Happy Thanksgiving.....Thanks for Giving

There is so much for all of us here at Lifesavers to be thankful for. 2009 has been an incredible year of rescues, education and growth.

In May of this year we had a spectacular Wild Horse Boot Camp. This annual workshop is an intensive 4 days of hands on wild horse gentling and it is always amazing to watch the transformation of not only the horses but the people as well. Wild Horse Boot Camp is always a highlight of the year for Happy Chicks, Angi Keitel and Chris Vilmer.

Lifesavers had the honor of hosting Rick Allen, drummer for Def Leppard and his wife Lauren Monroe, founders of the Raven Drum Foundation for a wild horse gentling session. These amazing people do incredible work with their foundation for wounded warriors and are interested in joining with Lifesavers and our wild horses to heal the souls and hearts of our men and women as well as their families that fight for our freedom. We are thrilled to be supporting our community in this way.

Red Horse Nation brought us a group of urban native american youth for a day of wild horse gentling. At the end of this amazing day the children and their mentors gathered in the 20 acre pasture of wild horses for a drum circle. Chills still run through all of us blessed enough to witness the experience. The horses and those children...connecting through the rythum of the drum, the voice of their chanting....horses, kids and mentors all coming together and connecting. Heartwarming, thrilling and healing.

Happy Horse Academy continues to grow and expand as do the Happy Chicks. Both Happy Chicks have had an amazing year of growth in their natural horsmanship thanks to the horses. They are the true teachers! Chris and Angi also compteted in the Extreme Mustang Makeover this year. Sharing the love, joy, and potential of the American Mustang with the rest of the country was an honor. The experience in Fort Worth, Texas is not something either Happy Chick will soon forget!

We are constantly touched by the people who participate in our clinics, eager to learn and be the best they can be for their horses. We enjoy meeting new horses, new people and new opportunities to reach out, teach and learn all at the same time.

Our 4th Annual Equine Health and Safety Fair was a wonderful success. This year we expanded it to two days for the first time and we couldn't have been more pleased with the results. We were thrilled to receive the support of a wide variety of companies with donations to the event raffle and silent auction. The show of support was overwhelming and heartwarming. This years event was honored to host a diverse and nationally recognized list of educators and clinicians as our guest speakers. I am always inspired by the sight of people arriving with their notebooks and pens in hand to take notes and absorb as much of the free education as possible.

Thanks to the support of our volunteers and donors, Lifesavers programs continue to grow, help horses in need, educate people, and heal hearts both equine and human. Our deepest gratitude goes out to all of you, without your support we couldn't do what we do.

Jill Starr's vision of creating a place of hope for horses, a safe haven for mustangs in need, a facility of education for the community and a place for healing is being realized everyday!

Thank you to our volunteers and donors for your support and to Jill for having the vision and dedicating her life to bringing it to reality.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Lifesavers Family to all of yours!

4th Annual Equine Health and Safety Fair 2009 Great Success!

October 24th & 25th was Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescues 4th Annual Equine Health and Safety Fair and National Adopt a Wild Horse Day. The event was a great success and we achieved our goal of bringing diverse and excellent education to the community.

Thank you to all of our wonderful speakers on Saturday, Donna Maye West, Patricia Demers, Jaime Osbrink, CF, Larry Connelly, DVM, Ron and Blue Sill, Ron Wechsler, and Zsuzsu Illes.

Our vendors were excellent also with many clubs and organizations hosting booths to promote their activites, fabulous artists and wonderful tack!

All of Lifesavers volunteers are deeply appreciated and did a great job of making the event run smoothly. Thank you so much for your dedication to the horses and Lifesavers.

Jill Starr, President and Founder of Lifesavers along with her faithful companion Pepper.

We had fabulous vendors!

It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the education!

Donna Maye West and Happy Chick Jenna presenting on developing a safe partnership.

Happy Chick Chris Vilmer during the Building Confidence and Balance through vaulting demo with Ron and Blue Sill.

