Do you remember Blue? He’s been at AAE for some time now, trying to heal after a nearly seven pound mass was removed from his hind fetlock in Fall of 2017.
Graphic photos of his progress are included below.
Blue is a 2010 Virginia Range (NV) mustang gelding who came to AAE March of 2017 after a request for assistance from the Virginia Range Wild Horse Sanctuary and Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund. Blue had been carrying around a large mass of proud flesh (granulation tissue) over his left rear fetlock/pastern area for some time. Although he had been haltered and handled some previously, he was not halterable when he arrived at AAE, and we knew we had a big job ahead in helping Blue.
Before we could evaluate the mass, he had to be gentled, haltered, and his legs/hooves had to be handleable. With a straightforward mustang, not a big deal, but Blue had some substantial fear/trust issues. Initial efforts with befriending and haltering him were lukewarm. Thanks to Dr. Stolba and Team LBEMC (throughout Blue‘s journey), he had made enough progress that we were able to sedate him, radiograph the bony area beneath the mass, and collect tissue samples for biopsy. We wanted to make sure there was not an underlying reason for the mass other than old injury before getting too deep into corrective measures if they would be for naught. It was not an easy feat. Even with sedation, he kicked quickly and with purpose.
Radiographs and biopsy showed no obvious issues, so the work continued. Weeks in, Blue seemed to have had a reaction to something and developed a mysterious condition that turned out to be a form of vasculitis. He developed sores/ulcers throughout his mouth. They were horribly painful. Though his history and symptoms didn’t suggest, we had to quarantine him and test him for vesicular stomatitis. Thankfully, it was negative. We scaled back our efforts to reduce his stress and allow him to heal. But, the mass was growing.
After several weeks, he improved, and we resumed course. He would take a few steps forward, then a couple steps back. Finally, after many weeks with nominal results, we had a marathon day. We worked until we broke through, six hours. The next day, our learning curve was much shorter, and the next and the next, until finally, we could halter, touch all over, and pick up his left hind and handle it all over. We practiced with bandaging materials and wrapped it up, and he was a gem!
We scheduled surgery, and in late August 2017, he lost nearly seven pounds in a matter of minutes. The mass looked like a big brain, and it weighed in at nearly seven pounds. Imagine what that must have felt like with every move. Needless to say, it was done!
However, the mouth lesions returned. There were more, and they were worse this time. They were on his body, around his anus, and on his sheath. Poor guy, these things were awful, and they appeared to be an autoimmune issue. At one point, we questioned his prognosis and quality of life, but before jumping to conclusions, we biopsied the tissue. We ended up with a vasculitis diagnosis. The best thing was, we changed up his meds, and the sores began to heal. The area where the mass was removed was beginning to heal. In the meantime, the next test came when it was time to change his first bandage. With a bit of sedation, it went fairly smooth, but cleaning the lesion was a little challenging. But, wow, it looked amazing! Such a tremendous improvement. It was like a victory in and of itself, even though not healed.
Healing was progressing nicely!
After several bandage changes, Blue was getting resentful of the needle for sedation, so we tried without. It went well with cleaning a few times, but oddly, after a few times, he didn’t like it when placing the medicated bandage over the lesion. It seems he was healing and he could feel the area again. He stomped the bandage off, over and over. The stomp was a little intimidating, but really, he was only trying to get the “big white bug” off his leg. He didn’t kick out or kick at. His stomp was purposeful in knocking the bandage off his leg. Unfortunately, we couldn’t keep the bandage on, so we had to go back to sedation for a bit. Eventually, we could remove the bandage, clean the lesion, and replace the bandage without issue, without sedation, thankfully. Healing continued.
By November 2017, the lesion was almost healed, but there was a small area where the granulation tissue was persisting, so it was trimmed off. By January 2018, the lesion had nearly healed again. Blue made tremendous progress. However, as the months went on, the small area persisted and started to grow again. We lasered the area and biopsied for a third time, and this time the biopsy revealed a sarcoid. Persistent little buggers!!!
We tried some different medication over the months, but nothing resulted in complete healing, and by Fall, we decided to laser again; however, by November 2018, the sarcoid was growing, it was removed, and another course of treatment began with new medications.
