January Horse of the Month

JANUARY HORSE OF THE MONTH
RICKY
Ricky wanted to be our January Horse because – it’s his birthday! You see, all thoroughbreds, regardless of the calendar date they were born, turn a year older on January 1st of the New Year. Ricky is now 12 years old.
He lives here with us at Redwings and his herd partner is Maxi – someone who can match his magnificent stature. He is well and full of himself now – but that was not the case when he arrived.
Ricky and another horse were found wondering alone in the woods in San Luis Obispo County. Without proper feed, they had become skin and bones and terrified of everything when they were finally found and rescued by HEET (Horse Emergency Evacuation Team). What is even more mystifying is that Ricky has a tattoo indicating he has raced – and actually won $21,000 racing at such famous tracks as Santa Anita, Bay Meadows and Golden Gate Park.
We don’t know how Ricky ended up starving in the woods but we do know that he is now safe, happy, well-fed and healthy in his forever home.
We hope that in this New Year – less horses will experience the pain and terror that Ricky did. May all horses be safe and loved in this and the years to come.

Happy New Year from Ricky and the Redwings Equines!

President of the Board on the radio

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/58317/redwings-horse-sanctuary-michelle-beagle

Thank you for TWENTY YEARS!!!

On December 3, 2011 - we took one last opportunity to celebrate twenty years of fulfilling our mission as a sanctuary and rescuing abused, neglected and abandoned equines.


We wish to give special thanks to the following for helping us make this event truly special -

Our absolutely wonderful meal was provided through the labor and generosity of:

"Me and the Hound Memphis BBQ"

&

Monterey County Equine Inc.

Entertainment was provided by:

Rock and Roll Group - "August Sky"

Acoustic guitarist and vocalist -" Nick Brittan"

And Special Thanks to: Gold Coast Rods who made a special gift presentation to help us celebrate!

And thank you to all of our faithful followers who watch us on the internet via web pages and facebook and those of you who have volunteered time and monetary resources. Without all of you, we would not be here to celebrate this first twenty years. We look forward to our next 20 years with your continued support.

December's Horse of the month

December is a month filled with reasons to reflect – it is the last month of the year and in it is the shortest day of the year. Often we spend time thinking about what we have accomplished as we prepare to set goals for the new year.
If our horse of the month, Ridazza, could speak, her reflections on her life and where she is now could be most interesting.
Ridazza was initially rescued by Redwings during our early years when we worked to find homes for the animals we saved. Ridazza was one of those horses who was sent to what we thought would be a “forever” new home. Unfortunately after a couple of years, the owner of Ridazza came back to Redwings saying they no longer wanted to keep her. Ridazza’s story was one of those critical moments when Redwings leaders looked at their mission and goals and made a correction in direction. In 1993, Redwings made the decision to no longer adopt horses out and chose instead to become a forever home for the horses and burros who we rescued from abuse, neglect or abandonment. Even now, should we have the occasion to have a horse that could be “homed” – our agreements are for fostering only so that the animal is always guaranteed a spot back at Redwings should the need arise.
Ridazza – our beautiful 26 year old Arab has taught and given us much. We have been fortunate and blessed by the creatures who have come to live with us and who have helped educate willing students about how to be responsible guardians for these magnificent animals.
As you reflect on the past year and prepare for the coming year, we hope you will find your life has been enriched by an equine friend and we hope you will join us in the quest to identify ways to insure safety and well-being for all equines in this uncertain world.

Demonstration - Equine Therapeutic Body Work 11.12.11

FRIENDS & VOLUNTEERS
JOIN US

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2011
1:00 PM
TO LEARN FROM
JEANETTE BURROWS
EQUINE THERAPEUTIC BODY WORKER
WHO WILL DEMONSTRATE HER TECHNIQUES ON TWO OF OUR EQUINE FAMILY

Jeanette has over 18 years of experience in craniosacral therapy (working with the spine and skull to relieve restrictions of the nerve passages), reiki (a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing, myofascial release (a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue to eliminate pain and restore motion), neuromuscular therapy, acupuncture and a lifetime of experience with horses.

REDWINGS’ LOCKWOOD RANCH
47240 LOCKWOOD-JOLON ROAD
LOCKWOOD, CA 93932
(831) 386-0135
$5.00 FEE

November's Horse of the Month

November and Thanksgiving are a time when we realize that we are in the autumn of the year and for many of our equine family, they are in the autumn of their lives. One such fellow is Jasper - 27 years young - and a grateful fellow is he.

Jasper came to us from a family who in their enthusiasm to live the country life, bought Jasper, another horse, some sheep and dogs - but they knew nothing about taking care of these animals and how expensive they would be. When the man hurt himself and lost his job, caring for the animals became overwhelming and the dogs, consumed with hunger - attacked the sheep. Authorities were called and the people, realizing the error they had made in taking on such responsibility, happily turned the horses over to Redwings.

So today, Jasper is thankful to be at Redwings where he is safe and well cared for - especially as he ages. Please come visit Jasper and our equine family Tues-Sat., 10am- 3pm.

