Welcome Baby Hoogs

It felt like a really long wait.

Last night about 5pm Lacy, one of the Belgin PMU mares Lifesavers took in earlier this year, decided to finally give birth.

Hoogs is a bouncing baby boy. Hoogs is huge as a matter of fact. Mom is doing great and baby Hoogs is learning the ropes and trying to find his balance on his hind legs.

Lacy must be relieved, she was beginning to look so uncomfortable. Good news is, Lacy will never have to give birth again. Her career as a baby factory has officially ended. She can enjoy raising little Hoogs and then her new life as a riding or driving horse can begin.

When ready, both these beautiful animals will be available for adoption.

Volunteer of the Month

Leslie is just a fireball. There is no other way to say it.

Leslie arrives at the ranch every morning around 7:30am, works a few hours cleaning and filling waters, sweeping the visitor center and cleaning anything and everything she can find. Then she goes to work. You know a real job. THEN returns in the afternoon to do whatever is needed for the staff or the horses.

Leslie's energy seems to be everlasting and NEVER diminishing. She ALWAYS has a smile on her face and is enthusiastic about everything. What a truly inspiring woman she is.

Leslie came to us looking for a new equine partner. She found her partner in Suki, a 7 year old arab cross. Leslie's dedication to Lifesavers, to Suki and to her passion to learn everything she can makes her a joy to have here at the ranch.

Leslie was a much appreicated helper for last month's Wild Horse Boot Camp. Working hard to keep Angi and I hydrated, things organized and cleaned up and come Saturday evening for the BBQ, yep, Leslie was there setting up of the food so the rest of us could have a wonderful evening.

Leslie, you truly are appreciated and we all feel so blessed that you found us here at Lifesavers.

Thank you for all your hard work!!

Wonderful Wild Horse Boot Camp

Last week was Spring 2008's Wild Horse Boot Camp. We had a fantastic group of participants and very interesting horses selected for the four day workshop.

Each wild horse was very different from the next which was an excellent opportunity for our participants to experience varied wild horse personalities.

It is truly an honor when these horses give you their trust, heart and soul, and each one of the horses offered us more than we could have dreamed.

Saturday night everyone stayed for a potluck BBQ. The fun and fellowship was priceless and it was truly great to get to know everyone a little bit better.

Jeremy Dunn and his family came out for the evening festivities and brought Ojos out for some wild horse inspiration. It is absolutely inspiring to see the deep connection Ojos and Jeremy share.

We would like to thank all of the volunteers that helped keep things running smoothly, in particular Leslie who was available for our every need. We also want to thank our participants. Each one of you was a joy to work with and a pleasure to get to know.

This Wild Horse Boot Camp was four days of education and fabulous fun. Thanks to all that shared it with us!

Quartz Hill 4-Her's Enjoy a Workshop

Saturday, April 19th, Lifesavers hosted the Quartz Hill 4-Her's for a day of fun and education.

They all came with their horses in tow eager to learn and have a fun day. Even some of the parents joined in and it was a blast.

What a delightful group of youth with some truly wonderful equine partners.

We started the morning with some basic ground skills.

And ended the afternoon playing games and learning how to make things more fun for the horses.

Thank you Quartz Hill 4-Her's for a great day we hope to see you back again.

On the Wings of Wild Horses & The Body Shop

May 17th & 18th Lifesavers is hosting a special workshop for women who love horses!

On the Wings of Wild Horses, a clinic for women taught by women, will celebrate the journey and bond between horses and women. For more information please visit, http://www.wildhorserescue.org/owwh.htm

Ladies, we will also be pampering ourselves Saturday after the clinic thanks to the Body Shop.

After all day of immersing yourself in to the heart of your horse, enjoy what you deserve, first rate pampering. We will be kicking off our boots to soak our feet and indulge in the famous, world renown, The Body Shop Spa products.
Energy will be restored as we laugh and talk about our day, feet and mind will be refreshed as we are whisked away in a spa experience.