Blue stands quietly for bandage changes weekly. He’s still not healed, but he’s healthy, happy, and in much better shape than when he arrived. He’s dealing well with his bandage changes and seems to understand the routine these days. He continues to have challenges with trust, mostly when introducing new things, but he continues to show progress, one baby step a at a time. As long as he stays healthy and happy, we’ll continue to work on conquering the sarcoid. He continues to love his carrots, and he also enjoys being Uncle Blue to the younguns,
a job he does well!
Like we said last year, Blue‘s story is not an uncommon story in terms of the hurdles we cross with any intake with special needs. We have unexpected bumps in the road that required more than anticipated. For Blue, it was the bouts of vasculitis and later, the discovery of the sarcoid. For some, it’s colic; for others, abscesses, lacerations from tree branches or scuffles with others. We can’t plan for these things, but need the resources to handle them when confronted. We are grateful to have your support now and throughout the year to assure we can manage most any unexpected issue along the way.
19 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
AAE took in this handsome TB gelding in November 2013 after relinquishment by his owner resulting from a neglect situation. He was thrilled to hop onto the trailer when we picked him up. Smokey was a 20-ish Thoroughbred gelding. He seemed to be an absolute gentlemen, and we were told he was an ol’ trail string horse. He was thin and suffering from a respiratory issue. Smokey was visited by Dr. Stolba soon after arrival, and he was diagnosed with a respiratory infection/mild pneumonia.
He was started on course antibiotics while in quarantine.
Fortunately, he rebounded and quickly became a volunteer favorite. Smokey was truly a kind ol’ soul, but he had a few quirks that needed exploring and work. Some days he’d meet you at the gate, other days, he’d rather be alone, and he would play hard to get….and he was hard to get. In time, and with lots of love and kindness from AAE’s volunteers, Smokey softened tremendously.
He had a some additional vet needs taken care of once he was in better health, including much needed dental and hoof care, as well as vaccines and deworming. Later, he had a sarcoid removed from his inquinal area. He also had a swelling adjacent to his wither evaluated. Turns out, radiographs showed an old fracture of one of his vertebrae. We didn’t discover this until after trying to saddle him. Although he accepted a saddle and bridle without issue, any pressure on the horn or gullet when mounting, he would bolt forward. It didn’t take long to realize there was a problem. It sure made sense after seeing the radiographs. A piece of a vertebra had fractured off and lodged between his spinal column and shoulder blade. Poor ol’ guy!! No more riding for this guy!
Sadly, Smokey had two failed adoptions over the past few years, one due to his anxiety after being moved, another due to a financial distress situation.
Thankfully, this earlier this year, Smokey moved on to a family with 10-acres of beautiful green pastures, and he became buddies with an older gelding. Here he is going to meet his new buddy for the first time on his way to happily ever after!
21 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
Billy and Luna came to AAE as orphan foals. Billy was about three weeks old,
and Luna was days old. Luna came to AAE with Billy as her buddy, while her new mom was traveling over the spring and summer.
…and good buddies they were. Two peas in a pod!
Big Brother Billy tended to pester Little Luna,
but she new exactly how to keep BBB in check….
They were introduced to the herd to learn more about herd behavior and horsey life…
and the “Brat Pack” was born…Grammy Sierra, Billy, Luna, Rascal and Foley
Billy is a lil mustang born on the Virginia Range, Nevada around March 1, 2018. He was orphaned when his mom was run off by a bachelor band when he was just a lil’ guy, only days old. He was fostered by local volunteers in NV before coming to AAE. We were told he had a scrotal hernia and additional veterinary needs were anticipated.
This lil’ guy was absolutely adorable.
…and looking super handsome now! He is active, athletic, and quite inquisitive. He’s very social and loves grooming and any kind of attention. He’s playful, yet respectful, and he does well in halter and with his hooves He’ll continue his learning as he grows.
His castration was delayed a bit due to the suspected hernia and the need for surgery in the clinic, just in case. Thankfully, surgery went well, and no hernia was found.
So, Billy is finally available adoption.
He is current with vaccines, deworming and hoof care. He has a microchip in place. Until he’s adopted, he’ll continue entertaining the volunteers at AAE…
and hangin’ out with Grammy Sierra.
His new person will be experienced raising a young horse.