October Fun!

On Saturday, October 15 Redwings hosted the Blessing of the Animals and on October 22 will be hosting a TREASURE HUNT and Halloween fun.

Please come and enjoy our grounds, visit our horses - and have a wonderful day in the Lockwood Valley! For more information call Redwings Horse Sanctuary (831) 386-0135.

Honoring Congressman Sam Farr for his support

During Redwings' early years, Congressman Sam Farr became aware of Redwings and some of the important legislation that was being considered regarding transport of horses. Since those days, Redwings has gone through changes including moving from our original location where the Congressman first met us. Twenty years later - as we celebrate our birthday and all of those who helped make those years successful, we wanted to say thank you to the Congressman for all of his help and support.

On Wednesday, September 28 - Redwings Board Members Roz Bailey, VP: Chris Abila and Val Moule and Advisory Board member Ed Mitchell, presented Congressman Farr with this plaque. We hope to see Congressman Farr at our Lockwood Ranch and our Prunedale location - Ranch Forgotten - in the coming year to continue sharing our dream.

October's Horse of the month!

COYOTE
October‘s Horse of the Month is Coyote, one of twenty-one mustangs rescued by Redwings in May of 2000. The coyote, among some Native American tribes, is considered “the trickster.” That reputation as “the trickster” gave us the idea that Coyote would be the perfect choice for the month of October and the celebration of Halloween.
Coyote is a wonderful dun colored fellow with a bold dorsal stripe. His facial markings also appear “mask-like” – another reason for choosing him as the perfect horse for this month.
Coyote and his herd had lived wild and free in the Pryor Mountains of Montana until they were rounded up by the BLM. At a sale, many of the mustangs were bought by an individual who adopted many wild horses. Initially this man had good intentions but issues of ill health and an ever lessening availability of funds to feed the horses resulted in the horses slowly starving. The story becomes complex as officials entered in on the scene but Redwings arrived and with the help of other rescues – all of the horses were removed and placed where they could be rehabilitated.
After several stops between Montana and California to help give these weakened animals a chance to regain strength, twenty–one of the herd came to their forever home at Redwings.

Carrington College Helping Hands

Aspiring Veterinarian Technicians spent a full day Friday, September 16 at Redwings' Lockwood Ranch. The students get "hands-on" experience and while they are learning, our horses receive vaccinations and other necessary regular health care checks.

Open House - September 17, 2011

Come to Redwings this Saturday, Sept. 17 from 11-3PM for Back to School with Trainer, Krista Koenig. Tours and free lunch and - meet our new horses, Ali,Leo, Coco and Mora. For more information call (831) 386-0135.

We miss our beautiful girls Pearl and Annie

Annie (? - 2011)

Although Annie lived with us for only a short time, we loved her dearly. Her friends Pegasus, Noey and Nellie all miss her.








Pearl (1995-2011)

Pearl was a beautiful Arabian mare who was loved by all who heard her story or met her while she lived here at Redwings. Pearl's pasture mates & friends Stryder, Mizz Scarlett & Awonda miss her.




Rest in peace sweet babies. We miss you both!

September's Horse? of the month - Elvis the Pony

In July, 1998, the Santa Clara County SPCA asked Redwings to help them to determine the condition of over 100 ponies running free on 160 acres in the east hills of San Jose. Their owner, who lost the land to the bank, made an effort to keep the ponies by moving them to a neighbor’s property. The neighbor, afraid to get stuck with a herd of ponies, had them rounded up and sent to a local auction yard. This meant the slaughter buyers would be able to bid on them (this was prior to Prop. 6 passing). To us it seemed grossly unfair that the ponies should have to lose their lives because of their owner’s financial problems, so we stepped in and asked that they be sold at private auction in order to protect them from slaughter. This request was denied, so we tried to get a court order to stop the sale. When that did not work, we informed the media and guess what? That worked! Local newspaper and TV stations aired the plight of the ponies and on the day of the sale community members were there to outbid the slaughter buyers. The media also showed up for the sale and filmed the whole process.Elvis was one of those ponies and as a result of the sale, he came to Redwings to live out his life in peace.

We chose Elvis because September is noted for Labor Day and ponies were used for hard work including hauling coal from the mines in Wales (Welsh ponies). These ponies seldom saw the light of day - living and dying pulling the coal carts from deep beneath the earth's surface.

Saturday - August 20 - OPEN HOUSE!

Kids will have fun "painting" two of our horses and everyone will enjoy a day in the open spaces. Meet our new horses, Apollo and Leo and --- free lunch!

See you Saturday 11am-3pm, 47240 Lockwood-Jolon Rd., Lockwood, CA

Horse(s) of the Month for August
Our Paints!

Annie – Annie was found all alone, abandoned. She was dirty, scared and hungry.

