“Discarded” – The story of Champ the Winery pony!
“Champ’s” story starts out at a winery in San Miguel, California. Champ is a small pony-sized bay Arabian gelding. He is at least 30 years old. He lived next to the winery alone. He had an owner nearby who fed him occasionally, but did not care or provide for him.
One day the winery decided that they needed the land that Champ lived on to build a new tasting room and Champ had to go. If he didn’t find a new home immediately he would have to be destroyed. A nearby horse owner, a kind lady, knew of Champ and his predicament. His owner told the lady that if she didn’t find him a home he would give him away as dog food!
Champ deserved better than a trip to the slaughterhouse. He was sweet and well-behaved. The kind lady took Champ to save him from this fate. She paid for him to be boarded at a local stable temporarily and then contacted Redwings for help. With five horses already in her care, she could not afford another horse - could Redwings possibly help this little guy and provide him with a permanent, safe home?
Who would take in a 30 year-old pony that had no other options?
Redwings agreed that Champ deserved to live out the rest of his days with other companion horses, at a place where he could be safe, cared-for and well-fed. So Champ came to his last home at Redwings in Lockwood. We wished we knew more of his past life. Was he a child’s first show pony? Was he loved and cared-for at one time?
On arrival at Redwings Champ received a full medical evaluation and was started on the road to re-gaining his weight. His feet were looked at by our farrier and his health was checked by our veterinarian. He found a place in our pastures for the rest of his life. His initial care required over $2000!
We are thankful to all of our generous donors who have provided Redwings with the means to make a difference in the life of a pony like Champ.
We can only help so many horses and we are entirely dependant on the generosity of our supporters. Every horse deserves to be loved and cared-for and Champ deserved a happy-ending to his life. If you would like to help Redwings care for more horses like Champ, please support us with your generous donation. Even the smallest amount can help.
Please return the enclosed envelope with your donation today. We thank you and Champ thanks you.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The New Guy in Lockwood
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Ranch Forgotten March's Open House
Redwings Horse Sanctuary kicked off the new season with their first open house at Ranch Forgotten. After many days of rain, the horses, Ali, High Tide, Lover Boy and Snap were basking in the afternoon sun and occasionally going for a roll in the very muddy pasture. The volunteers were greeted by Michelle Beagle, Redwings President, and Roz Bailey, Redwings Vice President. Refreshments and tasty goodies were served by Dorothy Beagle and the horses had some treats as well.
It was also a pleasure to see devoted Redwings advocates; Leora and Lee Worthington pay a visit. We also caught up with volunteer, Karen Hallstein, who drives all the way from Cupertino for her weekly "horse fix". And many thanks as always to Ed Mitchell for allowing us to use his beautiful Ranch Forgotten as a forever home for the horses over the years. We hope to see many of you at the upcoming Redwings Open House at the main ranch in Lockwood, California. In the meantime, look at the pictures in our website's photo gallery.
Hooves up!
Lori
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Even on Rainy Days
A rainy day doesn't stop our cleaning faces and training others. Check out Jorge with his hands in his pockets. Seriously though, he was soaking things up like a sponge. Good to have extra volunteers down to clean all the mud off. Lacey has had her eyelids so scarred by sunburn that she has to have her tear ducts flushed regularly. She also needs the tears that spill over her eyelids cleaned up on a daily basis. We love our horses.
Michelle
Friday, January 29, 2010
Farwell to Fanny
One of the early rescued creatures of Redwings Horse Sanctuary left us today. Fanny a lovely dark brown burro was originally snatched from the jaws of death at a local auction. The "buying" crowd were often buying animals to take to slaughter to gain just a bit more money than they paid for them. She and another burro Pal had been good friends. He had been a donkey rescued from the same auction house.
The representative that purchased Pal and Fanny came back with a story of having heard that they make "good donkey jerky". These two spent many years together in Carmel, until Pal had problems with his feet and body that led to our humanely euthanizing him. Fanny was introduced to the large wild burro herd soon after, and fit in very well. She was a real "in charge" sort of burro. She reigned as a leader in the herd for quite some time. Fanny was one of the burros that always loved human interaction. She helped teach many a visitor or volunteer that Burros have a great love for people if they aren't afraid.
In her later years, she developed cushing's disease, and more recently hoof problems that affected her quality of life. Today, Fanny left us and is surely off to greet her long lost Pal, and her herd mates Daisy and Belle. She passed peacefully and greedily chomped down a huge pound of carrots and equine senior in the warm sun.
Bye bye Fanny.
Chocolate Born Early 1999, Passed 1/13/2010
Wild Horse Rescued in 2000 from the Pryor Mountain herds bought from BLM auctions.
Chocolate was one of many wild horses from an over 100 horse rescue. Many organizations teamed up to help Chocolate’s herd. His body condition was skeletal, as were his many stunted yearling herd members. Redwings took the worst cases, as no one wanted them. We knew we could get them through recovery. We did with 100% success, all 21. Starvation and heavy worm burdens took toll on the herd. The board of Redwings Horse Sanctuary decided we would keep this herd together, and cherish their wild nature. These horses are a true link to the “music and dance” of body language and communication with equines. Chocolate was one of the less likely to allow people to handle him. Those who did get to touch him felt very special indeed.
Without Redwings, Chocolate would have surely died or been sent to auction leading to slaughter. We were blessed to enjoy 9 years with him. We’ll miss one of our favorites. One of the magical connections to North American history has moved on to meet up with old herd members running free in the stars.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays to everyone, and thanks from the horses staff and volunteers at Redwings.
One of our dear supporters, Leora, made this lovely greeting and we thought we'd share it. The horse is Alisage, who has enjoyed many many Holiday seasons since she was rescued from slaughter.
Have a fantastic new year.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Three Severely Neglected Horses Rescued
SPCA for Monterey County have rescued three severely emaciated horses abandoned in a pasture in Salinas, California, and have offered a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. These three horses are under emergency veterinary care. You can help them by donating to SPCA for Monterey County [click here to donate].
