Sky Ranch Sanctuary

A Horse Rescue Organization

Starlight update

 

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Starlight, our newest resident, is adjusting very well. She is a sweet natured mare and has gained 75 pounds since her arrival. We are so glad to have her here at the ranch. Some minor health issues seem to have resolved themselves, and she seems content as part of the herd.

Her “backstory” of abandonment is a little different. A horse owner went out to feed her horses and found an “extra horse” in with her horses. Creative abandonment? After advertising brought no one forward to claim her, she went to animal services. Now she’s at home at Sky Ranch.

Money Saving Tip: Save Money, Keep Your Horse

You can save money by curbing your impulses. Even though you may want the thing that you want this very moment, it may not be the best way to save money. Is the item really necessary, or simply something you could do without (e.g. “Do I really need another halter and lead rope in a different color?”). If you in fact do need something, do some research and find out the best way to spend your money. While considering the base cost, also look at quality, longevity, and any further discounts that may be available.

horse-billAnd as always, never try to cut corners at the expense of your horse’s welfare.

Starlight: New Girl in Town

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A lot happened here last week. Our beloved mare, Spirit, died suddenly, and we will be missing her for a long time. On a happier note, two days earlier, a new mare, Starlight, came from San Luis Obispo County Animal Services to live at Sky Ranch. She’s guesstimated to be about 30 years old. She was abandoned and left to starve. The other horses in the barn are fascinated by her, and she seems to be adapting well to her new home. As you can see from the photo, she needs to put on quite a bit of weight, and we’re working on that with soaked alfalfa cubes and senior horse food. Starlight has a good appetite and seems very glad to be among other horses again.

In Buddhism, it is said that life consists of 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows. I think they are onto something.  Loss and its accompanying sorrow are inevitable, especially when caring for older horses. But then there is the joy that comes in getting to know a new horse and giving a her a forever home.

We are thrilled to have Starlight here.

Spirit

Yesterday morning, at about 8:30, our pretty, feisty mare, Spirit, died from serious colic complications. It happened so fast: she was fine and then she wasn’t. By the time our vet arrived, Spirit had gone into shock. An examination revealed that there had been a rupture and nothing could be done for her; she was dying. She was euthanized and she will be buried this morning.

Spirit came to live here a couple of years ago on Halloween. Her owners had moved away and left her to starve. After a brief time at county animal services she joined the Sky Ranch family. It took her a while to trust anyone, but she got there and got along with everyone. The only evidence of her dissatisfaction was banging on her stall door when she apparently didn’t think we were getting things done fast enough! Come on you guys!

We are heartsick at this loss and will miss her forever.IMG_0392

More Money Saving Tips

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Ask for advice from an equine nutritionist. Many feed manufacturers have free helplines. Make sure you are spending your money on the best feeds and not overfeeding expensive supplements. And always remember never to try to cut corners at the expense of your horse.