SCCR Newsletter, Issue #36 - November 2025

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome

Cassidy

Happy Endings

Brandi

We’re thrilled to share that we had four new adoptions last month and two of those horses will be staying at the Ranch ~ Bow and Brandi. 

Brandi, a gentle 21-year-old mare, arrived just three months ago as a thoughtful surrender from a kind elderly woman in Lillooet who wanted to ensure that Brandi would be safe and cared for if life took an unexpected turn for her owner.

When Brandi arrived at SCCR, it was truly love at first sight for Mary Anne Staples who boards her horse Daria at the Ranch as well. “I took one look at Brandi and did a double take,” says Mary Anne. Brandi is the mirror image of her beloved heart horse who passed away in 2014. As Mary Anne spent more time with Brandi through our Groom & Graze program, the two formed an undeniable bond.

The adoption was finalized on October 14th.

Mary Anne’s experience — including running her own small horse rescue in Ontario — made the decision easy. As Kris put it: “Brandi was calm and didn’t need much work, and the connection between them was clear. Two souls found each other.”

Des & Bow

Seven-year-old Bow arrived at SCCR in August 2024 along with one of her herd mates. Originally from a wild horse roundup near Osoyoos, Bow carried the quiet caution of a horse who had learned to rely on her instincts. At first, she kept her distance — thoughtful, observant, and unsure. But with time, patience, and gentle care, her soft, intelligent, and affectionate nature began to shine through.

Meanwhile, Desiree Sher had recently experienced the deep loss of her heart horse, Skye. When Bow arrived at the ranch, something stirred. A familiar kind of presence. A spark of connection.

As the weeks passed, Bow and Desiree continued to meet each other where they were — both quietly healing, both learning to trust what comes next. The bond grew naturally, tenderly. And on the day their adoption became official, it felt less like a decision and more like something that had simply found its way.

Bow will now join Desiree in continuing Skye’s legacy through Soul Space Equine Assisted Coaching here at the Ranch, a place where horses help people find peace, healing, and connection. While Skye’s love remains irreplaceable, Bow’s gentle strength and open heart are helping to carry the story forward.

Two journeys becoming one — in their own time, in their own way.

Wilma

Wilma, a stunning 9-year-old Belgian cross, standing a proud 16.1 hands, joined SCCR in late April of this year. Now she is heading to her perfect home — Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver. Operated by the District of North Vancouver’s Parks Department which has welcomed families since 1975, the Farm gives children the chance to meet and learn about farm animals up close.

Wilma, who carries a gentle presence and a calm grounded spirit, should step easily into this role so filled with ease and purpose. Her job? Simply to be herself. To be admired. To allow curious children to see and appreciate the beauty, strength, and kindness of a draft horse.

Wilma deserves a future defined by softness. A grassy paddock. Quiet days. Gentle hands. A community that will cherish her. Maplewood offers just that — a spacious, safe, and welcoming environment where Wilma’s most important work will be bringing joy to others just by being the magnificent horse she is.

A new chapter. A gentle rhythm. A life held in appreciation and respect.

Shooter

23-year-old Shooter is beginning a beautiful new chapter at Epona Rise Retreat Center, tucked within a lush valley near Heffley Creek, just northeast of Kamloops. There, she will join a herd of more than 25 rescue horses who live together at liberty on 80 rolling acres — a place where horses are free to simply be horses.

Epona Rise is a sanctuary where people come to slow down, reconnect, and find peace through meaningful interactions with horses. The Center was already familiar with SCCR, having adopted Ripley (now Merlin) five years ago. So when they recently said goodbye to a cherished elder mare, Epona’s owner, Hillary Schneider, reached out with intention and care.

“I felt like our place would be a good landing spot for Shooter,” Hillary shared. “She would be able to just be a horse, and have the choice to participate in our equine-guided retreats and programs. We were also simply happy to give an older mare a home.”

At SCCR, Shooter has always carried a gentle presence — wise, aware, and quietly kind. Now, she will have the space to roam, to graze, to connect, or simply to rest in the company of a large, supportive herd. And when she chooses, she may help humans find grounding, healing, and clarity - in her own way and her own time.

A vast valley. A new beginning — led by choice, freedom, and respect.

More Ranch News

We’re thrilled to share that last month’s “Double Your Impact” fundraiser was a wonderful success! Thanks to your generosity and a matching pledge of $2,000 from a kind donor, we reached our goal and raised a total of $4,000. These funds will go a long way in helping us care for our horses through the costly winter months.  

Squamish locals! Join us for an evening of fun and community at our Mini Fundraiser hosted by the Brackendale Art Gallery! Line Dancing returns with Sharon Slater on Sunday, November 9th - it’s guaranteed to be a boot-stompin’ good time!

 Grab your tickets here before they sell out and help support the horses of Second Chance Cheekye Ranch!

12 Days Of Giving

We’ll be kicking off our annual 12 Days of Giving online auction on December 1st. This is our major fundraiser of the year and there will be a variety of excellent gifts to bid on – including a half-day trail ride and multiple Whistler hotel stays, massages and more. Or how about a fabulous facial, for the person who just needs a time-out from the festivities!?

If anybody has ideas for other items to be donated for the auction, please get in touch by emailing: events@cheekyeranch.com

Annie McKenzie

Healing Hands

SCCR’s on-call equine physiotherapist came by her healing hands through both horse experience and formal education. Annie grew up with horses, started riding at age 5, eventually competing in eventing and cow-horse reining. She even had the privilege of working with some big names in horse training, including Olympic-level equestrians. 

But it wasn’t training that drew her, Annie wanted to help the whole horse: “I felt the most rewarded when I was advocating for the horses I worked with.” She knew that “naughty behaviour” often masks pain, so it was back to school. In 2016, Annie graduated from BC College for Equine Therapy as a certified Equine Sports Therapist.

If you see her at work around the ranch, you may notice that equine physiotherapy is similar to human physio – lots of hands-on treatment like myofascial release and massage to see where discomfort originates, and then help induce relaxation and improve mobility. Annie talks through her sessions so that the human involved can understand what’s happening and know how to work with the horse between physio sessions. Annie also films before & after videos to show what’s shifted through physio. No surprise, she’s even a skilled saddle-fitter.

Annie had to take a break from work after a car accident 5 years ago that left her with a traumatic brain injury. She was sleeping 17 hours a day, had debilitating headaches and terrible balance. At first Annie couldn’t even sit on a horse but, during rehab, she discovered that one thing she could do was canter bareback on the beach! “Horses were my feet when I didn’t have them working.” When she needed help most, it was horses who showed up for Annie and she’s grateful that she can pay them back through her life’s work.

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.