‘Tis the Season, time to join AAE every day this month as we share stories straight from the barn to show how your support has helped horses in 2018. This year was very special, and there are so many stories to be thankful for!
As we count down to 2019, please help us prepare for another year of helping horses. Your donations will assure we have ample funding for veterinary care to
help horses in need as we move into a new year.
We want to thank everyone for their love and support!
We hope you enjoy these stories as much as we do!
Have a great holiday season!
It’s AAE story-time! Horses of 2018:
Amigo, Rudy and Gunner
Your support in 2018 probably had the biggest impact in the lives of our next intake group: Amigo, Rudy, and Gunner. These three boys came to AAE in mid-January 2018 from a neglect situation. Amigo and Rudy were in very poor condition. Fortunately, Gunner was in pretty good condition. This is a long one, enjoy!
AMIGO
Amigo weighed about 850 pounds upon arrival. As thin as he looked in photos, he was much thinner. His coat was thick with dead undercoat that felt like a wool rug draped over his bony skeleton beneath. He was also covered with hundreds of ticks that took days to remove.
We were told he’s 29. We were told he was a riding horse, but bucks after a couple hours (at his age, I’m sure he’s saying, enough already!). Other than that, the rest is a mystery.
Thankfully, Amigo’s vet check went surprisingly well, and he was started on a slow refeeding program consistent with UC Davis’ protocol for rehabilitating starved horses. After about a week at AAE, he had what turned out to be a minor bout of colic; when he went down, we didn’t think he would get up. This pic is worth 1,000 words.
Fortunately, the docs were heroic that night, and he rallied! He battled through it like the survivor he is, and has been great ever since!
Though emaciated and starving, it was plain as day this ol’ guy had a heart of gold. His journey to recovery was a slow one, but he made steady progress, day after day.
He craved attention and simply enjoyed being in the presence of humans. He would munch on food with his skinny head peaking out of his stall, bright-eyed with a big ol’ smile on his face. “Hey, come gimme some lovin'”
Amigo is such a great reminder of how fragile yet resilient horses are. He holds no grudges for humans, even though he wasn’t treated so kind. Once he gained some weight and stabilize, his teeth were floated, hooves were trimmed, and vaccines were updated and he was dewormed. He was slowly coming back to health.
Amigo has returned to good health, and he’s in great condition for 29-something. There could not be a more sweet, kind, lovable old fella! This guy is an absolute gem, and a volunteer favorite. We LOVE this ol’ guy and everything about him.
Amigo is such an ambassador for horses with new volunteers. He’s just a big love! He couldn’t be more easy to handle. He is patient, he’s kind, and he’s one of the most dependable horses at AAE. At 29, this ol’ guy can call AAE home, his last stop.
Amigo needs a sponsor.
For more information on sponsoring a horse click here!
RUDY
Rudy has a story, too. Though he wasn’t in quite as bad of shape as Amigo, he was in sad shape. We were told he was about 23 years old, and had been ridden quite a bit. He had been used for barrel racing. Beyond that, little is known about his past.
Rudy weighed only about 875 pounds when he arrived. He was also covered with ticks, but not as heavily as Amigo.
His teeth were in bad shape, too. His hooves hadn’t been cared for in quite some time, and heal had deep heal cracks with open sores in all four. Rudy was simply “empty”.
Rudy was started on a slow refeeding program consistent with UC Davis’ protocol for rehabilitating starved horses. His teeth had also been neglected, but he was given time to stabilize and gain a bit of weight.
Though emaciated and starving, Rudy was a really kind guy, but his focus was on his next meal. He seemed to enjoy attention, but he was indifferent at times, especially if there was food in his proximity.
He’s had regular farrier work, but his heel cracks persist. He had much needed dental work, he’s been dewormed, and his vaccines were updated.
Rudy has been saddled and ridden lightly. He’s soft and willing under saddle, but his hooves are still an issue. They are making slow improvement, but need more time.
This ‘ol guy is another sweet ‘ol soul and handsome as ever.
GUNNER
Gunner looked pretty much like a normal horses. It was hard to believe he had been living with Amigo and Rudy. We were told Gunner was about 19 years old, and he had been started under saddle, but never finished.
Gunner had some trust issues and it took a bit to earn his trust. He was evasive for haltering, though led fairly well. This guy needed more confidence; and he seemed so vulnerable with leg and hoof handling, His teeth were floated, hooves trimmed, and vaccines updated.
Gunner, is a shy guy that appears to have been mis-handled at some point in life. He is halterable, curious, gentle, and willing. Gunner has made consistent progress, and he’s become more much more willing to interact with humans. He’s starting to seek attention. He’s softened considerably, and so far, we haven’t identified any major issues.
Gunner is temporarily fostered with one of AAE’s adopters so we could help a couple more horses this winter. He has been hanging out with cows, and recently, he showed his gentler, nurturing side when he nuzzled up with a newborn calf. How sweet is that!
