Happy Trails- Success Stories.

Second Chances, New Beginnings.

At Second Chance Cheekye Ranch, we believe every horse deserves a fresh start and a loving home. Our Happy Trails page is dedicated to sharing the heartwarming success stories of horses who have found their forever families. From rescue to rehabilitation to rehoming, these stories showcase the resilience of our equine friends and the incredible bonds they form with their new owners.

Each adoption is not just a new home—it's a new chapter full of trust, partnership, and love.

Scroll down to read some of the inspiring journeys of our adopted horses!

Bart

  • Bart Found His Forever Home!

    From timid glances to confident steps, Bart has come such a long way. And now, his journey takes the most beautiful turn—he’s found his forever home.

    Bart will be joining a fellow SCCR alumni, Malachi, on stunning Quadra Island, adopted by the same incredible family who gave Malachi a second chance. Together, these two rescues will continue growing and thriving in a home full of love, patience and understanding.

    Bart came to us unsure of humans, but with time, trust, and so much heart, he began to show his true self—curious, willing, sensitive, and smart. He’s 16hh of potential, and we know in our hearts he’s going to shine even brighter with his new people.

    We’ll miss his thoughtful eyes and gentle nature around the ranch—but we couldn’t be happier for him.

    Here’s to new beginnings, lifelong friendships, and the magic that happens when horses and humans find one another.

Grayson

  • Grayson has found his person!

    Our sweet Grayson is off to a beautiful property in Campbell River where he’ll receive one-on-one care from an incredible woman who truly understands and respects SCCR’s training philosophy.

    With her knowledge, patience, and heart, she’ll be helping Grayson continue to grow up with trust, confidence, and plenty of new experiences. We’re so grateful to see him off to a home that will love him as deeply as we do.

    Congratulations, Grayson — your new adventure begins now!

Ernie

  • Ernie’s Next Big Adventure!

    From a wary, withdrawn soul to the first at the gate, Ernie has come such a long way since arriving at Second Chance Cheekye Ranch in 2022. This sweet, stunning 15hh Standardbred X went from rediscovering trust to excelling in groundwork, tackling obstacles like a pro, and even starting back under saddle!

    Now, he’s off to Revelstoke—where mountain trails and a feisty 3.5-year-old mare await him! With his heart for adventure and his speed and agility, we have no doubt he’ll thrive in his new home. Wishing Ernie and his new family endless happy trails and plenty of playful antics!

    Happy trails, Ernie! You deserve it.

Willy

  • Willy’s Second Chance!

    Big news—Willy has found his forever home! This handsome Welsh Cob is off to a beautiful acreage in Princeton, where he’ll be the Grand Poobah of a herd of four mares (he’s going to love that!). With a future full of backcountry trail rides, horsemanship clinics, and even obstacle course adventures, Willy is set up for an amazing new chapter.

    This boy came to us needing time, patience, and trust, and we’re so grateful he found an experienced and loving family who will give him just that. Wishing Willy and his new people endless happy trails and heartfelt moments!

    Thank you to everyone who followed his journey—your support makes second chances like this possible!

Mae

  • Mae was adopted by @wisteriaacres, here is their story of the struggles Mae has been through which in the end shows us how strong she is🥰

    This girl makes my heart burst with pride!

    Shortly after coming to us 3 1/2 years ago from the amazing Second Chance Cheekye Ranch rescue, her eyes began to tear quite badly. After initially being misdiagnosed, we eventually came to learn that Mae had a degenerative autoimmune disorder called Uveitis that will eventually lead to blindness.

    We began supporting her whole being with diet changes, supplements, homeopathy and energy work and she has stabilized. But not without some vision impairment.

    Imagine how challenging it is as a prey animal, to lose your sight!

    Be with lots of love, support and cheering! She has learned to confidently navigate her surroundings, maneuver through gates and runs with her herd in the pasture.

    This girl has heart! A big beautiful courageous ❤️

    And we love her to bits!

    Remember…
    “Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you. They’re supposed to help you discover who you are”
    —Bernice JohnsonReagan

Skye

  • Desiree & Skye

    It is said that the Morgan horse chooses their human. I did feel chosen when Skye purposefully walked across the paddock and tapped her muzzle against my heart in the summer of 2020.

