December Horse of the Month- Trigger!

 

Due to the joyous commotion, excitement, cheer, and togetherness December brings, it is no wonder the majority of us feel like little kids again. There is one such horse, on our ranch, that truly exemplifies being a kid at heart.  Trigger is a palomino Welsh Pony, approximately 14 years old.  Despite his age, previous tribulations, or even a cloudy day, his gregarious and spunky personality does not falter.

In June of 2001, Redwings’ Stray Animal Pick-up volunteers received a call to pick up a horse in the road in the Salinas area. They arrived to find a beautiful Welsh pony stallion out on the roadway. They searched for the owner of the stallion, but no one claimed him. He was taken to Redwings Sanctuary.

After a week or so, the owner called inquiring about the pony. When he was told he would have to pay boarding and transportation costs, he stated the young stallion was “too much trouble” and “he no longer wanted him.”

Trigger with his pals, The Ponies and Apollo.

Well, Redwings wanted him! He was named Trigger, gelded (Redwings has no stallions on the facility) and has become best friends with the rest of the ponies. Trigger, lives up to his name and can frequently be heard neighing with the other ponies, nuzzling with a visitor, and galloping to race his friends to the gate.  He is a handsome one that is truly a joy to visit and once you meet Trigger, he will forever be in your heart!

Redwings Mercantile- Now OPEN!!!

Participate in "Giving Tuesday": November 27th

As we kick off the holiday season, we can sometimes become caught up in hours of cooking, miles of traveling, and days of extreme shopping.  After giving thanks on Thursday and battling for the best sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is only appropriate to participate in "Giving Tuesday".  Tuesday, November 27th is considered "national give back day" implemented to inspire people, families, and businesses to take a collaborative philantropic effort and donate in the name of those less fortunate- to include our majestic equines.

Donations can be made in honor or in memory of a loved one or beloved pet.  A card will be sent to the recipient that a donation has been made in their name from you. We have also opened a brand-new online shop to purchase Redwings' gear like sweatshirts, hats, and coffee mugs; 100% of the proceeds go to Redwings, visit http://www.cafepress.com/RedwingsHorseSanctuaryMerchandise to buy anything you would like!  There are many ways to donate other than directly giving money, such as: donating hay, horse blankets, fly masks; volunteering at the ranch; or giving the gift of sponsoring one of our horses.  Sponsor horses each represent a different plight horses can face and your sponsorship helps provide their care for 1 year.  We have recently added 3 new Sponsor Horses to our list.  They are Coco, Cyclone, and Apollo.  Below is our entire list of 12 Sponsor Horses:     

 

 

 

You have the following options when doing a sponsorship: 

 

To give you an idea of what your donation can help provide:

 

- $17 for 1 bale of hay (1 bale can feed 1 horse up to 2 weeks)

- $45 for a farrier visit to trim 1 horses feet (done once every 8 weeks)

- $95 for dental care from a veterinarian

 

Which ever way you choose to give back to our Redwings' equine friends, you are making a difference in their lives and it not only helps them feel good, but you as well!

Volunteers from Hayashi and Wayland

In the words of Elizabeth Andrew: "Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart."

Ten Hayashi and Wayland employees spent a day at Redwings as part of their "Give Back" program in volunteering.  This was their second year coming to help out the ranch. They spent a whole day, from 8 to 5, in the Lockwood sun painting the front fence. Additionally, they enjoyed lunch under the oak tree, played with the office cat (Athena, pictured), and toured the ranch visiting with some of the horses and ponies. Redwings entire staff and equine family are incredibly grateful for these dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers.  We look forward to seeing you next year!

A very long stretch of fence line along the entrance to Redwings.

An Evening with the Lockwood Girl Scouts!

