tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3409328774151916312024-03-19T01:55:08.255-07:00FALCONRIDGE EQUINE RESCUE NEWSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-61754077346714952142011-08-22T21:32:00.000-07:002011-08-22T21:43:23.517-07:00The Long Hard Days of Summer....for the Horses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaYs04Grx4U2EeLBnHP5TYBjihQwZh74pa56cJQFGH6fHXo1Oxo6RchONXha-Y4UgqCo_dF3-B2xsRknN2r4CAzE63AbO-OWnAo5L9e-MGHjVybYWwZLSBxmfeK6da-1A97sw8O5Y-sWo/s1600/DSC04030.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaYs04Grx4U2EeLBnHP5TYBjihQwZh74pa56cJQFGH6fHXo1Oxo6RchONXha-Y4UgqCo_dF3-B2xsRknN2r4CAzE63AbO-OWnAo5L9e-MGHjVybYWwZLSBxmfeK6da-1A97sw8O5Y-sWo/s200/DSC04030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643906447820856418" /></a>
<br />This summer, FalconRidge Equine Rescue saw incredibly high numbers of horses in need and horse owners in need. More horses are now being abandoned, more owners are losing their homes to foreclosure, loss of income and jobs, and more horses in need of new homes due to owners not being able to afford to feed them from rising gas and hay costs! It IS a crisis and we are trying to help as many horses as possible so that they do not suffer.
<br />
<br />At the end of May, two horses were left on a property in San Bernardino, a neglected buckskin mare and paint pony. They were picked up by San Bernardino Animal Control and held for two weeks, then put up for adoption. Nobody wanted them and they were slated for euthanasia. They arrived to FalconRidge thin, wormy and in poor condition. The buckskin mare is blind in her right eye and only 6 yrs old. She was named Buttermilk because I felt she looked like Dale Evans horse. The little 4 yr old black and white paint pony with the appy legs was named Bullseye. Both horses needed to have their teeth floated, to be wormed, have their feet trimmed and to gain a few hundred pounds. They are now filling out and handleable.
<br />
<br />Diamond was a grey mare rescued by Riverside Department of Animal Services from a neglectful owner. She was brought in and put up for adoption and nobody wanted her, so she was at risk for euthanasia. She was only 6 yrs old. We agreed to take her and she arrived at FalconRidge. Diamond recently was kicked in the pasture and needed surgery after it was found a small bone fragment had broken off. She went to San Luis Rey Equine Hospital where Dr. Cannon removed the chip and she is now in rehabilitation. Diamond is a nice riding horse and hopefully will make a full recovery. Help with Diamonds vet bills are needed.
<br />
<br />Mingo was a little bay mustang whose owner wanted to give him up to the rescue for sporadic bucking issues. Mingo now needs a sponsor to help support him with his feed and care here.
<br />
<br />One owner called from the hospital where her green four year old quarterhorse had put her and she wanted him to come here as soon as possible. He arrived last week.
<br />
<br />Dane, Lucina and Exceller were three horses whose Fallbrook owner we were trying to help out. They were given up by their owner after several months. All three horses are up for adoption and need loving homes. Dane is a nice quarter horse gelding. Lucina is a beautiful white arabian mare who is blind in her left eye. Exceller is a thoroughbred who used to be ridden by his owner and he is a looker. All horses were all in need of teeth floating, worming and farrier work, all which costs money and is needed to care for the horses.
<br />
<br />At the end of June I was contacted to help Riverside Animal Services with a hoarder case of 12 arabians in Anza needing homes immediately. Mares were in with stallions and a picture of little Pee Wee, the worst horse of the herd with ribs showing and bites all over him stood out as the most in need and we agreed to take him. He arrived and appeared to be severely stunted, poor coat, mane in huge tangles, and bite wounds all over his body. Our vet said he had a broken rib from one of the kicks. Our hearts were broken upon seeing Pee Wee for the first time. Only 12 hands high, he was so pitiful, but walked up to me after his first good meal in his life, and said hi. He was incredibly, darling. Pee Wee needed to be fed slowly and we follow UC Davis guidelines for refeeding syndrome of emaciated horses which is alfalfa at several small portions a day for the first two weeks. Pee Wee has gained weight and he also was not halter broke when he arrived, so he had to be handled prior to having the farrier trim his hooves. He has slowly gotten better and has developed a following on Facebook, Pee Wee's Fan Club. He will have his teeth floated tomorrow by Dr. Jeff Moss and funds are needed to assist with Pee Wee's rehabilitation. He will be castrated next month after he has gained more weight. Right now he is loving attention, grooming and enjoying turnout with other horses as he has more energy now.
<br />
<br />In August, we took in two horses from an owner who is losing their home to foreclosure, Skip and Magic. Both horses are in need of dental work, farrier work and some feed to fill them out. If you can help out with any donations for them it would be greatly appreciated. Our hay bills have doubled the last few months and the sad thing is due to that, the need for horses to be rehomed and increased twofold, making it more desperate for horses to find homes. By donating to us, you can help horses who would otherwise be homeless, neglected or euthanized. Every dollar, every penny helps. Another way to help is refer people to FalconRidge if they are looking for a horse to adopt or add to their family, or if they need a companion horse, we have several. Please spread the word so we can continue our work helping these wonderful horses. We find GREAT homes for these horses, giving them a new chance at life, as well as a permanent family home with contracts that protect them.
<br />
<br />Please, please help. Donations are down and horses in need and costs are up!
<br />
<br />Here is the link to donate online, where you can easily use a credit card or paypal:
<br />http://www.nickibranch.com/falconridge/
<br />
<br />You can also send donations to:
<br />FalconRidge Equine Rescue
<br />P.O. Box 1500
<br />Valley Center, CA 92082
<br />
<br />Thank you for sharing, donating, volunteering or adopting to help us with our Champions, like super Pee Wee, the survivor!