This handsome guy is looking for a home with experience with horses with trust issues. He’s healthy, willing, and seems to have some good years for someone willing to give him the time he needs to trust and flourish. Gunner is up to date with vaccines, deworming, and hoof and dental care.
27 days until 2019, YOUR donation means more horses can be helped! Donate Today!
‘Tis the Season, time to join AAE every day this month as we share stories straight from the barn to show how your support has helped horses in 2018. This year was very special, and there are so many stories to be thankful for!
As we count down to 2019, please help us prepare for another year of helping horses. Your donations will assure we have ample funding for veterinary care to
help horses in need as we move into a new year.
We want to thank everyone for their love and support!
We hope you enjoy these stories as much as we do!
Have a great holiday season!
It’s AAE story-time! Horses of 2018:
Dia and Noche
Dia came to AAE with her buddy Noche on January 14, 2018. Her owner lived alone and was experiencing a major health issue. She was unable manage the physical requirements of caring for her two horses. These two girls were delivered to AAE by a friend, and they unloaded from the trailer like it was just another day. Ho hum!
Noche appeared to be in good health. She was a 20 year old Quarter Horse/Paso Fino mare in good condition, and very easy to handle. She was about 13.2 hh, and we just loved her lil’ legs!! She was scheduled for updating dental, vaccines, and farrier. She was a gem, soooo good with the vet and farrier, and she loved grooming and attention. Noche was going to make someone a fabulous pony.
Dia was a super cute little (~14.0 hh), 21 year old Arabian mare. She had a history of showing successfully in halter, and her easy going temperament occasionally allowed someone to hop on and head down the trail, even though she had no formal training. Her prior owner indicated she had not been ridden a lot, but she took it all in stride and did quite well. She also said she could benefit from some chiropractic work, and might be suitable for light riding. Dia was on the thin side, but it might have been because lil’ Noche was tubby Noche.
Dia’s was also vet checked and her dental, vaccines and hoof care were updated. Her vet check went pretty well. She had multiple melanomas under, around, and on her tail and a few in other areas. Did I say multiple? I meant a lot! They’re often not a problem, but she had two around her rectal area that needed to be removed. One was ulcerated and painful, and flies would be a big nuisance if left alone. The other was internal, on or near her anal sphincter, and it was golf ball sized. It was pushing her rectum to the side. If not removed, it would likely continue to grow and push more into the rectum and block the passage of manure. Dia also had a melanoma in the corner of her mouth on the left side. This one was removed so she could comfortably wear a bit, should she be ridden with a bit in the future. Last, but not least, she had a large melanoma on her hip area. It was raised and in an area where it would be easy to catch on gates or other things she brushed against, an injury ready to happen. Though it wasn’t ulcerated or otherwise an issue, it made sense to remove when the others were removed. The melanomas were removed and she recovered nicely, thought he hip area was deep and healing would take time. Dia was easy to handle; she was good with the farrier; and she also enjoy grooming and attention.
Dentals done, vaccines updated, hoof care completed, deworming done, ready for adoption. Fortunately, Noche and Dia came at just the right time; they were perfect for an adopter waiting for a couple nice horses that could be grand-baby ponies! They are now with their forever family, and they have little girls of their own.
28 days until 2019, YOUR donation means more horses can be helped! Donate Today!
‘Tis the Season, time to join AAE every day this month as we share stories straight from the barn to show how your support has helped horses in 2018. This year was very special, and there are so many stories to be thankful for!
As we count down to 2019, please help us prepare for another year of helping horses. Your donations will assure we have ample funding for veterinary care to
help horses in need as we move into a new year.
We want to thank everyone for their love and support!
We hope you enjoy these stories as much as we do!
Have a great holiday season!
It’s AAE story-time! Horses of 2018:
Gentry and Foley
AAE welcomed Gentry, a pretty young mare, and Foley, her little “red” colt from the DreamCatcher Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary in September 2017. AAE has been supporting the DreamCatcher Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary’s recovery and herd reduction efforts since April 2017. DreamCatcher has been in a recovery period after the long illness and passing of their Executive Director, Barbara Clarke in November of 2016.
What a cute “little” pair they were. Gentry was an attentive mom, but also a kid herself. When they arrived, young Foley seemed a bit lethargic and small for his age, but mom was small, too. They were vet checked shortly after arrival, and no issues found.
After a few weeks at AAE, Foley’s energy level increased, and he was finally running and bucking through his paddock, like baby boys do. That being said, he was still a super calm, easy-going gentleman for such a young squirt. Gentry had only recently been introduced to humans when she arrived, so she was a bit shy and unsure about the new humans that were caring for her.
She learned quickly that humans were not so scary, and she knew they were the ones with the good stuff. She always waited patiently at feeding time. Thankfully, she learned good manners early on. Her dental exam indicated she was only about 2-1/2 years old. A baby with a baby, but she was such a good mama.
It was easy to see Gentry and Foley quickly become lovely young horses. Gentry found her forever home in January 2018, and she is on a path to becoming a wonderful lil’ riding partner.