Lacey and Laura Anne – In May of 2007, Redwings was called upon to rescue a beautiful Overo Paint mare from a feedlot in Fallon, NV. The feedlot ships to Canada for slaughter. Although Lacey did not appear to be pregnant when we rescued her, a pregnancy test was performed, along with several other tests, as a matter of routine. We were delighted, when we learned that Lacey was indeed expecting! Laura Anne was born in April, 2008. When she was weaned from her mother she was placed into a wonderful foster home.

Gypsy- A paint draft cross, came to Redwings in June of 2009 and was previously used as a Premarin horse in Canada. When one of the Premarin farms was downsizing, a family saw Gypsy at an auction and bought her. After working with Gypsy for over a year, her owner realized that because of her fear she will never be able to be ridden or taken anywhere. In April Gypsy’s owner contacted Redwings and asked if we would be able to offer her a home.

Jester- Has congenital condition that has caused his front legs to be misformed. The owner tried to have the condition surgically corrected – to no avail. He came to Redwings unwanteed - but that changed here. He is now fostered to a loving home.

Little Bit and Magic- Magic and Little Bit’s mom Bambi and Magic came to us when their owner could no longer care for them. Bambi gave birth to Little Bit at Redwings on October 7, 2000. Miniature horses were originally bred for the very rich in Europe. Today, mini’s are once again popular as pets and show animals. This popularity, of course, comes with a cost. Breeding produces many defective horses, including dwarfs.

Jewel and Gentle Spirit, we miss you

Jewel (1983-2011)

Jewel was a long-time friend and it tears at our hearts that she is gone. She taught us all a lot about love, companionship and patience. She is missed by everyone at Redwings. Safe travels Jewel.

Gentle Spirit(1985-2011)

Gentle Spirit, a sweet and beautiful mare joined us only recently. She came from a loving home that could no longer afford to care for her medical condition. We fell in love with her at first sight. While she was only with us for a few joyus months, we loved her enough for a lifetime. She is terribly missed.

The mission...education!

On Thursday, July 21 Redwings hosted Soledad's YMCA summer camp participants. 35 young people had the chance to learn about the sanctuary, meet our horses, groom a horse and - had fun! Along with the splendid YMCA staff, volunteers from Redwings shepherded our young visitors around the grounds so they could meet all of our horses and enjoy the open space. Hope we'll see each of these youngsters and their families back here real soon!

New Arrivals at Redwings

Earlier this month Redwings welcomed two new members to our Equine Family.

On the left is Don Leonardo de Cabillo who came to us from southern CA.

Apollo arrived from nothern CA.

We look forward to introducing them to you in the near future.

Remember our next OPEN HOUSE - Lockwood Ranch, August 20 - 11am-3pm. Hope we'll see you soon!

Open House Fun!

On Saturday, July 16 - visitors to Redwings enjoyed the stories of some of our horses and learned more about our mission ".....through education and community outreach programs....."

President of the Board of Directors, Michelle Beagle and Equine Care Provider, Delilah Kasting shared stories of each of the horses that were chosen on this day to be the representatives of our horses who have been abused, neglected or abandoned.

Through the loving care of our volunteers (who helped show our horses) many of the horses who were once so afraid have once again learned to turst people. We thank them for their countless hours of loving care.

Come visit us us for our next Open House - August 20, 2011!

National Equine Rescue Network & Redwings

Gelding Clinic #7
The ‎7/10/11 Gelding Clinic ran into a scheduling conflict and was cancelled. However Dr. Parks and MRILC will be working with NERN to get the castrations done. The first colt, a 10-month old Arabian, was done on Monday, 7/11. Additional colts will be castrated and updates will be posted when all the colts in the line up have been gelded. National Equine Rescue Resources thanks Dr. Greg Parks of Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center and Maya Horsey and her crew at Monty Roberts International Learning Center. Also, a big thank you to Redwings Horse Sanctuary for providing funds to help NERN host this event.

Gelding Clinic - this weekend in CA

Through Redwings' Helping Hooves Program - we are supporting the following to help owners.

This Sunday, July 10, 2011 there will be a gelding clinic in Solvang, CA. If you have a young stallion - consider this great opportunity being presented at low cost.

July's Equine of the Month - JO JO!!

Jo Jo was found at auction where he was being ridden by two young children while another child hit him with a rope to make him walk. He was only nine months old? Equines do not reach full maturity until they are 4-5 years old and should never be ridden until they are at least 3 years old. He now has a permanent knee injury due to being ridden so young. He arrived at Redwings in January of 1995. He now lives happily with his other burro friends here at Redwings.

A visit from an angel

Back on a cold rainy day in February, a very shaggy Gentle Spirit came to live at Redwings. Her journey here was facilitated by a wonderful angel. Today - June 25, that angel, Chris Denzer stopped by to visit.

At Redwings Gentle Spirit has found her forever home. She receives the special food and medication she needs to treat her Cushings Disease helping her to live a comfortable life.

Pictured are Gentle Spirit, Michelle Beagle (President of Redwings Board of Directors), and "angel" Chris Denzer (right).

Open House

Redwings hosted its' monthly Open House this past Saturday. Come join us July 16 for Horses on Parade - our next Open House!