<br />
<br />With love,
<br />Nicki and the herd at FalconRidge Equine Rescue
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-5066379319582387182011-03-26T09:17:00.000-07:002011-03-26T09:58:25.021-07:00March Madness at FalconRidge Equine Rescue<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxY5_r7fuY7G_5Xzd5uYucdNsfr43KstgKeM5L3I63oBTR1VYzJ_qj9psZa5Wqi6bxnkLrPdaaHiwyNrm4hDSxaMgphFgkO5dAOplUWzgmlT7wNV9aiH6tCKylXAsRcrSCSDgvb8XcwpY/s1600/DSC01261.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxY5_r7fuY7G_5Xzd5uYucdNsfr43KstgKeM5L3I63oBTR1VYzJ_qj9psZa5Wqi6bxnkLrPdaaHiwyNrm4hDSxaMgphFgkO5dAOplUWzgmlT7wNV9aiH6tCKylXAsRcrSCSDgvb8XcwpY/s200/DSC01261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588433918108044626" /></a><br />Greetings everyone! I hope you are all surviving the stormy weather lately and we have had much rain here the last two weeks. I have taken a couple of months off from the blog out of choice. Working full time to support the rescue because we take in so many horses gives me only so much time to devote to the blog and enjoy my family and horses as well. We have been incredibly busy here. I have been sharing information frequently on Facebook so please join me there, http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1017905423, to see up-to-the minute news of horses being rescued by us, taken in, rehabilitated and adopted out to loving homes. <br /><br />In February we received a call from Animal Friends of the Valley shelter in Elsinore regarding a starved and neglected mare. The owners had been cited a year ago for not feeding her and after that she improved some, but then a year later officers went back and she was worse than when they saw her before! She had no food or water and the owners seemed not to care. I agreed to take her and they brought her down to us. She was skin and bones and a little arab mare and not that old. We named her Chicory,a perfect name for her and in honor of Delana Bennett, a radio personality. The little mare was stiff legged behind when she arrived and it was hard for her to even trot due to malnutrition. She gained weight quickly and is transforming into super Chicory! a darling girl now full of energy and evaluated under saddle and she rides well. She is just spectacular and I cannot fathom why someone would starve such a sweet mare. <br /><br />Little Zeus and friends have been busy going to nursing homes the last two months, making seniors happy and sharing his horsey love with the world. He sure does enjoy his job of tiny FalconRidge Ambassador! <br /><br />Brutus went to the Channel 6 news station to be on the morning news in their pet segment. He even went inside to meet the news anchors and walked up onto their stage to greet and surprise them during a break, which they loved! Brutus later got adopted by Maverick's adopter Cathey! Hooray for Brutus! <br /><br />In March we were contacted about a pony with neglected feet. One hoof turned completely under and the other growing out to the right. The pony was brought to FalconRidge and found to be about 6 yrs old, hooves grossly misshapen, and he was a little black and white darling of a boy. David immediately trimmed his feet and greatly improved his right hoof to where he walked normal on it. The front left was trimmed so that it would slowly rotate forward and he will be trimmed weekly until it becomes hopefully normal again. We named him Newton and he is cute and as sweet as pie! Newton needs a sponsor. The sponsorship blog and info is in the link section on the right hand side of this blog and donations are greatly appreciated to help pay for his care. I have NO idea why someone did not get a farrier out for this pony! It took David only 30 minutes to trim him and greatly improve his hooves! Just crazy...<br /><br />We were also contacted to take in an aggressive arabian gelding, Comanche, who will need retraining. Riverside Animal control wanted us to take in Rico, a two year old Morgan stallion who had been abandoned and had a growth on the end of his nose which needed surgical removal. He was castrated and had his unicorn horn removed by Dr. Jeff Moss. Funds are also needed to help with Rico and Comanches feed and care. Hay prices have jumped up significantly, making it necessary to ask for donations to help us continue to rescue horses in need. <br /><br />This week we were contacted about a donkey in need. She was owned by an 80 yr old woman who was selling her property and the donkey had a growth on her ear. She could no longer afford the vet bill to treat the growth so we were asked to take her. She is 12 and named Molly and was owned by this woman for 8 yrs. Molly arrived on Wednesday and Dr. Jeff Moss arrived not too long after to take a look at her tumor. It was larger than we thought, and her ear hung down in front of her face like a santa cap and the tumor was bloody and hitting her in the eye, about the size of an apple. Dr. Moss performed the surgery and took just a half inch of the tip of Mollys ear off and removed the tumor within an hour. Her ear stood up afterwards and looks relatively normal now. Molly is incredibly sweet and loves to be snuggled by her face and scratched. She is looking for an adoptive family. <br /><br />The Riverside County Horse Coalition will be coming soon in April! A meeting of all the rescues, humane agencies and veterinarians will be brought together to help at risk horses and network even more together to help all the abandoned and neglected horses of Riverside county...a good thing! The San Diego County Horse Coalition has been going well and you can see our website at http://www.sandiegohorse.org Helping people and horses is what we do. <br /><br />In March, FalconRidge horses Wimpy, Mohican, Brutus, Tuxedo, Christmas, Gidget, Barney, Cheyenne and Ruffin ALL got adopted to wonderful loving homes! Woohoo! <br /><br />There are more horses in need and on a list waiting to come in. Please consider donating today. Even a dollar can help a horse and is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for caring!<br /><br />Love,<br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-40950112905310392772011-01-23T07:45:00.000-08:002011-01-23T08:42:34.198-08:00The Adventures of Splash Mountain, Zeus, Barney, Gidget and more!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydhVYfjV1FLkTiIUCjjYMO_JpAKquy8DLvYVLmObJoFeLdqwZfOzZokxZ85EZ9waX-_7NMD0JmtV3U9iuOpLYYOSjXRrQlgT53Zgwo6tCOSetccxTrBdEaedWdabNMq6-onWt-2Nq5ctq/s1600/DSC00421.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydhVYfjV1FLkTiIUCjjYMO_JpAKquy8DLvYVLmObJoFeLdqwZfOzZokxZ85EZ9waX-_7NMD0JmtV3U9iuOpLYYOSjXRrQlgT53Zgwo6tCOSetccxTrBdEaedWdabNMq6-onWt-2Nq5ctq/s200/DSC00421.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565422584666696034" /></a><br />Splash Mountain is a gorgeous 17 plus hand tall Oldenburg gelding who was abandoned here at FalconRidge by his owner who brought him here for training with David to learn to pick up his feet. He was bred up in Los Angeles and then left in pasture and never handled nor broke to halter. Severely lame when he arrived and spooky, he is now sound and doing well. After 4 months with no contact from the owner, he is now ours to rehabilitate and love. I wished owners would not breed horses, not train them and then just dump them on others. It is just so irresponsible and the reason that so many horses are in need of rescue or end up at killer auctions which, gasp, yes we DO have in southern California! Mikes Auction and Euclid Auction, both near Chino, CA have kill buyers there buying up most of the horses monthly at prices of $60 up to $400 a head. Please consider attending and saving a horse from there, horses who will most likely NOT be going to a good loving family home! <br /><br />Zeus, our miniature ambassador horse this month will be going to Farr Elementary School January 24th, in a joint effort with Escondido Humane Society, to teach the third graders about responsible horse ownership and how horses are meant to be members of the family and kept for life! <br /><br />Thursday January 27th, one of our FalconRidge adoptable horses will be on the San Diego morning news again, channel 6's Animal House with Dawn White, so please tune in and see which FalconRidge adoptable horse will be a tv star! <br /><br />We had our first San Diego Equine Safety Net Coalition Educational Workshop, held at Armstrong Feed store in Valley Center. We had six veterinarians speak on numerous topics of health and nutrition for equines and an equine chiropractor too. The coalition is supported by a generous grant from the ASPCA and supports people and horses in need in the community, with the target of keeping horses in their homes. Our website is now up, http://www.sandiegohorse.org. If you know of someone in need of temporary assistance with their horses please let me know. There is also great informational links on the site! <br /><br />FalconRidge was also selected to do a pilot study and has some funding from a major animal