Two chances are better than one! How well our gorgeous boy Elwell

understands this…having been rescued twice in his short lifetime…

Meet beautiful Elwell, our black Welch pony and Quarter Horse mix.

What immediately comes to mind upon seeing him for the first time is

his stunning looks! Our Elwell is coal black with liquid chocolate eyes

and a soft, inquisitive expression.

Unfortunately, like many rescued animals, Elwell came to us after

unsuccessfully being rescued. His first adoption was not meant to

be. He was not able to receive the attention, care and handling that a

young horse needs to thrive. Elwell became known for jumping out of

his five foot high pasture. A fellow rescuer said, “That horse needs to

go to Red Bucket. They’ll know what to do with him.”

He arrived at the Ranch as a 3-year old stallion, more fearful than

dominant. It was obvious he had suffered abuse and neglect. Elwell

was gelded right away and then began his healing process here at

the Ranch.

Within days of his arrival, Elwell began his transformation. He adores

attention, and with patience, persistence and plenty of Red Bucket

“Love,” his trust issues are gradually dissipating. Volunteer Jenon

Mathes has recently taken over the ground-work training of Elwell,

and they have already formed a very close-knit bond. “We are

teaching him that not all humans are bad,” says Jenon. “Everything

we do with Elwell is in a positive light; it’s a win, win situation where

he feels a place of acceptance from us,” she says.

Elwell is kind and intelligent, although a bit guarded. It has taken

consistency with hand walking, introductions to new areas inside and

outside of the Ranch, meeting new people and lots of praise (along

with special treats!) to help Elwell in his amazing journey toward

restoration. He is incredibly intuitive and curious, wanting to explore

things outside his comfort zone, but with a trusted human companion

by his side.

Volunteer Susanna Woeste sums Elwell up as, “a gorgeous and

sweet tempered little guy who enjoys his daily grooming time

immensely!” She says, “He loves carrots and to nuzzle while being

groomed.”

With the patient hand of loving volunteers at Red Bucket, Elwell again

is enjoying a wonderful connection with people. His trust is coming

back daily. Jenon has done wonders with him in just a very short

time, and soon he will be ready to be put under saddle! That is a day

the volunteers are looking forward to as all feel Elwell will be strikingly

beautiful when ridden again. Second chances truly are a blessing in

disguise for our special boy!

Written by: Johanna Downs