    Though the connection was undeniable, it was not an easy road ahead. Skye’s past had left her hesitant to forge connections with other humans, making it challenging for potential adopters to connect with her. However, with the guidance and support of Jim, a trainer at the rescue, Skye and I slowly built a bridge of understanding and trust.

    My initial vision of long trail rides together was temporarily put on hold when Skye became lame ten weeks into our partnership. Nevertheless, this setback did not deter me from adopting Skye. I thought her lameness would be quickly remedied. Instead, we went on a two year journey focused solely on Skye’s healing. I brought together a team of practitioners, from veterinarians and farriers to herbalists, energy workers, animals communicators, and rehab specialists to share their expertise in restoring her health.

    Skye has emerged from the journey physically rejuvenated, moving with a new found ease and vitality, but our journey was not solely about her physical healing. Skye’s heart and spirit have transformed as well. She has blossomed into the horse she was always meant to be, embodying wisdom that grounds, nurtures, and loves unconditionally.

    Despite Skye’s restored health we are not yet riding. Instead, our journey has become about our extraordinary relationship. Our bond deepened through the healing as we explored energy work, mindfulness activities and conscious breathing, bringing a new dimension to our connection.

    I could never have imagined the creative and powerful journey Skye and I were going to go on together. However, from our very first meeting, Skye had hinted that our path together would be a journey of the heart. And, indeed, it has been.

Pheobe

  • Kellie & 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 there after 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 our journey and growing our bond as all three of us enter into the next and amazing, challenging, learning. exciting  and wonderful next chapter of life with these two beautiful mares. Thank you Second Chance for entrusting me with Phoebe and Thelma.

Sinead

  • Sinead & Amber

    "We came to be introduced to Sinéad at SCCR in March this year, on our search for a special horse for our daughter.  When we found Sinéad listed on the SCCR website, we knew we had to meet her!

    At this point our daughter has managed to build connection and a lot of trust with her. She is her number one person, being the one who manages all of her day to day care, dotes on her and rides often. They have built a lovely relationship and both she and our daughter have grown so much in terms of trusting each other as well as building confidence and skills.

    Sinéad is doing well in weekly natural horsemanship lessons, and seems to enjoy these. They are working on her confidence with cantering with ground work, and she has come a long way since we got her.  After lessons, they always stay for quite a while in the big arena, where often she is just given the reins and Sinead does her thing. Her head drops and she picks up her lovely floating trot, just doing what comes to mind, clearly enjoying their time together.  I think they are a great match!  Our trainer suspects she may have been an endurance horse (apparently Arabs are a popular choice for this sport) as she is an absolute star at speed trotting, and is most happy to canter on a trail as opposed to arena work.

    We so appreciated how thorough SCCR was in ensuring that Sinéad and our daughter were an ideal match, and that she would be going to a good home.  They really put a lot of effort in to making sure this would work out well for all concerned, and I am very happy to say that it certainly has!”

  • Elle & Homer

    As a kid I spent every available chance around horses, whether that was at the local stable, wandering over to our neighbours or dragging my parents to pony rides. As you can imagine my parents weren’t thrilled with my obsession so they pushed me to get more involved in sports as I grew older. I can remember the exact moment I decided to bring horses back into my life - it was about four years ago. I decided that something essential felt missing in my life & told my husband that I was going to do whatever I could to get more involved with the horse community. I immediately filled out a volunteer application for SCCR & at my orientation I instantly knew I made the right choice for my mind & soul.

    Homer & his crew came in about a year after I started volunteering & I can still remember the brilliance of his flaxen mane, his skinny legs & his shy demeanor. When Bart & Homer moved into Rescue 2, I spent as much time as I could with the 2 of them. Both of them have such a kindness to them & I felt instantly pulled towards their energy. This past winter and spring, Homer & I started going on walks with our friends Taryn & Kumie, gaining confidence/trust while exploring different parts of the ranch. Homer continued to teach me how to be patient, calm & consistent while providing a sense of peace that I have never felt before. I knew that I could never ask for a better horse partner & took steps to move towards adoption.

    On November 1st the dream that I had ever since I could walk, came true.. To this day it still feels surreal & I am grateful every moment to have him in my life & to be on this journey with him. When I see his head perk up at the sound of my voice & him patiently waiting at the gate to go on an adventure, my heart grows a couple sizes & peace settles into my soul. I am beyond grateful to so many at SCCR & cannot imagine this journey without the incredible support from our ranch community!