welfare group to assist good horse owners who need help for their horse/s due to unexpected circumstances, such as a large car bill, and who want to keep their horses. Please contact me if you know of such owners. The funding is only available for a short time. Helping horses in the community is what we do! <br /><br />Recent arrivals to the rescue-Barney the draft horse is a 7 yr old gelding who was starved by his owner in Oregon and seized by animal control. He arrived from Emerald Valley Equine Rescue up there to be able to find a good home down here in so cal! He is 15 hands and being taught ground manners. David rode him yesterday but it appears he is not trained to ride. He will be up for adoption. <br />Gidget is a 4 yr old paint mare that was used by Oregon State University Vet School for fertility research. She was auctioned off online, so we bought her for $150, sent her down to Cathy Atkinson, http://fuglyblog.com, who taught her ground manners and to ride under saddle. Gidget is a very sweet easygoing mare! Calm and not spooky and will be easy to train. David rode her yesterday. She will also be for adoption. <br /><br />Christmas, the 21 yr old paint mare rescued during the heavy rains the week before Christmas, was evaluated yesterday under saddle and found to be a super nice riding mare. She has gained weight nicely and is up for adoption. Such a sweet girl! <br /><br />Fundraisers - Our FalconRidge Dayplanners are now for sale and support the rescue, they are listing in the links on the top right of this page. We also have Katy's Decorative Horseshoes link available that supports FalconRidge horses and make great gifts! <br />April 1st we will be having a fundraiser viewing of the movie, Oh You Cowgirl, a documentary of female cowgirls of the west. http://thecowgirlmovie.com/ The location and details will be coming! <br /><br />News Items - A recent article just came out online by Marta Zarella, http://www.examiner.com/horse-in-san-diego/horse-life-adoption-rescue-and-sanctuary<br /><br />Adopted Horses - Big congratulations to Teenie, Keebler, Nora, and Mingo who are all going to great homes with their loving new families! Woohoo! <br /><br />FalconRidge Foster Program - We are starting a new foster program that allows you to foster a FalconRidge horse at your home or boarding facility. This creates additional space for us to help more horses in need and is a great way to help a horse in need and our organization. Please contact me if you are interested in fostering a horse from our program and I will send you an application. Nicole, a beautiful arabian mare, recently went to her foster home with Claire in Del Mar.<br /><br />Fundraising Coordinator Position Needed - Funds are desperately needed to assist with feeding and providing veterinary care for the 50 or more horses here at FalconRidge. While we are very active in rescuing horses, one area we need to focus on is fundraising and therefore are looking for someone with commitment and experience in writing grants, planning fundraisers and developing capital campaigns for nonprofits. If you know of someone or would love to help out our organization by working on bringing in funds, please let me know. The horses need you! Thank you! <br /><br />Donate or adopt a horse now! Funds are desperately needed as well as good homes for horses! <br /><br />Love, <br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-91650139008188463792011-01-10T05:59:00.000-08:002011-01-10T06:48:24.827-08:00Happy New Year From FalconRidge!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD0Od4fDHm9FQA7h0qc0OSdf9uAeDghffM12ogxEQCyp4Qc3p7qFW8AXtOjF9IZYfcSgu7u3PyIMw96E0UExb6uB_af7ZSAIy6fwWYROKejfwfzpASRMN0LZ_8U0v33adLPbehlJxt5r6/s1600/DSC00303.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD0Od4fDHm9FQA7h0qc0OSdf9uAeDghffM12ogxEQCyp4Qc3p7qFW8AXtOjF9IZYfcSgu7u3PyIMw96E0UExb6uB_af7ZSAIy6fwWYROKejfwfzpASRMN0LZ_8U0v33adLPbehlJxt5r6/s200/DSC00303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560567839547549346" /></a><br />What a great year 2010 was. Although the economy has hit everyone hard, we were able to bring 73 horses into the rescue by New Years Eve 2010, and adopt out 70. If you add the Icelandic Rehoming Project horses we placed from Solvang, California, then we rescued a total of 104 horses and placed 101 in loving adoptive homes with contracts. <br /><br />A big thanks to all our wonderful volunteers here who helped make that possible! Getting the word out about our super horses has also been key to our success. Thank you for telling friends and family about us who enquire about horses. This year we applied for accreditation through GFAS, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,a process for only the best equine rescues to be verified and ensures donators are giving to legitamate organizations. We have been working with other rescues to assist horses in need and networking. Given the volume of horses at risk due to people losing homes and jobs, this is vital. Facebook has been a great source for helping place horses. We are a member of the San Diego Equine Coalition, a group of three other rescues, veterinarians, and local animal welfare officials to assist horses in our county and people in need through a generous grant by the ASPCA. <br /><br />We recently put up our new medical mare motel and in October held our successful fundraiser dinner dance. We have a new newsletter coming out right now, and also our FalconRidge 2011 Dayplanners are available, http://www.lifephoto.com/Product/ProductTemplatePreview.aspx?ProjectId=17687, which feature the horses of FalconRidge and those adopted from here and help support the rescue. We also have decorative horseshoes by Katy, which make great gifts or for home and help with our huge feed and vet bills, http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001791090246&v=wall. <br /><br />We have had our horses on TV for the morning news on channels 6 and 51 as adoptable pets of the day. We also partnered this year with Escondido Humane Society to take Zeus, our Pet Therapy miniature horse, to nursing homes and schools in Escondido to spread the word about proper horse care. We have rescued so many horses from different situations this year. Ruffin was a thoroughbred rescued straight from Hollywood Park. Nick and Nora from LA. The Keebler Elf herd! Panda, Smoke, Red Wagon, Sage, Chief, Christmas and more! So many lives helped and in need. <br /><br />Our vision and message has always been that horses should be a part of your family and stay with you for life. They are wonderful pets and also do NOT have to be rideable. Horses give love and happiness to their owner like no other being can. They are incredibly intuitive and wonderful for improving your life as well as your family. They are special and lucky to have. Open up your heart to one and you will never regret it. Please consider helping us help the horses this year. Adopt or donate now. We continue to improve, get better and do more...for the horses! <br /><br />Thank you! <br />Love,<br />Nicki & the Horses of FalconRidgeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-67056146386414005532010-12-25T07:26:00.000-08:002010-12-25T07:55:26.814-08:00Merry Christmas from FalconRidge!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpcDwsZw7iQqoKTymLkEdaoNEnR5QEX-rUiYGQboSUOOh005KTD-46R3MjhcRnRukN9Huyr7gE2BMKq-eqhRbaK50MQhBu7fxDlyaAhsEnsaosqsis1vpjzVhSvBYnakIrASYwftxCuim/s1600/christmas-candles.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpcDwsZw7iQqoKTymLkEdaoNEnR5QEX-rUiYGQboSUOOh005KTD-46R3MjhcRnRukN9Huyr7gE2BMKq-eqhRbaK50MQhBu7fxDlyaAhsEnsaosqsis1vpjzVhSvBYnakIrASYwftxCuim/s200/christmas-candles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554648214155720690" /></a><br />Happy Holidays to all of you and wishes of Peace on Earth everywhere. This Christmas morning the sun is shining and the mud is starting to dry out. Yesterday, the Tom Foley Memorial Medical Stalls were constructed in the upper pasture and will be finished soon with wood siding. Teenie, a mare from the Keebler Elf herd of shetland ponies is expecting and will be placed in there when finished so she can stay warm and dry. <br /><br />Much to be thankful for this year. The day after Thanksgiving, I was kicked hard in the chest by Chiquita, an unhandled mare, and got three broken ribs and a bruised liver from it. Big thanks to my volunteers who took care of me in this time of need, I am so blessed to have them, thank you guys! <br /><br />The horses have been blessed with loving adopters, sponsors, and those of you who have generously donated funds to help care for them, feed them, get them veterinary and hoof care. Donations are still desperately needed, especially now, as our feed bills are high. There are 53 rescued horses here in our care. Although we have taken in over 70 horses this year, and placed 68 in loving adoptive homes, there always is an average of 50 horses here in various stages of rehabilitation, training and need. I