 

 

 

On Tuesday, November 6th Redwings was visited by the Lockwood Girl Scouts. The 2nd and 3rd grade girls were treated to an evening visiting the ponies, grooming in the mare motel, learning about the different types of feeds, and hoof care. In reaction to observing a hoof being trimmed and cleaned, it was "just like a pedicure" a few girls said. Their excitment and eagerness to learn was contagious.  Many girls lined up to dig mud from the feet of a horse, ask numerous questions about different kinds of feed, and strolled right up to brush the mares.  The girls finished their evening having snacks under the large oak tree, watching the sun set over the pony pen.

 

 

November Horse of the Month: Ginny!

Most of us know as the holiday season begins, November is a time to reflect on what we are grateful for.  At Redwings, we are thankful for each equine that has come our way. Although some come from unfortunate and unfathomable circumstances, we are grateful for the lessons our rescued horses can teach us- as staff, volunteers, visitors, students, novice and avid horse lovers alike. Ginny was one of six horses rescued from a near starvation situation by the Santa Barbara County Animal Services.  After being evaluated and rehabilitated, four of the horses were able to be adopted out.  However it was discovered that Ginny had a broken bone in her back and could never be ridden again.

 

Santa Barbara Animal Services have no permanent quarters for equines, so they contacted Redwings to see if we might be able to give her a permanent home.  Of course we agreed.

 

After meeting Ginny, we discovered she is a sweet, easy-going mare.  She enjoys being around people and gets along very well with everyone at Redwings.  We have no idea how she was injured, but she will not have to worry about feed or care for the rest of her days.  The miracle is that, even after having suffered at the hands of humans, she still loves us and offers the best of herself she has to give.  Ginny is about 26 years old and lives in the luxurious "Mare Motel" with her friends (all older horses): Anna, Ridazza, and Boomer.  She has been pivotal in the education and enhancement of horse care knowledge to visitors, volunteers, and children.

Our Newest Foster Horse

To honor a part of our mission, "...rescue abused and neglected equines and provide permanent sanctuary or selected foster homes for those equines", Redwings provided our 10 year old Thoroughbred gelding with a loving foster home. This handsome dark bay was an ex-race horse who was abandoned and became a Redwings resident in April of 2010. Earlier this year, Alison came to visit Redwings and immediately fell in love with Ricki's beauty and character. On October 23, 2012 Ricki went to live with Alison in the Santa Cruz mountains.  As is with any of our fostered horses, should anything arise with the foster parent (such as financial or health issues) that they can no longer care for him, Ricki can always come back to Redwings to a forever home.  However, for Ricki and Alison, we hope that is not ever the case, as it was reported that the moment Ricki stepped out of the trailer into his new home, he settled comfortably as if he had known all along that this was where he was meant to be.

 

Ricki ready for a trailer ride with long-time volunteer, Pam Shreeves who says
 her goodbyes before he's loaded up.

Equine Care Provider, Paula Germain fixes Ricki with a "Head Bumper" hat
to protect him during the trailer ride.  Due to his large size, the hat was a precaution while
riding for hours in a trailer. Executive Director, Linda Plumb and Paula's
 Assistant, Mallory look on to ensure Ricki receives a proper farewell.



Ricki is unloaded at his new home in the Santa Cruz mountains by Paula.
Board Member, Mark Sindel assists Paula in escorting him out, while new foster
 owner, Alison happily greets him.



Ricki delves into his first meal provided by Alison.  He is very happy not
having to share with a herd.



Alison and Ricki pose on the acres of pasture and redwoods that have become
his new home.  Redwings will miss him dearly, but we know he is now with
 a phenomenal companion and guardian.

Halloween Fun - Oct. 27

HALLOWEEN FUN!!!
One more Day! It’s not too late to tell your friends!!!
Activities, Games, Raffles, Tours, Treasure Hunts, Tricks and Treats, Great fun and mild scares!
Have some Fall fun and dare to be scared.
 

Halloween Event Countdown

Saturday, October 27 - less than 48 hours till the hobgoblins go on the prowl!