Of course, there was trouble in paradise! At the vet exam, we discovered Foley had an undescended testicle (crypt orchid), and it wasn’t going to be a simple process to make him an adoptable gelding. He had to have a more complicated surgery in the hospital in sterile conditions in case his little “gem” was up in his abdomen. We decided to wait a few months to see if gravity would take it’s course and encourage the little gem to drop. Unfortunately, no such luck. Foley was castrated in the hospital, and he has been waiting for his forever home since he recovered.
This little guy is one of the nicest, sweetest, respectful most of the time little gents, and we can’t believe he is STILL here. Any experienced horse peeps out there looking for a super fun, straight forward little project pony will not be disappointed! He is handsome and well built to boot. He stands about 13.0 hh.
Foley halters and leads easily, he enjoys grooming and attention, he is good with his hooves, and he stands fairly quietly for the farrier. Foley is a handsome, level-headed youngster, and he is a very social, “meet you at the gate” kind of guy. He is a quick learner that is eager to please and a quick learner. Foley stands about 13.0 hh, and he will likely mature to a pony-sized, 13.2 to 14.0hh. Mom was about 14.0 hh. Foley is ready for his new home. He is an uncomplicated guy with a clean slate.
Might you be his Christmas gift of a forever home??
Foley is up to date w/vaccines, deworming, and hoof care. His DNA show results included Turkoman, Mangalarga Marchador and Icelandic Horse, and he has a microchip in place.
Foley needs a sponsor.
For more information on sponsoring a horse click here!
29 days until 2019, YOUR donation means more horses can be helped! Donate Today!
‘Tis the Season, time to join AAE every day this month as we share stories straight from the barn to show how your support has helped horses in 2018. This year was very special, and there are so many stories to be thankful for!
As we count down to 2019, please help us prepare for another year of helping horses. Your donations will assure we have ample funding for veterinary care to
help horses in need as we move into a new year.
We want to thank everyone for their love and support!
We hope you enjoy these stories as much as we do!
Have a great holiday season!
It’s AAE story-time! Horses of 2018:
Sandi
Sandi came to AAE on January 7, 2018, after her family was experiencing a family health and financial crisis. Sandi was a 5 year old Arabian mare that had some training but was considered a green horse.
We picked Sandi up from her boarding facility in the midst of winter stormy weather. The facility owner said she had been moved to the round pen because she ran right through electric fencing, “very hot” electric fencing. Sadly, we found this very cute, but skinny lil’ mare enduring the winter elements with no shelter, no wind break, and no food. We can’t help but wonder if she was in the round pen because her owner was months behind in rent, or maybe she braved the “hot” fence because she was cold and needed food. Sandi loaded quietly, but she didn’t travel well. She danced around in the trailer the entire ride to AAE, and graceful she was not.
Once at AAE, she had a difficult time settling into a paddock, alone. She paced the fence lines creating ditches along her path, but with a little time and some rearranging, she calmed some and focused on food. Thankfully, her vet check went well fairly well. Besides her lack of weight, she had a few melanomas under/around her tail, not uncommon for white (gray) horses. Fortunately, none were creating any issues that required removal. Sandi’s teeth were floated. She had two large wolf teeth; no wonder her prior owner said she was unmanageable with a bit in her mouth. Her hooves were trimmed and maintained, and she was dewormed and brought up to date with vaccines.
She made steady progress and began looking so beautiful. She was a bit naughty for the farrier. She needed some extra work with handling her hind hooves, and she needed a bit of confidence. Sandi tended to rely on another horse for confidence, and she got very stressed and reactive when no other horse was around. We worked on building her confidence before we asked much more of her. Before long, she had gained weight, her coat grew in, and she looked like a princess horse. Her confidence grew, and her stress diminished. Next thing we knew, she started to glow.
Her forever person came to meet her and fell in love. Sandi was adopted, and she is now a trail horse and partner to her best friend.
‘Tis the Season, time to join AAE every day this month as we share stories straight from the barn to show how your support has helped horses in 2018. This year was very special, and there are so many stories to be thankful for!
As we count down to 2019, please help us prepare for another year of helping horses. Your donations will assure we have ample funding for veterinary care to
help horses in need as we move into a new year.
We want to thank everyone for their love and support!
We hope you enjoy these stories as much as we do!
Have a great holiday season!
It’s AAE story-time! Horses of 2018:
RED
Red is an incredibly handsome 9 year old-ish grade gelding that initially came to AAE from another rescue situation after spending several months at the Monty Roberts International Learning Center (MRILC). Red participated as a project horse for students during MRILC courses. He was feral with limited human interaction when he arrived at MRILC, and it took tremendous time and effort overcoming fear and accepting humans. He was socialized, learned basic groundwork and long-lining, and
he was introduced to a saddle (no rider).
Red was adopted by a youth adopter and family in Fall of 2016, but due to 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 including floating teeth, vaccines, and deworming. Not long after returning to AAE, Red suffered a pasture injury. Veterinary exam indicated he ruptured his peroneus tertius tendon. 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 has been on stall rest the bulk of the year in hopes the tendon will heal. Studies show a good percentage of horses recover to the same level of exercise, so we’re hoping for the best. So far, he is recovering nicely, but still has another month or two before re-evaluation.