think of this place as a miracle. Given our small staff, which we really don't have any paid staff, just myself, David, Fermin & Lucia who feed and clean stalls, and our handful of volunteers to handle and care for the horses, to take in and place that many horses and get so many of them castrated, trained and gentled enough so they can get adopted, is just well, absolutely amazing. <br /><br />We love to find the best homes for our horses...for they deserve it. Recently we brought in Luna, a 9 yr old black arabian mare who had been seized by Riverside Animal Control 2 yrs ago from a hoarder who starved her. She was adopted by them but the owner could no longer care for her, so we were called. Then we took in Kootenai, a 9 yr old paint gelding whose owner was also in need. Both will be trained/retrained and adopted out. So many gorgeous horses here looking for loving homes. I love getting reports back from adopters of how great they are doing and how much they love their new family members. Please let folks know about us as more horses need homes. Check out our adoptables blog, http://falconridgeequinerescue.blogspot.com, and spread the word about these super horses who need homes, who need you. <br /><br />Santa came last night. He was out feeding the horses apples in the night quietly and blessing them with love. <br /><br />We love Santa.<br />We love you. <br /><br />Merry Christmas with love, <br />Nicki and the horses of FalconRidgeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-51146244539668291712010-12-08T10:41:00.000-08:002010-12-08T11:08:23.536-08:00The Rescue of Ruffin the Racehorse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjBI3AnEE-I8OIfwZe5-1lTXAjAqsUvBhdNNvMgFv8whTe4zE_OIdFdr995StWr9WELIgg_tgEKE-QARyxDR6q2GQzukHWfg1RCRppwSYX_yJFBGiLEGVUj_ied4pok8OKP2bOZVsG2iV/s1600/DSC01315.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjBI3AnEE-I8OIfwZe5-1lTXAjAqsUvBhdNNvMgFv8whTe4zE_OIdFdr995StWr9WELIgg_tgEKE-QARyxDR6q2GQzukHWfg1RCRppwSYX_yJFBGiLEGVUj_ied4pok8OKP2bOZVsG2iV/s200/DSC01315.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548389528273452562" /></a><br />I received a call from a man who asked me if I take in donated horses. He explained that a very dear friend of his, an 86 yr old elderly woman who was going into assisted living, was talked into purchasing a race horse. The horse was bought last August and after that, the "trainers" then went on charging the owner $6,000 in monthly training fees at Hollywood Park, 2 to 3 times the normal fees for training a race horse. She was being fleeced financially, due to her elderly state, and no family around to help monitor this or advise her, until the friend stepped in and called me. The horse was a 7 year old gelding and had won 180k on the track during his four years of racing career. I told him yes, we could help and thanked him for helping get his friend out of a very sticky and unethical situation. The owner agreed to donate the gelding to FalconRidge and we devised a timeframe for the trainer to be told he would no longer have the horse to train..ie..no more easy cash flow into his pockets with outrageous charges which he refused to verify. He was intimidating and asked that the horse be given to him, rather than donated to a rescue. Luckily, the owner and her friend held strong and said no. I arranged to have the horse picked up from Hollywood Park on a Monday. On the Sunday before, a racing friend alerted me that the horse, which Ive named Ruffin, was racing that day in a claiming race! A claiming race means anyone can put down that amount of money and get the horse after the race. I fretted for Ruffins future and hoped he would not get injured during his race, die from breakdown, or get claimed. Luckily, Ruffin ran fine and came in third..then the wait to see if he was claimed. He was not. The next day the hauler met the owner and her friend at the track to pick Ruffin up and get him in the trailer, making sure it was the correct horse. He arrived safely here and is now free from the stress and strain of racing. Race horses spend 23 hours a day in their box stalls at the track and most have ulcers. Luckily he is healthy and sound and so far has a sweet personality. Here he is allowed to play with other horses and get socialized. He is huge, 17 hands and gorgeous. His racing plates were taken off when he arrived to let his feet get used to being barefoot which is more healthy for him. We were very lucky to get Ruffin off the track without any injuries to him. Normally trainers race horses as long as they can and use them up until they are injured and can give no more. Ruffin was lucky. Shame on that trainer for taking advantage of an elderly owner like that. She took a great loss, but did the right thing for the horse. Bless her. When Ruffins paperwork arrived his Jockey Club papers showed he has had 12 previous owners and claimed many times in his racing career. We are owner number 13 and he is only 7 years old. No more being tossed around as a running machine and used by people for Ruffin. He will be rehabilitated and adopted to a loving home for life. <br /><br />Happy Holidays Ruffin!<br />Love,<br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-20774593875268845112010-11-15T06:27:00.000-08:002010-11-15T06:43:39.996-08:00Mikes Auction Rescue<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nVTfYOReVWIem0FbOZw0SD4RX5FtUmyLXuTdKscI5_d8xZNtA9iuKTaikAXNcqk0-lkurdHxw85d4BLSBzB5xdU766sLgdxzfpP13bJHkubL23Psd33wrKMCA-Sffm93SZpSp226nr10/s1600/DSC01273.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nVTfYOReVWIem0FbOZw0SD4RX5FtUmyLXuTdKscI5_d8xZNtA9iuKTaikAXNcqk0-lkurdHxw85d4BLSBzB5xdU766sLgdxzfpP13bJHkubL23Psd33wrKMCA-Sffm93SZpSp226nr10/s200/DSC01273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539786424480796818" /></a><br />On Saturday evening I drove up to Mira Loma, CA to attend the monthly Mikes Auction, an auction frequented by kill buyers who purchase many horses, most of those who are not bid on. I met up with Caroline Betts of Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue and we viewed the horses outside prior to the sale. There was one horse with a gash above its right eye which needed stitches and it was moved out back. One small pony mare was older and a little thin, the other horses were of good weight. I saw a black quarterhorse 2 yr old stallion with severe saddle sores on its back. I bid on him and got him for $130. I also bid on a grey 2 yr old qh stallion and got him for $200. Caroline tried to save a TB mare but the auctioneer ran up the price and said she was sold to the killer. Some nice riding horses there, going for 200-400. Highest price was 1000 but most of the 65 horses were near the 200 range. All the minis sold for 250-450, more than the large horses. This auction and Euclid Auction need more regular folks to attend and buy horses. Many of the horses bought there will be charroed or most likely not treated fairly or humanely. David and I picked up our two stallions on Sunday and found the black had sliders on, and rope burns to his hind pasterns. He had been ridden hard and he is only two. The grey is sweet and quiet and both are very nice. They were put in the quarentine pen, fed and watered. I whispered to them they are safe...and home...and very very lucky.<br /><br />Save an auction horse today, you won't regret it!<br /><br />Please consider donating to help us help these boys today. Funds are needed for their vet visit and castrations. Every dollar helps and will go directly to help these gorgeous young stallions who were saved from a most likely unfortunate fate. <br /><br />Love,<br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-293144441634631462010-11-12T14:38:00.000-08:002010-11-12T14:46:09.515-08:00Panda Goes To The Hospital<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wMAg0ZAMDWOTPO5p2V7EpzaIBDzn4KBRhfHdXh6A0ySgsK-wJYYJgq2O6kbS8MGsMtrXwj_xpCNo0zKqB3JdymfP89eY9ohwUgVWkPEGUgTfcP-qBrBzpFm7Wd7rdwmHaj9BPHQvgM7s/s1600/panday.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wMAg0ZAMDWOTPO5p2V7EpzaIBDzn4KBRhfHdXh6A0ySgsK-wJYYJgq2O6kbS8MGsMtrXwj_xpCNo0zKqB3JdymfP89eY9ohwUgVWkPEGUgTfcP-qBrBzpFm7Wd7rdwmHaj9BPHQvgM7s/s200/panday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538798004702213122" /></a><br />On Veteren's Day we took Panda to San Luis Rey Equine hospital where she had ultrasound, then radioactive dye injected in her right front hoof to see the rare infection of the collatoral cartilage, known as Quittor. Dr. Cannon will be doing surgery on her to remove the infected cartilage pieces. Donations greatly appreciated for this surgery to help get Panda out of pain.