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 feedlot waiting for the next truck….and an unimaginable and brutal death. Meanwhile, behind the scenes a rescue colleague and friend frantically raced the clock…and truck..to raise bail and find homes for the very high risk mothers. A terrified and wounded Scarlett came to the safety of  our embrace on Valentines Day 2011. She was feral, untouchable and absolutely fighting not to drop her foal. Cupid wasn’t born until March 31st, he was very large from being so overdue and as a result very contracted. Team Cupid, quickly formed with Dr. Jenn Winnick leading the charge with IV Oxytetracycline which had to be administered with the foal laying down and Susan and Kimberly holding him while a feral and protective Scarlett stood over them. During the next 6 months, with Vet Jenn making often daily trips, and Kimberly driving out after her 12 hour day to gentle and halter train a foal, without the advantage of being able to use his protective and untouchable mother to help teach him. It has been a year, and our baby who now has straight and strong legs, thanks to immediate veterinary care and 12 months of pasture has come home…to the ranch that the horses own. Kimberly will finish what she started, and our baby blue roan colt will complete his gentling and ground work, and will go back to pasture for another 6 months. As for Scarlett…we figure the best gift for her, is to continue the promise that she made…her son will be safe…forever. We promise.