Doc, a 14 year old Quarter horse gelding, is our first horse on the ranch.
Doc was found abandoned in a field with another pasture mate about six months ago. They were starving to death when a woman intervened and rescued them. The other horse died a week later from years of neglect. He shortly went to Sarah Warner, at Second Wind Stables in Alexis. She began his rehab program that consisted of deworming, correct shoeing, and sound nutrition. As he became stronger, she also started slowly using him in her lesson program for her young adult students. It was obvious that he had some nice training under saddle and was very respectful on the ground. After looking at many other horses, Wendy and Meg saw potential in Doc. Even though his hips and tail head protruded, his ribs were prominent, and his neck was ewe shaped from lack of muscle, we saw a kindness in his eyes. He was willing to work quietly, even in his condition. We brought him on the property the first of January. He immediately made friends with Balius, another horse, and found comfort in the abundance of hay, grain, and attention that was offered him daily. Because of his weakened immune system, he had developed a horrible case of rain rot, a bacterial/fungal condition. Days after we got him, his rainrot began to disappear. Just weeks later his coat is shiny and there is life in his eyes. He is healthy enough to begin training for his new job...taking care of the kids that come to the Ranch in need of reaching, rescuing and restoring too!
Doc is now fat and sassy. Unfortunately, with his winter coat gone, the underlying scars of years of abuse and neglect are showing. We have begun his re training process that will include a lot of sessions of relaxation and patience. With his super gaits, he will be a fun project to watch progress.
Balius, 6 year old Arabian Morgan Cross
Macey Eldridge, a seventeen year old student, chose to rescue a horse for her high school senior volunteer project. She raised enough money to rescue a horse and rehabilitate him with the intentions of donating him to a non profit facility. It tooks months of searching for the right horse for this type of project. Finally, she found him, a scarred, starved gelding that was awaiting the "unthinkable" at an auction. She attended to the many scars on his legs and face and moved him to a facility where she could care for him. After months of quiet turnout on acres of grass, Balius looked like a different horse. The scars and the skin fungal infections he carried had disappeared and were replaced by a healthy shiny coat. His hips and ribs that once protruded through his skin were now covered with a healthy weight. He had physically recovered, now he just needed some training. Macey worked months desensitizing him to a variety of objects and worked hard at building a relationship of trust with him.
Now he resides at Bit of Hope to complete his training to become a qualified equine participant in the program.
Ruby is a six year old paint mare that was donated by a wonderful lady that wanted her horse to be part of our program. Ruby loves meeting new people and looks forward to the attention they give her. She also likes to put everything in her mouth...lead ropes, tennis shoes, hair, etc. Her favorite speed is slow and we love her for that!
Shiloh is a 17 year old Quarter Horse that was donated by a wonderful couple. He is an ex -race horse (even with a tatoo!), ex-barrel racer, and ex- trail horse. Shiloh has done it all and seen it all. He comes to us because his family wanted him to have an easier job in his retirement. He has a lot to offer with his gentle nature, kind eyes and slow jog. His tall neck that towers over his handlers and his loud breathing when nervous has earned him the name "Darth Vadar".
Skip is a 22 year old Quarter Horse gelding, that is 49 years in human years. His family wanted him to retire in a place that would offer him an easy job and lots of attention. He comes to us in great condition and with lots of training. He will be a foundation horse for our program. He is a steady horse for any rider and looks forward to the sessions.
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