Many of our friends expressed shock, outrage….complete indignation when we posted photos of Jess and Isabella last September. We all experienced a visceral pain when we looked at their starvation wracked bodies, hollow eyes and hide stretched taught over their fragile frames. What was perhaps most unforgivable, was that they had been intentionally starved. When Riverside Animal Control asked for … Read More
Shields
The late night email from a rescue colleague and dear friend caught us entirely off guard. There were several family horses shipping to slaughter the following day…beautifully bred, trained and lovely animals…sound with gentle temperaments, could we help? We still can’t understand how these horses…family pets could end up in such a horrifying situation. Of course we said we would … Read More
Scarlett’s Story
Perhaps the story is best saved for Mother’s Day….but from the very beginning, Scarlett showed herself to be a remarkable mother. We can’t begin to imagine the fear and panic that she experienced, or her heroics in willing herself not to drop her foal until she knew that it would be safe. Although she would not allow us to ever touch … Read More
Cupid aka”Batman” Update
It is unthinkable. A breeder ” liquidated ” his herd. 57 very pregnant Foundation Quarter horse mares were being sent to slaughter. Because the mares were so big, they didn’t all fit on the truck. 50 shipped, half headed to Mexico, the other half to Canada. The seven remaining mares, heavy with foal, were left in the filthy and stressful … Read More
Blood is Thicker than Water
Blood is definitely thicker than water….especially if you are Irish, or in this case Irish an Thoroughbred! Our beautifully bred Irish sisters, Delilah, Juliette, Shasta and Priscilla enjoy their enrichment time in our big back arena. While these girls have plenty of room to spread out, the don’t…even wen they are running or playing. Separated for over two years, these girls can’t … Read More
Brinker’s New Trick
Every Red Bucket Horse…..every day, is groomed, hoof picked, loved on extensively, exercised, and receives enrichment. Sometimes the enrichment occurs napping in the sunny corner of Kimberly’s arena, often it is a lengthy turn out with a small ” herd “, many times it comes attached to a grazing toy. For Brinker, outside of practicing his numerous tricks, or going on a … Read More
Elliot Is Now A Gelding!
Elliot, who is perhaps the most adorable…and affectionate donkey on the planet is adjusting ( slowly ) to life as a gelding. He is accepting visitors, small snacks, lots of pats, and loooong ear scratches. Elliot definitely enjoys attention, and during his two week recovery period from his gelding, will reside in the gelding barn with Spiceman, Dalton and Robin. Hard … Read More
Saying Goodbye to Basken
We recently had a conversation (which felt more like a debate ) with an individual who was asserting, with a heavy dose of arrogance that we wouldn’t find a better home for one of our horses, then we would with him. Our response was, we already have…50 of them. Basken was one of those lucky 50, adopted into a loving … Read More
Red Bucket Update- Austin
We sure love a happy ending….but just when you think the story is over, it just gets better. We still get visitors who request a meeting with Austin….who is such a big personality that a single name just wasn’t enough, that we dubbed him Austin Powers Sport The Third. He was also affectionately called ” Cookie Monster ” , due … Read More
Lulu’s recovery from a wicked virus
We are horse savers, servant leaders….care givers. This last week we let out a slow exhale. Our little appy Lulu has recovered from a wicked virus. For four days, nearly around the clock, we cared for her, giving her medicine, syringing liquids and monitoring her temperature. She was top of mind and every hour she was checked, caressed and coaxed with every trick … Read More