Stephanie from Spirit Horse Massage stepping up to try some vaulting for confidence as well.

The Lifesavers and Happy Horse Academy booths were active with folks interested in more information about our programs.

Thank you so much to all the companies and individuals who supported the event with raffle prize donations. The raffle booth was active and a great success!

Happy Chick Angi Keitel showing off Alanis, one of the horses available for adoption on Sunday as part of National Adopt a Wild Horse Day.

Happy Chick Chris Vilmer presenting on becoming a fearless leader with the support of Blue Sill and her rescued PMU Indie.

Our deepest thanks to all who joined us for this wonderful weekend!

Huckleberry is Ready for a Home!

Huckleberry is a handsome mustang yearling rescued from the Nebraska 3 Strikes neglect case.

Jenna Nelson, has done an excellent job gentling this little fellow. He is sweet, mellow, and loves attention. Huckleberry will make an excellent family horse with continued training.

Huckleberry, halters, leads, stands for the farrier and trailer loads. He is currently learning to tie.

If you think you are the perfect partner for Huckleberry and are interested in providing him a lifetime home full love and care, call me at (661) 727-1205.

4th Annual Equine Health and Safety Fair....National Wild Horse Adoption Day

Mark your calendars for a fantastic weekend full of education and FUN at the Vincent Hill Arena in Acton!

Saturday, October 24th, Lifesavers 4th Annual Equine Health and Safety Fair!

We have a lineup of fantastic guest speakers, experts in their fields that are donating their time to educate the community.

Donna Mae West will be joining as from Alabama! Speaking on developing a safe equine partnership http://www.donnawest.com/index.html

Zsu Zsu Illes from Rebalance Saddle Fit http://www.rebalancesaddlefitting.com/ will be joining us to discuss proper saddle fit.

Blue and Ron Sill from Fun on Horseback http://www.funonhorseback.info/FunOnHorseback/Welcome.html will be demonstrating how vaulting can improve your balance and confidence in the saddle.

Larry Connelly, DVM will speak on the importance of proper preventative worming care.

Ron Wechsler will discuss how to choose a boarding facility that best fits you and your horse.

Patricia Demers will be joining us again this year to discuss how to get involved and be competitive in the Extreme Cowboy Challenge.

Jaime Osbrink, Lifesavers farrier, will be speaking on proper farrier care and common hoof concerns.

As always we will have fabulous raffle prizes and amazing vendor booths.

I am thrilled with how this years event is coming together and you wont want to miss it.

Sunday, October 25th, National Wild Horse Adoption Day

You will definately want to return Sunday for our National Wild Horse Adoption Day. Sunday will be a fabulous day of inspiration and education. The Happy Chicks of Lifesavers' Happy Horse Academy have prepared previously wild BLM mustangs for this special adoption day. Come meet the horse of your dreams!

The Happy Chicks also have a wonderful day of inspiring demonstrations to include how to get your horse to catch you, introducing toys into your play and trailer loading.

Some of the horses that will be available for adoption this very special day include:

Starfire, a sorrel, 14 year old, BLM pony sized mare. Starfire is a blast to play with and would make an excellent gymkhana prospect for a confident youth or small adult.

Alanis, buckskin, 12 year old BLM mare. Alanis is a joy. This little mare is full of sweetness and loves to be with people. Alanis is very green undersaddle, but enjoys the attention associated with new learning. Elvis, 12 year old, sorrel BLM gelding. This BIG handsome guy is wonderful. Elvis is green under saddle and building more confidence everyday. He has an incredibly willing attitude and will make the right person an amazing lifelong partner.


Lightning, 10 year old, bay, BLM gelding. Lightning is big, bold and strong. He has been ridden bareback, but is learning to build confidence under saddle. This guy is amazing. His heart is open and willing and with continued training the sky will be the limit.

Enjoy wonderful success stories from previous Lifesavers adopters bringing their horses to show off!

This is going to be a spectacular weekend! If you have questions or need more information, please contact me at (661) 727-1205.

