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!!