SCCR Newsletter, Issue #34 - September, 2025

Smokey & Lil’ Joe

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.

Last Minute Rescue

In mid-August, Second Chance Cheekye Ranch (SCCR) boss Kris Latham received a call from another rescue organization. Freedom’s Gate Equine Rescue in Salmon Arm BC had learned about 10 horses rounded up near Clearwater including young, wild & totally unhandled horses. After Freedom’s Gate managed to place 6 animals in private homes, 4 beautiful, sound horses remained at the stockyard in Kamloops - a young pinto mare and her foal, a gelding and a black stallion. Kris stepped in, negotiating with the meat-buyer to save all four lives. Today, they are safe at SCCR. In their honour, the little paddock behind Northside has been named J Paddock.

Jenny & Lil’ Joe

The beautiful mare now has a name—Jenny—and her colt is Lil’ Joe. Kris suspects Jenny is 4 or 5 years old. Calm, gentle, and completely unhandled, Jenny shows no hint of aggression despite a life already shaped by fear. Of course, she still needs time to learn she can truly let her guard down here at SCCR. Lil’ Joe, just 3 or 4 months old, lives in a world centred around his mother - and occasional playtime with his paddock-mate Jake. Lil’ Joe’s fear of humans is already diminishing. Kris is gently grooming him, has placed a tiny halter over his nose, and is teaching him that she is not a two-legged plaything.

Jake

Joining Jenny and Lil’ Joe is Jake, a dapple bay gelding approximately 15hh and around 7 years old. He arrived wary of humans, though his soft eye revealed he hadn’t completely shut down. Supposedly broke to ride, Jake is slowly discovering trust. With gentle patience, and a few giggles as Lil’ Joe occasionally interrupts, Kris has haltered Jake and started grooming him alongside his little sidekick. Each day, Jake’s confidence grows, and he’s learning that life can be safe, kind, and even joyful.

Harold

Over in Central Paddock lives perhaps the most striking figure of all: a stunning black stallion named Harold. Stallions are often overlooked due to misconceptions about their personalities, the challenges of handling them, plus the added cost of gelding. Standing about 15hh and said to be 4 years old, Harold arrived completely unhandled and extremely skittish of any sound or movement. Under Doug’s patient daily guidance and unwavering commitment, Harold has already accepted a halter and is leading—an incredible milestone at this early stage. With time, gentle care, and the important steps of gelding and a vet check, Harold will be ready to join an SCCR herd of rescued horses with their own stories. He will discover not just safety here at the Ranch, but the quiet gift of companionship with humans.

“These horses are already majestic, and are now learning to let go of the fear that shaped their early lives. With patience, gentle guidance, and yep…time, they will begin to trust again. Like so many before them, they remind us why rescue work—though challenging—is immeasurably rewarding.” - Kris

Happy Ending - Prada

On August 2, pretty Prada headed off to her new adoptive home near Heffley Lake BC. She walked onto the trailer with the confidence of a horse who knows she’s ready for her next chapter. Prada’s transformation from wild child to graceful lady was more than 2½ years in the making at Second Chance Cheekye Ranch.

Prada arrived at SCCR in 2023 alongside her mama, Paisley, as part of a group rescued from auction. Just a few months old then—full of sass, spark, and boundless energy—she’s since blossomed into a stunning, self-assured filly. Thanks to consistent groundwork training three times a week with trainer Karen, Prada has learned to take everything in stride.

We couldn’t be happier that Prada’s gone to experienced horse people who’ve adopted from SCCR before. With two children eager to be part of her journey, Prada will thrive in her new family. Now standing a classy 14hh, she’s joined other horses on the property and is already settling beautifully into her new life.

It’s something of a fairy tale ending for our princess.

Gratitude

This summer a mother and daughter stayed in one of Cheekye Ranch’s yurts by the Cheakamus River, just steps from our rescue paddocks. The mom, Shubha Krishnan, was genuinely curious about SCCR. She wanted to know everything: the horses, the routines, the stories. Kris spent an hour or so with Shubha and her daughter, Nikita, before handing them off to one of our regular volunteers who hosted them for another two hours of connection and learning.

Shubha left deeply moved: “The horses seemed serene. The body language was so different from what we’d seen on working ranches. There, they seemed to have almost shut off who they were. But at Second Chance, you see so many different personalities. There were naughty horses, friendly horses. You were meeting individuals and that was fascinating to me, how they can let loose and show their personalities when they’re safe.”

The visit didn’t end with admiration. It turned into action.

This family has a history of giving – son Rohan gave his seventh birthday money to a dog rescue. And mom Shubha, who spent most of her adult life as a corporate lawyer, quit paid work a few years ago to volunteer for Access Pro Bono. It’s an organization that provides free legal advice to people who can’t afford a lawyer to, for example, challenge an eviction or a deportation order.

After seeing the ranch, Shubha asked to review our financials. What she saw was a lean operation stretched to its limits. Shubha: “They needed money - and quickly. My husband Stephen (also a lawyer) and I felt we had to help.”

With their generous donation, Kris was able build a much-needed hay storage structure that shelters the bales from the elements and will support SCCR for years to come. So next time you’re at the ranch and pass by the shelter, please tip your hats to the Krishnan family. Their generosity now stands as part of SCCR’s very foundation.

Just For Fun

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.