Whoopi and Reedo

This year Lifesavers has picked up a few horses from our local Animal Control Shelter. All are doing well. Getting the food and care they need and looking healthier and happier everyday. They are settling in. Becoming more relaxed, and it is time to see what they know. Part of this process, learning about each new horse, has made the staff here at Lifesavers really good at learning to read horses. They are so distinctive in their personalities, their responses, and their expresssions.

Yesterday, it was Whoopi's turn. Whoopi is a beautiful black mustang mare that we picked up in May. We received a call that the local shelter had a mustang. She was found abandoned in Compton and had been being housed at the Lancaster facility. They said she had been there a couple of weeks, and everything was fine. Then suddenly, she had turned agressive. Was charging at the animal control officers with teeth and feet flying. She was going to prove to be too agressive for them to adopt out to the general public and would we be able to take her? Jill, Lifesavers President said lets hook up the trailer and see what this horse is all about. It was Angi's day off, but luckily she lives close to the shelter facility and met us there.

What we saw when Jill and I arrived was a beautiful black mustang mare, wearing front shoes, a halter and standing nicely getting love from Angi. This dosen't look like an agressive mare. Angi saw us and started laughing. She said this mare is something else. Angi approached the pen, and the mare came flying up to the fence teeth bared, Angi, in her amazing way, told the mare to "knock if off" and the mare said "okay". When Angi entered the pen she turned her butt to Angi a few times, and when Angi let her know that wasn't acceptable behavior, she said "okay". Angi haltered her and waited for us. So we missed the excitment, but knew we were definately taking this horse home with us. She loaded up on the trailer like she has loaded up everyday of her life. Happy to be going somewhere.

So here we were with a beautiful horse, abandoned, no background information, with shoes on, aggressive tendency's and it was time to figure her out. Back at the ranch she had a hard time fitting in with the herd. Struggled to find her place. She was eager to come up to people when we entered the corral, but rarely had good intentions when she greeted us. Huh, I wonder what the back story is on this horse.

Angi had pulled her out after a few weeks, worked with her, had her shoes pulled off and gave her a bath. She is eager to kick with her hinds, and narrowly missed Angi a few times. We so wish this mare could talk.

Yesterday, Angi decided she was pretty sure this horse is saddle broke. Why would someone shoe a horse they weren't riding? She must be ridable.

She pulled her out, brought the saddle into the arena, and Whoopi immediately walked over to it and smelled it. She certainly isn't afraid of the saddle. Angi grabbed a bit, and Whoopi took it into her mouth like she had been bridled everyday of her life. Well that is a good sign. Whoopi stood perfectly still for the saddle pad, saddle and cinching. This is an excellent sign.

Angi moved her around a little bit, no bucks, relaxed, all looks good. A few pre flight checks, she bends her neck, gives to pressure, and up Angi went onto her back. Nice, Whoopi seemed completly unconcerned. Angi asked her to go forward, and Whoopi said, "no". Hmmmm, asked her again, Whoopi took 2 steps and said "no". Hmmmm, Angi got off, looked at Jenna and myself, and said, "I don't think she is broke to ride". We talked about it, read her body, and Angi got back on, this time with a little more confidence and asked Whoopi to move out, and Whoopi, said, "okay". Nice, walk, trot, lope. Very nice. Even has a backup.

So what was the no movement about? DOMINANCE!! Whoopi uses a lack of movement to dominate a situation. As soon as Angi took the lead, Whoopi was ready to follow and a partnership was born. It was beautiful.

Jenna got on her also and took a few trips around the round pen. Whoopi was a champ. Soon Whoopi will be available for adoption. She still has the desire to be a bit naughty and has some issues to work through on the ground. Possibly, this may be one of the horses available for adoption at the 4th Annual Equine Health and Safety Fair at the Vincent Hill Arena in Acton this coming October.
Reedo, he is such an adorable fellow. Reedo was part of a severe nelgect case and had been at the Animal Control Shelter for a couple of months. He was still under weight. Had been recently gelded, and had a serious case of the naughties! He captured my heart, and we knew we had to save him. Reedo had a lot of weight to gain. He's had time to relax, clear his mind, eat and get healthy. He has certainly achieved that.

