Spring has sprung…or at least it is making a very strong effort. Our orchard is prematurely boasting new buds, the air is full of the promise of the fragrance of blooming flowers yet to come, and new life is starting to make an appearance by way of birds trumpeting the joy of the arrival of a nest full of chirping youngsters and new little bunnies invading our freshly planted flower beds. As for Red Bucket, we are tenderly linking our arms…and our hearts while we prepare for the birth of our three new little foals. Marlee, Darla, and Darcy, our malnourished, neglected and abused feral mares recently saved from slaughter are showing telltale signs that the new birthdays are not as far into the future as we may like. While these three new mothers may have been robbed of the joy and blissful innocence of their pregnancies and deprived of every shred of dignity, we are slowly building their trust by way of our consistency, compassion, and kindness. We are channeling our outrage for the abuse and indignity that they suffered into gentle words and a positive energy that we hope will permeate the rightfully defensive amour of our beautiful mothers to be. Marlee, Darla, and Darcy will themselves soon bloom with heath, live in peace, and nurture their babies….babies who will never know the torment, fear and unspeakable abuse that their mother survived. We will keep you posted, and thank you for supporting our meaningful work. We are grateful.