SCCR Newsletter, Issue #35 - October, 2025

Luke & Jerry

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.

SCCR Founder Kris Latham

Thanksgiving Message

As we move into the fall months and embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for the many volunteers and supporters who give so selflessly to Second Chance Cheekye Ranch. The countless hours you devote—whether it’s in the paddocks, grooming and grazing the horses in our care, offering financial support, or quietly helping behind the scenes—make all the difference.

Because of you, we are able to honour the souls we have lost, nurture those still learning to trust, and celebrate the ones who have found new beginnings both within and beyond the Ranch. Each horse carries a story, a journey yet to fully unfold, and thanks to your kindness, those stories are filled with hope, healing, and the promise of brighter tomorrows.

From all of us—two-legged and four—thank you for being such an essential part of this journey.

~ Kris

Happening Soon!

We have a fun fall fundraiser happening - Line dancing with Sharon Slater! Thank you to the Brackendale Art Gallery for offering up their space for this event. Purchase your tickets now! All proceeds go directly to the horses.

Ranch News

Last week Arby went to a new home on the Sunshine Coast as a companion to an older mare. He's settled in and liking his new friend and his new digs - all 5 acres! 

Riley has come home after 6 months away. Turns out he really prefers a herd of his own and was super happy when he got off the trailer. He's back with his pals in Vernon paddock.

Ready for Adoption

This stunningly beautiful 8-year-old mare is ready to find her forever home. Standing around 14.1hh, Kaylee is a smart, sensitive lady with the potential to become the perfect partner for an experienced and patient leader—someone who understands that trust takes time to build, but is worth every moment of effort.

Kaylee arrived at Second Chance Cheekye Ranch in 2021 from an Alberta auction, alongside five other horses rejected from bucking stock breeders. Not long after, she gave birth to Cash, a spirited roan colt who has since found his forever home. Now, it’s Kaylee’s turn.

She may take time to open up, but when she connects, the bond is extraordinary. With patience and thoughtful guidance, Kaylee is willing to work through challenges, and watching her move is simply glorious. She’s correct in every way, athletic, and shows elegant front-end movement. Versatile and adaptable, Kaylee could go either English or Western.

If you believe in patience, trust, and giving a horse the chance to blossom in their own time, Kaylee might just be the partner you’ve been waiting for.

How Adoption Works

Some of our volunteers have asked how adoption works at Second Chance Cheekye Ranch—how we decide when a horse is ready for their new life, and how we choose the right family for them. Like so much at SCCR, it’s a careful balance of knowledge, experience, and instinct. The final decision rests with SCCR founder Kris Latham, with guidance from the horse’s primary trainer. Trainers often work with a horse for months—or even years—gently guiding them and learning their strengths, sensitivities, and quirks. Together, they and Kris determine when a horse is ready to move on, and what kind of adopter will be the best match. It’s never easy, since strong bonds form with every horse, but it’s part of SCCR’s mission: Rescue. Rehabilitate. Rehome.

When someone expresses interest in a horse, Kris takes the time to understand what they’re looking for and what kind of life they can provide. Key questions include:

• Where will the horse live?

• Will they have forage, freedom, and friends?

• What’s the adopter’s training philosophy and skill level?

• Do they have the resources to meet the horse’s physical, emotional, and financial needs?

Prospective adopters are also given a full picture of the horse as we know it—their backstory, sensitivities, health considerations and current level of training. An important part of the process is arranging a visit, where the adopter meets both the horse and the people who have been working with the horse. This step ensures there’s a genuine connection and a good fit before moving forward.

Finally, adopters complete a formal written application and provide references for us to check. Adoption fees vary depending on the horse’s age, training, and needs. Those fees help cover the costs of their care and rehabilitation while at the Ranch.

If everything aligns, Kris and the trainers make the final decision together. And when a horse steps onto the trailer bound for their forever home, there are always tears—of both joy and sorrow. Each horse takes a piece of Cheekye with them, and though they’ll be missed, every adoption is the start of a beautiful new beginning.

Just For Fun

Double Your Impact

Here’s where some extra Thanksgiving magic comes in: 

A generous anonymous supporter has stepped forward to match every donation made—dollar for dollar—up to $2,000 until October 31st. That means together, we can raise $4,000 to help cover hay, vet bills, and new tarps for the shelters as we head into the wet winter months.

Please consider giving today and doubling your impact for the horses in our care. Donate Now

New Sponsors

This has already been a month of generosity to our horses. Thank you to three new sponsors!

• Cecilia - Jimmy, Mickey, Dolly, Paisley

• Kathy Cooper – Sweets

• Theresa Bromley – Dancer

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.