SCCR Newsletter, Issue #3 - February 1, 2023

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome

Ranch Report

Joining us in January were 2 large, young mules, an ultra mini donkey named Pinner, a beautiful standard donkey named Ogee, 2 older geldings and a mare with an 8 month old foal. All are settling in nicely and starting to get more comfortable with day to day socializing with humans.

We would like to announce two exciting adoptions this month! Cody, a beautiful palomino gelding who only arrived in late 2022 and our newly acquired Pinner (mentioned above). These two lucky boys will be heading to their forever homes in no time. We will miss them, but are overjoyed for them and their exciting adventures that lay ahead.

February is dental month at SCCR and we have 24 rescues who need their annual vaccinations and teeth checked and floated by our favorite team at Agwest Veterinary Group. This is a major expense for the ranch, averaging around $325 per horse! You can help by donating here or you can also e-transfer Agwest directly at office@agwestvet.com. Make sure to ask that your donation be put on SCCR’s account!

In addition, auction season is upon us as well as various round ups of wild horses off the rangelands in the interior of BC, which will leave hundreds of horses at risk of being shipped to slaughter.

Lastly, there is only one week left to sign the petition to help end live horse export from Canada (petition closes February 7th). All of us at SCCR are encouraging YOU to sign the petition to Parliament to help stop the cruel and inhumane live shipment of horses overseas to slaughter for human consumption. Please click here to sign the petition. It takes less than a minute and could be the one signature that saves thousands of horses every year!

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.

Gone But Not Forgotten

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Clifford. Registered thoroughbred, named “Southern Heat”, Clifford was a ranch favorite.

Clifford spent most of his life on the race track until a career ending injury when he was then sent to auction and an unknown fate. Thankfully Clifford was picked up by our friends in Alberta, and eventually made his way to Second Chance Cheekye Ranch. Clifford’s life on the ranch was one of unconditional love, compassion and freedom. He was able to live out his retirement years with unlimited hay, specially made meals on the daily loaded with vitamins and minerals, and snuggles from countless volunteers. Clifford also had a close bond with his herd mates Midnight and Elton. The three of them would go everywhere together.

Clifford was a sweet and sensitive soul who had a tough beginning to life, and was lucky enough to find his way to the retirement sanctuary which is SCCR where he was able to live out the rest of his days in peace and love. Run like the wind, sweet Clifford.

Volunteer Highlight: Vanessa Savage

Vanessa Savage’s experience with horses started at a young age. She grew up around her grandpa’s horse in Ontario which started her passion for equines. Prior to moving to BC, Vanessa volunteered at a therapeutic riding facility. She has been a volunteer with SCCR for 3 years and in June, 2020 she adopted her beloved rescue Avalon. Vanessa also started her own business ‘Giddy Up Equine Experiences’ and has been very active in SCCR’s social media and ranch fundraisers. Vanessa has been an integral part of the SCCR family and we are grateful for her hard work and compassion at the ranch.

Adoption Highlight: Lady

Lady is a special mare. She is very sensitive and wants to know her handler/rider before she gets on with it. It takes some time and softness to win her heart, but once you have it she is a fantastic horse on the trails. She is forward but soft, and as brave as they come - she is often the horse that will lead the others through obstacles, into water, or past scary objects. She is extremely sensitive to body ques and easy to ride from the seat. Due to her sensitivity she will probably always be a high novice/intermediate horse. As soft as she is when she is going forward with confidence, she can be equally resistant if she is unsure. She requires a confident and competent rider and handler.

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

Sponsorship Highlight: Flame

Flame and his best friend Arby arrived at SCCR in 2021 as two old fellas who have spent most of their lives together. Flame is a favorite around the ranch for gentle trail rides and our Groom and Graze program. He likes to roam the property in search of snacks and pats, both of which he gets plenty of. At 26 years old, this docile gentleman is so deserving of spending his retirement getting the extra support and care he requires.

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

Just for Pun

Question: What did the horse say when she fell down?

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Answer: Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t giddy up!