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. Once he’s been touched, he is relatively easy to halter, and he seems to enjoy grooming. Red does best with a very calm, confident, and patient person experienced with trust-building in feral/wild horses to help him achieve his potential. For now, until he has completed stall rest, and we can resume working with him, his status will remain “In-Rehab”. He’ll be re-evaluated for adoption as we move forward.
Your support helps horses like Red stay safe with AAE while they recover from injury and get the veterinary care they need. Sadly, we hear of so many horses that are euthanized due to injuries and owners that have no interest in giving them the time needed to heal.
#GivingTuesday was a success for AAE and horses in need! Thanks to you, we exceeded our goal and raised just over $7000 for the horses.
AAE is so thankful for you!
Without you, we would not be able to continue our mission to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome.
Thank you for all you do!
Did you know that giving isn’t limited to a single day? Let #givingtuesday be the start of your giving campaign!
Stay tuned for more giving opportunities in the month of December as we continue to help horses! Your support means the world to horses in need! We can’t do it without you!
The snow is gently falling and I am looking up from my computer to see mules eating their hay out in the pasture. It’s so peaceful and makes my heart feel very full. I am fortunate to be able to do what I do. I would not however, be able to do it without the help of our team of thoughtful and generous donors. Yeah, it’s that time of year once again, when I need to reach out to ask for help to meet our year end fund raising goal.
We had many sick animals over the course of the year, requiring numerous vet visits and a lot of prescription and non-prescription medications. We have had our two big draft mules Nellie and Luke here for a year now and they sure do put away the groceries! We are all happy to see them in excellent body condition and good behavioral health. We know the perfect home will come along for them and we are more than happy to have them here until it does.
Due to these facts we need YOU to help us now, please. Our fund raising goal for this year is $35,000. This amount will ensure a barn full of hay and plenty of grain and supplements. It will allow for routine veterinary calls as well as an emergency should one occur, and to just keep up with the day to day expenses of running a rescue; vehicle maintenance, repairs to buildings and machinery, little things, like ensuring we have a professionally cleaned porta potty for visitors! There is so much involved and like all things the prices of what is needed keeps going up.
You will be hearing from me frequently in the upcoming weeks as I ask you to please check under those couch cushions, raid the piggy bank, and do what you can to help us meet our goal. Thank you!
ChEARS,
Ann
President & Shelter Manager
P.S. — The donkeys need YOU! The mules need YOU! Please take part in helping us reach our goal!! You can make your gift donation right now by using the donate button in the left column!!!
Today we put Thanks and Giving together for this global movement! This global day of giving is designed to give back to our communities and help those around us! Be the change you want to see in the world and help make a difference for the horses at AAE! We hope you can join us . This year our goal is $5000. This will help support the veterinary costs we incur for our horses throughout the year.
Your support helps provide needed veterinary care to assure the horses we take in are on a path to good health, and each horse’s health is understood.
Johnny’s are welcomed to the world.
Your support assures the horses at AAE are properly evaluated, receive appropriate care and treatment of health issues, and are properly addressed and/or maintained throughout the year. This assures all suspect health issues are characterized appropriately and considered prior to adoption.
Proper maintenance means providing annual vaccines, annual dental exams and floating/treatment, as needed (some more than once a year), hoof care about every eight weeks, and rotational deworming, usually every two to three months. Additionally, all horses taken in at AAE are now microchipped, and DNA testing completed.
8 foals became weanlings looking for forever homes
as many as 54 horses have been fed and cared for during the year
hoof care, $50 per trim
over 50 horses have been vaccinated – nearly $100 a set
nearly 60 dentals have been completed with additional exams – dental costs ranging from $100-$272
15 geldings had sheath cleanings during while sedated (after dentals) – add $58
five colts were castrated – four normal procedures $190 each (plus antibiotics) and one a crypt orchid, $915
various lab work costs through the year exceeded $4500
emergency care, surgery, radiographs exceeded $2o,000 (e.g. colics, hospitalization, wound care, growth removals, biopsies, laminitis evaluations, medication, etc.)
AAE’s costs for veterinary care through October 2018 have been close to $45,000, not including medications, first aid supplies
and similar items stocked at the barn.
Only with your support can we continue helping horses in need. Your support will assure AAE has the funding to provide needed veterinary care to horses in need.
“By saving the life of one horse, we may not be changing the world, but we are changing the world for that one horse.” – Author Unknown
The giving doesn’t stop there.
Can’t give money, then give time! AAE is a volunteer-based organization, and we always need volunteers. Click here to see some areas to consider, we have many volunteer needs!
If you are interested in volunteering please email us at volunteer@allaboutequine.org. Our new volunteer orientation dates are typically every other Saturday and can be found on our Calendar.
We hope to see you at the barn!
Giving has never been so easy!! GIVE THANKS this season and GIVE BACK!
