SCCR Newsletter, Issue #21 - May, 2025

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome.

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch is a sanctuary for horses, donkeys, mules, pot-bellied pigs and dogs. 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 the animals who call it home, but also the lives of the wonderful people who have dedicated their time and energy to helping these animals in need.

Big Momma

May is a big month for celebrations – May Day, Cinco de Mayo and, of course, Mother’s Day, a fitting time to honour possibly the most amazing mother among us! Daiquiri, aka Big Momma.

A tall stunning strawberry dun, Daiquiri is believed to have been a broodmare before her rescue. She arrived at SCCR in June of 2022 with 2 of her offspring: 2-year-old Bud and 1-year-old Bailey. They came in with several other horses and the gang took over what’s now known as Dolly’s paddock. In the mix were 2 other youngsters whose moms couldn’t come with them, Moonshine and Irish. Daiquiri stepped into the role of mother to all 4! The fact that she said yes to nursing and looking out for unrelated youngsters is quite remarkable, especially given that they weren’t newborns.  

Daiquiri is the boss mare in her paddock and always keeps eyes on the kids. When there’s a line-up for water, she’s been observed making sure that the young’uns drink first. Her babies are now grown and, except for Bud, have found forever homes. With less responsibility, in recent months we’ve seen Daquiri relax. Although she’s very stoic and her size would seem to indicate a strong confident mare, Daiquiri is quite sensitive. She’s coming along with gentling and is doing great with basic groundwork. We are so happy to see her come into calmness, and to witness her trusting humans again. 

Daiquiri has done her full share of nurturing, and we look forward to the day when she finds her forever home... where she’s the one getting loved on.

Farewell White Knight

Many of you will have already heard the biggest, and saddest, news of the past month. Dexter, one of SCCR owner Kris Latham's heart horses, suddenly passed away. On a beautiful sunny Sunday, Kris had given Dexter morning mash and a good grooming before he ventured out with his buddies for the day. 3 hours later, coming up from the trail with his buddies right behind, Dexter went down in the clover field and didn't get up, his heart apparently giving out. We'll all miss this guy, the official greeter as we entered the ranch and drove past Northside. This is a particularly heartbreaking loss for Kris as the bond she and Dexter had was a special one. Dexter joined the Ranch in 2017, a year after Kris founded Second Chance Cheekye Ranch. Kris: "Wander on my White Knight. I will miss you so much".

New Girl in Town

If you’re walking near Alberta 2/3 and look down towards Spook’s paddock, you may see Doug out walking and talking gently to a stunning new sorrel mare. That’s Butterscotch, aka Wilma - at least that’s what Doug likes to call her! At 7-years-old, this beauty stands about 16.2 hands and Kris guesses that she’s a Belgian X. (Belgian Draught, also known as Brabant, is a heavy draught breed regarded as one of the strongest breeds in the world. The breed is also valued for its amazing temperament.)

Beautiful Butterscotch/Wilma came to us through another rescue for what should be short-term rehabilitation before finding her forever home. She’s currently somewhat lame with laminitis but her feet have been x-rayed, she’s now on a low-sugar diet, and her condition appears to be very treatable. Kris hopes this “sweet girl” will be ready for adoption in a couple of months.

Body Language - What His Hind Legs Say

The hind legs of a nervous or frustrated horse are a danger zone to be heeded:

Cocked. When a horse cocks his leg, he rests the leading edge of the hoof on the ground and drops his hip. When combined with a lowered head or ears hanging to the side, this is the sign of a horse who is relaxed and resting. You may see him occasionally shift his weight, uncocking that back leg and cocking the other one. However, if your horse shifts his weight rapidly from one foot to the other, he’s probably in pain and cannot get comfortable; you need to call your veterinarian.

A horse may also cock a hind hoof when he is irritated or defensive and considering kicking. In that case, he may also elevate his head and turn his ears back, and he may be looking back over his shoulder to keep an eye on the perceived threat. The best thing you can do then is steer clear of his back end and move him forward and away from whatever is bothering him.

Raised. Your horse may lift a hind leg off the ground to signal irritation. The cause may be something as minor as a horsefly, or it could be that he’s annoyed with a horse or person behind him and is threatening to kick.

At the more aggressive end of the spectrum, many of the warning signs will be similar to a horse with a cocked leg: He may elevate his head, pin his ears and possibly even snake his head back and forth in warning. Your goal will be to move him away from whatever is bothering him and refocus his energy by putting him to work.

Source: Equus 

Just for Laughs

Thanks to Our Supporters from Paisley & all the sponsored horses.

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.