SCCR Newsletter, Issue #1 - December, 2022

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch (SCCR) was established in 2016 by Kris Latham. With the help of a passionate group of animal loving volunteers, SCCR aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses in need. More than 25,000 horses are slaughtered in Canada annually with most of the meat being exported for human consumption. We aim to save as many as we can from that fate.

Do you love Horses and want to make a difference to the lives of horses, donkeys and mules in need? Our team of volunteers is invaluable, and we are always on the lookout for great people to join our team. Without the caring and hard working volunteers we have at the ranch, we would simply not be able to do what we do.

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch is a sanctuary for horses, donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, and dogs too. Ask any volunteer around the ranch, and you will hear a tale of how this incredible place has changed not only the lives of all animals who call it home, but also the wonderful people who have dedicated their time and energy to helping these animals in need.

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.

Meet Kris Latham

You cannot step foot on the ranch without seeing this incredibly hard working, compassionate woman cruising around on her electric all-terrain vehicle, pups in tow, making sure everything is running smoothly. Kris is an advocate for all beings and has dedicated her life to helping those in need.

Kris attributes the special spot in her heart for horses to a mare from her childhood named Queenie. Queenie belonged to a neighbour, but found herself in the care of 12 year old Kris Latham. Kris had cared for Queenie for around 6 months when a man arrived with a trailer explaining that he had bought the horse from the neighbour as a “broodmare” . Kris cried as Queenie was loaded up and taken away and knew something wasn’t right. Who wants a broodmare in their late teens? About 20 minutes later, Kris’s mom arrived home and learned what had happened. Kris and her mom hopped in their family vehicle and raced down the road after the trailer. They eventually caught up, and with a cheque for $150 were able to convince the man to let them buy Queenie back. Kris walked Queenie down the road and back home.

To see a short video about about Kris and the ranch, please click here.

SCCR Online Silent Auction - 12 Days of Giving

NOW LIVE!

We have gathered some beautiful prizes, donated by local vendors, for our Second Annual SCCR Online Silent Auction. Check out the prizes, and place your bids here.

Join us for our Annual Winter Market, showcasing local artisans and small business owners. Here you will find a variety of vendors, activities and food nestled in the picturesque setting of Cheekye Ranch. This is a cash only event.

Santa Clause will be joining us at the market for photos, and pony rides will be run by the wonderful Vanessa of Giddy Up Equine Experiences using the beautiful rescue horses of SCCR. No reservations necessary. Pony rides are for ages 5 and up between 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm, while younger children are invited to meet the horses and have a photo with Santa! Tours are available at 11am and 1pm. Don’t forget to write a letter to Santa or do some crafts at the Kids Tent.

Horse Highlight Adoption: Phoebe

Phoebe is a beautiful 10 year old chestnut mare, standing at 14.2 hands high. She was round up in the Okanagan and was rescued by SCCR before she could be sent to auction. She arrived in the summer of 2020 with her one month old foal, Sapphire (Sassy). Phoebe and her baby were sent to auction in Alberta and eventually made their way to their safe haven at SCCR.

Phoebe arrived traumatized and with no trust in humans, but with patience and unconditional love shown to her and her baby by the volunteers at SCCR she has blossomed into an affectionate, trusting, and confident mare. Her baby Sapphire has since been adopted into a loving home. Now, all Phoebe needs is the perfect person to call her own.

Phoebe’s responsive nature has helped her excel at basic groundwork. She leads, stands to be groomed, is good with her feet, and lunges beautifully.

Phoebe can be ridden either Western or English, and would make the perfect trail companion. She is also up to date on vaccinations, feet and worming.

With her sweet temperament and gentle nature, Phoebe is the whole package.

To learn more about Phoebe, please click here.

To see other adoptable horses at SCCR and to learn more about our adoption process, click here.

Horse Highlight Sponsorship: Molly Mule

Molly Mule is a mini mule who has been with us since the fall of 2021. After an attempted adoption she found her way back to the ranch, through no fault of her own, where she has become one of our beloved permanent residents.

When she arrived, Molly was unhandled and unsure of humans. She has since gained trust and will happily accept scratches from a select few volunteers. She is very bonded to her herd and loves to join them on trail rides.

Although she’s little, she still requires annual health care, foot care and feed. To sponsor Molly and help make a difference in her life, please click here.