| More Horses |
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An adorable female mule sent to the refuge because she was of no use to her owners. Her birth, in a field, went unnoticed for months by her owners so she had no human contact as a foal. Because of this Anita does not bond with people and very much prefers her own kind so she fits in beautifully with the herd.
Born at the Refuge ,after her mother Jolly was rescued by the Refuge to save her from going to slaughter.
Beezer is an ex-racehorse (Backstretch Boy) who suffered a broken knee. This injury was left untreated and as a result Beezer has a deformed leg. He spent five years being passed around before he came to us. The horses at the Refuge accepted Beezer as he is - here he is loved equally by all.
Belle was a successful racehorse before she broke her leg at age two. She then had a job transfer - as a broodmare. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, her first foal died at birth. The owner decided to send her to slaughter but luckily the trainer intervened and contacted us. This shy (with people) mare is the Belle of the ball with the geldings at the Refuge.
Charisma came to us because she had a chipped bone in her hock and could not be used for racing. That doesn't seem to prevent Charisma from booting around the pastures with all her friends in tow.
Chico's owner contacted the Refuge claiming he could not afford to feed him anymore. When the Refuge arrived to collect him, it was discovered that the owner had in fact 20 other horses and Chico, thin and old, was just a liability to him. Chico, nervous with the other horses, was placed with our blind gang where he patiently awaits his meals and TLC.
A retired farmer who closed up and moved to the city, placed this small donkey at the Refuge.
She had a long career in harness industry where she was used as a brood mare. Although the owners retired her at the Refuge she is not supported by them.
Derby was sent to us because he suffered from moon-blindness in one eye. He is now totally blind. Derby has been easily accepted by his own kind and is very happy. He does not seem to mind a bit that no one would adopt him because of his poor eyesight.
Finnegan was born at the Refuge after his mother (Lea - pregnant at the time of rescue) along with her yearling and four male companions (stallions) were rescued from their home. The entire group was emaciated. We were asked to take this family immediately or they would be removed some other way…
In 2005 we were contacted to help get Ginger off the streets of Montreal. Ginger had spent 22 long hard years hauling loads through the heat and fumes of Montreal's streets. The Refuge placed Ginger into an adoptive home shortly after, along with another caleche horse, Sharlot. In June 2008 both became permanent residents of the Refuge and here they will remain in peace. Now they will be the ones being served – with a smile.
This beautiful mare was lovingly retired and supported by her caring and responsible owner. Since coming to the Refuge, Jackie has become very independent of people, preferring her small group, especially her adoptive son, Clyde, the donkey. They are never far apart.
Jasper is a playful and inquisitive young horse that loves to investigate and get involved in whatever horseplay is going on. You have to look closely to realize that this happy guy is almost totally blind. It doesn't stop him from enjoying his freedom.
Julie was a free mustang in Alberta before being captured and used as a PMU mare. During the drought (hay shortage) in 2001 she was shipped out of the province. Her new owner discovered just how wild she was. Julie almost became his dinner, before “angels” intervened and purchased her freedom at last. These wonderful people brought Julie directly to us to stay for the rest of her days, knowing her spirit would never be broken but would remain free.
Kayla came from a seriously abusive home. As a result of beatings about her legs, she has developed arthritis in her hind hock and a crooked pelvis. When we took her in, she was emaciated and in pain. With proper care and nutrition, this beautiful mare is finally enjoying a pain-free life.
Lea (missing one eye & partially blind in the other) was pregnant and malnourished when we took her and her filly (Polly) in. She had a tough life in her old home, living off the land (without feeding or medical care from owners) among four stallions.
Little Black was rescued from an auction, at less than a year old, by the Refuge. The Refuge was at the auction handing out flyers at the time. Little Black was in a seriously neglected state and no one bid on him. The Refuge made the decision right then to buy him - to save his life. For such a little guy, he has tremendous presence. He thinks he is so huge – so funny to see him play with the big boys.
He was rescued the day before he was due to go to slaughter. He was just a baby at the time. Now all grown up, Lucky is handsome and adored by all the mares. Although he is a big boy he is quite a gentleman with the horses and people alike.
M&M came our way when his one and only owner decided he was no longer useful, now that he had developed a bowed tendon. After 19 years of devoted service in the show circuit, he was cast aside for a new riding machine. After some adjustment to being “a horse” and making his own choices day to day, M&M has finally come into his own. He is now a calm and relaxed member of the herd.
(1993 - ) Chestnut pony gelding Magic experience extreme cruelty at the hands of people before being rescued. We were called to help a pony chained to a truck by the neck. When we arrived upon the scene we were incredulous. The chain was embedded inched into his neck! With the help of local authorities, Magic was seized and placed in the permanent care of the Refuge. We discovered that Magic likes to play the tough dude and forms strong, loyal attachments to one member of the herd at a time. see Stories
Nemo was left with us temporarily when his owner was making a change of residence. She never came back to get him. This is fine with Nemo as he settled in to stay long ago.
Nutmeg was near death's door when the refuge was called in to check on him and his companion (Sydney). Nutmeg was listless and bone-thin. Both horses were taken permanently into the refuge. Nutmeg's rehabilitation has completely transformed him. He is a now new horse!
Polly came to us as a yearly along with her mom (then pregnant on Finnegan) see Lea. When we went to pick up this little family, Polly had to be carried. She was badly malnourished causing her legs to be deformed. After a few months of love and proper care Polly began running along with the rest of them. She is the picture of health now.
Sarfi was taken in by the Refuge, at the age of two, to save her from the horrors of the harness racing industry.
Sharlot worked the streets of Montreal as a Caleche horse for about 20 long, hard years. Sharlot was placed with Ginger (see above) into an adoptive home. In June 2008 both became permanent residents of the Refuge. They will stay with us to the end of their days.
Slim was placed at the refuge by an individual who campaigned door to door to pay the owner the meat price. Slim was destined for slaughter because he could no longer be ridden. Slim does not show any lameness when he is not being ridden. He comfortably walks, trots and gallops along with the rest of the herd.
Sydney (arthritic) was rescued along with Nutmeg from an owner that did not know how to care for them and didn't know where to call for help. The Refuge was alerted to their plight by concerned passers-by. It was lucky for these two, that people got involved, because now they are enjoying the good life with plenty to eat and friends to share it with.
Whiskers has grown up with the Refuge. He is the foal of our beloved late Fuddy, the horse that inspired it all. He has grown up in a loving and peaceful environment, and enjoys the best of both worlds – freedom and protection. |
