They are best friends, paddock mates, “Bro’s.” One is a mini horse stallion that was scheduled to be euthanized, and the other, a matted and severely neglected donkey accustomed to isolation. Thunder Pants (in case you were wondering who was the stallion) and Bruce came into each other’s worlds by chance, but it was their bond that has kept them together. Extreme victims of circumstances, the two were brought into Red Bucket Equine Rescue for rehabilitation with the intention of being matched with a forever home. Bruce, the loving and affectionate donkey who may not be the most handsome, and Thunder Pants, a Labrador-sized mini horse, had developed a “bromance” that rivaled the most humorous. Even being separated for a short time during feeding (because of Bruce’s appetite and ability to eat all of his food and that of some of his buddies) would produce cries of frustration only a donkey can muster. They became good friends despite their differences.

When Louise Tenhoff came to Red Bucket searching for a reliable rescue horse for her daughter, she immediately fell in love with Thunder Pants. Although initially set on adopting only him, Red Bucket approached Louise with the prospect of allowing Bruce to join his best friend. After some discussion, Red Bucket used math to press their case, explaining that an average horse weighs about 1000 lbs, but with Thunder Pants topping a whopping 250 lbs plus Bruce at 450 lbs, the total combined weight was only 750 lbs, much less than an average horse. Convinced, Louise was able to welcome the two into her home as new members of the family.

With a welcomed change of fortune from when Red Bucket had first rescued the two, Bruce and Thunder Pants found a forever home with Louise, who loves them. She even had a paddock custom built for two, with a water trough made to fit a mini horse. A bit reminiscent of a bachelor pad, Thunder Pants (who was gelded prior to adoption) is able to call out to mares that pass by. Jumping up and down like a Jack Russell Terrier trying to get a better view, he is not shy about who he likes. Then there is Bruce, who is lovely and easy to care for, and who enjoys just hanging out and eating.

It inspires us to know that Red Bucket made two successful matches with this happy ending. One match occurred as Bruce and Thunder Pants bonded during their time at the ranch, and the second match with Louise, who was able to bring them to their forever home. We know that while they have been horribly neglected before, their amazing home will provide stability and love, something we hope to find for all of our horses.