Reedo is 13 years old and just has the sweetest eyes. Today, was Reedo's day. What does he know, what does he want us to think he dosen't know, and what is he willing to offer? That is what reading a horse is all about.

Angi brought him into the arena. His eyes were bigger than I had ever seen them. Nervous. Unsure. He needed reassurance, that everything was okay. Angi took her time, built his trust, and soon he realized Angi was a pretty cool Happy Chick!

When he saw the saddle his eyes got big again. You could just see his wheels turning in his head, and he was pretty sure, no good would come with that saddle. Angi offered him the bit first. He wasn't interested, and he wouldn't take it. Does he not know how to bridle or does he just not want to be bridled? It was hard to tell. Since this session was more about discovery than training, Angi told him he didn't have to wear the bridle if he didn't want to.

Here comes the saddle pad. Reedo was a little jumpy about that. Was it because he dosen't know, or he dosen't want it? Again, it was hard to tell. He finally relaxed and Angi laid the pad on his back. He stood still for the saddle and cinching but was guarded. What does that mean? Is this his first saddle or is he ridable? Again, hard to tell.

Angi decided to have him move around a little with the saddle. He put on a pretty nice bronc display. But again, hard to say if it was annoyance of the saddle, fear of the saddle, or that he had never worn a saddle. He settled down relatively quickly. Angi worked him a little and then decided to do some fence work. What would Reedo think of her above him?

He wasn't so sure. It seemed like he felt more like nothing good would come from this than actual fear of her being above him.

Angi and I talked at length about him. We feel as though Reedo is probably saddle broke. Broke being the key word here. We get the feeling that Reedo's past isn't a pleasant one. Probably a sad one. Angi decided that we need to rebuild his confidence and trust in people. Allow him to become curious, express himself, and learn how to play. Reedo needs to learn the partner part of the relationship. We will spend more time on that and revisit riding him once he has gained more confidence.

Reedo is spectacular. He just needs to learn that not all humans are bad. He needs to trust that it is safe to give us his heart. He is in the perfect place to discover that.

With the Support of Friends

Leave Happy Chick, Angi Keitel, alone in the arena with a bunch of baby horses and great things happen. I am just glad that I wandered up there and that volunteer Mary Lou had her camera close by. This was a great way to start the morning.

2 1/2 year old Salsa, a gelding from the Virginia City Range of Nevada, was introduced to the saddle today. Angi has done an excellent job preparing this youngster for this very important right of passage. She enlisted the help of some of his closest friends to offer Salsa support and confidence.

Patches and Matty check it out thoroughly before Angi cinches it up.

Angi slowly cinches up the saddle for the first time. Salsa was so curious, he bent his head around to watch what she was doing.

Matty went and enlisted Murphy to come give it the once over. Both were pretty puzzled by this strange thing on Salsa's back.

Murphy was positive Baby Hoogs had never seen the likes of this, so he promptly went and brought Hoogs over for a look see.

Then, a great game of follow the leader began. It was like they were all amazed Salsa could still move with that saddle on his back.

In the end, it was a great first saddle experience for Salsa. Thanks to Angi's hard work, and the support of his fellow young friends, Salsa seemed to feel pretty okay with the whole situation.

Salsa is available for adoption. Although he is 2 1/2 years old and wore his first saddle today, he is still to young to begin riding. Wont be long though and this guy will make a wonderful saddle horse for someone.

If you would like to meet Salsa, or any of his friends, please call Chris at (661) 727-1205.

4th Annual Equine Health and Safety Fair 2009

Planning is well underway for this years Equine Health and Safety Fair, Saturday and Sunday, October 24th & 25th at the Vincent Hill Arena in Acton.

