SCCR Newsletter, Issue #10 - September, 2023

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 animals 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, 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.

Adoption Success Story:

Julia & Rowan

At the start of 2020, I was just entering my career as a first responder and knew I would need to fall back on my passion for support.

In May of 2020, I set out to find my heart horse. I looked at several horses around the lower mainland, but hadn’t felt a connection with any of them. I knew I wanted a reliable companion that I could count on for those hard days.

I found out about Second Chance Cheekye Ranch when I decided I wanted to adopt a rescue horse. I set up an appointment to take a look at their herd and immediately noticed the most beautiful mare, still in her winter woolies. She marched right up to me (as I was standing with her best friend, Jim) and I knew instantly how special she was. Her kind eye, confidence, and show stopper looks stole my heart from that first look. I asked Jim (trainer at SCCR) who this special lady was and he said that was his favourite girl, Rowan. I asked if she was available for adoption, but Jim had already bonded with her so deeply, I felt it was a long shot.

I looked at and tried a few more horses in the herd, but didn’t feel that same spark. Jim asked if I would like to try riding Rowan, to which I immediately jumped on the opportunity.

I saddled Rowan up and hopped on the little green mare and instantly knew this was the horse I had been searching for. She was so soft, responsive, and most importantly, I felt safe. Jim could see how much I adored this girl after only knowing her for a few minutes. My adoption was approved and my journey with my one in a million horse had began!

Rowan has pulled me through some of the hardest times in my life.

Now onto more about Rowan:

She is kind, she is smart, she is intuitive, she is brave, she is fierce. She is simply exceptional and extraordinary.

I have taken her on countless trails, worked on jumping, dressage, groundwork - you name it, she can do it. The best part about Rowan is that she loves to do whatever you’re doing. It feels like there’s a little human in her because she’s so easy to communicate with.

I planned my whole wedding just so I could have her there on one of the most important days of my life. I gave her a kiss before walking  down the aisle and she answered by grabbing a nibble out of my bouquet to give me a little chuckle, easing my nerves - she most certainly knew what she was doing.

I could go on and on about all the adventures we have shared and how much joy this special girl brings, but I’ll just end it here with this:

Rowan, you are loved with no bounds.  

Adoption Highlight: Bart

Bart is a 3 year old gelding who’s journey to trust humans hasn't been easy, but his heart is full of curiosity and a longing for connection. In the late months of 2022, he took a brave step forward, cautiously approaching people and seeking treats with gentle nudges from his velvety nose. Slowly but surely, he allowed his wary nature to be replaced by a newfound inquisitiveness.

Bart is transforming each day. He is halter broke and confidently strolls around the property, embarking on new adventures with his head held high! Ground training in the round pen has honed his intelligence and sensitivity, making him an exceptional learner.

Bart has embraced grooming and loves the attention from humans. He picks up his feet, and stands well. He is blossoming into a beautiful put together horse, we expect him to be near or reach 16hh once he is fully matured.

We can’t wait for Bart to find his forever human! If you think this might be you or to learn more about Bart, please click here.

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

Sponsorship Highlight: Midnight

Midnight was still in her prime at 21 years old when she arrived in 2018. This beautiful black Arab mare had seen many shows, and carried many children and adults in a lesson string. Midnight joined us as a 'Surrender" from a family who had 2 horses, and found themselves in an unfortunate and sad situation where they could only take one of their horses to their new rental home. With a 32 year old gelding who they knew would not find a retirement home, they opted to find Midnight a safe place to go. Now 26 and still as spry and keen as ever, she continues to be loved on by young children in our programs. This deserving mare does require extra feed and supplements to maintain her girlish figure so we welcome sponsorship to help support her through her golden years!

To sponsor Midnight and help make a difference in his life, please click here.

To see other sponsorship equines, click here.

Horse Facts: Humans & Horses have almost the same number of bones!

Humans have 206 bones in their body and horses have around 205 bones in their skeleton, but some Arabian horses have fewer ribs and lumbar vertebrae than is typically found in other breeds of horse — 5 lumbar vertebrae rather than 6 and 17 pairs of ribs rather than 18.

Source: Horse & Hound

Just for Pun