Young Hearts for Hooves

On Saturday, June 11 - Redwings had a visit from a budding philanthropist. All of seven years old this young lady requested that her friends support Redwings Horse Sanctuary in lieu of birthday gifts. Besides two feed tubs filled with fly masks, horse goodies and brushes, she delivered $300 cash. Many thanks from all of us (people and equine) for your wonderful gift Ms. J.

Water!

Here's D.J. Standing out in part of the huge pasture she helped us seed with drought tolerant pasture seed! Thanks D.J.!
Just one of the many sprinklers that will water the fields this year. Thanks everyone!!

The rescued horses of Redwings Horse Sanctuary will have greener pastures to graze from this year. Thanks to a lovely grant from D.J. and other generous donors. The irrigation project was extended to a large pasture. We now have a strip of green that will last through the year, it will be amazing for them to have green fresh grass all year instead of the dry old stuff they have had to put up with. Our plan is to have many herds have a place to go for grazing. At this point, the a large number of our horses are able to graze this large pasture. As things develop, we'll be able to allow even more of them to come graze. This is great for their abused minds and bodies. There are other smaller areas for grazing that allow a number of other horses to have all year long grazing. It's so important. Thank you!!!

Open House - Saturday, May 21, 2011

A lovely day at Redwings Lockwood Ranch with a picnic in the Memorial Grove and a presentation by local Salinian, Robert Duckworth.

Join us at our next Open House, June 18, 2011 - 11am-3pm.

Important EHV-1 information, resource pages

From CDFA webpage and emailed to California Equine Practitioners and California Exhibitors at the Odgen Utah event.
ALERT:
A recent disease outbreak of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1) has been traced to horses who attended the National Cutting Horse Associations’ Western National Championships in Odgen, Utah on April 30 – May 8, 2011. California horses who participated in this event may have been exposed to this EHV-1 virus.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture encourages owners of horses who participated in the Odgen, Utah event to isolate and monitor their horses for clinical signs of disease. A rectal temperature in excess of 102F commonly precedes other clinical signs. Therefore, we are urging owners to take temperatures on each individual horse(s) twice a day. If a temperature above 102F is detected contact your private practitioner immediately. Laboratory submission of nasal swabs and blood samples collected from the exposed horse can be utilized for virus detection and isolation.
The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse and the neurologic form of the virus can reach high morbidity and mortality rates. The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2-10 days. In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs may include: nasal discharge, incoordination, hind end weakness, recumbency, lethargy, urine dribbling and diminished tail tone. Prognosis depends on severity of signs and the period of recumbency. There is no specific treatment for EHV-1. Treatment may include intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs and other appropriate supportive treatment. Currently, there is no equine vaccine that has a label claim for protection against the neurological strain of the virus.
Horse-to-horse contact, aerosol transmission, and contaminated hands, equipment, tack, and feed all play a role in disease spread. However, horses with severe clinical signs of neurological EHV-1 illness are thought to have large viral loads in their blood and nasal secretions and therefore, present the greatest danger for spreading the disease. Immediate separation and isolation of identified suspect cases and implementation of appropriate biosecurity measures are key elements for disease control.

For additional Information
California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory: http://www.cahfs.ucdavis.edu/
UC Davis Center for Equine Health: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm
Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy Brochure
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/equine_herpesvirus_brochure_2009.pdf
CDFA Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy Fact Sheet
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/pdfs/EHV-1FactSheetSept2010.pdf
USDA Resources
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/
American Association of Equine Practitioners Fact Sheet
http://www.aaep.org/pdfs/control_guidelines/Equine%20Herpes%20Virus.pdf

"Lily" our Horse of the Month

“Lily”

Lily was born at Redwings on April 3, 2002. She is one of our “foster horses” and lives in northern California. Her mother,Keebler came to Redwings after suffering from severe neglect. Her hooves were so long she had to be “put out” each time a cut was made. And it took the vet three separate sessions… they were too long to trim. Not only was she almost crippled when she arrived at Redwings, she was pregnant! Keebler’s baby was born on Easter Sunday. We named her “Lily” for the flower shape on her forehead.

Rabies vaccines at Redwings!

Carrington Career College and Dr. Heather Baker teamed up with the Redwings Horse Sanctuary staff to administer Rabies vaccines to our horses.

You may wonder why? Horses can get Rabies from wandering wildlife. Redwings is in a remote area that has wild animals that pass through. We have Coyote, Skunks, Racoons, Badgers, Bats, Mountain Lions among the many animals that can carry this disease. Since humans can get Rabies from animals, we want to protect our staff and volunteers from this deadly disease.

This collaboration with Carrington Career College will continue, as it is great for the horses and great for the students.

Thanks for the wonderful teamwork and a great day!

Horse thieves today?!

Sometimes news of a sad nature reaches us...news that we can do nothing more than post to our supporters in hopes that we can reach someone that can help.

