Reply to this email with your general availability and any applicable experience.