Last year's event was such a great success that we are expanding this year to a two day event. We couldn't be more thrilled about this expansion.

Saturdays's lineup is shaping up spectacular, with presentations by, Patricia Demers, Donna Mae West, Jaime Osbrink, Zsu Zsu Illes and Ron Wechsler.

I have been hard at work getting great raffle prizes for this year's event! You wont be disappointed.

Lifesavers would also like to extend a special thank you to Mike and Jo Anne Bline of Ranch Works in Acton, for sponsoring the event again this year with the use of a beautiful round pen for our demonstrations.

Sunday, will be just as fun and exciting. In recognition of National Wild Horse Adoption Day, Lifesavers will have gentled wild horses available for adoption. The Happy Chicks of Happy Horse Academy, Lifesavers education program, will be offering Happy *H0rse* Human* Ship demonstrations. Set yourself up for success with a better understanding of horse psychology and how to build a better partnership.

Don't forget to save your spending money. Just as last year, we will have wonderful vendor booths for you to shop, learn and discover great organizations you can become involved with.

This year's event is going to be the best yet, so don't miss it!!!!

If you are interested in becoming a vendor at this event, please contact Chris Vilmer (661) 727-1205.

Angi & Jenna & the Extreme Mustang Makeover

Angi Keitel and Jenna Nelson, two of Lifesavers wild horse handlers are competing in this years Extreme Mustang Makeover in Texas.

The makeover challenge horses arrived at Lifesavers Saturday, June 13th. They will be staying here for a few days for their initial introduction to domestic life. All 3 horses....that is right....3 horses....Jenna and Angi are doing one each and one together, have settled in and are progressing quickly.

Angi Keitel has been a long time employee and friend of Lifesavers. She gentles and prepares horses for adoption and is one of the Happy Chicks teaching Happy Horse Academy Funshops. Angi competed in the first Extreme Mustang Makeover in Texas in 2007 and in the Western States Mustang Challenge in 2008.

Angi's Extreme Mustang Makeover 2009 horse is huge and beautiful. She has named him Azinia. Azinia immediately decided Angi was a pretty cool "Happy Chick" and has been curious and willing to try anything for a good scratch!

Earlier in the week he wore his first saddle and today he wore Angi! The sky is the limit for these two competitors!

Jenna Nelson is a new addition to Lifesavers having only come on board a few weeks ago. She has been a pleasure to have as part of the team. Jenna competed in the 2008 Western States Mustang Challenge in Sacramento which is where we grew to know her. Jenna and her 2008 horse, Domestic Aim, were top 10 finalist and did an amazing job.

Tiny Tim, is another huge mustang. As wide as they come with kind, curious eyes. Jenna has already moved him closer to where she lives so they may progress more quickly. Jenna is confident Tiny Tim and her will be ready to ride in about a week.



Sioux, the 3rd makeover horse is a beautiful deep sorrel color. He has proven to be the most nervous of the 3 competition horses. Sioux has settled in nicely, feeling more relaxed, he is ready to connect and is offering Jenna his heart. It is very touching to watch. The connection between them is there and growing everyday.

Angi, Jenna and their makeover horses are embarking on an incredible journey. Over the next 90 days these trainers will take these horses as far as possible and prepare them for competition at The Extreme Mustang Makeover in Texas this coming September.

I see some winners!!! Go Angi and Jenna!! We are rooting for you and your horses!!!!!!

Update on Nebraska 3 X's horses rescued by Lifesavers

June 10th, I went out to the holding pen where the 3X horses are growing stronger everyday. It has been exactly 1 month since their arrival at Lifesavers. I took lots of pictures and enjoyed some quiet moments with these incredibly resilent horses. They are beautiful. They are looking healthier every single day. These mares are shiney, have bright eyes, and are gaining weight quicker than anyone would have expected. Lifesavers is doing what Lifesavers does best....healing these horses inside and out.