There was a time when these horses were likely to go to slaughter, now, it is more likely a horse like this is put into labor...literally. Her color is rare, and she is possibly going to be used in someone's back yard breeding operation. Keep your ears and eyes open to discussions or seeing new activity with a new black quarter horse mare that fits the following description.

Subject: Please cross post... stolen horse in Sacramento

Subject: Stolen Quarter Horse Mare - April 17, 2011
My friend, Mary Jo Battilana, had her 14 year old Quarter Horse mare >> stolen
and we are trying to get the word out to anyone involved with horses in >> CA
and NV. Please cross post.
Sunday morning, April 17, 2011, between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. >> someone
cut the chain link pasture fencing and stole "Jackie", a 14 year old, >> 14.3
hand, true black Quarter Horse mare. She has a white narrow strip down >> her
face and three varying size white socks. The pasture was located on >> Gerber
Road in South Sacramento, CA. Jackie recently had her feet trimmed and >> is
barefoot. She also has a fresh wound on her right hind leg. It is a >> scrape
wound down to raw flesh on the cannon bone. She is bonded with a gelding
buddy in her pasture, so unless she is sedated she is screaming/calling >> for
him constantly. She is very good looking mare and is a trained stock >> horse,
so someone may have wanted her for rodeo or barrel racing/gymkhana. >> Should
have photos of her in the next day or so.
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department took a criminal report on the >> theft.
Report number is #11-80619.
Please call Mary Jo Battilana at 916-764-8080 if you have any questions >> or
information.
Again, please cross-post!!!

We also want to shout out to an organization responsible for re-uniting lost horses with thier owners. http://www.netposse.com/welcome.asp

Cross post and with all the best wishes that when we do this...the horse will be found in her home before we are even done posting!

Thank you!

Michelle Beagle
President
Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Artist's Reception Scheduled for May 6th at Artisana Gallery

If you missed the opening night of Claire Metzler's "Horsin' Around At Redwings" show featuring the horses of Redwings Horse Sanctuary, please join us for the May 6th Artist Reception.

This very special art exhibit will delight you! Many of the images show horses laughing, smiling and "Horsin' Around". The best part is you can help Redwings with every purchase! 50% of the artists proceeds are being donated to Redwings Horse Sanctuary!



Admission is free! Complimentary refreshments!

Other artists will be present as well for an evening of
conversation and story telling!

This is an evening not to be missed!

Fri., May 6th, 2011 5-8pm
Artisana Gallery
309 Forest Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
831.655.9775

artisanagallery@yahoo.com
www.artisana-gallery.com
www.facebook.com/ArtisanaGalleryPacificGrove

Junipero Serra School

Junipero Serra School has some amazing youths who did a great thing. They started with 50 non-Profit organizations to investigate and decide if they wanted to donate a grant to. After much research and hard work, it came down to three worthy organizations. Redwings Horse Sanctuary was one of them! We were all excited to hear that we were awarded the grant. The grant money was provided by the Carmel Valley Rotary Club. Thanks to the Rotary Club. Thanks Alex for the introduction and for assisting in inviting Redwings Horse Sanctuary to your school for a really nice educational discussion. Thanks to everyone involved and hope we are invited to speak any time! For any reason! The school is so progressive yet traditional. I loved the visit all the way around. I am glad we were able to get the old VHS running and hope you enjoy the videos I left with you!

A big THANK YOU from the horses!

http://juniperoserra.org/index.php

Art Opening A Success!

A big THANK YOU to everyone who turned out for the opening of "Horsin' Around at Redwings".

The show features a collection of photographs taken at both the Prunedale and Lockwood ranches. Some are cute, some are funny and all are stunningly beautiful! The show will run for 6 weeks and 50% of artist profits will be donated to Redwings Horse Sanctuary by the Artist Claire Metzler.

If you weren't able to make opening night, never fear, Artisana Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday and is very easy to find. The Gallery is located directly across from P.G. City Hall at:

309 Forest Avenue

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

831.655.9775

(There is plenty of free parking right out front)

Please visit the show and show your support for Redwings. Who knows, you may even find a picture of your favorite equine!

** Redwings Horse Art Show at Artisana Gallery in Pacific Grove **

Today's Redwing's Horse Art Show is at Artisana Gallery in Pacific Grove, CA! (Not at the Lockwood ranch)

Tonight is the Artist's Reception from 6-9 pm.

The show will go on for 6 weeks. Here is the address:

Artisana Gallery
309 Forest Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 655-9775

Please come out to support Redwings. 50% of Artist profits are being donated to Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

Art Show April 15th!

Join us for an Art Walk & Artists Reception

with Local Artist/Photographer: Claire Metzler

Presenting her new show

"Horsin' Around At Redwings" with the Horses of Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Lockwood, CA

Fri., April 15, 2011 6-9pm

This very special art exhibit will delight you!

Many of the images show horses laughing, smiling and "Horsin' Around"

The best part is you can help Redwings with every purchase! 50% of the artists proceeds are being donated to Redwings Horse Sanctuary!

Come on out and show your support for ending cruelty to Equines!

Admission is free! Complimentary refreshments!