Noon- Dusk Halloween Fun
Lockwood Ranch of Redwings Horse Sanctuary
47240 Lockwood-Jolon Rd.
Lockwood, CA  93932
(831) 386-0135 for information!

October Horse of the month - Sport

In May of 2000, a herd of 110 wild mustangs was found living on a little more than two acres in Montana, These horses had once roamed free in the Pryor Mountains of Montana before being rounded up and adopted out by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The man who adopted these particular mustangs had been buying them from the BLM and slaughter auctions to save them. But he did not have the resources to do this properly and moreover, he allowed the herd to breed year after year.


With the elderly owner having little money and being in ill health himself, the horses were slowly starving. Because of the condition of the horses, the owner was to be charged with abuse and the county was scheduled to come to seize the horses. What this meant for the horses was a trip to auction and probable slaughter. Upon hearing the story, several rescues banded together to help determine the fate of these unfortunate animals.

Among the rescued animals was a young stallion named Sport. He and part of the herd made the trip from Montana to Redwings. Some were moved to the ranch without issue, but other weaker animals had to move with stops along the way so they could regain strength.

Sport was gelded – as there are no stallions at Redwings. But that did not prevent him from becoming the “herd protector” when all were reunited at the ranch. As a youngster, he was considered a blue roan but as he matured, he lost the roan coloring to become pure white. He is a handsome gentleman who will approach the golf cart when visitors come to meet and greet them. Happily, none of Sport’s herd shows any remaining vestiges of their near starvation and they are – truly magnificent examples of some of America’s most beautiful wild mustangs.

Two weeks and counting to Halloween Fun

Get your costumes ready and join in the fun!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Noon - Dusk
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
47240 Lockwood-Jolon Rd.
Lockwood, CA 93932

In Case You Missed It: A Glimpse at Open House and Blessing of the Aminals

Long time donors who fly to Redwings 4 times a year from Pennsylvania, Yvonne and Don Buss, help Board Member, Cara McCool decorate the morning of Open House

Board Member and coordinator of the Blessing, Val Moule welcomes and introduces Rev. Canon Robert Seifert before the ceremony begins.

Rev. Canon Robert Seifert blesses one of our guest's Austrailian Shepard, while volunteer Nita Tully assists him.

Redwings Open House was incredibly blessed and very fortunate to have (left to right)  Daphne, Malita, and Rachel Denny  play during the WHOLE Open House from the blessing through the luncheon.

A devout animal lover and reader for the blessing, Jondell Wright, does not let the vast acreage hinder her from visiting the 85 horses and donkeys.  Jondell received a special tour after lunch to mingle with the equines.

Treasure Hunt and Halloween Fun!!!!

Helping each other and the horses who need us

Times are tough and animals are suffering the consequences.  August proved to be a month that saw our local SPCA addressing many issues and one of those was a report from a Redwings volunteer of abandoned horses in the southern reaches of the county - near Redwings.  The SPCA took immediate legal action and Redwings, knowing of the situation, and being aware of the many issues the SPCA happened to be dealing with simultaneously - offered to help.

For most of the month of August, we provided hay to four abandoned horses, saw that they had water, and reported regularly to the SPCA humane officers.  Our volunteer who first discovered and reported them, tended to them daily. These horses - would most certainly have died of starvation or even more likely - lack of water.  Days during August were consistently over 100 degrees.

Fortunately the horses were stabilized and the SPCA was able to come for them and to tend to them humanely - something their owners chose not to do.  As we worked with these horses, we recommitted ourselves once again to educating aspiring horse owners to the responsibility and commitment they are making when they become horse owners.

In the words of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, "Whenever an animal is forced into service of men, every one of us must be concerned for any suffering it bears on that account.  No one of us may permit any preventable pain to be inflicted, even though the responsibility for the pain is not ours.  No one may appease his conscience by thinking that he would be interfering in something that does not concern him.  No one may shut his eyes and think the pain which is therefore not visible to him, is non-existent."

