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.