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.

THANK YOU from Mora!!!

Today - thanks to all of you who have sent your heartfelt wishes and donations - there is enough money for us to schedule the surgery Mora needs to have a more comfortable and normal life. Many thanks and stay tuned for updates on our sweet little girl's progress.