AAE is so thankful for you! Without the support of our community, volunteers and donors like you, we would not be able to continue our mission to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome. Thank you for all you do!
#GivingTuesday is tomorrow for us, but as of 6am ET today, #GivingTuesday has already launched in many countries around the world.
Why wait? We invite you to give now! With your donation YOU will make a difference in the lives of horses in need. Your Support assures AAE can continue it’s mission to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome.
AAE’s goal this #GivingTuesday is $5000 to support our costs for veterinary care throughout the year. Did you know…
Emergency care has cost over $20,000 so far this year including multiple colic episodes, lameness evaluations/radiographs, laceration care, surgeries, and similar issues.
Only with your support can we continue helping horses in need.
We hope you had a great holiday, spent with family and friends.
This time of year is a time to reflect on all we are thankful for and how we can give thanks to those around us.
As the giving season begins we want to encourage you to think of all the horses in need and how your support can assure AAE can help more horses! There are so many ways to give! On #GivingTuesday, AAE invites you to join a global movement of giving back.
Make a Difference!
This #GivingTuesday AAE has a goal of $5000 to support our costs for veterinary care throughout the year. Click here to Donate!
Another 911 call. Literally just got off the phone a minute ago. We have 15 MORE Yakama foals who need help RIGHT NOW.
I so wish it would snow about 20 feet so all the catchers would stop catching horses.But wishes won’t save lives, so once again we are asking YOU to help us save these innocent babies. Their families have already shipped to slaughter, so time is of the essence.
Let’s make it a Merry Christmas for these babies! They have already lost their families, and they deserve every happiness there is. If you have that special someone who has everything, why not donate to save one of these foals and do it in their name? Give them the best Christmas ever, give them the gift of saving a life!
As always, we will need to get to WA, purchase and pick up the foals, get them vetted, their health certs and then transport them to where they are going.With so much heartbreak out there, we know that folks have been donating like crazy to the fire victims. But we still have to ask for the babies. Will you save them? We simply cannot do it without funding. These babies need your help!
As far as I know there are 15 for sure?, and maybe 16. We will save as many as we can, but we have to base that on the funds we can raise for this effort. We simply cannot save babies that we cannot care for and find homes for.
So PLEASE, help these foals today! ALL OF THEIR LIVES MATTER!
An update on BELLA’S LEGACY – GOT HAY. Thanks to your beautiful hearts, we were able to raise ($3219.62 via paypal, $30 check, $430 via gofundme) for a total of $3669.62 for purchasing hay and getting it to CA. We will be delivering half of the hay to the Camp Fire victims in the next week or so, (but will have to work around these new babies and the weather). We are still working on getting the most bang for your buck and getting the most hay possible to the critters that survived the fire. The horses that are still here with us at Chilly Pepper, also send their thanks and appreciation for their hay.
The photo’s shown are some of the lives y’all have already saved. The new babies are a bit bigger, and often not as quickly adopted out. But they are anxiously awaiting their new homes. LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
THANK YOU as always for making sure these babies have a chance. God bless!
Photo of a full trap……….
if you would like to help these horses.
->You can donate via check at:
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang,
PO Box # 190
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!
We hope you are spending this week with friends and family for this Thanksgiving holiday. This is a time that we all get together and give thanks!
We are thankful for your continuing support, community and growing friendships. We really could not do what we do without you!
Thank you from the all of us at AAE.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018 is #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on November 27th and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to give back. This #GivingTuesday AAE has a goal of $5000 to support our costs for veterinary care throughout the year. We hope you will save the date and help us make a difference!
Another AAE angel earned his wings last night. Well, if horses could be angels and saints, Marshy-man was as an absolute angel, and an absolute saint. There was a glow about this little guy, and if you ever met him, pretty sure you would know what I mean.
If you haven’t heard his story, Marshy came to AAE from another rescue back in March of 2014, but it seems he’s been here forever. He was quite ill. They didn’t have the ability help him and asked for help. After considerable evaluation, diagnostics, and re-evaluating, the conclusion was that he likely had some form of intestinal cancer or irritable bowel disease. He was started on steroids and showed steady improvement.
Marshy quickly became a favorite at AAE. He introduced kids to horses in summer camps and pony pals programs.
He loved kids, and he loved adults just the same.
Marshy was the dress-up master. He loved helping celebrate holidays, and he did it well.
Steroids can be wonder drugs, but unfortunately, they come with many risks. Sadly, in 2016, Marshy experienced an acute onset of cataracts in both eyes. Suddenly, he couldn’t see. However, thanks to all of Marshy’s friends, your kindness made such a difference for him. He got the gift of site (cataract surgery in one eye).
You are the cutest, the most handsome, the funniest, the sweetest, the lovey-est, the one there aren’t enough words to describe!
PLEASE join us, in our “BELLA’S LEGACY – Got Hay”? fund raiser for the displaced horses and critters from the Camp Fire in CA & CPMM. The fire is about an hour from our place in CA, and is hitting close to home. There is so much heartbreak and sadness it is truly unimaginable, and the number of lost lives goes up every day.