<br /><br />Panda had an abcess and drainage from her coronary band that did not go away after two months with soaking, vet care and antibiotics. Quittor is very rare. <br /><br />Here is a good article on Quittor with a picture. It can come from a poke in the coronary band or a simple abcess, which is what the old owners said she had. http://www.cheshire-equinevets.com/?section=Quittor<br /><br />Her prognosis is good to get her out of pain. People can donate straight to San Luis Rey Equine if they like. Say its for Panda of FalconRidge. http://www.slreh.com/contact.html, or you can donate to FalconRidge at http://www.nickibranch.com/falconridge/help.html <br /><br />This surgery was unexpected, but we did not feel Panda was ready to be put down! Dr. Cannon has given us a very good discount, bless his heart, and said it should be less than $2,000. Every dollar helps!<br /><br />Thank you for helping us help Panda!<br /><br />Love,<br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-14834616702597225212010-11-09T10:35:00.000-08:002010-11-09T10:38:45.234-08:00Pokey the Donkey Finds His Calling<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8j5ZxmjQDdbpxnhPuI1mfcCuMiTDRd1UV6sYev7C9U-dcORaXt-QJv8G4fPzC_JlSNH3rQzl6rO-hpsZF-gvrEB06Q22cSYXHAVaP-7b2JOPowiOOOaTohW3tDHO0yO2uhJhGOo5S1Gh/s1600/poky.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8j5ZxmjQDdbpxnhPuI1mfcCuMiTDRd1UV6sYev7C9U-dcORaXt-QJv8G4fPzC_JlSNH3rQzl6rO-hpsZF-gvrEB06Q22cSYXHAVaP-7b2JOPowiOOOaTohW3tDHO0yO2uhJhGOo5S1Gh/s200/poky.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537620873382232402" /></a><br />I received this message from Meredith, the adopter of Pokey the Donkey and previous adopter of horses Spirit and Treasure. Meredith's husband had surprised her with Pokey for her birthday. <br /><br />"Hi Nicki,<br />Pokey was castrated almost 2 weeks ago now. I think he'll be fully healed this week. He's doing well. We just love him. He brays really loud, especially early in the morning when it's just about feeding time. :) I worried that our neighbors wouldn't appreciate it, but yesterday I was taking Pokey for a walk and my neighbor came out, pushing her 18 year old son in his wheelchair. He is severely handicapped, can't walk or talk. She asked if he could feed Pokey a carrot so I walked over to them and Pokey (of course loved the carrot) gently nuzzled and breathed on her son's hand and feet. Her son let out squeals of joy and had the biggest smile on his face. It was precious. My neighbor continued to tell me that every morning when she is getting her son ready for school, and he hears Pokey bray, he starts laughing so hard. He just lights up at the sound of Pokey. They even recorded him braying so their son could take the recording to school with him and all of his classmates love it too. Pokey is a therapy donkey!! :)<br />Meredith"Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-30756465692304082822010-11-08T05:48:00.000-08:002010-11-08T06:09:05.053-08:00Helping People, Helping Healing Horses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAUKTlyoNI5pZKmfbQDcdhjww_byqlZ4FVQJL5mmmzBD8qv2jgfS1DDdT2kbTxDgv9K9m9m6t2SvDLvh87Xmg-CcCMX9zfQU1gPI1ssCg11cdi9yRKYzkx_57VVVNf6EkkbTXeDMlPolx/s1600/DSC00789.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAUKTlyoNI5pZKmfbQDcdhjww_byqlZ4FVQJL5mmmzBD8qv2jgfS1DDdT2kbTxDgv9K9m9m6t2SvDLvh87Xmg-CcCMX9zfQU1gPI1ssCg11cdi9yRKYzkx_57VVVNf6EkkbTXeDMlPolx/s200/DSC00789.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537180304884743938" /></a><br />This week we were happy to place two horses into a wonderful home in Rancho Santa Fe to help someone heal from a divorce. Scout and Princess will be doing some great healing work with their human and living the pampered life while doing so. <br /><br />We also rescued Eclipse, an 8 year old grulla paint gelding whose owners were being evicted from their facility. He has feet issues and will need corrective farrier work to become sound. He has been a backyard pet most of his life and is very curious about everything. He enjoyed meeting the horses here at FalconRidge when he arrived Saturday! Eclipse needs a sponsor and is gorgeous. He got his feet trimmed immediately. <br /><br />I took a heartbreaking call from a woman whose husband left her after 27 yrs and whose home is in foreclosure. She has a 4 yr old quarterhorse mare, and a goat, that they got 4 yrs ago when the husband was going thru cancer treatments. The mare came from his father who had passed and they got her to help him heal. They got a goat to be with the horse in the backyard. Horse has only been with the goat all this time. The woman said the horse got them both thru the cancer ordeal, but now hes gone and shes losing her home. We said of course we can help and picked up the mare Chiquita and the goat Joe on Sunday. Chiquita needs a sponsor. She was wormed and groomed after she came in. She will get her feet trimmed soon after more handling. <br /><br />Casper is gaining weight and doing well. David should be able to evaluate him for riding this next weekend. <br /><br />Panda has finished her antibiotics and getting an epsom salt soak daily to help her coffin bone infection. She is on bute and we are trying to keep her comfortable. Please send good wishes for Panda, she will need them to recover. <br /><br />Breeze was adopted on Sunday by Diane B. of Crest and will be going to her new forever home soon where she will get to ride on trail and be loved on by a family. Woo hoo!!<br /><br />Donations are low, please consider making a tax deductible donation to FalconRidge Equine Rescue to help us help the horses like Eclipse, Casper, Chiquita and those less fortunate than you! Every dollar helps and no amount is too small to help the horses! Thank you!<br /><br /><br />We love you,<br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-14872541561761121492010-11-02T06:41:00.000-07:002010-11-02T07:01:48.861-07:00Jakey Arrives<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRYijE2ne1FDfx7O-qZjX8KUTOVS1GYaye8YUxTDCxX7aQAqRbYZQOzYF70SjVPyDFZ93p3VDuJ5GB3U443FNXHY1RuVcshCsE8deX6ZJTOkacoI93dTzUjDgTlUtRALM_H3J8Qh-1iQq/s1600/DSC00657.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRYijE2ne1FDfx7O-qZjX8KUTOVS1GYaye8YUxTDCxX7aQAqRbYZQOzYF70SjVPyDFZ93p3VDuJ5GB3U443FNXHY1RuVcshCsE8deX6ZJTOkacoI93dTzUjDgTlUtRALM_H3J8Qh-1iQq/s200/DSC00657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534951419875796354" /></a><br />We received last week a wonderful palomino gelding at FalconRidge. He is 15 yrs old and super sweet, a nice trail horse. His registered name is Achy Breaky Jakey and he is well bred. He came to us because his owner had surgery on both hands and found it difficult to take care of him. She could not groom him or do basically anything with him. Her work hours were cut due to her inability to work and she was thinking of moving out of state. She was grateful to be able to donate him to the rescue. <br /><br />We sadly had to put Dalton down. Dalton was rescued along with Snickers from a woman who was being battered and wanted to leave her abusive husband and take her kids, but was afraid what he would do to her horses. We went and picked them up and she left him that night and is now on her road to safe freedom from abuse. Dalton had an angular limb deformity, crooked legs, and had been adopted out as a pasture puff for about a year. His adopters had to return him due to both husband and wife receiving layoff notices in the same week. Imagine that happening to you and your spouse! Dalton was fine her for several months but recently it became harder to walk for him and he was laying down from the strain and pain. Not a good quality of life. This is the hardest part of rescue work and I hate it and it is extremely sad to have to end a horses life. But it is the most responsible part. Dalton was put out of pain. <br /><br />On a happier note, Silver Slippers was adopted to a wonderful family in Poway where she will provide happiness and joy to neices, nephews, get doted on in the backyard, and learn to do tricks. <br /><br />We underwent our GFAS accreditation inspection where they do a site visit, ask volumes of questions, go thru all your policies and procedures to ensure you are running a responsible equine organization. We are happy to apply for this wonderful program and support GFAS as the accrediting organization for all equine rescues to ensure your donation dollars are put to good use! <br /><br />Casper the 22 yr old arabian stallion recently rescued from Mira Loma is doing well, gaining weight and will be castrated once he gains more. Dr. Moss pulled Habronema fly eggs out of the corners of his eyes and also said he had cataracts in both eyes. <br /><br />Panda has a severe infection in her coffin joint and is being treated with strong antibiotics. Dr. Moss said it is difficult to treat. She will be watched to see if she responds in four days. Please pray for Panda that she can beat this infection. <br /><br />"Always continue to consider that every horse is an individual. I tell my interns, “you can be in a bad mood, be hyper or be having a bad day, but you had better leave it at the door of the barn when you plan to ride a horse.” Horses can pick up on your moods and you can set yourself backwards by not being consistent ...in your dealings with a new horse." Joyce Loomis-Kernek<br /><br /><br />Happy Tuesday. Now go out and vote! <br /><br />Love,<br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-83732039327901330162010-10-23T06:54:00.000-07:002010-10-23T07:25:55.411-07:00Children and Horses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9081JeNc96hwq1Ym3gvdHQ5BiAsWUlr9IaRfWwROk95SOa3A0riqfZEC19zMLFP6FpRJAK1rSLmpBo7EsCVJYLH3nymg4bMcSXh7udkBlT3_Io-3yIG86Jf0uia-cfJZLgRgLbhg9QlH/s1600/rainbow.