Fort Hunter Liggett BOSS Program Visits

Saturday, September 8, 2012, Redwings held another Level 1 Humane Horse Handling Class for those interested in becoming volunteers.  We were lucky to have the BOSS program (Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers) of Fort Hunter Liggett participate and look forward to their future involvement.  Play the YouTube video to see what they had to say about Redwings!

OPEN HOUSE & BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Blessing of the Animals

at Redwings Horse Sanctuary

 

Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012

Time of Blessing: 11 A.M.

Time of Open House: 10:30 A.M.– 2 P.M.

Place: Redwings Horse Sanctuary

47240 Lockwood-Jolon Road

Lockwood, CA 93932

(831)-386-0135

 

*Dogs on leashes allowed.

Please bring photo for Blessing of other animals

Lunch provided for 2-legged creatures

Please bring water & snacks for your 4-legged friends

Music too!

See Redwings website for more info & directions:

www.redwingshorsesanctuary.org

 

September Horses of the Month!!!

Premarin is made from pregnant mare’s urine. Premarin is a drug which is most commonly used as an estrogen replacement therapy for women who suffer the negative symptoms of menopause.

In order to obtain the estrogen-rich urine, the mares spend about 6 months of the year confined to a 5 x 8 foot stall attached to a urine-collection device. During this period, these mares are unable to take more than a step or two in any direction, turn around or even lie down. These conditions often lead to serious health problems for the mare. As if this weren’t enough, these mares are impregnated within days of giving birth so that they can begin the cycle all over again.

The other cost of Premarin production is the foals born to these Premarin mares. The mares are bred so that they will produce pregnant mares’ urine, the necessary ingredient for Premarin. Little, if any, thought is given to the fate of the foals born to these mares. Most foals are separated from their mothers when they are just three to four months old instead of the standard six months old.

After the foals are separated from their mothers, these young foals are sent to the auction where they are sold in groups containing up to as many as 40 foals. The majority of these foals will be sold for slaughter. The horsemeat is then shipped to Europe and Asia for human consumption.

Melissa, Calypso, and Charisma, the three fillies, and Lover Boy (“LB”), the only colt, were rescued from a Premarin slaughter sale in Canada. They are September’s horse(s) of the month because they were brought to Redwings in September of 1996. At only 3 ½ months old, not quite weaned from their mothers, these Percheron crosses were provided with the safety, warmth, and freedom from any abuse, confinement, and slaughter that their mothers and fellow foals endured. The 3 mares are still in a pasture together and still, after 16 years, are very affectionate and playful with each other. LB is unaware of his size or breed as he lives with the “pesky boys”, a strong-willed group of mustangs and geldings who are known to be a little mischievous and slightly rowdy to anyone who goes into their pasture. All four serve as reminders and educational points on the plights horses face for the sake of human commodity.

TOP Left - Calypso, MIDDLE Left - Melissa, MIDDLE right - Charisma, BOTTOM right - Lover Boy

August horse of the month - Indy

Due to a busier than usual month - poor Indy didn't make it to the blog on time.  None-the-less she was represented here at the ranch and we share her story with you now.

Indy came to Redwings from another rescue facility.  She seemed sweet and fine when the rescue picked her up, and tested her for riding.  She did well so they fostered her.  But something unknown happened after her placement that caused Indy to become extremely fearful of being ridden.  Her behavior meant that her foster home and Indy were no longer a good match although she remained sweet when being handled on the ground.  The rescue, upon her return, decided that the best thing they could do to insure Indy's well-being, was to approach Redwings as a potential forever home - and we said yes.

Indy has been a teacher for our volunteers who only handle her from the ground.  She loves her pasture mates and is a horse that is highly social in her herd.  Here at Redwings, she never has to fear being saddled again.