With improved health has come great curiosity. They are approaching us, smelling us and saying hello more and more everyday. I can feel how thankful they are. When you are in the pen with them you feel their peace, their gratitude and their determination to survive.

Blessed. These horses are blessed. Thank you Jill Starr for opening your heart and your home to these incredibly deserving horses.

May 10, 2009

June 10, 2009

More photos from May 10th.

Photos taken June 10th

You can help Lifesavers help the horses by making at donation at http://www.wildhorserescue.org/donate.htm

Nebraska 3X's Yearlings Meet Lifesavers Gentlers

The mares and yearlings Lifesavers rescued from the Nebraska 3X's Ranch are growing stronger everyday. They are eating well, relaxing and even becoming playful. This is all a blessed sight for us here at Lifesavers.

It has become time for the yearlings to meet Lifesavers wild horse gentling staff. Angi, Jenna and myself moved them from the large holding pen this morning and sorted them into smaller pens. They are so curious. So interested in us.

Angi and Jenna have spent most of the day introducing themselves to these little darlings. They have gotten their identification tags off, been able to touch them a little, and one has even worn her first halter.

First impressions are everything in the equine world. So Jenna and Angi are doing a great job of being patient, using approach and retreat and they are qucikly earning the trust of these beautiful souls.

The Arrival of 3X Ranch, Nebraska Horses

Mother's Day morning started early at Lifesavers as the Semi-truck with 20 pregnant mares, yearlings and two mules arrived.



They had traveled along way and arrived safe, thristy and hungry.


Lucky for them Lifesavers was prepared as always. Plenty of food and water waiting for them.



It was an emotional morning for us. Celebrating Mother's Day by giving life to these amazing horses. These horses that have been through such an awful ordeal. Giving these mom's-to-be life on Mother's Day was such an amazing gift. The horses are very thin and have a long road to health. But Lifesavers does an awesome job providing the very best care for these horses.


Mother's Day afternoon, after the truck, and welcoming committee, camera's and all had left for the day, Sweet Daisy, a beautiful sorrel mare, felt safe enough to lay down and foal a beautiful filly we have named Wild Flower. She is so tiny. I don't think I have ever seen a baby quite this small. She seems strong. Getting stronger everyday. In fact, concerned mom isn't producing enough milk we have made a few fruitless attempts to get little Wild Flower to drink formula from a bottle. She isn't interested. Bless her heart, we realize just how strong she is when she says no to the bottle. We will need to keep close eye on little Wild Flower.






Visit our website http://www.wildhorserescue.org/ to learn more about this rescue effort. 3X Ranch rescue has been called Nebraska's largest animal neglect case in the states history. Heartbreaking. No words discribe the horror these horses have suffered.


For these that have arrived at Lifesavers, they have found their oasis in the desert. Surrounded by food, water and an immense amount of love.


Also visit Rachael Waller's website http://www.rachaelwallerphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/8167958_NGQ7N#P-1-15. Rachael was on hand to photograph the arrival of these beautiful horses. Some of these pictures may be tough to look at, but through Rachael's camera lens, her amazing talent, her beautiful heart, the hope and resilience of these amazing horses shines through. We are so thankful for Rachael and her talent and her generosity.

Lifesavers Celebrates Mother's Day Rescuing Pregnant Mares

Happy Mother’s Day for 20+ rescued pregnant wild horses.

Lifesavers is helping to rescue horses from 3 Strikes Ranch in Alliance, Nebraska. Sunday, May 10th, Lifesavers will be receiving a semi-truck load of malnourished, pregnant mares, rescued from 3 Strikes Ranch. These horses are part of what some are calling the worst case of animal cruelty in the history of the State of Nebraska.

Jill Starr, Founder and President of Lifesavers, traveled to ground zero in Nebraska at the beginning of the rescue effort. She assisted in the safe removal of 200+ surviving horses to a temporary holding facility where the horses were evaluated by veterinarians, received necessary medical care, quality feed and fresh water. Jill has now agreed to accept a truck load of likely pregnant wild mares. These mares will be arriving at Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue, Sunday morning at approximately 8am, just in time to celebrate Mother’s Day in safety.

