Red Cloud

Hi All,

Thought you would want to know… the Anderson Sling saved its first life today and it was Red Cloud’s.

Red Cloud was lying down this morning when Martin got to work about 7:30. Many attempts to get Red Cloud to his feet throughout the day were unsuccessful. I wanted to try using the Anderson Sling and tractor to get him up, but just didn’t feel confident about doing it without a vet present just in the case something went terribly wrong, plus the sling is quite complicated.

In the early afternoon, Dr Ferguson arrived and together with Martin’s help, we hooked Red Cloud up to the sling and frame… quite a learning process. Martin picked him up with the tractor…  let him stand for a bit with the support of the tractor until Red Cloud took the weight out of the sling with his own legs. Not sure why he couldn’t get up this particular morning as he has been doing wonderfully since has been living in the arena and roams the property during the day… maybe the cold weather was a factor.

He was obviously very happy to be up and moving again… and very hungry. We closed the barn doors to keep the wind out and put a warm blanket on him for the night.

Linda

Linda reports, “The ‘Sweetest Stallion’ Bader is now a gelding as of Thursday the 13th.  Fin is changing daily, letting Anna brush him and he actually licked my hand yesterday. Got a lead rope around his neck for a moment yesterday will have him halter trained in no time now.  They are both looking healthy and energetic!”

Linda Davis reports, “We can now touch Fin.  He is finally allowing Anna and me to pet him!”

Anna Clay is on the Equamore Board and does a lion’s share of work for the horses of Equamore!  These pictures show her love for the horses.  It was just a few short months ago when Fin arrived at Equamore on August 17th.  Notice the difference in Fin’s overall condition!  Amazing what the proper care and feeding, and love will do for a horse. 

“Neglected Horses Improve with Help” Article appeared in the Medford Mail Tribune, click to open link to read the full article:  Mail Tribune Equamore Update

Linda Davis reports:  “Bader gets exercise everyday in the arena.  Looking forward to getting him gelded so he can go into the field with the other horses.  Star is haltered and leading.  She will be going into the arena today for the first time for some exercise, and Fin is getting very friendly.  Anna Clay has been spending some quality time with him and it is really paying off.”

Medford’s local TV station sent out a video crew on September 19, 2008 to give an update on Sara, one of the 4 horses recently rescued by Equamore Foundation.  Here is the link to the article:  Abused Horses Adopted (Be patient, loads really slow

Linda Davis reports:  “Fin ate 1/2 a pear from my hand today and Star let me use the shedding blade on her. Bader got a bath and exercise. He is the sweetest stallion I have ever been around.”

Linda is Equamore’s Executive Director and Founder

Linda also cares daily for the horses at Equamore

Sara has a New Home

Sara. . . what an in-your-pocket doll. We picked her up at Eden Farm on Friday, August 22 and she loaded fine and traveled well–but was  in a lather by the time we got home.  She settled right down in the  arena and proceeded to investigate everything within range. She appeared to think that the donkeys were creatures from Mars!

The vet came that same day to examine her. Her heart, guts,  respiration, etc. were all just fine. Although we drew blood to test  for insulin and glucose, Sara was still too nervous to put her through any extensive testing, such as a pregnancy test. In any  event, vet doesn’t really think she was pregnant, unless very recently so.

As for her feet, her soles are below the hoof wall, so she’s walking directly on them, which can indicated a rotation of her coffin bone;  hopefully, it’s not seriously rotated. The farrier came and did a bit of straightening and encouraging, and thinks that a trim every four weeks for a while should help her.  Fortunately, Sara doesn’t seem lame at all, and staying active in the arena sand will help a lot.

Sara made fast friends right away with Misha, a beautiful little Morgan–and shows absolutely no aggression to the other horses, thank  Heavens!  She’s learning her place in the herd of mares, and thus far there  seems to be general agreement that she’s welcome.

Then came the bath the following day– without a halter!!!  I was  putting water in the tank and she keep nuzzling me until I sprayed some on her and she just stood there and practically purred. After an  hour or so, I finally managed to getthe dreadlocks out –what a chore!–and she actually has some mane left.  Now am working on the tarweed on her legs and ears. She loves her soaked hay and IR diet –  no problems. I’ve forgot what her exact weight was, but it’s over 1,000 pounds.

We are delighted to have Sara at home with us and look forward to sending more updates as they come!

As told to Jannalee Smithey, by Sara’s new Mom, 4 September 2008