We were asked to offer assistance, but due to one of our babies having substantial injuries, and also having so many special needs kids right now, we are hoping to offer assistance by helping provide some much needed hay. We were told that as the animals come out of the mountains in the coming weeks we might be needed to help with critical care at that time. But right now, feed and hay is desperately needed, and that is something we hope to help with.
So any donations made in the next 5 days, starting today, 11-15-18 and ending 11-20-18, at midnight, will be used equally for the horses at Chilly Pepper and the horses and critters that are being cared for from the Camp Fire. We will post the total amount raised and we will use half of the funds to purchase and deliver the “gold” to California.
As of this morning, we are sitting on 41 horses at Chilly Pepper. Y’all have come through and made it possible to save so many lives this year. We simply cannot express our appreciation and gratitude for your love and support. We have been playing catch up on paperwork, tax stuff etc. and been swamped with all of our special needs kids and taking care of 41+ horses. Hopefully I will catch up and be able to get all your personal “thank you’s” out. We so appreciate all you do!
On an extremely sad note, we had to set Bella free from her pain. As always, it is devastating to get a horse “too late” to save it. She was only 4 and knew nothing but pain, starvation and abuse prior to y’all making it possible to rescue her. We had those horrible lil hoofers fixed, but she was in so much pain, clear through her body, that even with large doses of pain meds the fight became too much. The more weight she gained, the harder it was. I stayed with her as always, and through the tears streaming down my face, I could see her relax for the first time, as the pain gradually subsided.
So to honor our beautiful Bella, let’s help those horses who are hungry, in pain, scared and suffering from the Camp Fire. Please support “BELLA’S LEGACY – GOT HAY?”
THANK YOU FOR SAVING THE KIDS SHOWN BELOW! They are precious and every single one of their lives matter!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
Yesterday was a somber day at AAE, to say the least. We said our last goodbye to one of the greatest ol’ guys that ever graced the barn at AAE. Kasey was one of the most kind, gentle, brave, and stoic souls you could ever know.
Sadly, he reminded us how quickly things can change. This past year was a long one as we battled an enormous hoof abscess. He was winning! Though the abscess invaded a huge amount of his hoof, he remained comfortable and sound once the abscess broke through his coronary band. Unfortunately, the integrity of his hoof was compromised. Enormous shoes to support his enormous weight and a hospital plate did the trick, until recently.
He was sound one day, and very uncomfortable the next. Initially thinking another recurrence, we tried pain meds, but even at a high dose, we couldn’t manage the pain. New radiographs showed his coffin bone had rotated severely.
…and he was truly a big goofball. He thoroughly entertained us playing right along with all of our antics and dress up games for the holidays.
He was a man of all seasons…
He defined “gentle giant” and calmed the fears of so many people, and he loved attention and royal treatment.
He lost his buddy, Angus last year. Angus lost some of his vision, and Kasey became his sight.
They were two peas in pod.
When Angus was gone, a new gal came a knockin’. They met…and I wouldn’t say it was “love at first sight”, but they ended up gettin’ hitched. It was a really formal affair.
His hoof care management was an enormous task, as you might imagine. Kasey and everyone at AAE is forever grateful for the love and dedication of his pal, Michelle. She was diligent in caring for his hoof….picking, flushing, wrapping, rewrapping, and making sure he got everything he needed.
Kase…as you and Angus, together again, are running over those green pastures, remember how much everyone loved you!
Be sure to check back with us now and then, there’s always a place for you here in the barn.
We all want one more hug, big guy.
Love ya’ and miss ya forever, all of you’re friends at AAE
What a difference a day makes….waking up to snow on the ground was a surprise. The donkeys and mules were lined up so their bodies were like solar panels; all soaking in the warmth as the sun rose in the sky.
I am happy to say that in the twelve years I’ve been placing animals through the rescue, only twice have I had to reclaim animals from the home in which I had placed them. Since close to 400 animals have been placed in homes in that time frame I am able to take it in stride, though I cannot say it does not bother me greatly. Upon doing a site visit to a home which agreed to make changes necessary to provide what two draft mules would need recently, we sadly found that not only had the changes not been made, but the animals condition was not acceptable, so the decision was made to take them back. This is not a pleasant experience for either side. Although unpleasant I will do what needs to be done as I am first and foremost an advocate for the animals in my care. I will work with potential adopters by offering advice, suggestions, and even hands on help if needed, but if adopters are not going to abide by the rules and regulations stipulated in the adoption contract they sign, I will do whatever is necessary for the wellbeing of the animals. Thankfully this does not happen often as it very stressful for all involved. I am happy to say the two we brought back are doing well and are ready to be adopted.
We have quite a few animals available for adoption right now. The two draft mules who came back are a sweet bonded pair. We have several donkey pairs as well as two single mules. All of them would be very happy with a family to dote on them. I love having them here but know they will be so much happier with their own people.
