The New Guy in Lockwood

“Discarded” – The story of Champ the Winery pony!

“Champ’s” story starts out at a winery in San Miguel, California. Champ is a small pony-sized bay Arabian gelding. He is at least 30 years old. He lived next to the winery alone. He had an owner nearby who fed him occasionally, but did not care or provide for him.

One day the winery decided that they needed the land that Champ lived on to build a new tasting room and Champ had to go. If he didn’t find a new home immediately he would have to be destroyed. A nearby horse owner, a kind lady, knew of Champ and his predicament. His owner told the lady that if she didn’t find him a home he would give him away as dog food!

Champ deserved better than a trip to the slaughterhouse. He was sweet and well-behaved. The kind lady took Champ to save him from this fate. She paid for him to be boarded at a local stable temporarily and then contacted Redwings for help. With five horses already in her care, she could not afford another horse - could Redwings possibly help this little guy and provide him with a permanent, safe home?

Who would take in a 30 year-old pony that had no other options?
Redwings agreed that Champ deserved to live out the rest of his days with other companion horses, at a place where he could be safe, cared-for and well-fed. So Champ came to his last home at Redwings in Lockwood. We wished we knew more of his past life. Was he a child’s first show pony? Was he loved and cared-for at one time?

On arrival at Redwings Champ received a full medical evaluation and was started on the road to re-gaining his weight. His feet were looked at by our farrier and his health was checked by our veterinarian. He found a place in our pastures for the rest of his life. His initial care required over $2000!
We are thankful to all of our generous donors who have provided Redwings with the means to make a difference in the life of a pony like Champ.

We can only help so many horses and we are entirely dependant on the generosity of our supporters. Every horse deserves to be loved and cared-for and Champ deserved a happy-ending to his life. If you would like to help Redwings care for more horses like Champ, please support us with your generous donation. Even the smallest amount can help.

Please return the enclosed envelope with your donation today. We thank you and Champ thanks you.