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9081JeNc96hwq1Ym3gvdHQ5BiAsWUlr9IaRfWwROk95SOa3A0riqfZEC19zMLFP6FpRJAK1rSLmpBo7EsCVJYLH3nymg4bMcSXh7udkBlT3_Io-3yIG86Jf0uia-cfJZLgRgLbhg9QlH/s200/rainbow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531247255148763330" /></a><br />From and unknown source:<br /><br />"My daughter turned sixteen years old today; which is a milestone for most people. Besides looking at baby photos and childhood trinkets with her, I took time to reflect on the young woman my daughter had become and the choices she would face in the future. As I looked at her I could see the athlete she was, and determined woman she would soon be.<br /><br />I started thinking about some the girls we knew in our town who were already pregnant, pierced in several places, hair every color under the sun, drop outs, drug addicts and on the fast track to no where, seeking surface identities because they had no inner self esteem. The parents of these same girls have asked me why I "waste" the money on horses so my daughter can ride. I'm told she will grow out of it, lose in terest, discover boys and all kinds of things that try to pin the current generation's "slacker" label on my child. I don't think it will happen, I think she will love and have horses all her life.<br /><br />Because my daughter grew up with horses she has compassion. She knows that we must take special care of the very young and the very old. We must make sure those without voices to speak of their pain are still cared for. <br /><br />Because my daughter grew up with horses she learned responsibility for others than herself. She learned that regardless of the weather you must still care for those you have the stewardship of. There are no "days off" just because you don't feel like being a horse owner that day. She learned that for every hour of fun you have there are days of hard slogging work you must do first.<br /><br />Because my daughter grew up with horses she learned not to be afraid of getting dirty and that appearances don't matter to most of the breathing things in the world we live in. Horses do not care about designer clothes, jewelry, pretty hairdos or anything else we put on our bodies to try to impress others. What a horse cares about are your abilities to work within his natural world, he doesn't care if you're wearing $80.00 jeans while you do it.<br /><br />Because my daughter grew up with horses she learned about sex and how it can both enrich and complicate lives. She learned that it only takes one time to produce a baby, and the only way to ensure babies aren't produced is not to breed. She learned how babies are planned, made, born and, sadly, sometimes die before reaching their potential. She learned how sleepless nights and trying to outsmart a crafty old broodmare could result in getting to see, as non-horse owning people rarely do, the birth of a true miracle.<br /><br />Because my daughter grew up with horses she understands the value of money. Every dollar can be translated into bales of hay, bags of feed or farrier visits. Purchasing non-necessities during lean times can mean the difference between feed and good care, or neglect and starvation. She has learned to judge the level of her care against the care she sees provided by others and to make sure her standards never lower, and only increase as her knowledge grows <br /><br />Because my daughter grew up with horses she has learned to learn on her own. She has had teachers that cannot speak, nor write, nor communicate beyond body language and reactions. She has had to learn to "read" her surroundings for both safe and unsafe objects, to look for hazards where others might only see a pretty meadow. She has learned to judge people as she judges horses. She looks beyond appearances and trappings to see what is within.<br /><br />Because my daughter grew up with horses she has learned sportsmanship to a high degree. Everyone that competes fairly is a winner. Trophies and ribbons may prove someone a winner, but they do not prove someone is a horseman. She has also learned that some people will do anything to win, regardless of who it hurts. She knows that those who will cheat in the show ring will also cheat in every other aspect of their life and are not to be trusted. <br /><br />Because my daughter grew up with horses she has self-esteem and an engaging personality. She can talk to anyone she meets with confidence, because she has to express herself to her horse with more than words. She knows the satisfaction of controlling and teaching a 1000 pound animal that will yield willingly to her gentle touch and ignore the more forceful and inept handling of those stronger than she is. She holds herself with poise and professionalism in the company of those far older than herself.<br /><br />Because my daughter grew up with horses she has learned to plan ahead. She knows that choices made today can effect what happens five years down the road. She knows that you cannot care for and protect you investments without savings to fall back on. She knows the value of land and buildings. And that caring for you vehicle can mean the difference between easy travel or being stranded on the side of the road with a four horse trailer on a hot day. When I look at what she has learned and what it will help her become, I can honestly say that I haven't "wasted" a penny on providing her with horses I only wish that all children had the same opportunities to learn these lessons from horses before setting out on the road to adulthood."<br /><br />Nicely written. And while we are on the subject, I would like to add to it. It is called committment, family and love. AFTER daughter goes off to college, STILL continue to provide quality love and care for her horse, because it is after all...family. I cant count how many calls I get from parents who want to get rid of their childrens horse due to college, boys, etc. I always tell them the same thing. Hang on to it, love it, keep it...because in a few years your daughter will come full circle and want her horse BACK. Trust me I tell them. Volumes of woman have told me tearfully when they are in their 30s and realize about slaughter and neglect and what horses can go thru after they leave your loving home and they are trying to find them again desperately. Most do not. <br /><br />Thursday, we had to put Jaguar down. He was once loved by little girls who then went off to college and was neglected by the parents who didnt really care about the horses, nor to feed them. He had ulcers and was in poor condition internally due to his neglect. I wonder if the girls knew how poorly their horse was taken care of after they left for school? His name was Nimbus Storm, and he was the grandson of the Black Stallion. He is a victim of a childrens discarded horse. And he shouldn't have been. Parents, if your daughter wants a horse and is begging you badly, PLEASE realize and tell her, ok, if we get you a horse it is for life. It will be our family member and we will be responsible for the remainder of its natural born life...ie...FOREVER. Do your research, have her take lessons first, make sure of the committment to horses before you jump in and get one. <br /><br />Please. <br /><br /><br /><br />Love,<br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-21139097857067562832010-10-12T06:34:00.000-07:002010-10-12T07:04:01.624-07:00Adoptions, Surgeries, Sanctuaries, Retirement Homes and Disappearing Lumps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz4hAoFz_MM70YBcAKl0XQZEoOenD5SZsTC-z_dNUBVS5CIGrNNL8TeALzvX-7DjmwTfb4nDp6ppip4WIAdFIrs0RuCIeex3KslswW0FQjGrtBC-O0pDhuLUCJ-FMyTneeCWFGi8V9vgX/s1600/100_0287.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz4hAoFz_MM70YBcAKl0XQZEoOenD5SZsTC-z_dNUBVS5CIGrNNL8TeALzvX-7DjmwTfb4nDp6ppip4WIAdFIrs0RuCIeex3KslswW0FQjGrtBC-O0pDhuLUCJ-FMyTneeCWFGi8V9vgX/s200/100_0287.