SCCR Newsletter, Issue #11 - October, 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 in 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 us. Without the caring, hard-working volunteers we have at the ranch, we would simply not be able to do what we do and save horses lives.

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.

Transformation Highlight:

Malachi

Malachi was only a few months old when his mother was killed by a train. After surviving alone in the Pemberton wilderness, Malachi was eventually found roaming the highway when SCCR was contacted to help. With two feet of snow on the ground, Malachi arrived so malnourished he could barely control his own body movements. We weren’t sure he would survive the night.

One day at a time Malachi slowly built-up strength until he was no longer an emaciated foal, but a healthy, strong, determined gelding.

It can be devastating for a foal to lose its mother, as 100% of their nutrients comes from milk. Starting life as an orphan foal, this horse's story is one of true perseverance. Overcoming those challenging early days, he has blossomed into a stunning and athletic gelding who radiates strength. His journey of survival and determination is a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of transformation.

Malachi has now found his forever home with a loving family on Quadra Island.

Adoption Success Story:

Kellie and Phoebe

In the last two years I lost both of my parents, my mother in August 2021 my father in August 2023.

I have found great solace and healing at the ranch, horses have an incredible ability to heal you, ground you and stand with you, all you have to do is listen and be present in the moment. In April of 2022 I adopted Thelma a beautiful chestnut mare. Thelma and I have an amazing bond and connection.

In August 2023 I began wanting to add another horse to add to the connection and bond. A horse that could teach me to listen and understand and grow even further.

I had my eye on a beautiful mare named Phoebe. I had the honor of having a little ride on her. I knew at that moment that I wanted and needed Phoebe in our lives. I began the "dating process" and shortly thereafter put in an adoption application. I was approved and formally adopted Phoebe in early September. I was so honored that Second Chance Cheekye Ranch allowed me to adopt this beautiful mare.

I look forward to growing our bond as all three of us enter into the next amazing, challenging, learning journey together. I’m excited for my next wonderful chapter of life with these two beautiful mares. Thank you Second Chance for entrusting me with Phoebe and Thelma. 

Adoption Highlight:

Shiloh

This elderly gentleman is probably in his mid-twenties and stands about 13hh. He is very well socialized and loves human companionship. He is sound enough for light riding, but he does have his sore days, probably a candidate for Previcox if he’s doing anything on a regular basis. He can be ridden by children and is plenty calm to do pony rides with tykes. This sweet old boy would love a quiet, calm setting, preferably with some kids around who will dote on him, and perhaps the occasional ride to keep him entertained.

To learn more about Shiloh, please click here

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

Sponsorship Highlight:

Luke

Meet Luke.

Luke may just have the biggest personality to size ratio on the Ranch! Despite his diminutive size, Luke is pretty much top dog on the Ranch. He will go toe-to-toe with any horse, and will never back down. Luke can figure his way under any fence so he has free run of the property. He is a wild soul and is not one to be contained. Luke is not a big fan of human interaction. After many years, he can be persuaded to take a treat from ones’ hand, but still does not accept pats.

SCCR travelled halfway across the country to rescue Luke from auction in Manitoba. Having travelled 2400km to get here and after taking control of the Ranch, he has decided to make the Ranch his permanent home, and we can’t imagine it any other way.

For as little as $25 a month, you can sponsor Luke in honour of a friend, in memory of a loved one, or a birthday gift. Sponsorship is tax deductible.

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

To see our other horses and donkeys available for sponsorship, please click here.

Sponsor a Horse Program

A big THANK YOU from all of us at SCCR and the rescues to our latest monthly Horse Sponsors: 

• D Barbarash - Flame

• H Borch – Kaylee & Cash

• Judy K – Maternity Ward

• Kathryn S - Midnight

• KIND Yoga Squamish - Cheeks

• S Saint-Amour - Midnight

It’s folks like these who help us provide feed, care, farrier work and medical attention to all our equines in need.

For as little as $25.00 a month, you too can sponsor one of our permanent residents of the ranch.  Sponsorship is tax-deductible and costs less than a dollar a day! For more information on the Sponsor a Horse Program or to make a one-time donation, click here or email sccrsponsorahorse@gmail.com

Horse Facts: Baby Horse Hooves - Fairy Fingers

Have you ever seen baby horse hooves? Newborn horse hooves often look like something out of a sci-fi movie. But this phenomenon seen in foals is perfectly normal. This “eponychium” ensures a smooth and safe birth for mom.

When a foal is born, predators are drawn to the placenta left behind, making mom and baby easy targets. In order to move to safety with their mother, it’s imperative that baby horses can walk on fully formed hooves. However, these small and hard hooves would be dangerous to the mare throughout pregnancy and birth without added protection. Luckily nature gives newborn horses a full set of soft, spongy slippers!

The hooves of foals are called eponychium, but are also knows as ‘fairy fingers’ or ‘golden slippers’. These fairy fingers begin to dry out and harden within moments of birth. As the newborn foal walks, they fall off and wear away until they completely disappear, usually within the first 24 to 48 hours of birth. Fairy fingers are a natural way to keep mama and baby safe.

More fun facts about foals:

-Foals can stand within 2 hours of birth

-Most foals are born at night

-Foals begin to eat grass and hay within their first 2 weeks of life

-A foal’s legs are 80-90% fully grown at birth

-Foals are usually born with not teeth, but begin to develop them within the first few days

Source: Savvy Horsewoman

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