The Feedlot. The term is something of a misnomer. Yes, it is a place where animals are fed. But that doesn’t tell the full story. It is a grim place, a last stop for multitudes of horses and other animals, before they go to slaughter.

It is also a frightening place for the horse. Many arrive there injured, others are sick, and all are stressed. And, as difficult it is to believe or understand, many, way too many, are also lovely animals, family pets, really; they are sound, trained and have calm temperaments, but were shipped straight to the feedlot from their family homes because their owners could not or would not care for them any longer. One thing is certain; once at the feedlot all these horses must endure the anxiety of feeling threatened by everything in their surroundings, and of being dismissed and alone.

After arrival at the feedlot, slaughter-­‐bound horses have little time to be purchased before they are shipped to slaughter. There is a small group of very concerned equine welfare advocates who do their best to try to identify sound, family, healthy young horses. There are a small number of horses that we can save. The problem is there are so many horses to save. Tragically, 92.3% of all horses going to slaughter are healthy, sound, trained horses, “good horses.” Red Bucket is part of the network that tries to offer refuge and safety and to do our small part to contribute to a much bigger solution.

At the Feedlot our rescue colleague and friend, Shirley, found a lovely horse. She sent his photo to Red Bucket with a short description: 1250 lbs., broke and sound. We said “yes” quickly. Horses are sold by the pound. Once we find the horse, we have to raise bail to get the horse out. There are a lot of moving parts to feedlot rescue. Once we raise bail, we need to get a coggins test, health certificate, arrange for transportation, and all horses coming out of a feedlot need to be quarantined. After 30 days in quarantine, it was time for Banjo to come home to Red Bucket Equine Rescue.

Back in Chino Hills, Susan and Team waited anxiously for Banjo all day. The last 24 hours had been extra busy; four new rescues, each of them lovely, trained and sound with sweet temperaments, had previously come in from the feedlot. Finally, with anticipation building, the horse trailer pulled up. As the gate opened, expectations were for a huge gelding to romp down the ramp. But instead, out came Banjo, a darling, darling mustang!

We know that Banjo had been on a Dude ranch in Nevada. He was trained and sound, and unfortunately was head shy to the point of being terrified of the slightest movement near his head, most likely a result of being beaten in the face. He slowly settled in to his new home at Red Bucket.

It was about this time that Cristen visited Red Bucket at its annual September Open House. Cristen, a lifelong horsewoman, was curious about the organization. During the tour of Red Bucket, Cristen met Banjo and was instantly enamored of his “shy, sensitive personality.” Cristen is a huge fan of mustangs for their smarts, sure-­‐footedness, and as she describes it, their “playful stubbornness.” She immediately committed to sponsor Banjo for one year.

Several months went by and the loving, gentle hands of Red Bucket worked their magic, helping Banjo regain his trust in humans. He no longer recoiled from human touch, but nickered happily while accepting treats. His training on trail was successfully completed and he was ready to adopt. That was all Cristen needed to hear! Now under Cristen’s loving care, Banjo is “besties” with her dad’s mustang in Southern California. Banjo “gets to be a mustang,” exhibiting his fun personality in lots of turn outs and on trail. Plus, he’s in full dressage training, pretty spectacular stuff for a darling guy who was headed to slaughter.