SCCR Newsletter, Issue #33 - August, 2025

Ollie

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.

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

To all but the handful of people who work closely with Second Chance Cheekye Ranch founder Kris Latham, she can seem like a bit of a mystery. Most often spotted hurrying past with purpose, she’s constantly juggling a never-ending—and always-changing—list of tasks. How does she do it? The physical labour alone is staggering. Add in business management, organizing vet and farrier visits, tending to equine first aid, fundraising, leading her team, and—hardest of all—making life-and-death decisions for the horses she has devoted her life to saving.

This past month has been especially difficult.

With fewer owner surrenders and many SCCR horses successfully rehomed, the ranch finally has space again. That should be good news. But it also brings renewed urgency to save more horses from slaughter—horses already bound for Alberta auctions or feedlots. Just two weeks ago, Kris spent a sleepless night chasing down a meat buyer, knowing he held several auction horses slated for slaughter. By morning, she learned the horses had been shipped—this time, thankfully, to private buyers. One crisis averted.

But in rescue, there’s never time to rest.

Days later, SCCR’s vet delivered devastating news: two beloved horses, Casper and Skye, are facing incurable, degenerative conditions. Euthanasia is the kindest, most humane option—though it’s never a decision made lightly. Skye, adopted in 2020, was surrounded by her people. Casper had Kris by his side, as he always has.

The date was set for July 22, 2025. And a shadow fell over the month.

This is the part of rescue most people never see—the part that breaks your heart so it can keep beating for the next horse, the next chance, the next life saved.

It’s in these moments—when loss feels heavier than hope—that we’re reminded why we do this work. Every horse matters. Every life saved is worth the fight. And even when we can’t save them all, we ensure their final days are filled with peace, dignity, and love.

"Thank you for standing with us through the highs and the heartbreak. Your compassion and continued support make this work possible. As we say goodbye to Casper and Skye, and prepare for more rescues ahead, we carry both sorrow and resolve." ~ Kris

There is still so much work to do. But together, we’ll keep giving second chances.

Skye in the Stars

Skye & Des
Photo credit: Colleen Murphy

On July 22nd the ranch said goodbye to a special soul when Skye, the beautiful mare who spent her final years in the north side paddock, joined her friends in the spirit herd. Although her passing leaves an ache in the hearts of those who knew her, Skye’s legacy continues in the gentle way she taught humans how to slow down and listen.

Formally known as Grand Island Chief, Skye was a registered Morgan who arrived at SCCR in late 2017. She was initially part of a larger SPCA rescue mission, one of 35 horses seized from a breeding farm because of neglect. Kris later negotiated her release to SCCR - a decision that would impact countless lives.

When Skye finally reached the ranch, Cheeks the donkey was the first to greet her. Their connection was immediate. Over the years, Skye formed a small and loyal family with donkeys Cheeks, Jasper, Ollie, and Luke the mule. Though she lived among horses, her heart ultimately chose the company of long-eared friends. Skye was adopted by Desirée in 2020 and spent her remaining years deeply loved and understood.

Skye proved that horses have value beyond performance or obedience. She taught us about choosing presence over pressure, offering her companionship freely to those who approached her with softness. Volunteers often shared that Skye somehow knew when they were sad or overwhelmed. She would stand quietly beside them until their hearts began to settle. In her final year, she stepped fully into the role of co-facilitator in an equine coaching program, helping humans reconnect with themselves through her calm and intuitive energy.

After the early hardships of her 23 years, Skye was deeply cherished. She will be missed by her herd, the donkeys, her human family, and all who were fortunate enough to stand in her presence. May her spirit run free and be forever held in the hearts she touched.

If There’s a Heaven

Casper (left) and Oscar (right)

When sweet Casper crossed over on July 22, those of us who knew him were certain his best friend Oscar was waiting for him. Both retired Thoroughbreds arrived at Cheekye in 2022. Oscar passed away in late May of this year from complications stemming from a severe infection. High-strung and sensitive, he’d always leaned on Casper’s calm, steady presence. They were inseparable and, when Oscar was adopted 18 months ago and moved to Pemberton, Casper lost interest in grazing walks, often calling out for his friend before turning for home. Their bond was unshakable—even in absence.

