Feed our over 100 horses

In our last update we introduced you to four horses that arrived on October 16. Tootsie Roll and Lil' Girl, two sisters, arrived from San Bernadino County Animal Care and Control. They were part of a terrible neglect case. Tootsie Roll had been diagnosed with laminitis and Lil' Girl was said to have significant behavioral issues. Coco and Petey came to us from a neglect case with County of San Diego Department of Animal Services.

We are so happy to share that all four horses are doing well:

• Tootsie Roll's feet have recovered well. Ex-rays showed thin soles and we discovered remnants of large abscesses that would have been painful when they first occurred. The therapeutic shoes put on while she was at the shelter helped provide critical support and she is now pain free.
• We suspect that Lil's Girl's behavioral issues might have been the result of being stressed at the shelter. We have not seen her being aggressive toward people or her sister. In fact, these two girls are now sharing a corral and doing well together. 
• Coco quickly gained weight at the ranch once we increased the number and size of her meals to amounts appropriate to a horse her size. This sweet, mellow girl definitely enjoys her meals. In fact, we have had to transition her from her weight-gain diet to a maintenance diet before she gained too much weight. As a result of arthritis, she is on daily pain medication which has significantly increased her comfort level.
• Petey had the most weight to gain of all four horses. While cold winter temperatures often slow down weight gain, but thanks to his warm, waterproof blanket, Petey is looking much better these days. What we love the most is seeing him dance and prance each morning as we bring him his breakfast. He is one happy boy and the volunteers love him.

We are so grateful for your support of our Feed 1006 Horses Project. Feed prices are going up across all our feeds. We purchase our Bermuda hay by the half truck load. This month, the cost of that half load increased by $1,000! Your support is making such a critical difference in the lives of the horses and other ranch residents we care for. Thank you!