July Horse of the Month

This handsome horse is named Stryder and he is July’s horse of the month. He was found when officers arrived on a property to serve a warrant. What they found was a sick and emaciated horse in a nearby pasture. They quickly realized that the owner had gone, leaving the horse to fend for himself. The officials seized the poor sick horse and transported him to a local veterinary office. There he was cleaned up, his hooves trimmed, he was vaccinated and his teeth floated. Then the SPCA took over.

Due to the criminal case against Stryder’s owner, the SPCA contacted Redwings in hopes of finding him a safe place to live. To protect Stryder from his former owner, his name was changed and he was quietly moved to the sanctuary.
Little of Stryder’s history before the seizure is known. He does have a tattoo, but we can find no evidence that he was competitive. His story is a great reminder to all of our visitors that racehorses should not just be thrown away when they cannot race. They are beings that have just as much right to a good life as any living being. He also is a reminder of how cruel humans can be to animals and that we need to do what we can to protect these wonderful creatures.

Stryder now lives very happily at the ranch, safe from those who wanted to hurt him, enjoying the peace he so very much deserves. If you have the time during your visit today, go by and say hi to him. And if you are lucky, you will see this handsome horse in full stride, running across his pasture, and you will know why the Arabs have a proverb that says, “The horse is God’s gift to mankind.” He moves with a grace, beauty and speed that is breathtaking.

Small to large - tons of fun! Soledad YMCA visit

Our 26 visitors arrived - enthusiastic and excited - on Thursday, June 21, 2012. 

Ages 5 to 11 were treated to meeting our smallest residents (Penelope pony) to our largest (Calypso - one of our Belgium workhorse cross horses saved from slaughter).

The visit flew by quickly.  In their time with us, we were able to introduce the youngsters to many of our equine family, demonstrate hoof trimming, massage, tell the stories of some of our special horses, and get them up close and personal with the ponies, horses and burros of Redwings.

The youngsters left knowing that these animals are indeed wonderful creatures - and that they deserve the same loving care and respect that all living creatures deserve.

This was their second year visiting - and they said this year was even better than last year.  Hope we'll see the Soledad YMCA again next summer!

June Horse of the Month: Champ

Although the traditional birthstone of June is the Pearl, Alexandrite is an alternate birthstone for June. This unique gemstone changes color depending on the lighting conditions and is a symbol of joy and good fortune. Another alternate birthstone for June is moonstone. It is considered a sacred stone in India. Moonstone varies in color from clear to bluish white or peach. It is a symbol of health and longevity.


At Redwings we believe all of our horses represent joy, good fortune, health, and longevity. One of our oldest horses, Champ has been fortunate to relish joy and good fortune during his later years of life.

Champ is approximately 32 years old, a cross between a pony and Arabian horse. What is known of his story begins in San Miguel where he lived next to a winery. He had a fickle owner that lived nearby who occasionally fed Champ, but did not provide him with the complete, quality care that horses require. When the land Champ was living on was sold to the winery that wanted to build a tasting room, Champ could not stay. A kind lady that heard about Champ’s situation took him from the owner, who did not want to deal with re-homing Champ, and paid for his boarding until she could place him in the right hands. With 5 horses already in her care, she knew she could not take another, and since Champ was very gentle and well behaved, she knew she could find him a loving home. She contacted Redwings and explained his situation.

Redwings was happy to take in this handsome guy, although we knew nothing more than the few sentences mentioned above. He now resides in his own are next to the front office where he gets lots of attention from the office staff, visitors, and volunteers. He adores his herd mates that include the ponies, and Apollo, a young gelding. You can frequently find the crew galloping, playing, rolling, chasing, and peacefully grazing in the open pasture that they enjoy daily. He is one of the first horses in the front pasture to greet you upon arrival. He is very curious, sweet, and is truly enjoying his later years of life with good friends, good food, and a beautiful place to call home.

San Lucas Girl Scouts visit us June 13, 2012

What a day!  The Girl Scouts were treated to a day of demonstrations and hands-on opportunities at Redwings.

