Unwrapping This Big Gift, A Story of Hope
The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc
Big Law Enforcement Seizure Introduction
Adoptable Horses
New USRider Offer for AAE Community
Volunteer Corner, Volunteer Needs
AAE Used Tack Store + Holiday Hours
Other Ways to Help
AAE Friends, Supporters, & Service Providers
It’s that time at the end of the year when we reflect upon the horses (and other animals) you have helped over the past 12 months. We are filled with so much gratitude for your support, because this is what makes rescuing and caring for horses-in-need possible. Every horse represents the combined efforts of our community – volunteers, donors, and supporters who believe in the power of second chances.
As is tradition in December, each day this month, we share stories from the past year that are the direct result of you and your dedication to horses-in-need. Thank you for being such an incredible horse warrior and fighting for horses who need another chance. We hope you enjoy! Happy Holidays to all.
LAW ENFORCEMENT SEIZURE GROUP
In March, AAE was contacted by a Nor Cal law enforcement agency, Lassen County, to assist with a neglect case. They had 22 horses in their care. We were told law enforcement stepped in when they learned of a large group of Arabian horses who had been abandoned on a remote, high desert property. They provided care for the animals onsite from Fall 2023 until they seized 21 horses in mid-February. Three additional horses did not survive, one passed prior to law enforcement intervention and two more shortly thereafter. Additionally, one of the seized mares gave birth a couple weeks after seizure.
After the call, we made a “quick” trip to Susanville (without a trailer) to evaluate and understand whether we could help without overstretching. Though it was a beautiful drive, three and one-half hours isn’t like a run down to the local shelter to meet a horse. It was horribly sad! We were told the horses were in much better condition than when law enforcement initially got involved; however, all were still in rough shape, so we can only imagine their conditon before. Basic care had been neglected for some time. We wished we brought the trailer!
In general, the horses’ body conditions and hair coats were in poor condition, especially the youngsters who were heavily matted. Imagine their little bodies enduring the frigid high desert winters without health coats. Hooves were in poor condition with long toes, high heels, splits, cracks, and even one long slipper toe on a young filly. No doubt dental care was needed for all, but the youngsters (at least four under two). Stallions had been running with girls, so all were potentially pregnant (young and old). Two were heavily pregnant and looked like foals could drop any moment.
AAE worked with another rescue to support this effort. We would each intake 11 to split share the costs and efforts. There were seven colts and stallions, five mare/foal pairs, the two heavily pregnant mares, and three older fillies (1-3). Fortunately, the other rescue preferred colts/stallions, and we are better equipped for mare/foal pairs and pregnant mares.
We would take the most heavily pregnant mares, and the mares with the youngest foals. What started as 11 became 12, when one more sickly filly needed urgent care. Unfortuantely, the other rescue decided they couldn’t take the three reamining mares/fillies, so we made a third trip, and our 11 became 15, the two heavily pregnant mares, five mare/foal pairs, and three older fillies.
We made the long trip again a few days later, this time with two trailers and four volunteers. Fortunately, we had help from a local friend then help of another trailer so mom’s and foals had more space to get everyone here safely. Twelve horses made it back to AAE that night, and they found hope! We made a follow up trip for the additional three about two weeks later.
It’s a long story, but with your support we’ve given each of these horses a second chance, so stay tuned as we introduce you to them over the next few days. Each horse deserve the attention, and you’ll have a chance to truly connect with their individual stories.
This rescue was made possible through the generous support of our outstanding community! Everyone rallied together, and, in only a few days, donated the funds necessary to provide for the initial costs we estimated we needed for this rescue.