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527159934840146210" /></a><br />It has been a busy week here at FalconRidge. On Thursday, Dr. Jeff Moss came and castrated five stallions. Santiago, Emperor,Pharoh, Khan and Frodo are now nice geldings and gentlemen with no complications. We had 7 volunteers here helping during the day so it all went smoothly. Emperor and Pharoh are adopted to a wonderful couple from Fallbrook and they are coming and working with them for some training prior to bringing them home. <br /><br />Aramus was also adopted to a super family and will be mainly a pet and do a little big of trail riding. He is in Temecula. <br /><br />Silfur, the icelandic pony with damaged hock we got from the Icelandic Rehoming Project has been adopted by Bobbi Brinks, founder of Lions Tigers and Bears in Alpine, CA. She was delivered Monday and will be a companion to their mini donk Jack and in their education center for children where she will be petted upon by lots of school kids who visit the sanctuary. <br /><br />We were also contacted by another sanctuary in Riverside County whose founder would like to retire and would like us to take over her sanctuary or merge with ours so that the animals are taken care of. We have visited her facility and are working on possible solutions for her and the animals and we just might merge. It will be a long range plan. <br /><br />On Monday we took Zeus and Buddy to Valle Vista Retirement home in Escondido along with Ina of Escondido Humane Society and her dog Sonny, for pet therapy for the residents. Zeus was fantastic and naturally meant to do this type of work. Peg Wozniak handled him and did a wonderful job taking him around to all the residents who were in a big circle in the room. Buddy was more nervous so David held him in the center of the room. Everyone was very excited and enjoyed seeing the horses so much. Zeus nuzzled each person he went to by wiggling his nose on them. Zeus and team are booked up for months with the Escondido Humane Society to do pet therapy visitations as well as going to schools. <br /><br />Amazingly, the lump on Sassys jaw is slowly going away. I took a picture of it on Thursday and compared it to when she arrived when Dr. Moss had biopsied it, thinking it could be juvenile ossifying fibroma, which would grow. We are very happy seeing it go down...it's just a miracle. <br /><br />Our fundraiser dinner dance at the Valley Center Community Center is this Saturday Night! Hope to see you all there! It will be a blast and we hope to raise 12-15,000 to build a cover over the hay so it can all stay dry during the rains. A great need. Lots of door prizes, super raffle items and silent auction items all through the night. Everyone gets a gift bag and professional photo too so come on out and have some fun with us celebrating and help the horses! <br /><br />We still have many horses needing homes. Maverick, Snowbell, Blaze, Santiago, Khan, Mingo, Breeze, Nemo, Tuxedo, Princess...all want to be home with their family. Please help them make their dreams come true. <br /><br />Helping others...what this journey called life is all about. <br /><br />Love,<br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-70189427108385984612010-10-05T10:43:00.000-07:002010-10-05T10:52:36.902-07:00Working With Inner City Schools<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod4Y8rsQez5GI8nwM9GBnTHu3KC_PNfjKx-t90PZn8TVGlk3AFgrWQ92Z3ccVwW_LSoFQbHxGPOWxvoAuSXvXtzA48Px1jwHyOMoQem5Xy8e_hfLADnAIY8YmbVWD6-f1Qk4mTnxM4Ls4/s1600/silverslips.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod4Y8rsQez5GI8nwM9GBnTHu3KC_PNfjKx-t90PZn8TVGlk3AFgrWQ92Z3ccVwW_LSoFQbHxGPOWxvoAuSXvXtzA48Px1jwHyOMoQem5Xy8e_hfLADnAIY8YmbVWD6-f1Qk4mTnxM4Ls4/s200/silverslips.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524621318703888018" /></a><br />Saturday I heard from a teacher at an inner city high school in San Diego, who would like to bring a group of 5 girls to volunteer and work at FalconRidge and help rehabilitate the horses on a regular basis. Each girl would learn about stall cleaning, horses, care, anatomy, training and have their own personal sanctuary horse assigned to them as their project. Stability and a long term relationship being key for them. :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-13447810883493101522010-09-29T19:09:00.000-07:002010-09-29T20:33:20.599-07:00Goodbye to Kharma, the Lovely Sera Nique<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wkUPzWzj0zdA7T49Mc06oaXVPFUvPZCfvL5OJ-46wJ6VM_LXoMktOyd307i-7shbhgWsmitgHAQtPD7YWK-JvW6UtkYk0FzSBT43qThQjEH-71s6azPddDiJcxeJ7Bw-oT3TC7nuz4u9/s1600/rainbowmoon.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wkUPzWzj0zdA7T49Mc06oaXVPFUvPZCfvL5OJ-46wJ6VM_LXoMktOyd307i-7shbhgWsmitgHAQtPD7YWK-JvW6UtkYk0FzSBT43qThQjEH-71s6azPddDiJcxeJ7Bw-oT3TC7nuz4u9/s200/rainbowmoon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522544456318184898" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNWqQZR2Z-VEJnPHw4AVkWpDOraFYQeAMFEBNT2Rf-kmMDERqMCB60MPD_awmaX-4XpiaFMmDDc9MV8h3QNqyeqRUF1sKLfB8bkIL5X4n4rAyT8d_BhI5_D4ss7R-8TIZDUfCY2DKxa3w/s1600/kharma2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNWqQZR2Z-VEJnPHw4AVkWpDOraFYQeAMFEBNT2Rf-kmMDERqMCB60MPD_awmaX-4XpiaFMmDDc9MV8h3QNqyeqRUF1sKLfB8bkIL5X4n4rAyT8d_BhI5_D4ss7R-8TIZDUfCY2DKxa3w/s200/kharma2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522544039622219010" /></a><br />A little bay arabian filly was born on April 16th, 1978. The breeders of this filly were Stephen and Dorothy Chesley. They named the filly Sera Nique, for her father was Bonique and her mother was Ser Seyna. From her fathers side names of her relatives included Bolero, Witez II, Ofir, Ghazi. From her mothers side Sera Nique's ancestors included Serafix, Abu Farwa, Ferseyn, Khyber. <br /><br />As a two year old Sera Nique was sold to Donald and Cookie Moore. Strangely, that is the name of our equine chiropractor we use now. We were told later she showed in english pleasure. Somehow, many many years later this beautiful bay arabian mare ended up in the desert in Phelan with a neglectful owner who was feeding her one can of dog food per day. Luckily, a neighbor intervened and took the mare and called us. <br /><br />Sera Nique was now 32 years and had long curly hair, a dropped back and pot belly appearance from her Cushings disease that had been allowed to ravage her body untreated. We did not know her name at the time and so we named her Kharma. She was small, petite and had doe like eyes and a long wavy mane. We put her on Pergolide for the Cushings a a few months later she looked like a different horse. Her coat came back to normal, she gained fat and muscle and energy. She got healthy enough for David to evaluate her and found she rode wonderfully. I wondered who this obviously purebred and delightful arabian mare was. She was ridden in lessons by a young lady named Sarah, and did wonderfully for her. Sarah loved Kharma very much. <br /><br />One day, a volunteer was giving Kharma a bath and noticed she had a freezebrand on her neck under her mane. We shaved it to read it, wrote down the symbols and called a friend to look up the number in the Arabian Horse Registry. Her number started with an A, which meant she was a purebred arabian. I received an email back with who Kharma was. That is how we found out she was Sera Nique, born of pure blood and champion lines that reach far back into arabian history. She was royalty, and we were lucky enough to have her. <br /><br />The last three weeks Kharma started slowly eating less and lost weight. She was unstable at the walk and starting to get weak. She could not eat enough to sustain her weight and I knew it was time. It is difficult to do, but responsible to let a horse go and not let them linger when they are ailing physically. Dr. Moss was called out and Kharma went over the Rainbow Bridge today. I wish I could let her old owners know who had her before she was neglected in Phelan. Someone in the past loved Kharma and she was a part of their family. They will not know she has passed..that they lost a family member...and that saddens me. <br /><br />Goodbye sweet girl...we love you and you were the most beautiful horse in the world...a champion...and a part of OUR FAMILY... <br /><br />forever. <br /><br />Love,<br />NickiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-74280535415478442752010-09-28T09:46:00.000-07:002010-09-28T09:55:16.588-07:00You Can Be A Hay Barn Or Event Sponsor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJooHFY9-6Zo3pkNDAujM-cPH-Ik5MRyFPecCgBpaSicyg0ByGEWylotznKYynpO2gYmKtlgPtOI1Ix5ehDZyh5a2ZvMRQfPJGB99__Wz8yxHO-T1KhAASTQ0oBAudRi8UFLB6qhpXdLiE/s1600/maverick.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJooHFY9-6Zo3pkNDAujM-cPH-Ik5MRyFPecCgBpaSicyg0ByGEWylotznKYynpO2gYmKtlgPtOI1Ix5ehDZyh5a2ZvMRQfPJGB99__Wz8yxHO-T1KhAASTQ0oBAudRi8UFLB6qhpXdLiE/s200/maverick.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522008788936816946" /></a><br />Our fundraiser goal at the dinner dance event October 16th is to raise between $12,000-$15,000 to build a much needed hay barn prior to the rainy season. <br /><br />We have made it possible to donate/sponsor in several ways:<br /><br />1). Sponsorship that goes directly to the Hay Barn Fund -<br />A Bronze plaque engraved with Sponsors name(s) will be placed on the Hay<br />Barn at the time of the Hay Barn Dedication ceremony followed by a lunch and<br />tour of the Ranch and Horses for sponsors and their guest(s).