Making a purchase will also Make a Difference. The Body Shop Consultant, Romina Avery will gladly donate all proceeds from the evening to Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue. If you are unable to make it to the event, and would still like to make a purchase and a difference, contact Romina at 661-726-4612, and proceeds will still go to Lifesavers. Visit her website for more information at, www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/romina

Thank you Romina for your generosity!

Don't delay, sign up for this fantastic weekend. Indulge your mind, body and spirit! Participation is limited so call Chris (661) 727-1205

Spring 2008 Wild Horse Boot Camp

Wild Horse Boot Camp, 4 days of hands on wild horse gentling is scheduled for this month. April 24th thru the 27th.

Taught by Extreme Mustang Makeover finalist, Jeremy Dunn, and EMMO participant Angi Keitel, and Lifesavers clinician Chris Vilmer.

This clinic, offered only once per year, is an incredible experience for the seasoned horse handler to the complete novice. Clinians will guide you through the gentling process, teaching how to effectively read, communicate and build a relationship with a wild horse.

There are still a few spots left, contact Chris for more information (661) 727-1205

Maryanne and her Plain Brown Wrapper

Maryanne ventured out to Lifesavers for the first time last December for the Grand Opening of the Wild Horse Gift and Thrift and Caroling to the Coyotes event.

When touring the facilities she notice a pen with four little Virginia City fillies in it. Birtie the flashy roan, Arizona, the beautiful buckskin, Sudzy, the fancy sorrel with the flaxen mane and tail, but through the flash, Maryanne saw the heart of the little bay filly, Honesty.



Maryanne knew great things come in "plain brown wrappers"! She has spent the last few months volunteering, taking clinics and developing a relationship with Honesty.


Honesty has come along wonderfully and is haltering, tying, standing for the farrier, and trailer loading, and is ready for her new home.




Congratulations to Maryanne and Honesty!


Maryanne, plans on bringing Honesty back in July to compete in the Dancing with Hooves competition. It will be great to see how their partnership has grown.

Thanks to Sierra Film Works

Earlier this month Ryan Mercik, owner of Sierra Film Works spent two days with us at Lifesavers filming our facilities for an informational DVD.

We had a fantastic time with Ryan and her young helper Rickie, sharing our horses, facilities and mission.

Ryan's heart is huge and it was a pleasure to spend time with her.

Thank you Ryan for your dedication and your valuable time. Thanks for braving the high winds and getting great footage for us. Your the best!

Leslie and Suki

I am thrilled to tell everyone that Suki, has a sponsor. Leslie was looking for just the right horse and we certainly believe Suki is a match.

Leslie is excited to spend her sponsorship volunteering and working with Suki and Lifesavers intern Marty on developing a partnership before Suki heads home. Leslie was excited to see the connection and warmth between Suki and Marty and wants to develop the same with Marty's mentorship.

This is what the sponsorship program is all about, setting yourself up for success. Leslie is well on her way to doing that.

Leslie and Suki have already hit it off famously and I am pretty sure it was love at first sight for them both.

Congratulations to you both!!!

Goose Gets a Great Gift

In an earlier post on this Blog we shared with you the story of Goose, a BLM gelding that suffered horrific abuse.

Yesterday, Lifesavers was able to give Goose the greatest gift we could have offered him. Goose was released at the Born to Be Wild Horse Sanctuary. Goose will spend the rest of his life living in this beautiful natural habitat for wild horses.

We are desperately trying to raise funds to expand this habitat so that others like Goose, so deserving of their freedom, can be released. For more information on the Born to be Wild Horse Sanctuary, please visit our website at http://www.wildhorserescue.org/

Goose being loaded into the trailer at the Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue facility in Lancaster.

Leaving for his two hour journey to the Sanctuary.

Jill Starr releasing Goose from the trailer.

Exploring his new surroundings.

Meeting new friends.

This is the greatest gift we can offer these horses that have such a sad history. Goose will enjoy his freedom and we will be honored with watching him live a happy, safe, and healthy life.

March Volunteer of the Month

Roughly a year and a half ago Karen moved to the High Desert from Georgia. She came across our website and headed out to our facility for a tour. She knew then that someday she wanted to volunteer and eventually adopt a horse or two from us.