I am looking forward to attending my sixth annual Donkey Welfare Symposium at UC Davis Vet School next weekend. I love the opportunity to be around like minded people who want to learn how to best care for their animals. The chance to learn from veterinarians, equine dentists, farriers, behaviorists many of whom work in third world countries on the donkeys there is an amazing experience. It’s a blast to hook up with friends whom I see only at this venue, once a year. I will get home and have a couple of weeks to prepare for Equine Affaire which is another fun gig to look forward to and at which I hope to see a lot of you.
The water heaters have been pulled out of storage and electric tea pots at the ready for preparing hot mashes as the weather changes. I hope all of you and your long eared buddies are having a wonderful fall and that the winter will be kind to us all.
THE GROUP SHOWN ABOVE ARE MY NEW “DEADLINE” FOR TOMORROW – DO YOU WANT TO SAVE THEM AS WELL?
YOU DID IT! We SAVED 11 lives in the last two days with your love and support. We have enough to vet these kids, but now the above lives are at stake.
I am sure you already know the next line. ANOTHER PHONE CALL – I have til tomorrow to raise the funds for 7 MORE HORSES!
We ended up with 2 emaciated mares, one so bad that she went down right after stepping into the trailer. She is an older mare, and we named her “Gramama” as she has a raggedy little foal at her side. She is an excellent mama, and has given every single ounce of strength she has to her little boy “Buster Brown”.
The other mare named “Cassie”, has been horribly abused and is skin and bones at best. She has injuries all over her body from being used as a “tripping horse” and for roping practice.
I could not leave these two mares behind, so the total yesterday was 10, and we picked up a gorgeous guy “Blacktop” the day before. (My first view of him he was running down the road, happily boot scooting all over the black top.)
Unbelievably, as I was cooking dinner in the horse trailer, Mel walked in and handed me the phone. It was another one of the catchers, and he was telling me about the babies. He asked me if color matters to me, and I told him no. We pay the same and we handle every horse the same, no matter what they look like. Then he asked if we wanted the mares. So let’s save them too, because we can.
So IF WE CAN RAISE ENOUGH TO PURCHASE AND VET 7 MORE KIDS, they will be arriving tomorrow just in time to get their bloodwork drawn. Then we can come back when the paperwork is clear and pick them up. We have a chance to save the moms, so I cannot in good faith, not at least give everyone the opportunity to save their lives. At this point the trailers will both be full, so thankfully, we will be able to focus on getting these horses home and placed.
Below are some of the ones we (YOU) just saved, that are currently at Mama Mel’s Urgent Care Nursery.
Thank you as always, and please know that although we appreciate each and every dollar, we NEVER want anyone to feel pressure or do more than is right or comfortable for them. But we can never get enough prayers.
Thank you for saving the kids below!!
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Beau is an elder Arabian gent about 28, and he came to AAE after his elder owner could no longer provide care, and his family caregiver was relocating out of state. Beau had been with his family almost all of his life. He was much loved, but his family may not have understood the need for continued dental care, even when horses are old and have only a few teeth. We know they only wanted to best for him and we are glad we were able to help. With so many horses in need, that is not always the case.
After much needed dental, hoof care, sheath cleaning, vaccines, deworming, and a lot of love from volunteers, look at him now….
Beau is at the tail end of his refeeding program, and he is available for adoption. Beau is a lovely ol’ guy. He loves attention and really enjoys a long grooming session. He was ridden a lot in his younger days. His last riding relationship was a couple years ago with a 12 year old girl in a lease situation. We were told it was a great relationship, but not much more about his girl’s experience or what activities they did, only that he rode very well for his age.
In his younger years, Beau was part of a three horse team that rode across the US on the Pony Express Trail. He rode about 800 of the 2000 miles. About seven years ago, he had a bout of laminitis/founder, but thankfully, he recovered very well. Dr. Stolba provided care for this guy back then, but unfortunately, she hadn’t seen him for about three years when he arrived at AAE. He didn’t appear to have been trimmed in a while, but updated radiographs showed no obvious changes in his hooves since his episode seven years ago. He was a tad tender footed with thin soles, so we had shoes placed on his fronts for now.
Beau is current with vaccines, deworming, and hoof and dental care. He has very good ground manners, he ties and stands for the farrier. With a long history of riding, he should load and trailer fine, but hasn’t yet been tested since he arrived. He was tested for Cushing’s and results were negative. Because he has only a few teeth left, he needs a strictly pelleted diet and with feed that is appropriate for a horse that has foundered. His future housing should not be in a green, grassy pasture.
Beau is looking for a new home where he will be doted on and pampered like the good ol’ guy that he is. He might have some light riding in his future, but priority should be a solid companion home, and the riding should be a bonus (not a requirement). Beau should NOT be an only horse. During his time with AAE, he has bonded tightly to his buddies, at least a couple other horses might be best. He gets anxious when he is in his paddocks and his buddies leave, are taken out/away or wander away from him. He does fine when he is taken out and away from his paddock.