Casper came to us with cancerous melanomas, which had significantly worsened over the past year and were severely impacting his quality of life. 

Casper lived a peaceful, love-filled life at the ranch. He brought joy to volunteers and visitors alike and was truly cherished. His memory—and the quiet strength he carried—will stay with us.

Bobo Finds His Forever Home

7-year-old Bobo arrived at SCCR in spring 2023 from Horse Heroes Alberta via a meat-buyer. Alongside Bobo was his best buddy Monty—his “brother from another mother.” The pair were adopted together in January 2025 by an experienced older couple looking for trail companions. While it seemed like a great match, it turned out not to be quite the right fit with their already established herd.

Happily, Bobo has since found a new forever home with a loving family on a beautiful farm up in Blind Bay BC where he’ll enjoy a quieter life full of attention, affection and, eventually, mountain trail riding. A life that should fit him really well. Sweet, gentle, and endlessly cuddly, Bobo's already settling in beautifully.

Monty will remain at Northside with his other buddies to continue his training and build confidence. We’re hopeful he’ll be ready for his perfect match soon.

Ready to Roll - Piper

This beautiful chestnut mare is ready to graduate from SCCR and make a new family very happy!

Piper came to SCCR in 2016 from a round up in the interior of BC. She had her yearling filly named Tiggs by her side. Piper’s a sensitive, sweet mare with a very attentive nature. She’s gentle, eager to connect and follows easily. Just shy of 15hh, Piper is well-built, carries herself nicely and is doing fantastic under saddle. She’ll be a great trail companion for an experienced person with a calm hand and soft demeanour.

Horses in Hot Weather

Unlike dogs and most other non-human animals, horses have sweat glands throughout their skin. Sweating creates “evaporative cooling”—as water changes from liquid to gas. it absorbs energy from its surroundings. In this case, that energy is in the form of heat from the skin and the air just above, leaving it cooler. But sweating is actually a horse’s secondary cooling mechanism. The first is the dilation of the capillaries in the skin, sending more blood to the skin. Sweating only happens when the capillaries can’t keep up with the heat the horse is generating.

Horses who sweat too long without replenishing their fluids can experience a number of health issues including colic, muscle weakness, heat stroke and even kidney failure in extreme cases. Fortunately, most horses need nothing more than rest and access to fresh water to make a complete recovery. A significantly dehydrated horse may require several days of rest and drinking, and a veterinarian may need to rehydrate the horse intravenously or through nasogastric intubation.

Test for dryness

If you’re worried that your horse may be getting dehydrated, there are two simple tests you can do. One is the skin-pinch test: Grasp a fold of skin on the point of his shoulder and pull it away from his body slightly. Then release it, noticing how long it takes for the “pinch” to flatten out. In a hydrated horse, the skin will snap back in less than a second. If the crease is still visible after two to three seconds, the horse is dehydrated; call your veterinarian if you can still see the pinched area after six seconds.

A second common test: press your fingertip against his gums. When you release the pressure, you’ll see a white spot; note how long it takes for the pink color to return. If the blood hydration is normal, the pink will return in less than two seconds. If the spot remains after three or four seconds, the horse may be dehydrated. (Note: this test is also used to help detect shock, blood loss and other conditions affecting circulation.) Other signs of dehydration include dark mucous membranes, dark urine and elevated body temperature.

Keep in mind that a dehydrated horse may not be interested in drinking. He may have “gone off” his water or be refusing it for another reason. To get him to drink more, try offering a second bucket with dissolved electrolytes in addition to one with plain water. Flavoring his water with apple juice may also encourage him to drink. Call your veterinarian if your horse seems dehydrated but is also unwilling to drink.

Source: Equus

Just for Fun

Thanks to Our Supporters from Mickey & all the sponsor horses

It’s only $25 a month to sponsor a rescue horse—but to them, it means safety, care, and a second chance.

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.