Well that day has come. Last fall Karen began volunteering about once a week. She is always eager to do whatever needs to be done. As a new volunteer she immediately stepped up to the plate and offered to sell raffle tickets at last falls Equine Health and Safety Fair.

Karen ALWAYS has a smile on her face and is a pleasure to have around.

It wasn't long before Karen fell in love with a little horse named Jamaica. A youngster who will give her many years of joy and partnership. Her husband Rob, captured Shania's heart. That's right, Shania chose him! Who can say no to that? March first they will begin their sponsorship of these two wonderful horses and in June will welcome them into their homes.

Karen we are so grateful to have your friendship. We appreciate your dedication to the facility and the horses.

Thank you!

On the Wings of Wild Horses

May 17th & 18th, Lifesavers will be offering an exciting opportunity.


"On the Wings of Wild Horses" a journey into self-awareness & improved horse*woman*ship.

A workshop by women, for women.


Join us for two days of Horse*woman*ship and equine assisted growth and learning activites.


Equine Assisted Growth and Learning - Activities to build your leadership skills, promote self awareness and develop strategies for a positive path.


Horse*woman*ship - It takes wit and intelligence, not brute strength. Use horse psychology to deepen your relationship and connection with your horse. Develop effective leadership skills through productive ground work, creating the partnership of a lifetime.

Pamper yourself with a weekend just for women. Benefit from horse*woman*ship lessons that will carry over into every aspect in your life, including personal relationships, career goals, self-perception, and communication skills. Immerse yourself in the healing power and joy these incredible horses offer us.


Workshop led by Chris Vilmer and Lisa Kincaid. Fee: $200.00, lunch included. Space is limited; deposit required at time of registration.


Contact Chris for registration information (661) 727-1205 info@wildhorserescue.org

Lifesavers New Arrivals - PMU Mares from Canada

Tuesday, February 12, 2008 Lifesavers received some new arrivals. They are beautiful PMU mares from Canada. They have probably lived a pretty dismal previous life. Standing in small, narrow stalls having their urine collected.

The mares are pretty quiet after their long trip. They are curious about us, but are not letting us touch them just yet.

With the frigid temperatures in Canada this time of year, it is nearly 70 degrees warmer here in the Mojave Desert. For now, we will just let them settle in, acclimate to the drastic change in temperature, and be confident about their new environment.

All four mares are in foal and will have babies at their sides soon. Once weaned, and basic ground schooling work is completed, mom's and foals will be available for adoption.

What a fabulous looking team these two would make!

An Adoption Story (Jennifer and Mercedes)

by Jenniger Higa

I first learned of Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue through an announcement in a local magazine that there was to be an Open House in Spring of 2007. I had always been intrigued by mustangs and my husband agreed to go with me to the event. We had a great day watching training demos and received a complete tour of the rescue facilities. The horses were obviously well taken care of and we left knowing that these horses were in compentent hands.

Later that summer, my husband surprised me by saying, " you can get a new horse!" I knew just were to look. I went straight to Lifesavers website. Pouring over the horses available for adoption, I was immediately attracted to a mare named Mercedes.

We made an appointment and drove out to see her. Rob, Lifesavers trainer rode her and put her through the paces. She was wonderful. Chris, Lifesavers clinician and VP, took Mercedes and I up to the arena to play with the obstacles and get to know eachother. It was love at first sight.

The rest is history! I committed to sponsoring Mercedes for 3 months. During that time we had the expert mentorship of Chris, Rob and Lisa, outstanding mustang gentlers and handlers. Mercedes and I participated in several of the educational clinics offered at Lifesavers which jump started our relationship and taught me a lot about my new girl before we headed home together.

Waiting 3 months to take her home was really tough but absolutely paid off and I now believe the sponsorship program is a wonderful way to adopt a new horse.

Now that Mercedes is home with me, I get so many compliments on her. Many on her appearance, but most on the softness and gentleness of her expression. She is so alert to her surroundings, yet she is very calm at the same time. I love to tell people to consider adopting a mustang. Especially one from Lifesavers.

Thank you Lifesavers for a wonderful experience, but most of all, thank you for Mercedes!