Top left, the girls and leader get to visit with our very friendly burros.  Top right, volunteer and massage trainee, Nita Tulley demonstrates how the techniques she uses on the horses, feel - the girls thought it was really a good feeling and that's what we hope the horses feel too.

And last but not least, farrier and Redwings Board member, Mark Sindel, showed the scouts how to clean feet and even let them try their hand at it.

Following the demonstrations the troop enjoyed lunch and visiting with staff and volunteers under the large oak tree by our office.

Posture Analysis Class by Jeannette Burrows CMT

On Saturday, May 12, Jeannette Burrows treated our Level I class to a special presentation on "posture analysis."  Jeannette took two of the horses from Redwings herd and demonstrated how she identifies trouble spots through posture analysis.  Then she shared her skills with willing volunteers to treat these horses.  Several volunteers have committed to seeing that treatments are performed on the two horses and there will be follow-up by Jeannette in the coming months to ensure that both volunteers and horses are progressing.

                         We (board, staff, volunteers and horses) are most grateful to Jeannette!

Leo: May Horse of the Month

Leo: May’s Horse of the Month


Leo’s story begins in Santa Barbara County in 2008 when Animal Services rescued him and another equine friend from a neglectful situation. Leo was fed, cared for, and had surgery to fix a fractured foot. From this, his condition was described as, “mechanical lameness with a permanent limp, but no pain”. In 2010 Leo was legally adopted out to a woman who had fostered him from the county when he first arrived. However, the caring woman fell on economic hardships within a year of owning Leo. Since Santa Barbara County knew they could not keep Leo long term and with a compromised foot, adoption was a long shot, they contacted Redwings.

In 2011, at about 8 years old, Don Leonardo, affectionately called Leo, arrived at his permanent residence at Redwings. He enjoys grazing in the afternoons, frolicking with his dear friends Pegasus and Coco, and splashing in his water trough on hot days. As his previous owner said in good humor, “he enjoys breaking water pipes and sticks his face in the fountain of water. He’s like Houdini with his lips and can open gates. It’s my only complaint, if I had to call it that”. Redwings’ staff can attest that Leo frequently smacks his lips and splashes his water, but fortunately he has not performed any Houdini acts on the ranch.

For such a young man, with a fickle beginning, Leo has maintained good humor, good looks, and cherishes his good friends. As humans, we hope to take lesson from Leo and his humble adventures: despite all trials and tribulations- have fun, win friends, and influence others.

Thank you, Leo.

Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday April 7

Come to the Lockwood Ranch of Redwings on Saturday, April 7 at 10 am for a free pancake brunch. At Noon - there will be an EASTER EGG HUNT and then at 1 pm there will be a short presentation about welcoming a new pet (or horse!) into your family.

Hope we'll see you!

47240 Lockwood-Jolon Rd.
Lockwood, CA 93932
(831) 386-0135 for questions/directions

April Horse of the Month - HF Skip Badlands "Boomer"

Boomer was born April 10, 1985 on a large breeding farm in Nebraska. Boomer spent nine years of his life as a working member of the ranch staff, teaching children to ride, checking fence lines and exercising young show horses. But even with his good nature and excellent bloodlines, when it came time to reduce the herd size, Boomer was chosen to go to auction. Luckily he was purchased by a broker who sent him to California where he fell into the hands of a Redwings member.

Boomer now lives at the Lockwood Ranch of Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Here his calmness and excellent training make him a great horse for our new volunteers. He is patient as they learn to groom, lead, work on feet - all the basics that every responsible horse person should know.

We are grateful to Boomer for his patience and we are extremely happy to be able to provide him a loving home for the rest of his life. Happy Birthday Boomer!!