<br />Levels of Sponsorship:<br />Alfalfa Sponsors: $250<br />Bermuda Sponsors : $500<br />Timothy Sponsors : $750<br />Orchard Sponsors : $1000<br />3-Way Sponsors : $1500 <br /><br /><br />2). Event Sponsorship levels (strictly for the event)<br />Foal Level: $250 (includes 1 ticket to event)<br />Weanling Level: $400 (includes 2 tickets to event)<br />Pony Level: $500 (includes 2 tickets to event plus 24 raffle tickets)<br />Mare Level: $750 (includes 4 tickets to event plus 24 raffle tickets)<br />Stallion Level: $1000 (includes 6 tickets to the event)<br />Winners Circle Level: $1500 (includes 1 table = 10 tickets to the event)<br /><br />If you have decided on the level of sponsorship you would like please send a note along with a check made out to "FalconRidge Equine Rescue, Inc" and send to:<br />FalconRidge Fundraiser<br />C/O Judie Green<br />29115 Valley Center Road #K182<br />Valley Center, CA<br /><br />Thank you,<br />Judie Green<br />760-260-8130 xt #101Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-49388804780608409062010-09-27T17:07:00.000-07:002010-09-27T17:16:24.616-07:00FalconRidge Mini Horses as Tiny Ambassadors<a href="http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/ehs018015.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/ehs018015.jpg" /></a><br /><div>We were recently contacted by the Education Director of the Escondido Humane Society, who asked if we could bring our miniature horse/s to their pet therapy programs and school classrooms to teach our youth about horses. We agreed and she was very excited as they normally use dogs. We will be going out in the community once a month with Escondido Humane to let our miniature horses share their pony knowledge and love with local citizens and children! </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/ehs_020.htm">http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/ehs_020.htm</a></div><div> </div><div>Sharing horse information with the public, educating our youth about horses and care, and nurturing our older citizens with special horse love and affection...a good thing! </div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-75219381435738914462010-09-26T09:26:00.000-07:002010-09-26T09:39:38.818-07:00FalconRidge Dinner Dance Fundraiser, October 16th!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczi5cXkE3k8XMADbb4QXD2zX1CwNFnJ3ip8sa0z2FdUsEXS0XFKDlbQvyt_Pe2_1PPi5wq547-KRydBOUY-xUx9VA-UEzkcJ-E736Vl8oFPmo9VXgfnmdkorP9EgwsAZ8gU4DTsOGftRa/s1600/falconridgedinnerflyerfinal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521262154060993282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczi5cXkE3k8XMADbb4QXD2zX1CwNFnJ3ip8sa0z2FdUsEXS0XFKDlbQvyt_Pe2_1PPi5wq547-KRydBOUY-xUx9VA-UEzkcJ-E736Vl8oFPmo9VXgfnmdkorP9EgwsAZ8gU4DTsOGftRa/s200/falconridgedinnerflyerfinal.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Come one, come all! To FalconRidge Equine Rescue’s First Annual “Spaghetti Western Dinner Dance” OCTOBER 16th, Valley Center Community Center ! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The theme is old bad Italian western’s like Clint Eastwood in The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly. We will decorate in that theme. </div><br /><div><br />Here is a list of what we will have at the fundraiser, the menu, entertainment and what people get for their $40 per person.<br /><br />Menu, catered by Portino's Italian Restaurant:<br />Meat Lasagna<br />Veggie Lasagna (zucchini & mushroom)<br />BBQ Chicken<br />Cajun Grilled Chicken<br />Reg. Grilled/Roasted Chicken<br />Hot Pasta Dish (either w/ chicken or veggies)<br />Cold Pasta Salad<br />Corn On The Cob<br />Field of Greens Salad<br />Garlic Roll Sticks<br />Dessert<br />Non-Alcoholic Beverage Included<br /><br />Beer, Wine & Sangria = Can be purchased $5.00 for 2 premium drink tickets. Limit is 2 tickets per person due to liability.<br />Bud & Bud Light<br />White & Red Assort Wines<br />Homemade Sangria<br /><br />Each attendee receives:<br />1 souvenir photo (David from DMZ photography in Escondido is donating his time and equipment as the official photographer)<br />1 gift bag<br /><br />Band: The Hot Pursuit Band will play starting at 8PM after dinner. They sell out to crowds from Temecula to San Diego. They have been voted #1 by channel 10 best of San Diego for 2 years (2009 & 2010).<br />http://www.gigmasters.com/presskit.aspx?dir1=Variety-Band&dir2=Hot-Pursuit-Band<br />They play everything from Country to Billy Joel, 60’s to Motown. Click the link above to see them in action.<br /><br />There will be a table where people can meet professional horse trainer David Lee Archer and buy a signed copy of his book “Be True To Your Horse”.<br /><br />Door Prizes will be called out throughout the night: Each attendee ticket has a number on the back from 1-350. Numbers for door prizes will be picked randomly.<br /><br />Raffle Prizes will be called out throughout the evening & not required to be present. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dancing, dining, prizes and good times...all to help raise funds to construct a hay shed/cover for our hay for the horses! Fundraising goal is $15,000 to cover costs for this event and to build the shed. It will be a spectacular night!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For tickets call Judie at 760-260-8130 ext. 101 or email <a href="mailto:judie@sdquickbooksguru.com">judie@sdquickbooksguru.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-66643052668150816832010-09-19T06:29:00.000-07:002010-09-19T07:27:55.215-07:00The Adventures of Panda<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6CDxgYjy4YFmH4UXlpijfJuvwyuZxzim5GkK664cFp8QKg9k0xxaPXGjvfBkMG33MW186iKvcLRU4rLkjo1yTojv3MyHd8xVbQcKE5TOZ29J01isnwTsHngayjGoU7-vqFO7UTMEPGfe/s1600/DSC09666.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518630896580984434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6CDxgYjy4YFmH4UXlpijfJuvwyuZxzim5GkK664cFp8QKg9k0xxaPXGjvfBkMG33MW186iKvcLRU4rLkjo1yTojv3MyHd8xVbQcKE5TOZ29J01isnwTsHngayjGoU7-vqFO7UTMEPGfe/s200/DSC09666.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am going to try and start blogging in the correct area of this page and get all the previous posts archived so we dont lose them and it doesnt take 20 minutes for some of you with older computers to load this page. Bear with me...at 52 Im an old fart and not technically savvy enough to have started this blog posting in the correct places to begin with! I probably need a 15 yr old to help with the archiving and they could most likely do it in a few minutes. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Anyhow...as many of you have seen on Facebook, Miss Panda has arrived at FalconRidge. We were contacted by her current owners as she had flipped over backwards, with a saddle on, upon saddling and was pretty violent about it...enough for them to deem her dangerous and not rideable. Panda is 21 years old and we have found her to have a very long back, in need of chiropractic adjustment and also in need of retraining so she no longer pulls back when saddled. Panda is found to be a very sweet horse who loves attention and will do anything you ask of her. A few of her previous owners contacted me, I contacted the American Paint Horse Association, and I have put together Pandas life history of ownership. The reason I started rescuing horses, in addition to finding out they go to slaughter, is the story of Black Beauty. Horses that through no fault of their own, go from owner to owner and from good homes to possibly bad ones, shuffled around and never allowed to settle down or have someone to commit to them for life. Here is Panda's story. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Panda was born in 1989 in Paulden, Arizona</div><br /><div>Panda was sold in 1992 to an owner in Peyton, Colorado</div><br /><div>Panda was sold in 1996 to an owner in Tempe, Arizona</div><br /><div>Panda was sold in 1999 to an owner in Oceanside, CA</div><br /><div>Panda was sold in 2008 to a family </div><div><br />Panda was given back to her previous owners as the family could not afford her </div><div><br />Panda was given to a little boy in Fallbrook </div><div><br />Panda was given away to someone else because the little boys family lost their house </div><div><br />Panda was given to FalconRidge because she flipped over at saddling and was deemed too dangerous with her issues. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Be the one for them. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Love,</div><br /><div>Nicki</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340932877415191631.post-65880644355104720362008-09-23T22:27:00.000-07:002009-09-19T22:04:23.055-07:00FalconRidge Equine Rescue News Blog<a href="http://www.aspca.org/about-us/free-aspca-stuff/dog-link-banner.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="http://www.aspca.org/about-us/free-aspca-stuff/dog-link-banner.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>This blog is for updates on the horse rescues and other activities of FalconRidge Equine Rescue, Inc. This project made possible by a grant from the ASPCA.</div><br /><br /><p></p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com