Luna was also an orphan, a filly from the Virginia Range. She’s about three weeks younger than Billy (DOB around March 21, 2018). She spent her first few months at AAE, getting lots of love and attention from volunteers and it didn’t take long before she was another volunteer favorite.
This lil’ gal is such a gorgeous girl. Looking forward to a bright future for her and following her progress!
22 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
‘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:
Cahill and Maya
CAHILL
Cahill came to AAE on March 9, 2018 when his family was unable to care for him. They rescued him from a pasture where he was alone and neglected. They were told he was a former sheriff’s horse. His family found they were unable to provide adequate care and sought help. When he arrived, he was very thin, very depressed, and had skin issues.
Cahill was started on a refeeding diet, and slowly began gaining weight. Shortly after arrival, on the first sunny day, Cahill was treated to a spa day. He got a medicated bath and was groomed head to toe. As his skin condition was healing, he ultimately lost most of his hair. He was nearly bald, but he seemed relieved. Once his weight and condition improved, his teeth were floated, hooves trimmed, deworming done, and vaccines updated. He was started on a daily med for his arthritis.
Cahill was a kind ol’ guy that enjoyed grooming and attention. He enjoyed other horses and was fairly passive in a herd environment, but didn’t have a lot of herd savvy. He did better in his own paddock beside or with another horse. He had some arthritis and was quite stiff in the hind end and we felt he would do best as a companion.
MAYA
Maya was a beautiful 12-14 year old-ish mare that was rescued by her former owner from extreme neglect and abuse. Maya was relinquished to AAE at the end of September 2016 when her owner was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and was no longer able to care for Maya or work with her due to her illness and terminal prognosis.
Upon veterinary exam, Maya was diagnosed with Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis or DSLD. Due to her DSLD, she would need a companion home with relatively flat ground where she will not be “forced” to move by other horses. Her teeth were floated, hooves trimmed, deworming done, and vaccines updated. She was started on a daily med for her DSLD.
Maya was untrusting when she arrived, but slowly began trusting humans and finally accepted haltering, fly masks, fly spray, and grooming. Maya was good with handling her front feet, but fearful of activity around her hind end and did not tolerate hind hoof handling without sedation.
We were excited when this duo was welcomed into their forever home together.
Their new family is thoroughly enjoying caring for them.
23 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:
Martina and Valentine
Martina and Valentine came to AAE from the DreamCatcher Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary in March 2018. Valentine was only days old. AAE has been supporting DreamCatcher’s herd reduction efforts since April of 2017 after the long illness and passing of their Executive Director, Barbara Clarke, in November of 2016.
Martina is a BLM branded mustang about nine years old. She appeared to have minimal human contact. Martina was thin and hungry with baby in tow, but she new where to go. She showed up at the barn with Valentine after not coming down for winter. Sadly, winter conditions at the sanctuary are fierce (for California anyway), and AAE got a call.
Martina was a great mom, but not interested in humans. She was given lots of time to be a mom and replenish her body. Initially, she was confident, and avoided humans like the plague. With intermittent rounds of human interaction, her curiosity and interest in humans is growing. We’re hoping by spring she’ll be ready for adoption to a mustang-experienced home.
Valentine was a curious and sassy little gal, with little human exposure as well. She wanted to know more about humans, but only from a distance. Valentine was a little toughie with a big opinion. She didn’t stray far from mom, so early efforts to handle her failed. Subsequent efforts were strongly avoided, but soon, she figured out no harm would come and humans were fun.
She’s still honing her skills, but she’s a smart little gal with a big future. Valentine is very active and athletic, and she enjoys romping around with the other youngsters. She will no doubt be fun partner to grow with in a long lasting relationship.
Valentine is current with vaccines and deworming. She is still learning about hoof care and farriers, but making very good progress. Valentine has a large umbilical hernia that needs surgical repair, and we are preparing to schedule soon. She’ll be ready for adoption once she has recovered.
If you want to donate to her umbilical hernia surgery click here
25 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:
Quinn and Blaze
Quinn & Blaze came to AAE when their family was preparing to downsize. Fortunately, Quinn and Blaze’s family were planning ahead, and when space became available, AAE was able to help, which is often not the case. Quinn and Blaze were in good condition when they arrived.