Other artists will be present as well for an evening of conversation and story telling!

This is an evening not to be missed!

April Horse of the Month is SUNNY!

With April showers comes the sun to help the flowers grow. I am sitting here looking out on the field that has a fresh batch of hail so deep that it looks like snow, but it really is April and it really is spring. Sunny will help bring in the sunshine at Redwings. Sunny was rescued when she had a foal that tore her birth canal. Unable to afford the surgery to repair her, the previous owner brought her to Redwings. The foal was horribly deformed and had to be euthanized. Redwings was able to take her to U.C. Davis and have her fixed. She's not 100%, but she sure is a great gal. Not much bothers her and she loves the volunteers who come groom her. Be sure to visit her when you come to the ranch! Sunny truly has a Sunny outlook on life, and loves food! Her ears are often softly laid back in deep thought. (In truth probably thinking about food) She is a Purebred Arabian Mare, color Chestnut and she has one of the large blazes we have on the Ranch Faces.

Update on the Gelding looking for a forever home

Thanks to everyone that had a hand in helping this horse. He will be safe!! It sounds like his new home will eventually be one where he can be part of a human and horse bond that will last forever. Good work internet friends of Redwings. We made a difference!!

Michelle Beagle
President

This post is to help Contra Costa Animal Services find a forever home for a horse that deserves a real chance. He only has until the 8th to be placed! PLEASE help him find a home. Contact information is below. Thanks for anything you can do!

Michelle Beagle President Redwings Horse Sanctuary



Hello everyone,

Once again I find myself asking for your help. Does anyone know who might want to adopt or rescue a 9 year-old (DOB 3/2/2002) bay TB gelding with good ground manner, trailers, wickers and has a very sweet and sunny disposition? He's off the track and sold for 39K at the yearling sales but did not do well on the track.....somewhere along the line he was shod in regular horse shoes.....so we believe he might have some pleasure riding skills? When we found him he had one shoe on, was covered with pressure sores and had a severely infected leg wound that appears to be resolving. He was swollen fro the stifle to the hoof, now he is just stocked up from the hock to the hoof. He is lame but can trot and moves out pretty well which amazes me from his condition. He is a one on the Henneke Scale. He was turned out by his owner or custodian on a rural road and left to fend for himself. Nice huh? He is here until Friday 4/8/11, his due out date. Please help us get him to a forever home or rescue that can rehabilitate him. He's one that doesn't deserve to go the other way, he's too you and too nice..... Currently he is up for adoption for $250.00 to the general public. Anyone working with an approved rescue could make arrangements with them to get him out and placed based on their policies. A#644221, kennel # BN02, Shelter # 925-335-8300. Thanks & happy trails! Ps: I'm sorry if you get this message multiple times, I'm using multiple lists to get the word out.

Sergeant Terry DeCosta Animal Services Department Contra Costa County 4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez, CA 94553 Telephone (925) 335-8370 Facsimile (925) 335-8371 tdeco@asd.cccounty.us

Boronda Meadows 6th grade class visits Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Thirty Six students from Boronda Meadows 6th grade visited Redwings Horse Sanctuary on March 18th. It was a cool day but they were warmly welcomed by ranch residents, staff and volunteers. Inspired by Classmate Christine, the class had decided to visit Redwings because they were interested in learning more about cruelty to animals and ways to break the cycle. They needed to raise their own money to make this trip. Cheers to this great class and we know with everything they are learning, they will help all animals have a better life.

If other students or teachers are interested in finding out how to visit the ranch, contact the office and we can give you some ideas on how to make that happen.

Copperopolis update!

Hi Everyone,

The 3 mares and stallion that were living at Remington Ranch in Sonora have been moved to The ReHorse Rescue Ranch. All 10 of the Copper Horses are now at ReHorse. We would like to thank Gena and the Remington Ranch for their hospitality for these horses in need.

The horses are doing well. They are all gaining weight and playing and napping. We have removed most of the petrified mud and are hoping they will shed out what's left. We have moved the mares to a larger pasture and will move the 3 mares that arrived from Remington Ranch out with them in the next few days.

This has been, by far, one of our most difficult rescues. This is the largest number of horses we have taken in to rehabilitate at one time. It's been a lot of work and we have a long way to go with these guys.

The owner's of the Copper Horses are scheduled to go to court this Monday April 4th and if not convicted, legally, he will have the right to have these horses back. Please keep the Copper Horses in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you to all that have donated and volunteered to help these horses. Please continue to support the horses in crisis. Every $ makes a difference to a horse in need.

We would like to thank some of our local businesses and groups that have supported this rescue effort -
Century 21 Copperopolis, Coldwell Banker Copperopolis, Calaveras Humane Society, Snaps Coffee House, McDillard's Feed, Bolton Feed, Country Mountain Riders - Groveland, Twain Harte Horsemen and all the businesses that are helping to raise funds for these horses. THANK YOU!!!!

