SCCR Newsletter, Issue #5 - April, 2023

Ranch Report

The snow has melted and the longer days are upon us! We are seeing sunnier skies and the spring grasses are growing. In exciting news, the construction of our outdoor arena has begun. It will be used for training and exercising the rescues and is expected to be finished by the 2nd week of April. Among new arrivals we have Halan, a 10 year old Fjord gelding, who is blind in one eye and may require surgery. Shedding season is upon us and we are seeing some beautiful weather to herald in the spring season. Our groom and graze program, which is a program available to our dedicated volunteers is in full swing. With the nicer weather, our beloved equines will be getting out for a munch on fresh grass and a good brush’n !

To help the rescue:

• Donate here to contribute towards saving these incredible animals.

• Learn more about the fate of horses who are not rescued, and how to help them.

• Book a tour to learn more about the ranch and meet some of the horses who have been saved.

• Volunteer at the ranch. No experience with horses is necessary.

Introducing: Christian Lalonde -Ranch Foreman

Originally from Quebec, Christian came to us in the fall of 2022 and it feels like he somehow was always here! He jumped into his role with both feet first with his positive attitude, incredible work ethic, and a willingness to learn all things Cheekye. Among his duties as Ranch Foreman are dropping bales, filling waters, mucking, repairs, maintenance, and assisting with projects. He works alongside his loyal dog Tungl (Icelandic for “Moon”), who is never far from his side. You will catch him going the extra mile always; if he walks by he is looking for ways to help, whether it be extra raking by the gates, extra water skimming or giving a rescue a much deserved scratch. As hard as he works, he always has a few minutes for connection, offering a good talk and sharing wisdom from his travels and philosophy of life. We are so lucky and thankful to have him be a part of our team. Christian, welcome to our ranch family!

Adoption Highlight: Zipper

Zipper is just the sweetest little yearling. He was born on the ranch on April 16, 2021. His mama, Buttons, came to us several years ago and, as it turns out, she was in foal when she arrived. Buttons is a Welsh pony, but we suspect Zipper’s dad was something larger since Zipper is already as big as his dam!

Zipper is fully socialized, gives feet, is halter-broke, leads well, and is just plain fun to be around. He’s a bit of a joker, getting into everything, and is very at home playing around with other horses and hoomans. He just oozes personality.

To learn more about Zipper, please click here.

Sponsorship Highlight: Gramma

Being around Gramma gives you feelings of warmth and calmness, even though she will only allow most people to get within a few feet of her before she shuffles off. As one of our senior equines, Gramma requires extra care to ensure she stays healthy and remains comfortable during her retirement years. We don’t really know what caused Gramma to be so leery of humans, but at her age and whatever she has been through to make her this way, we don’t want to move her again into a new home. She has a herd she is comfortable with now and a setting she enjoys, so she will comfortably live out her days with us.

To sponsor Gramma, please click here

Horse Facts: Sampson, Biggest Horse in the World

The biggest horse in the world ever recorded was a Shire horse by the name of Sampson. Sampson was foaled in 1846 in Toddington Mills, Bedfordshire, England.

By age four, Sampson weighed 3,360 pounds. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Sampson stood more than seven feet tall, or 21.25 hands at the withers.

Light riding horses are typically 14-16 hands, larger riding horses are 15.2-17 hand and drafts are usually around 16-18. Anything under 14.2 hands is considered a pony. The smallest horse recorded was a dwarf miniature horse named Thumbellina who was measured at 4.1 hands high.

Source: Modern Farmer