Interested in giving this gorgeous guy a soft landing in a forever home to live out his years? For more info about our adoption process, please visit our website or
Wow, the phone calls just keep coming. We had some heartbreak last week as I was called for 5 weanlings. I knew we would have a deadline, but was given no idea how short it would be. Sadly, I didn’t have enough time to find a place where we could keep them or even begin to put out a fundraiser, before it was too late. I sent the text as soon as I found a place, but received one back saying “I already got rid of them”. I do not know for sure what that means, but we were pretty close to, if not the “last resort”. These “deadlines” are serious as far as being able to commit so we can have a chance to save them.
My understanding is that the babies have to be 400# to be loaded onto the truck. I believe most shippers do not want babies that small on board, due to injuries and babies being trampled or squished during transport, but I can honestly not say what happened to those 5 babies.
We are in Yakima working on Mama Mel’s Urgent Care Nursery, as it is imperative that it is ready for winter babies. My phone rang and my heart sank. It was one of the catchers, and he told me he has orphaned babies (ages unspecified) in his trap right now. I NEED TO KNOW WITHIN A FEW HOURS IF THERE IS A CHANCE WE CAN PULL THIS OFF. WE NEED FUNDS FOR PURCHASE, VETTING AND TRANSPORT. We do not have a number, it could be 5 or many more. I was told there are 100 horses where they are trapping and they thought they might get a third. They could get more or less and so there is no way to know how many babies we could end up with. If there are a lot, how do you decide who lives and dies? That is why we need to make sure we have the funds ready to go when it is time.
Thankfully some of the folks we work with on a regular basis have been building their out reach, so these kids will not have to come back to Chilly Pepper.
PLEASE let’s NOT miss another deadline. I had no idea the time was so short when we got the last call. But I do know I have to have the answer by tomorrow so we can say yes and save these babies.
I know it is a regular thing for us to ask for urgent help. We certainly did not choose to be on the front lines.However, God has put us here for a reason and y’all are part of this amazing journey. The number of lives YOU have made it possible to save is absolutely astonishing. But as most of you know, the horses are in crisis, so instead of having the winter off to “re-group” like we are supposed to (haha), the emergencies just keep coming.
So I hope y’all understand that we have to ask, because without funding these babies could die. We are still trying to raise enough funds to pick up the miniatures and make sure they are all properly vetted with Health certs etc. Vetting is scheduled for the 22nd if we have the funds.
On a good note, we are making great progress on the “Nursery”, considering how many horses we are involved in rescuing at this time.
AGAIN, THANK YOU AS ALWAYS for the love and support. As soon as we get a spare minute I will be back on our “thank you’s”.
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The above are some of the lives you just saved. As you can see, some are barely alive and others are looking ok.
ANOTHER PHONE CALL – The mini’s we have been on standby for, since a couple of months ago, will be ready for us in the coming weeks. However, we need funds as always to get these kids to safety and vetted etc. Do you want to save these little cuties? See photos below.
In the meantime, Matt picked up a 20+ mare yesterday. It seems like they are coming out of the woodwork. She is beautiful, but definitely a grandma, and needs TLC and her lil hoofers done.
The other days was a really rough day. In the midst of all that is going on, we lost one of our most recently rescued donkeys. So now as we get ready to head to WA to pick up the babies, we are filled with so many emotions. Two days ago we lost our beautiful “Long Ears”. He had been adopted and was about to be loaded for his new home, when Matt told me he “was not feeling it – as far as driving that day”. We have both learned to listen to that little voice because over and over God has kept us safe when we listen.
Hours later I would be calling the vet to come out. Long Ears had went down and . did not get up. At first he was not concerned. He was in good spirits and just lay there reaching out and grabbing bites of hay. We spent most of the day with him, giving him a chance to rest and trying to help him when he wanted to get up. I spoke with the vet and even before she arrived, Long Ears let me know without a doubt that he was done. Thankfully it was a quick change, and he did not lay suffering for hours. The vet said he was a very old man, and due to the starvation he went through, who knows what damage was done internally.
Long Ears came in skin and bones, with basically no muscle in his back end. From the second Matt picked him up to the last few minutes we spent with him, this wonderful and amazing donkey was surrounded by love. He was happy and very vocal when it was time for dinner, and just LOVED to be loved on.
Although once again, my heart was in pieces, I was thanking God for not letting that little girl lose her new donkey. Sadly for me, but luckily for the little girl waiting for her forever donkey, I had one other little mini donk that we were planning on using for the Sunshine & Smiles program. So unbeknownst to that little girl, we sent him instead. Today, they are together and it is a match made in heaven.
So now we are getting ready to pick up the babies in Yakima. Matt delivered 3 of the kids to their new homes yesterday and our friend in Idaho took 3 of the babies from the last rescue, to help us place them.
The good news is that out of 9 horses y’all just saved, 5 have been adopted, and 3 are staying here for some much needed TLC! As always, we have been running non-stop and want to THANK Y’ALL from the bottom of our hearts for helping save these beautiful souls. Obviously several of them would have not even had a chance at survival if y’all had not stepped up!
We appreciate the love and support and are confident that we can once again “git ‘er done”, and save the 10 minis that we are once again on stand by for.
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