Quinn was a very fancy 23-year-old half Arab (registered) and half Saddlebred mare. She had a mild injury to her front right leg but, was lightly ridable in the past. Quinn was a sweet ol’ girl that tended to be higher energy and a bit impatient. She was trained English and Western in the distant past, and she spent time in the arena and on trails. However, she had not been ridden for about 5 years. Back in the day, Quinn was forward on trail and loved to go! Quinn was a bit more complicated and needed an experienced person.
Not long after arrival, Quinn’s teeth were floated and hooves were trimmed. She was dewormed and vaccines were updated. She was also evaluated by our vet and okayed for light riding. Quinn was on the lean side and not gaining weight, and she had some hock sores that were not healing. Subsequent blood work showed she was positive for Cushing’s, and she was started on daily medication.
Blaze was a very handsome 21-ish year old (~1996) Arabian gelding. Blaze had no formal training, but he was used as an occasional trail horse. He hadn’t been ridden for about 5 years. Shortly before coming to AAE, he suffered a mild bout of laminitis.
Not long after arrival, Blaze’s teeth were also floated, and hooves were trimmed. He was dewormed, and vaccines were updated. Blaze’s hooves had much improved, and he was doing very well.
Quinn and Blaze had been together for several years, and they were bonded seniors. Fortunately, the stars aligned, and they were adopted together into their forever home. Their adopters are a horse experienced home with two young children. They were looking forward to the companionship of horses again and what a perfect opportunity for these two!
Quinn and Blaze’s adoption took them to Paradise, CA. In November, the Camp Fire devastated the town of Paradise. Most homes were destroyed and the community has been displaced. Through the darkness, there is light. We are relieved and happy to report Quinn, Blaze, and their family are safe!
Our hearts goes out to everyone that was impacted.
25 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:
Dixie, Patsy, Kitty, June and Dolly
AE welcomed this group of five girls, Dixie, Patsy, Kitty, June and Dolly, from the DreamCatcher Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary on Feb 28, 2018. AAE has been supporting the DreamCatcher Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary’s recovery and herd reduction efforts since April 2017, after the long illness and passing of their Executive Director, Barbara Clarke in November of 2016.
All five of these young girls spent some time at the Monty Roberts International Learning Centerfor gentling and learning basic groundwork before arriving at AAE. All accepted haltering on arrival, some better than others, and they all still needed considerable time building trust and confidence. Dolly, Dixie and Kitty later returned to MRILC for participation in additional courses and further development. They were all introduced to ground driving and a saddle (no rider). All three did quite well.
DIXIE
Dixie is a nice looking and well-built, 7-year old-ish mustang mare. She came back the “Most Improved” of this class. She returned a different horse, much more calm, confident, and social. She shows steady improvement. She halters, leads, and loads. Handling her hooves and working with the farrier are still a work in progress. Dixie is looking for her forever home with a mustang experienced person. She is a dominant mare, which should be considered in her future home. Dixie was brought current earlier this year with dental and hoof care, vaccines and deworming, and she has a microchip in place.
KITTY
Kitty is a cute, little, 6-year old-ish shy, somewhat passive mustang mare. She halters, lead, and loads, and she is good with her hooves and farrier. She still needs confidence, but she’s improving along the way. She has been easily pushed around by other horses, but she is finding her place, but really just wants to just be. Kitty is looking for her forever home with a person with mustang experience. Kitty was brought current earlier this year with dental and hoof care, vaccines and deworming,
and she has a microchip in place.
DOLLY
Dolly is a sweet, gentle 2-3 year old mustang filly. She returned from MRILC all the better. She is confident, calm, and social. She is soft, kind, and willing, with a growing curiosity that needs to be nurtured so this girl can shine. Dolly is on the lower end of the hierarchy in herd dynamics. Dolly was brought current earlier this year with dental and hoof care, vaccines and deworming, and she has a microchip in place.
Dolly has an adoption pending!!
PATSY
Patsy is a curious, but somewhat shy 3-4 year old mustang filly. She has a dominant tenancy in the herd. She is building confidence, but needs more trust building. She has an inquisitive mind, and wants to please. Patsy needs a patient person to nurture her curiosity and confidence. She halters, leads, and loads, but handling her hooves and farrier are still a work in progress. Patsy was brought current earlier this year with dental and hoof care, vaccines and deworming, and she has a microchip in place.
Patsy has an adoption pending!!
