SCCR Newsletter, Issue #46 - September 2026

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome

Pearl’s Progress

Since arriving at the ranch on July 27th, Pearl’s greatest transformation has been learning that she can feel safe again. We now know that she is almost completely blind, and after living feral with very limited handling, trust cannot be rushed. Our focus has been on nourishment, consistency and communicating in ways that make sense to her. Pearl relies heavily on sound and touch, so we talk softly to let her know where we are and say “touch” before placing a hand on her. In her own time, she has learned to accept a halter and protective fly mask and increasingly welcomes brushing and gentle touch. Her sweet, gentle personality is emerging a little more each day.

Every small moment with Pearl is a milestone of trust. It is remarkable to imagine this nearly blind mare navigating the open landscape around Lillooet with so little support. Pearl is a survivor, but perhaps the most beautiful part of her story now is that she no longer has to be. She is learning that hands can be gentle, her needs will be met, and she will be listened to. There is still a journey ahead, and we will continue to travel it at Pearl’s pace - one small step at a time.

If you would like to be the first person to sponsor Pearl, please click here!

Here’s Johnny!

Just 2 months ago, we welcomed little Johnny into the world. Since then, he has wasted no time discovering just how much fun life can be.

Gone are the shaky first steps and uncertain wobbles. Johnny now races around his paddock with the confidence that only a young foal can possess. Whether he’s stretching those long legs in playful bursts of speed, investigating anything new, or pestering his patient mom, he reminds us daily why new life is such a gift.

Jenny has proven to be an exceptional mom. After all, she’s got experience! In our September newsletter last year, we featured Jenny with her 3ish-month-old colt, Lil Joe! This mama knows how to be protective without being overbearing, keeping a watchful eye on energetic little Johnny while giving him the confidence to explore.

Johnny’s personality is becoming more apparent every day. Curious, confident, and incredibly people-oriented. Like many teething babies, he’s discovered that fingers, sleeves, wheelbarrow handles, and just about anything else within reach, make excellent chew toys!

As tempting as it is to indulge him, we’ve had to remind our volunteers not to encourage this behaviour. Like in any herd, boundaries and respect are essential, and those lessons begin early. Jenny has already been quick to correct him when his enthusiasm gets the better of him, and those gentle lessons from his mother are an important part of growing up. At SCCR, we believe horses first learn from their herd, and then we respectfully build on those lessons rather than replacing them. Every interaction, no matter how small, helps shape the horse Johnny will become.

Johnny already loves being groomed, is learning to politely pick up all four feet, and has begun his introduction to wearing a halter. He hasn’t quite figured out what the halter is all about, other than something to chew on while Kris is trying to put it on! He’s making steady progress, and with each passing day his confidence continues to grow.

Johnny’s future is still unwritten, but one thing is certain: unlike so many horses that arrive at Second Chance Cheekye Ranch, his story began in safety, surrounded by people committed to giving him the very best start in life.

We look forward to watching him grow and sharing his journey with all of you.

To sponsor please click here.

When We Simply Watch

by Desirée Sher

I recently came across a reflection by filmmaker and horsewoman Stormy May about how often we interrupt horses. We do this not because we’re unkind, but because we’re enthusiastic. Her words made me think about how often I have done exactly that.

We love horses, and naturally we want to connect with them. We see one standing quietly at the fence and reach out to touch them. We notice two horses sharing a tender moment and pull out our phones to capture it. A horse is staring intently into the distance and we call their name. We want to be part of the moment.

But lately, I’ve been wondering what might happen if, instead, we simply watched.

One of the gifts of spending time with the horses at Second Chance Cheekye Ranch is the opportunity to witness horses living rich lives of their own. They have friendships and preferences. They rest, play and communicate. They notice tiny changes in their environment that we often miss. And sometimes they become completely absorbed in something we may never understand.

There is something beautiful about remembering that not every one of those moments is an invitation. This has become a mindfulness practice for me.

Before I approach a horse, call their name or reach out to touch them, I try to pause and ask: What was this horse doing before I arrived? Where is their attention? What are they communicating?

And perhaps most importantly: Do I need to become part of this moment?

Sometimes the answer is yes. A horse may turn toward us, approach or clearly seek connection. And sometimes the answer is no.

We can stay where we are and simply witness them.

Perhaps this is one of the quieter lessons horses offer us: connection doesn’t always require participation. Sometimes love looks like curiosity. Sometimes it looks like patience. And sometimes it means giving another being enough space to remain Immersed in a moment that is entirely their own.

So the next time you visit the horses at SCCR, try something simple. Before reaching out, pause. Watch. Listen.

And see what the horses reveal when we give them the space to simply be horses.

Tour News

This year has been an exciting season for tours at Cheekye Ranch, with a 25% increase in guests as of August. So far, 160 visitors have joined our volunteers for a day of learning, connection, and discovery, generating  $2016  in tour proceeds. With 100% of tour revenue going directly toward the care of the herd  our guests leave not only inspired by the work being done at the ranch, but also knowing their visit has directly contributed to supporting the animals who call it home.

The tours offer more than a glimpse into life at Cheekye Ranch. They provide an opportunity for the community to better understand why this special place, and the animals who have found sanctuary here, are worth protecting, while giving every visitor a meaningful way to be part of their care.

If you are interested in booking a tour this season there is still time. Reach out to Desirée to book your visit at connect@desireesher.com

And last but not least we are doing a giveaway for a tour for 2 before our tour season ends! The tour will take place on a Saturday in September. Tours are ending for 2026 at the end of this month so get in while you can to experience the magic! Follow us on our Socials for details on how to enter.

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.