To the uninformed person, this photo might appear uninspired and certainly less than remarkable, but of course, they would not have the benefit of the truth beneath the mask. Darla is feral, Red Bucket rescued her with with 12 other pregnant feral mares. While it was not possible to put a halter on her (and frankly no one cared to, … Read More
The New Life Adventures of Mr. Rogers:
Equine, are of course prey animals. They are likely only to REALLY lay down, truly rest, and completely close both eyes….if they feel safe. There are the little milestones of our work, that truly mark the importance of the impact of our daily actions and the slow, and sometimes painful, transition from victim….to truly safe. It is often the enrichment … Read More
Welcome to your new life, Mr. Rogers!
There are small triumphs that indicate our previously abused equines are turning the corner and beginning to hope…live….and trust. They are small but promising moments that are peppered with a curious glance, an unexpected nicker, or a movement toward us….rather than a retreating step. Mr. Rogers has taken his time deciding that his new life is real, and not just a … Read More
Fenton Feeling Better
We are all breathing a big sigh of relief. Fenton, our slightly opinionated, benevolent, and ultra affectionate mule (puhleeze…do not call him a donkey) is feeling better after a very scary and worrisome bout with colic…the kind of coli…c that kept us not only up all night, but also white knuckling it all weekend. Fenton is back to enjoying his … Read More
Grooming away the layers
We continue to be deeply touched by the reciprocal nature of the horse, and how tenderly they can care for one another. While we have slowly begun the daunting task of desensitizing our feral mothers-to-be and ever so patiently started to lay the subterranean foundation of trust, it has not been quick enough to curry away the itchy rain rot … Read More
Galway and Deaglan
They are both branded Hanoverians, they had been owned by the same owner…who self-reports to be a great lover of Hanoverians, they were both dumped at slaughter…by that very owner when she was “done” with them. We don’t think they they are “done” at all, and while Galway will never have a rider on his back again, and we are still … Read More
Beginning to Exhale
Our lovely pregnant and very feral mares are finally demonstrating to us that they are beginning to exhale…just a little bit. What is clear, is that they are counting on being fed and they no longer seem surprised that our movements are slow and our voices are soft. While Lauren is teaching Darcy to lead within the carefully closed doors … Read More
Baby Watch 2014
We are taking baby steps….awaiting the first steps of our new babies, and the first moments of our their little lives. Our preparations are not what new “parents” dream of, our cameras are set to protect rather than capture, our moments are tense rather than anticipatory, and we hope for just a little more time…rather than hope for the impending … Read More
March 2014 Horse Highlight: Roxy
Adorable, kind-hearted, super-cute and completely charming! Meet this month’s sweetheart of a mare, Roxy! She is as winsome in personality as she is vibrant in color, an Appaloosa POA with an amazing disposition and a willing heart. It is impossible to comprehend that this sweet and beautiful horse was found wandering the streets of Riverside. She had been cruelly abandoned, … Read More
Sometimes it is the little things
With great regularity, I sit across from my clients (during my “other” day job) and counsel them to stop taking business so personally. Business is business; it is not personal. Frequently, I facilitate helping my clients with defining the mission and vision of their organizations. In these cases, I do everything possible to help my clients out of their left brain … Read More