These girls have all shown steady progress, and all will benefit from more
consistent and daily handling. The right homes for Dixie and Kitty will be with individuals with mustang experience; patient persons willing to commit the time and consistent efforts to bring their sweet girl along
JUNE
June’s story is a little different. June is a 5-year old-ish mustang mare. Not long after arrival earlier this year, little June’s belly suddenly ballooned in a matter of days. She delivered her colt, Johnny, on April 20, 2018. She had a difficult delivery, but thankfully, she and Johnny had a good vet. June got some down time to settle in at AAE and enjoy her lil’ guy. June was the most mellow and willing of the group. She is a sweet, gentle mare that is on the lower end of the hierarchy in the herd environment; though recently, that seems to be changing. Her confidence is growing! She is soft and kind, while a little aloof. June has low fetlocks and should not be considered for more than a light riding prospect, at best. She halters, leads, and loads, but handling her hooves and farrier are still a work in progress.
June was brought current earlier this year with vaccines, deworming, and hoof and dental care, and she has a microchip in place. Her hooves are still a work in progress, but she did fairly well with the farrier for her two trims. June is looking for a mustang experienced home; someone with patience to give her the time and leadership she needs!
JOHNNY
As soon as he was ready, Little Johnny was gelded, and adopted shortly after to a wonderful home where he’s buddy to a filly his same age.
This pic was him hanging out with Uncle Blue, not too long before adoption.
Do you have room for a horse in need of a home??
If you are not able to adopt, but want to help support one of these sweet girls until they move on to their forever home, consider sponsoring.
For more information on sponsoring a horse click here!
‘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.
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!
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
AAE support of DreamCatcher herd reduction efforts:
During 2017 and 2018, AAE has supported the herd reduction efforts of DreamCatcher Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary after the long illness and passing of their Executive Director, Barbara Clarke in November of 2016. Though preservation of genetic lines were part of DC’s mission, none of the boys were castrated, the horses lived in a free range environment, and overpopulation became an issue. In May and July 2017, with a new director in place, over 90 colts and stallions were gelded. Though tremendous efforts were made to keep mares and stallions separate, sadly, some mares were impregnated for 2018 foals.
For AAE, it all started with an orphan foal, that little Rascal, in April 2017! We continued to support and adopt. We had another orphan colt, Cowboy, arrive in May, and June brought three young geldings, Waylon, Whitley and Walker. Then came the first three burros, followed by Ford, Gentry and her colt, Foley. Two more burros topped off the year.
The following horses/burros were ADOPTED in 2017 and 2018:
COWBOY
WAYLON, WHITLEY, & WALKER
BURRO ZAC,
BURRO ZAC, &
BURRO JOE
BURRO BROWN &
BURRO GRAY
GENTRY &
FORD (ADOPTION PENDING)
The new year brought five young girls the end of February: June, Kitty, Dixie, Dolly, and Patsy. An unexpected delivery the beginning of March brought mom, Martina, and wee little filly, Valentine. More babies and more urgency to get them out of the winter weather brought Tegan and colt, Austin, Gypsy and filly, Calico Girl, and Kelsea and days old colt, Rucker.
Unexpectedly, we learned June was pregnant, and along came Johnny in April. One more call for help came in early May when travel plans were complicated by a mom that wouldn’t let little one nurse. Tae and days old filly, Maddie, came and thankfully worked through their challenges. That filled our barn and paddocks for most of the year, and we are happy to be able to support DC’s efforts.
Because of your support, AAE has been able to continue to support horses in need.
The following horses are (or will soon be) AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. Click their name to visit their page for more information.
Interested in any of these horses? Click on their name to visit their pages or visit our horse page, and you can learn more about our adoption process here.
If you can’t adopt, SPONSOR a horse and
help support AAE’s efforts while homes are found.
There are many more older mustangs at DreamCatcher that are in need of soft landings at sanctuary-type homes, ideally keeping family bands together. Do you have space where older mustangs can live out their lives?? If so, contact us or visit the DreamCatcher website:http://www.dreamcatcherhorsesanctuary.org/
TheraPlate & All About Equine Work Together To Improve Equine Lives:
Since its inception, TheraPlate has been committed to helping our equine friends live their best lives. Now the lucky horses at AAE are getting to live their best lives courtesy of the caretakers and time on the TheraPlate. Click here to read more!