If anyone would like to donate or volunteer please call (209) 337-5886 or email conact@rehorserescue.org. Donations can also be made on the website www.rehorserescue.org or mailed to P.O. Box 494, Jamestown, Ca 95327

ReHorse Rescue Ranch relies on donations and volunteers and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductable as permitted by law.


Copper couple charged with animal cruelty

http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=126459#comments


Written by Sean Janssen, The Union Democrat March 04, 2011 03:12 pm
A Copperopolis husband and wife have each been charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty and one count of misdemeanor violation of animal confinement law. (for the stallion's enclosure)
Nigh and Melva Lawhon, both 71, are accused of keeping their 10 horses in a too-small field secured with corral panels and barbed wire fencing in various states of disrepair, according to a sheriff’s report.
The horses were standing in mud six to 10 inches deep, showing signs of malnutrition.The animals were seized by the Animal Services Division of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department on Jan. 29 following an investigation.
They are now recuperating at ReHorse Rescue Ranch in Jamestown and Remington Ranch in Sonora.
Nigh Lawhon is also accused of resisting arrest after an alleged conflict with Calaveras County sheriff’s deputies at the time of the horses’ seizure.
The Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office’s decision on whether to press charges was delayed while it awaited additional reports from veterinarians who assessed the horses’ injuries.
The pair will be arraigned at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Department 2 of the Calaveras Superior Court.

Two Rescues in process.

Nellie: Abandoned and starving








Gentle Spirit: Abandoned and ill









Redwings Horse Sanctuary is faced with making decisions on what horses we can help on a daily basis. We can't take them all in. We have to remain responsible and true to our mission.

We are currently considering the intake of two horses. One that was neglected and one that was abandoned. With each rescue we must consider our current rescued horses. Will a new rescue take away care from the current residents of the sanctuary? Will this new horse be able to adapt to Redwings life? Is this horse one that could lead a healthy life with people who could ride and care for it? Many decisions and more...all to help decide if the horse should come to permanent sanctuary, or be referred to many other rescue organizations with hope the horse can lead a normal life.

Stay tuned for photos and details!

UPDATE:

The Board of directors of Redwings Horse Sanctuary has decided to take these two poor souls in to our Sanctuary. Both of them deserve a peaceful and healing place to fulfill their journey of life.

We will share their stories in a few days.

They are expected at the Lockwood ranch this coming weekend.

Copperopolis Horses Get Redwings' Assist

Redwings Board of Directors supports California rescues when we are able.
The horses from Copperopolis in the story just below are getting a donation directly to the feed store. This donation to help rehabilitate these horses that were found in tragic and deplorable condition. Rehorse rescue deserves some kudos for taking these horses in when they already had 35 rescued horses. If you feel like helping these poor animals have a better life, please cross post this story.

Copperopolis...? What is happening there!?

There have been stories of hundreds of animals and hundreds of horses needing help in two separate rescues in Montana. Redwings has helped place some cross posts and written a few letters to help where we can.

Last week we received notice of some horses right here in California that have been in trouble for all too long. We didn’t have time to get our supporters to get in on cross posts and publicity for this case, yet the rescuing organization will desperately need help.

I have not heard what kind of health issues these horses face yet, but I am sure starvation and skin infections top the list. When you see horses that deep in the mud, you know there are going to be problems beyond skin infection. There are likely hoof problems that may take months to heal…if that is even possible. When you can see rib lines showing through the thick winter coat, there is some serious nutritional problems.

Redwings horse sanctuary can’t take many horses in to our ranch. We can make a decision on how we can help these horses. For now, please look for the contact information below and contact the REHORSE RESCUE RANCH rescue organization for direct donations. Redwings asks for no money for this rescue. We will be deciding within a few days what we can do for these horses.
I am thrilled the horses are out of there, but they are only just beginning on a long journey to recovery.

Thanks for your attention and assistance.

We will keep you posted with updates as we hear them.

Michelle Beagle
President
Redwings Horse Sanctuary

1/31/2011 UPDATE
REHORSE RESCUE RANCH GOT ALL 10 OF THE HORSES OUT TODAY!!!!!!!
We received a call late yesterday from animal control they would serve the warrant to get the horses out today at 9am. We rallied the troops. All horses are safe in ReHorse's custody. The owner was arrested this morning. Thank you to all of you for your calls and for not giving up. A Big THANK YOU to everyone that helped safely load and transport these horses - Julie Maddox, Kelly Vermeer, Paul Kezis, Lori Teichert, Leeann & Bob Kenyon, Sue Andrus, Maggie, Sharon, and Dr. Tom - Angels Camp Vet
All of the horses are in bad shape and have a long rehabilitation ahead of them. Now the real work and journey begins!
We need to rally the troops again to raise funds to help these horses.
If anyone would like to help the rescue and these horses - ReHorse Rescue Ranch is a 501(c)3 -
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT - www.rehorserescue.org or mailed to P.O. Box 494, Jamestown, Ca 95327 -
Donations can also be made at any of our local feed stores - Sonora Feed, Radovich Hay, Hurst Ranch Feed and Tractor Supply

Part one of this story…unedited.