3 Strikes Ranch, privately owned by Jason Meduna, was supposed to be a sanctuary for “3 strike” wild horses. “3 Strike” wild horses are horses that the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) has offered for adoption three times unsuccessfully and are no longer deemed “adoptable” by the government agency. However, Jason Meduna now stands charged with felony animal cruelty as authorities found many dead and malnourished horses on his ranch. At one time there were more than 300 wild horses turned out to roam free on the 2,000 acre ranch.

These horses will now not have to suffer the fate of so many of their herd mates. They will be safe for the rest of their lives. They will foal their beautiful babies in safety and security and their foals will never have to experience the horror of their Dam's previous life.

Happy Mother's Day to these beautiful new mom's to be. We can't wait to meet you!

Two Great Horses searching for their Perfect Partners

Both Bellagio and Elsie have been featured in my BLOG before. Both have come such a long way I wanted to show them off.

Angi has done such a wonderful job building Bellagio's confidence undersaddle. His eyes are bright and it is clear he is enjoying his new life as a saddle horse. Bellagio is 5 years old with an awesome personaility, eager to please his partner and willing to try new things. He seeks a confident and experienced partner to continue expanding his abilities and help him reach his full potential.

Marty has been having a blast with Elsie. After months with Marty on her back she sees riding as fun and not a chore. This girl gets more confident everyday and will make a wonderful family horse. This 16 year old mare just plain and simple loves people. Elsie seeks a partner that will continue to spoil her rotten. Take her on fun adventures and cherish her forever. This gal is a once in a lifetime horse.

Both of these horses will be riding in the Volunteer Sheriff's Mounted Posse Fundraising ride this Saturday at Totem Pole.

Lifesavers has many wonderful horses available for adoption. Visit http://www.wildhorserescue.org/horses.htm to see just a few of the horses currently available.

Our Newest Rescues

Lifesavers received a call from our local animal control that they had horses whose time was running out.

Jill and I jumped into the truck and headed to their facility. Saddness just overwhelms me as I see the number of animals, homeless, abandoned, left to fend for themselves somewhere. My heart ached as I looked into the many faces peering at me through chain link fences.


First we looked at an an older mare. 20+ years old, her owners had to surrender her due to financial hardship. She is very thin. She was hiding in a corner, depressed and being bullied by the other horses that shared her pen. They told us she was a mustang although she is not branded. They also told us, "she is hard to catch but once you grab her she is fine". I knelt down in a corner outside the pen and looked at her. My heart breaking. At some point in her life she was loved. She was cared for and I imagined she was treasured. She turned around and looked at me, curious I suppose as to why I was kneeling in a corner. She slowly walked over and nuzzled my fingers through the chain link fence. Such a soft nose. Such soft eyes. Such a soft heart.



She will require a lot of tender loving care to bring her back to good health. She has a lot of weight to gain and looks to have cushings disease. All I know, is now she is safe. She will receive all the love, vet care and food she could possibly need at Lifesavers.


In a near by pen stood a very thin gelding. Small in stature, but I could guickly tell big in personality and heart. He had been a serious neglect case. Starved. Why, I ask myself. How could someone just not feed an animal that depends on them for their life? The shelter facility had been housing him for a couple of months due to his pending court case. They had been trying to help him gain weight, had gotten him gelded, but there he stood. Alone. Only 11 years old. The best part of his life ahead of him. He stole my heart. Captured my soul. He needed a second chance at life. He deserved one.



This little fella will also require time and special feed to nurse him back to full health. He will also require an immense amount of time, training and relationship building to earn his trust in humans again. Now that he has arrived at Lifesavers, I see hope in his eyes. I am confident that soon I will look into those eyes and see trust.



You can help Lifesavers help these horses by making a generous donation http://www.wildhorserescue.org/donate.htm.


The horses appreciate your support.