Thanks to YOU we did it!!!
AAE has been honored with one of the first Top-Rated Awards of 2018 from GreatNonprofits!!
GreatNonprofits is the #1 source of nonprofit stories and feedback, and it honors highly regarded nonprofits each year with their Top-Rated List.
We’ve earned this year’s award, but that doesn’t mean we want to stop hearing your stories! If you love our work, then tell the world! Stories about us from people like you will help us make an even bigger impact in our community in the future.
Won’t you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a brief story of your experience with us? All content will be visible to potential donors and volunteers.
911 ANOTHER URGENT CALL… As Matt was driving me home from surgery, we received an emergency call from the Shipper in WA. 4 babies need your help!
Aswe are the ONLY rescue he works with, it is up to us to save their lives. They literally have NO WHERE ELSE to go. They are possibly 5 or 6 months old, and it only takes 400 pounds to get them on the slaughter truck (or at least that is what I have been told).
So instead of staying home taking care of me for the next 5 days or so, Matt will be dropping me off tomorrow, picking up his truck from the shop and heading to WA to save these babies, (IF we can raise funds to bail, vet and bring them home to safety).
We so appreciate the donations y’all have sent to save the horses we were already working on, and thanks to your generosity we were able to secure the safety of 4 of them. Thankfully the palomino and the heavily bred mare were saved by someone else, so we were able to save a gelding ready to ship, the badly beat up horse, one of the donkeys and the branded mustang mare. We are hoping to save more, but it will depend on funding.
But that rescue is on hold, as this is truly a “now” emergency and we have to make sure we do what we can to keep these guys safe.
These babies desperately need your help to save them, and that requires funding, as WE ARE THE ONLY THING BETWEEN THEM AND THE DEADLY TRUCK. Once again, we will be running on faith, as I know that God put them in front of us and it certainly was not to let them die.
So please help us once again, and let’s bring these kids to safety.
Thank you as always, for your love and support for these horses.
BELOW:
Three of the kids safe and waiting to be picked up. Luckily the Palomino and the heavily bred mare were saved by others.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
MINUTES LEFT – Shipper is holding the truck. These 3 mares and foals are loading within the next half hour if we can’t raise funds.
We are going on Faith, as Always, and have an extraordinary Angel who is helping save these. But we can’t save all of them without your help!!!
This is an unusual situation for us, but for some reason God put these in front of us and made it clear we need to save them.
PLEASE HELP! Matt will have to drive to Texas and pick them up, and he is willing. So, please help asap if you can, and if you get this a bit later, please help because we are going on Faith!
The bail is approximately $2600 with bail, health and coggins certificates. Then we need to get them home.
Thank you!!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
Maya came to AAE when her owner was facing a terminal health condition and would no longer be able to care for Maya or work with her. Maya was initially rescued by her former owner from an extreme neglect and abuse case, and one of her former owner’s priorities was assuring Maya would never have to face abuse again. She knew AAE would work to find a safe and loving home.
Maya was transferred to AAE at the end of September 2016. She unloaded from the trailer after a marathon haul from near the Oregon border, and she was a tad lame. Maya had some challenging trust issues and physical limitations resulting from a past hip injury from her abuser. She also had DSLD, further limiting her adoption potential.
While at AAE, she was given time and space to settle in. She was showered with love and kindness by her many special volunteer friends, and she was housed on flat ground to minimize the stress on her body. Thankfully, her old hip injury and DSLD maintained very well, and she never showed any discomfort. With the help of her special friends at AAE, Maya learned that humans weren’t all bad. She started to really enjoy grooming and all the pampering showered upon her.
Cahill came to AAE in March 2018 when his family was unable to provide the care he needed. He had also been rescued from a previous neglect situation where he had been living alone in a pasture and not cared for for years. The family that rescued him was told he was a former sheriff’s horse. He was emaciated and in poor condition when they offered to take him in. They tried to provide the care he needed, but they were unable to help him. They had a family crisis of their own. They reached out to AAE and asked for help.
When Cahill arrived at AAE, he was very thin. He also had substantial skin issues, a thick coat that helped hide his bones. He needed dental work, and he was very depressed. After starting him on a refeeding program and his vet evaluation, he had a much needed spa-day. He had caked on dirt on his limbs, and he was given a medicated bath. He enjoyed the water and the relief that seemed to come from treating his skin and getting rid of all the dry, caked on dirt. There was hope in his eyes.