-----Original Message-----
From: Raquelle@Rehorse Rescue [mailto:rehorserescue@att.net]
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2011 9:23 AM
To: rehorserescue@yahoo.com
Subject: HORSES IN CRISIS - PLEASE HELP
It is with great sadness and heartbreak that I am forwarding these pictures.
There are 10 horses, 9 mares and a stallion in Copperopolis, Ca living in these horrific conditions. These horses were brought to our attention in January of 2010. At that time we were advised by Calaveras County Animal Control that the owner had until February 2010 to improve the living conditions for these horses or they would be taking legal action. We offered our help at that time to Animal Control as well as the owner to take all of these horses. A concerned citizen emailed us these pictures taken yesterday and Wednesday.
Calaveras Animal Control says the District Attorney now has the file and unless they can prove the owner is not feeding the horses they are unable to seize them. These horses need to be rescued NOW! Not when the county gets their "case" together. So far it's taken more than 2 YEARS!
ReHorse Rescue Ranch is willing to take all 10 horses but our hands are tied. These horses are in mud up to their knees, are not receiving proper feed, vet or hoof care. As you can see, the stallion is currently living in a dog kennel.

Please help them. Forward this email to everyone you know TODAY!
We have tried to contact the TV news station but they are not calling back. If you would like to call the local agencies involved, I am including some phone #'s.

THESE HORSES HAVE NO CHOICE OR VOICE. WE HAVE TO HELP!!!

Calaveras Animal Control - (209) 754-6509
Calaveras District Attorney - (209) 754-6330
Darren Spellman - County Supervisor - (209) 786-4585
FEEL FREE TO CONTACT MEDIA

February Horse of the Month

Lover Boy (LB)

Lover Boy is a Belgian Draft horse, descendant of horses used by knights and farmers to better human lives in early times. He is over 17 hands high, and weighs in at a hefty 1900 pounds. His color is debateable, some say palomino, some say chestnut with flaxen mane and tail. Whatever color you call him, he is strikingly handsome. His sister, Calypso lives on the other side of the ranch, she looks a lot like him. Her nickname is “Barbie” because of the lovely long blonde mane and tail.

Lover Boy, or “LB” as we call him, was one of the four foals rescued from the Premarin slaughter sales held in Canada. Redwings originally planned to rescue four fillies, and when LB was brought into the ring he was listed as a filly. When the Redwings Staff went to pick him up and discovered he was a colt, she was told, “you can just pick out some other filly and we’ll send him back into the ring”. Well, Redwings wasn’t about to give him back to be sold again, so he came home with the three fillies.

He will also serve as a reminder of the thousands of foals sold for slaughter from the Premarin farms.

He was named Lover Boy because he was the first foal to be rescued and spent the first night alone (he was only 3 ½ months old, not yet weaned from his mother, and forcibly taken from her). When the three fillies were brought into his corral the next day he was so happy to see them, he immediately gave them all “horse hugs” and was named “Lover Boy”.

When he first arrived at Redwings he was on medication for weeks because of a stress related illness caused by the trauma of early weaning and having been transported hundreds of miles to make it to a safe and forever home.

When LB settled in and was finally able to join a herd, he was put in a herd with some very strong willed horses. The herd was dubbed the pesky boys because they could get into a bit of trouble, and loved to kindly pester people who visited the pasture.

Loverboy spent time in Prunedale with a herd of horses until recently when he became ill and we decided he needed closer watching at our main ranch.

Come visit him in Lockwood.
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Update MLAS rescue

The animals in the MLAS rescue in the previous blog still need help! Please go to animeals.com or their facebook page for donation information. THEY NEED HELP.

Sad news from the North/Update

Montana Large Animal Sanctuary Has Fallen: Here at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, we realize there are horses out there beyond our ability to provide sanctuary. Not only horses, but many species of large animals were involved in the Montana Large Animal Sanctuary failing. It is a sad thing, and it is obvious that the people who ran the sanctuary were not prepared for what happened. There are many organizations involved in helping, and we are doing our part by posting it everywhere we can to spread the need for help. Animeals is helping with the most important need... feed, the number of mouths to feed are still quite high. Seriously, Montana is not a hugely populated place and they need outside help for these animals that are in the biting Montana cold.

Here is the info on Animeals:

Update! Please visit Animeals site to get information about how to donate is: www.animeals.com There are regular updates on their site.

Here is a place you can get regular blog updates. It is a real sad story folks.

http://www.animeals.com/MLAS_Animal_Food.html

Animeals is also on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/animeals

The story about the sanctuary can be found here:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kpax.com%2Fnews%2Frescue-food-reaches-hot-springs-animal-sanctuary%2F&h=e384a

A little more back history can be found here:

http://www.kpax.com/search/?sterm=montanan+large+animal+sanctuary&s=Search

We wish the people who are helping with feed care and placement of these animals the best of luck. Send financial assistance if you can! Redwings is only helping to broadcast this cry for help. Please send donations to Animeals ASAP. The need is urgent!