Homer

Karl

Malachai

  • Felix and Eva✨

    I started saving money shortly after Felix was born at the ranch, I knew she was the pony for me and every time I would go and see her she would whinny to me, she still does that to this day and it makes me smile every single time. I was ten and Felix was two when I adopted her, and me and my mom had already started training her at that point. I had learned how to hand walk her and we were learning new things every day. Now she is five years old and I am twelve, we know how to walk, trot, and canter and are working on some small cross rail jumps. I love that pony to bits, she is a superstar.

Felix

  • Beautiful Sabrina came to Cheekye in late June 2018, part of a herd of 10 young mares from the wild Pemberton herd. Kris: “Right away Sabrina showed herself to be smart and inquisitive. She was one of the first to allow us to halter and groom her, and ground training came easy. Sabrina was just a joy to work and play with and we knew she was going to make some human very happy!”

    Two years later, enter Camille from Langley BC. This young woman came with serious credentials – riding as a very young child, 3-day eventing as a preteen, giving riding lessons even before she finished high school. Plus she lived on an acreage with her family. Kris knew Camille would a good match for a green mare like Sabrina.

    It was after Camille had finished nursing school that she seen Sabrina on Instagram and thought maybe she’d make a good family horse, probably more for her parents than for a busy new nurse! She contacted Cheekye to come with her mom to see this beautiful now 4-year-old.

    Camille: “I fell in love pretty much instantly. I got on her and walked, even did some trotting, and she was just so calm. My mom and I both knew she was the one.”

    By April 2020, Sabrina was installed in her new home, exploring the many trails and even going camping with Camille, an annual thing now. “She doesn’t bat an eye at anything natural. There’s a log down, and she just jumps over. She always notices wildlife way before I do. I used to doubt her when she’d stop on a trail, then minutes later a deer or coyote pops out. On trail, I trust her now more than anyone.”

    Camille and her partner will move to their own property next summer, 52 acres just outside Chase BC. They’re renovating an old log cabin and Vince is building a 4-stall barn to house Sabrina, two goat pals, plus a new equine companion.

    There’s no way Camille’s leaving Sabrina behind. She’s going to be a family horse alright, just not quite as originally intended!

    “I really want to teach my own kids to ride on her.”

Sabrina

  • Eddie & Stacey at Squamish River Ranch

    “We don’t know how in the world Eddie could have ended up at the Auction being bid on by meat buyers but we sure are grateful there are people out there saving beautiful, young horses like this amazing guy” - Stacey

    Eddie was rescued and came to us with 3 ponies. He instantly became the protector to these ponies and we saw his gentle soul.

    Stacey came to look at him and instantly fell in love. Eddie aka Eddie Crystal or Mr Nice Guy joined Stacey’s trail ride team in the valley becoming her forever horse!

    “We are so lucky to have Eddie, and everyone that gets to ride you falls in love with you just like us! You are a young horse with a wise soul and a heart of pure gold!” - Stacey

    We are so pleased that Eddie has found an amazing second chance with Stacey and her herd.

Eddie

Avalon

  • Avalon & Vanessa

    My story with Avalon started when I was helping my boyfriend Donny get Avalon ready for a pony show to be adopted. Avalon is Donny’s horses sister.

    It was the week before people were coming to see Avalon. Donny & I both looked at her & said we can’t let her go. First of all Caden her brother would be heart broken & in 2 weeks this horse gave us everything we asked her to do! So I adopted her.

    Our progress might have been slow because I had to be cautious with my brain injury but that just grew our bond. She was an emotional support during one of the hardest times in my life. Little progress made me feel successful when during my concussion recovery I was constantly reminded of what I can’t do anymore.

    Then I was helping with a March Break camp at the ranch & one of the horses we were going to use had a rash on her stomach so I said don’t worry we’ll try Avalon! She was a rock star! She was so patient with kids. A boy who was non verbal came to the camp & I think everyone assumed he couldn’t ride. From my experience as a education assistant I could read this boy’s boy language & he wanted to ride but no one gave him the chance. So I asked him at the end if he wanted a turn & he lite up. Avalon went super slow because she could tell he wasn’t confident but the boy did it with a huge smile on his face! I cried how proud I was of Avalon! It was the day that I knew Avalon was meant for me & we would impact so many kids lives.