Cahill began to improve and put on much needed weight. His skin cleared, but not before he lost nearly every ounce of hair on his body. His head and trunk were practically bald in the cold of winter, but he was grateful for blankets and the hair that remained on his legs. His eyes brightened, and he started acting with more interest in the horses and world around him. He enjoyed his daily luvin’ from his volunteers, and day by day, he evolved into such a good ol’ boy.
We are happy to share that our long-timer, Maya, and our short-timer, Cahill, recently found their “golden pond” with their dream family in Nevada City. When Maya met her new mom, it was obvious they were both experiencing a “love at first sight” moment. Maya is not one to approach just anyone, but when she met her mom, there was no hesitation. She walked up to her and there was instant pleasure in their exchange. Cahill, on the other hand, took it all in and drew mom AND dad in as he relished in their attention.
These two lucky souls got their soft landing in the perfect forever home where they are lavished with daily love and attention, and in return, their new mom and dad are say their lives have been so enriched by these two, and they have been fulfilled in being able to make such a big difference in the lives of Maya and Cahill.
It’s so gratifying to see the transitions horses make when they’re given the love and care they need, not only the physical transition, but the new hope they share with humans. They hold no grudges, and they become such a reminder of foregiveness, resilience, and unconditional living. Rescue horses are such a gift.
Thank YOU for supporting AAE and making possible happy endings for horses like Maya and Cahill!!
If you are considering adoption, please visit our website to learn about our horses!
Featured Intake: Beau
Beau came to AAE in mid-July when his aging owner was no longer able to care for him, and his caretaker was moving out of state. Beau is a 28 year old Arabian gelding. He was a truly beloved companion to the family, he had been with them his entire life, and he had carried many a rider on his back. Still, his condition was saddening.
It was a bit eye-opening when Beau arrived. He was a bit on the emaciated side, and he was “empty”. Dr Stolba came to check him out and drew blood to evaluate his “systems”. His diet had been four scoops of senior pellets (AM and PM), about 20-25 pounds a day. You would think plenty for this lil guy, right? You could tell immediately simply eating was a challenge. He chewed very gingerly, and food fell all over around the trough.
Sadly, when Dr. Stolba opened his mouth, the exasperated sigh was palpable. Beau did not have many teeth, but the ones he had were much overgrown, some loose and one so long it was pressing into the roof of his mouth causing an ulcer. He could not close his mouth to chew. It’s no wonder the poor ol’ guy looked like he did; he couldn’t eat. Four larger teeth were extracted, one so sharp it could cut paper. The few remaining teeth were floated, and he was finally able to eat comfortably. Boy, did he enjoy it. Now it seems he’s eating for two.
Moving on to the end, Beau sheath got some much needed attention, and he was beyond relief when a rock sized bean was removed. It didn’t take long to see the brightness return to Beau’s eyes and a little pep in his step. For now, Beau is doing very well, and he is slowly redeveloping his svelte lil’ bod!
Beau needs a sponsor! Would you like to sponsor Beau or one of our other horses? Please click here to sponsor. To learn about our horse sponsor program visit our website.
YOUR support helps horses like Beau!
We’re so close to our 5th consecutive Top-Rated award!
If you love our work, then tell the world! Stories about us from people like you will help us make an even bigger impact in our community in the future.
GreatNonprofits is the #1 source of nonprofit stories and feedback, and it honors highly regarded nonprofits each year with their Top-Rated List.
Won’t you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a brief story of your experience with us? All content will be visible to potential donors and volunteers.
Just got an urgent call from the Shipper. Normally we get a day’s notice? But NOT today. There are 3 orphaned foals sitting at the shipper’s. They have already been pulled off their moms. Moms have shipped and babies are sitting in 100+ degree heat waiting for me to get there. One of them is supposed to be very young.
Time is of the essence and I need to leave now! However, we need some help to get up there and save those babies, get Coggins etc., buy some groceries for them, and bring them home to safety.
Appreciate any help y’all can give. Matt is heading home from CA but I can’t wait to leave.
PLEASE help if you can. Thank you from all the babies, but especially the ones sitting in the pens, scared, alone and crying for their mama’s.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO: