SCCR Newsletter, Issue #38 - January 2026

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome

The Year of the Horse

Credit: South China Morning Post

Although it doesn’t officially begin until February in the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is not only the Year of the Horse, it’s the Year of the Fire Horse! This powerful combination occurs just once every 60 years and it’s associated with energy, enthusiasm, and transformation.

We say Bring It On!!! At SCCR we head into the new year with renewed energy to care for our horses, and deep enthusiasm to help even more. We’re fueled by the transformation we see reflected in their eyes. In 2026, let’s find loving homes for more horses and continue building the momentum that will enable us to help even more equine souls.

New Year’s is a particularly meaningful time for non-profit organizations like Second Chance Cheekye Ranch which rely so heavily on the generosity of our community. SCCR director Kris Latham is delighted to share that 2025 ended on a very strong note for SCCR.

While donations can be made at any time of year (with tax receipts issued accordingly) many supporters choose to give at year’s end. Teaming up with Vanessa on social media, our Sponsorship Coordinator, Cindy, truly knocked it out of the park this year with our CanadaHelps campaign. They raised an incredible $18,008.39 in December alone.

And our 12 Days of Giving online auction team of Gina, Deb, Mandy & Vanessa also deserve a standing ovation, alongside the generous businesses (from Pemberton right down to Vancouver) who donated to the auction. We’re deeply grateful for the $18,850 raised during the auction in support of the equines in our care.

Although much of these funds are already spent or earmarked for ongoing care, this generosity allows Kris to breathe a little easier knowing that SCCR’s equines are strongly supported into the New Year.

Ranch Report - By the Numbers

At the end of 2025, SCCR was proudly caring for 51 equines, including horses, mules, minis, donkeys, and a foal. 

Over the year we were thrilled to see 20 equines, including 1 mule, find loving, forever homes. We assisted with two additional re-homings, and welcomed 6 new horses to the ranch. Of those 6, two have already settled into wonderful homes, while the remaining 4 are learning to trust and gaining confidence every day.

In the next few months, SCCR is preparing for important veterinary and care needs, including two bone chip surgeries for Jimmy and Gracie, estimated at $4,600 per horse, and a gelding procedure for Harold at $865, for a total of $10,065. And that doesn’t include postoperative supplies, medications, and follow-up care.

January and February are also dental, vaccination, and deworming months. This year, 32 SCCR horses are scheduled at an average cost of $485 per horse. Estimated total: $15,520 (And we are crossing our fingers for no extractions this year!)

Finally, the ongoing costs of care continue. Total monthly feed costs, approximately $9,900.

 “As the New Year begins, I reflect on the many beautiful equines who have already found safe loving homes, and look ahead with hope to how many more SCCR can help in the year to come. With heartfelt gratitude for our incredible community, amazing volunteers, and a wonderful network of compassionate people, I thank you for the lives already changed and the care that makes this work possible. I am so excited to see what the Year of the Horse brings in 2026 and all the possibilities it holds. Happy New Year to you all!!”

~ Kris

Heading Home

In the final days of 2025, two adoptions came together that truly solidified what has been an extraordinary year for Second Chance Cheekye Ranch. Thor and Eclipse have both headed to Pemberton as companion horses for 2 resident geldings. This closes the year on a high note and reminds us exactly why this work matters.

Born around 2008, Thor is a 16.1 hh registered Thoroughbred bay gelding who arrived at SCCR in the summer of 2021 from an auction in Alberta. We’re told he’d landed there from a trail string up north.

When Thor first came to us, he carried the weight of a difficult past. He was sad, shut down, and in significant pain due to severe thrush and overgrown, cracked feet. Thanks to the dedication of our farrier and the consistent, loving care of volunteers, Thor has undergone a remarkable transformation. His feet have improved tremendously, and will continue to benefit from attentive hoof care.

Today, Thor is a spirited, expressive, and happy boy who genuinely enjoys attention. Though he’s not been ridden in more than a year, Thor’s an eager learner. His ground manners—both in the arena and out—are responsive and enthusiastic.

Born in 2010, Eclipse is a registered Dutch Warmblood standing 16.3 hh and sporting a stunning bay coat. He was surrendered to SCCR in the fall of 2023 on the cusp of being euthanized due to neurological concerns.

Because of irregularities in his spine, Eclipse is not suitable for riding but what a great companion he makes! He has a kind and loving personality and is an exceptional horse on the ground. Always eager to go out and enjoy himself, at SCCR Eclipse had 3 dedicated volunteers (Caroline, Maina, and Reagan) who took him out 4 or 5 times a week for grooming sessions, long walks, and joyful romps in the big arena. Eclipse will continue being pampered in his new home.

Seeing Thor and Eclipse heading to their new home together feels especially meaningful. Their journeys remind us that second chances truly do lead to new beginnings.

Where are they now?

In 2025 we bid a fond farewell to 20 horses who found forever homes.

(from left to right, top row to bottom)

Thompson - Kelowna, BC
Ernie - Revelstoke, BC
Ryder - Quesnel, BC
Josie - Kelowna, BC
Zippy - Quesnel, BC
Cash - Quesnel, BC
Shooter - Heffley Lake, BC
Grayson - Campbell River, BC
Mickey - Upper Squamish, BC
Bo (now Grace) - Squamish, BC

(from left to right, top row to bottom)

Bart - Quadra Island, BC
Bobo - Blind Bay, BC
Arby - Sechelt, BC
Brandi - Squamish, BC
Eclipse - Pemberton, BC
Bambi - Quesnel, BC
Prada - Heffley Lake, BC
Thor - Pemberton, BC
Willy - Princeton, BC
Wilma - North Vancouver, BC

Happy Ending - Bambi’s Story

Beautiful Bambi left SCCR last April after something of a whirlwind romance with a horsewoman living on five acres outside Quesnel, BC. JoAnne Robinson already had one mare but felt the pull for another.  A “project horse” to bring along to the next level and Bambi fit the bill perfectly.

Bambi came to Cheekye from a difficult situation: underweight, heavily infested with worms, and deeply distrustful of humans. Within six months, this smart, then 6 yr old Morgan/Welsh mare had settled in significantly and learned some solid training fundamentals. Still, with her rough history, she needed just the right person to take her further.

Enter JoAnne.

“My daughter knew about SCCR and told me I had to look at the website,” JoAnne recalls. “I saw Bambi’s picture and I just knew. Yep, that's the one.”

Born and raised in Quesnel, JoAnne is a third-generation horse person, so the connection wasn’t quite as impulsive as it might sound. Her first pony as a child was a rescue from an abusive neighbour, and horses have been a constant in her life ever since—except for one brief attempt at a break. “I lasted a month,” she laughs, “and came home with two minis.” One of them is still with her today at 31 years old.

When JoAnne came to meet Bambi in April 2025, the bond was immediate. “She must have felt my calm vibe,” JoAnne says. “Bambi was lying down when I approached and stayed that way while I put the halter on. That was it. She must have decided I was okay.”

While Bambi is still not especially fond of strangers, she is thriving with JoAnne and has quickly progressed to riding on nearby trails. “Even the first ride, she was good as gold—it made me think she’d been ridden before,” JoAnne says. “She’s going to be a good little horse.”

And a lucky one too—to have been chosen by a person whose horsemanship is matched only by her patience, experience, and deep commitment.

Sponsor Story

What better present for animal-loving kids than sponsoring an SCCR horse, especially one as cute as Lil Joe? (Okay, maybe a pony would be even better… but not very practical!)

Cecilia Chung was searching for a meaningful gift for her 5 and 8-year-old grandnieces. Because the girls live in Alberta, visits are few and far between, so Cecilia wanted something that would create connection, a shared experience they could talk about and follow together.

Marlowe and Ella are family-oriented, super-active kids who love animals and even take riding lessons. Cecilia, a horse enthusiast and rider herself, is already an SCCR sponsor. She had an “aha!” moment, and just like that, thanks to their Great Aunt Cecilia, Marlowe and Ella became proud sponsors of Lil Joe.

Cecilia will keep the girls updated on Lil Joe’s progress until they can visit the ranch and meet him in person.

Thank you, girls! 

And while we’re at it, a heartfelt thank-you to two new sponsors as well:

• Lael Thompson – Jenny

• Nellie Rekert – Maternity Ward

We truly appreciate your support! Your generosity helps make second chances possible.

Just For Fun

For information about sponsoring a horse or to make a one-time donation click here or email sccrsponsorahorse@gmail.com

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 advocate.

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

• Volunteer at the ranch. No horse experience necessary.