    Since adopting Avalon I have started my own business at Cheekye Ranch called Giddy Up Equine Experiences where we do equine experiences, camps & afterschool programs with kids. I have now moved to Pemberton to opperate my own barn & Giddy Up Equine Experiences. We have lots of kids that Avalon helps with their anxiety, confidence & many more life skills. As well as adult lessons & my trusted trail buddy.

    Avalon gave me a way out of a job I loved but wasn’t helping myself heal, she gave me an opportunity to combined my education as a development service worker, my love to help & work with kids with my passion for horses. I am now the luckiest girl in the world to work with horses & kids in nature every day💜 Thanks to Avalon & Kris at SCCR!

    ...because of you I laugh a little harder, I cry a little less & I smile a little more.

Thelma

  • Thelma & Kellie

    “I started riding horses at a very young age. I grew up around horses in my own backyard. Later in life I moved and continued to have horses for years. Then 20 years ago my life took me in a different direction I stopped having horses in my life. Until 2022 when I decided I needed to get back into what makes me happiest in this world. I started coming to Second Chance Cheekeye Ranch where I met and fell in love with Thelma. I don't know alot about her history except that she was pulled from an auction and a fairly certain demise. Thelma and I connected on a deep level and now we have each other to carry onto the next chapters of our lives. Second Chance Cheekye Ranch is much more than a horse rescue they also rescue people! A big heartfelt thank you for all you do!!!!”

Luna

  • Luna, Katherine & Zoe

    Luna came to SCCR in the spring of 2020 along with 6 other horses. With her curiosity, gentle soul and mellow disposition she won the hearts of many at SCCR including Zoe and Katherine. After months of hanging out together Luna was officially welcomed to their family in the spring of 2021. From being halter broke to now a superstar in the arena, Luna has proven to be the perfect forever companion ❤️

Coco

  • Meet Erika and her rescue horse Coco. They look so happy and content in each other’s company right? Well they are, but behind the smiles is a long journey of ups and downs, trust building and training to get to this happy place.

    Coco was passed to SCCR as a last resort, just about everyone else had given up on her, she was deemed unsafe and aggressive to the point that no one wanted her and when she arrived she showcased this behaviour. It became clear that she had had a rough past and had learned that humans were not cool.

    Erika, who had been coming to SCCR as a volunteer took an immediate liking to her, she adopted her as her own and they began the long journey to making Coco a happy horse again.

    Erika is here every day spending time with Coco, going for walks or working in the round pen. For the time being they are working on having fun and trusting each other, using techniques like positive reinforcement (clicker training) and working in protected contact, as seen in the photo, Coco can feel safe about being touched because her space isn’t being invaded.

    They have come such a long way and created such a bond, it’s incredible to see the change in Coco.

    And if you ask Erika what her aspirations are? She just wants Coco to be a horse, and be happy. ❤️

Pip

  • Pip and Alexa

    Sweet sweet Pip came to the ranch in the summer of 2019, she was part of a herd of wild horses that were rounded up near Vernon. Otherwise bound for auction, and potentially slaughter, these horses were given their second chance at Cheekye Ranch..

    Pip is playful and gentle, always the first to get into mischief and ready to meet her human at the gate. Pip was lucky to find her special person here at Cheekye and remains on property with the friends she arrived with..

    Alexa has been coming to the ranch since spring this year and as soon as she began horsemanship sessions with Pip she knew it was love.. A few months later she took the leap, signed the papers and welcomed Pip into her family!

    Alexa and Pip are continuing training at the ranch and enjoy horsemanship and trail rides. And we just think they are the sweetest pair ♥️

Bob & Marley

  • Bob and Marley

    Bob and Marley were surrendered by their previous owners and were heading to auction, from there they likely would have been sent to slaughter.

    Luckily our friends at Horse Heroes Alberta were able to intercept and helped us find a place for them to stay until we were able to organise transport to Squamish..

    This adorable pair were dubbed "the boys" and soon became Bob and Marley as they were the chillest little asses ever!

    The boys were adopted together by a family on the Island where they are living the dream with their horse friends and getting loved on everyday! These update photos from the summer really speak for themselves ♥️

Georgia

  • GEORGIA, one of our Pemby mares, went to her new home where her new mum Claire has amazing plans for this gorgeous pony!

    The kids just ADORE her as you can tell, and we hope to see her out on the nearby beaches as Georgia loves the water.