March Horse of the Month

Apollo & friend Champ

March is a pivotal month known for the transitional time where winter ends and spring begins. It is traditionally believed that the first few days of March are stormy and volatile, while the month ends mild and warm, hence the saying, “comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb”. Redwings’ black, Andalusian-Arab Gelding, Apollo, has had a similar, unpredictable life before coming to happily live in the sunshine and safety of our sanctuary.
Apollo’s life began in 2003 where he was found at about 6 months old by Animal Control to be severely malnourished, weak, and unable to walk. It was recommended by a vet to put him down. Fortunately, Animal Control went against advice and began feeding him milk cow pellets and hay. He improved, gained weight and strength, but his legs and confirmation suffered from initial lack of nutrition, resulting in him unable to ever be ridden. However, thanks to the devotion, empathy, and affection of true animal lovers, he was taken in by a woman who wanted to give him a forever home of peace and love. He lived a beautiful life with her for 7 years until she became ill and could not care for him any longer. She contacted us asking for assistance, and luckily, we were able to provide Apollo with a forever home.
You can frequently find Apollo frolicking and galloping with his friends Champ and the ponies in the front pasture. They put on quite a show during the afternoons, giving the staff and visitors quite a laugh. He is an excellent example of what the tenacity of animal lovers can provide for those that had a daunting beginning.

Education - our mission!

Over the past month and a half, Redwings has had the pleasure of carrying our message to six classes of second graders at a local school. We are always excited to tell the stories of our equine residents and share with listeners what it takes to be a good and responsible owner.

The six classes were all tremendous groups of active participants with lots of questions. Our hope is that as these children become adults, they will remember that kindness and responsibility is key in being a good owner. We hope they will apply these same qualities in dealing with all creatures on this earth as they become mature citizens.

Introducing our newest residents

Meet Dirty Red (left) and Max (right), the newest members of the Redwings family. As retired Border Patrol horses, their walk down from quarantine to join the herd was what you would expect - dignified, orderly and disciplined - no foolishness from these veterans!

Dirty Red and Max are 14 and 15 years old. They came to us because upon retirement (they could no longer handle the long days of hard climbing in the mountains of Tucson,) the U.S. Government needed to place this "equipment" somewhere. The Border Patrol riders felt strongly they wanted and needed to find the "right" places for their faithful mounts and because our experience suggested they'd have trouble finding homes for the horses with health issues - they chose Dirty Red and Max for us to consider. Both horses have problems that were developed in the line of duty. It is our honor to give these retired veterans the safe forever home they deserve.

Sharing what we know

On February 4, volunteers who have completed a Level I class and at least 40 hours of volunteer work at either our Lockwood Ranch or our satellite location, Ranch Forgotten - were able to take a Level II course.

This course helps students advance in their understanding of handling techniques and health care. Seven willing students partook of this opportunity to share their experiences and to learn alternative methods of working with horses, to make their experiences and the horses' experience equally fulfilling.

We always love having volunteers who can help us with the horses. There are numerous other ways people help too so don't be deterred by distance!

Carrington College visits and helps Redwings

On February 3, 20 students from Carrington College came to Redwings to practice their skill with large animals as they work towards their degrees as Registered Veterinary Technicians. Today the students practiced their skill at getting vitals as this young woman is doing on Lacey. Later in the day, they gave vaccines that our horses require. The students got practice - and our horses received their yearly vaccines - a win, win for everyone! Thank you Carrington College for sharing your great students!

February's Horse of the Month- Miz Scarlett

Happy Valentine ’s Day from Miz Scarlett – who could ever forget Rhett and Scarlett’s love affair in “Gone with the Wind”! We think she’s a perfect choice to celebrate this fun day!

Miz Scarlett’s life wasn’t always looking so happy. Before coming to Redwings, she was living with seven other horses in a situation of extreme neglect. The owners had become old and ill and the horses were the ones who suffered most.

When Animal Services found them, it was too late to save one of the herd. But the others were taken to a safe place and rehabilitated. Five of the seven were young enough to be rehomed but Miz Scarlett and another mare were not as adoptable – so Redwings was called.

Here Miz Scarlett is given all she needs and thensome – including love. May this Valentine’s Day be filled with good thoughts and actions of love toward all of our animal friends.