Yesterday, we were able to set up the round pens that will help us round up and transport horses and start gelding the boys. We have received a lot of inquiries about these horses. We will respond to everyone as soon as we are able to, but here is what we know.
The horses are unhandled, not wild or feral. You can walk right up to them. Most will move off, but they d not run away. Quite a few are just curious and will reach over to smell you. One mare will touch you. These are sensible, calm horses that just need time and groceries. There are about 20 stallions and colts, but only a few breeding boss stallions. The younger boys are in non-breeding groups together and do not show any stallion characteristics. They will make nice geldings- they are not studdish at all. The average age in this stallion group is about 4yo, with some older, some younger. The nice looking Appy in the photo is “Patrick” and he is about 5yo. He’ make a real showstopper horse buddy. There are many blanketed and roan Appaloosas and some are in better condition than others. We will be gelding a of them.
Many of the mares are pregnant or exposed. We are trying to move these out immediately because the fescue grass is causing them huge problems and the mortality rate of the mares and foals is high. At least two of them are definitely not bred, and that includes the very friendly “Patrice.”
Because these horses do not lead or halter, we are having to use the old “squeeze play” to get them into the trailer. This is the safest way we know for both horses and people. The pictures show how this works. We entice the horses into a corral with feed, which is also open to a stock trailer. We then start removing panels, making the corral smaller and smaller, gently pressing the horses into the trailer. Eventually, we jus squeeze them in. Cora (who needed immediate treatment for an eye condition) and Ruby (who just lost he foal) were taken to Traveller’s Rest, where they will start their new lives.
All of this takes many hands! Yesterday, we were grateful to have the assistance of the folks at Traveller’s Rest, Andrea from ERL and Meredith Barlow from Equidentistry, in addition to Chyna Hudson who has been so instrumental in coordinating this effort. I know I have left some individuals out, but we deeply appreciate your assistance, nonetheless.
All of these horses are going to need veterinary care. The boys will need gelding, they all need vaccination and Coggins testing and the mares will need special care. Some of the foals will be orphaned because the fescue is causing some mothers not to lactate. All of the horses need worming badly. We need gas money to help the volunteer transporters get them home.
If you have every considered donating to an equine rescue, now would be an excellent time to do so. The costs associated with this operation will be very high and we need your help to get these horses to safety and to take care of their medical needs. If yo can find it in your heart to help them (especially you Appaloosa folks, who are our peeps!) please do so, by using the PayPal button on the site. Your support matters more to us than you know.