    We’re loving this match and future for Georgia! Thanks SCCR Team who brought this lovely girl along and helped her to become another success story!

Dixie

  • Melina & Dixie

    "I found myself in my 50’s as an empty nester wanting to fulfil my life long dream. When I walked into Second Chance Cheekye Ranch I knew I was in the right place. On my first visit I was welcomed by nothing but smiling faces, beautiful people and the herds. I felt it was going to be here where I could find my horse. I started volunteering with SCCR, a few months went by, and I found Dixie. A little filly that had been rescued from a meat auction in Alberta. I knew it in my heart when she came close to me for the first time that she was the one. I also knew that she was a green horse, never been handled by humans and that our journey together was going to be a long one. The staff at SCCR have been amazing and have showed me great support. We have been working on the ground with Dixie and getting her ready for the trailer so we can move her to her forever home. I’m looking forward to continue building my relationship with Dixie, enjoying each other’s company and learning together."

Ginger

  • Ciara & Ginger

    "My name is Ciara Michael. I came to SCCR March 2021 right after being diagnosed with breast cancer. I came to learn about horses and to volunteer at the rescue. Little did I know that 2021 would end up being not only one of the worst years of my life, but also the best. I saw Ginger on the SCCR page and was immediately drawn to her soulful eyes and beautiful spirit. It was soon after that that I went on a trail ride with her and knew almost immediately that she was my heart horse. Following my surgery to remove the cancer I couldn't ride her for a couple months. This gave me the opportunity to spend my time sitting quietly with her, grooming her, and getting her used to more touch. Learning about horsemanship and how not riding is just as if not more important than riding. Ginger was quite resistant to being touched on her chest and having her feet picked up for cleaning. She came to SCCR the fall before I met her with really bad mud fever and some trust issues. I've been bitten several times by her and had lots of arguments about cinching. But I will never give up on her, I will never hurt her. She knows this. She knows this because I tell her everyday. She knows this because I show her kindness always. She knows this because we are a team. Horses are forever companions, not just when they are champions or being well mannered. If you love a horse you have to love them through everything, and forever. I like to tell myself everyday to live in my magic. I can tell you that Ginger, and the rest of the horses at SCCR are the magic. I love you Ginger. Thank you for being my best friend."

Gramma

  • Gramma

    Through no fault of her own, Gramma was surrendered to SCCR in early 2020. It didn’t take long for us to realise that she was so much more than a brood mare, super loving and a beautiful mover she was destined for a new beginning!

    And she found it! Gramma now lives on Bowen Island helping both adults and children centre themselves through equine therapy.

    She is a teacher, confidant and friend to many. Her new owners say she just potters around, having brushes and hanging out. Sounds like a dream ❤️

Rowan

  • Rowan and Julia.

    After finding her way to SCCR and undergoing training with our lead volunteer Jim, stunning Rowan was adopted in May of 2020.

    Since arriving at her new home in Langley her and her new owner Julia have been continuing training and making some incredible progress, it's so great to watch them grow as a pair and see their bond so strong!

    Rowan and Julia are the perfect example of what a rescue horse can become, and why it is so important for us not to give up on them.

Quinn

  • Quinn & all her girls..

    Quinn came to SCCR in around 2016, she was part of a herd rounded up on First Nations land and were headed to the meat buyer had Kris not intervened. She was just a baby with her mother at the time and has been at Cheekye for the past 4 years.

    Quinn was lucky enough to be adopted by the Imeson family, Stephanie and her two girls, and she couldn't be more loved. She is a lesson pony for the whole family, despite only being 5 years old. Stephanie says she is the ultimate family horse and adopting her was the best thing she ever did for her family. We're so happy they found each other!

Shilo

  • SHILO'S NEXT CHAPTER

    We are beyond thrilled to share that Shilo has found his forever home! He’ll be moving to Mission, BC, where he’ll be living his best life on a stunning 5-acre property with a wonderful new owner.

    Shilo won’t be alone—he’ll have a 16-year-old gelding as a new pasture buddy and six grandchildren to shower him with love and attention. With lush pasture to graze, a cozy stall to relax in (if he chooses!), and so many hearts to care for him, this boy is in for the dream life he deserves.

    Here’s to new beginnings and happy trails, Shilo!

Share Your SCCR Success Story!

Have you adopted a horse from SCCR? We’d love to hear from you! Send us your story and photos so we can celebrate your journey on Happy Trails.