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.