Redwings Horse Sanctuary, USA

Retired Border Patrol Horses share in being honored

2013-05-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

At a special Memorial Day service held at Fort Hunter Liggett, May 22, 2013 - retired Border Patrol horses Max and Red were special guests. On this day, those who have served our country were honored and among those serving are many brave, trained, equine and canine soldiers. Max and Red were among those who have served their country well by patrolling the Arizona border with Mexico.

Coming Soon! New Design to our Web Site

2013-05-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hello followers and friends! When you come to our website next week (May 30th!) you'll see a new look! We hope you like it and we look forward to your feedback.

Come Join in Continuing Education at Redwings

2013-05-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Champ, our 33 year-old Arab, found abandoned in San Miguel back in 2009, has been benefiting greatly from the body work he receives from one of our loyal volunteers. But not only has Champ benefited, but our volunteers as well - because of the dedication of Jeannette Burrows CMT.

Jeannette came to Redwings to work on one of our severely damaged horses, and during that visit, something touched her and she began making it a priority to come to Redwings to teach her skills to our volunteers. She has been coming to Redwings for over a year and advancing the skills of the volunteers. More skilled volunteers - more horses literally - "touched."

Not long ago, Champ just "hung out like an old guy" - today he runs around with his herd mates like a youngster thanks to Jeannette and our wonderful volunteers.

Look for the next scheduled Volunteer Class - coming soon!

Meet our new arrival and family member - Pippin!

2013-05-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

Timing is everything. Redwings has had a long and very happy time period with our rescued horses staying healthy - and because we are committed to first and foremost caring for the animals who are at the sanctuary, and because we rely solely on donations,we have not been able to rescue any new equines recently. But one day - a few months back - one of our ponies was fostered. And two horses had also found special loving foster homes.

All of our animals are teachers but our ponies - because of their size - are particularly popular with our little visitors. And those little visitors will one day be the adults who will be the hope for other animals in need. Fate brought Pippin to us at a moment when we could accept this little 16 year old - blind gelding.

Pippin's future, like so many horses we hear about almost daily, was uncertain. He was no longer useful as a child's mount as his eyes had deteriorated and the owner could not afford to keep him and keep her usable horses as well. It appeared that Pippin would be euthanized but then the veterinarian, knowing that this was one special pony - appealed to HEET (Horse Emergency Evacuation Team) in San Luis Obispo County. HEET contacted Redwings and we were very pleased to be able to find a special place for little Pippin to spend the rest of his life in safety and care.

There are so many horses and ponies out there just like Pippin - on the edge of survival. While we cannot take every horse or pony, we can advocate for far less breeding in this country where there are thousands of unwanted horses who starve to death or suffer other unimaginable abuse and neglect. Please share with those who "think" they want to breed their backyard mare or not geld their colt, that there are many horses needing homes, and encourage them to pursue saving a rescued equine rather than adding one more innocent animal to the population that could face an uncertain future.

Pebble Beach Table Affair

2013-04-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Redwings was honored to attend another year at Table Affair in Pebble Beach on April 18. The event was held at The Lodge at Pebble Beach Conference Center where there were 40 different table designs, a silent action, and light refreshments, sponsored by the Pebble Beach Riding & Trails Association and the Pebble Beach Company. All donations went to Redwings Horse Sanctuary and the SPCA Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

Below are photos of Redwings' Table that took the effort and creativity of a few very dedicated volunteers and staff. In addition to our 36" round table setting, we also had an informational table with photos, biographies of all 100 of our horses, and brochures.

Horseman's Reunion, Paso Robles- Join Us!!!!

2013-04-16T16:29:00.003-07:00

Horseman's Reunion is being held at the Paso Robles Fair Grounds.

This special event is going from April 15 through Saturday April 20th.

Redwings has a booth there.

Please come by and say hi, show your support, or even volunteer at the booth.

One of our dedicated volunteers, Jennifer at the Horseman's Reunion Redwings' booth.

Calling ALL Volunteers!!! ALL Volunteers Needed!

2013-04-09T12:07:00.001-07:00

Become a Volunteer!!!

You can help in many ways. We love volunteers to help with general horse care at the Lockwood Ranch, giving tours and helping with activities, but there are other opportunities held off the ranch just around the corner:

April 15-20 Horseman’s Reunion, Paso Robles: help staff our booth and get free access to the Reunion event

April 18 Table, Affaire, Pebble Beach: we need help designing our table and staffing at Pebble Beach that day

April 20 Fort Hunter Liggett, Month of the Military Child, 10-2pm on base at Bradley Park in housing: come help with the ponies as we encourage military children to have the oppor- tunity to meet and pet some of the Redwings family.

June 7-9 Horse Expo, Sacramento: help set-up and staff the booth in Sacramento and enjoy exhibits and presentations during breaks

July 17-21 Salinas, Rodeo: help staff and set-up our booth at the rodeo– and have the opportunity to enjoy some rodeo activities during break times

Please sign up if you have interest in helping the horses of Redwings!

Call: (831)-386-0135

Easter Extravaganza 2013

2013-04-04T10:33:00.001-07:00

Visitors and volunteers patiently await the egg hunt for the little ones ages 0-4. In the background you can see the hay ride and mules pulling up for another tour through the ranch.

The youngsters and their parents kick through the hay and dig for eggs.

One of the huge hits of the day: a wagon ride pulled by 2 mules. Every single participant was able to climb on up and receive a ride around the ranch which included stories of some of Redwings' horses. In the background, you can see our Draft Horses peering over to catch a glimpse of our visitors.

The 5-7 year olds scramble around the Pony Pen for eggs and prizes.

Parents line the fences to cheer on their kids.

Our horse Noey was available for petting and photos. Although Noey thoroughly enjoyed the grass, she does love being doted over.

The oldest group of kids eagerly await the gates to be opened for the final egg hunt! There were nearly 200 eggs to be found for this final group ages 8-13.

A few of Redwings' dear volunteers admire the events as they take a quick rest at the Welcome Table.

March 23, Saturday- RANCH CLOSED

2013-03-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, MARCH 23 the ranch will be CLOSED.

However, we will BE OPEN on Friday March 22 and will resume normal ranch hours to the public 10am-3pm on Tuesday March 26

And don't forget to mark your calenders for the Easter Event March 30th!

If you have questions, please call the office (831)-386-0135.

Respectfully,

The Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers of Redwings

Egg Hunting & Hay Rides! March 30th

2013-03-06T09:57:00.002-08:00

Topper: February's Horse of the Month

2013-02-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

At Redwings we are adamant about helping those in need and educating the public about appropriate horse care. Topper is an example of a horse that carries out Redwings’ mission, even at the equine level. Topper continued to “work” even after he was no longer able to be ridden. Through him, veterinary research was able to be humanely explored; other horses were able have improved health and well-being; and many people- public and professionals- were educated. This handsome bay Quarter horse is 19 this month, and in his birthday celebration is our horse of the month!

Topper lived a happy life until he sustained a terrible tendon injury and the vet diagnosed him with a calcified tendon, which meant he could no longer be ridden. His veterinarian knew about a facility that accepted horses for use to collect their plasma and help other horses in need.

When Topper could no longer play this role of helping other horses, his owners were contacted by the facility to let them know Topper had done his service. The facility knew how much the owners loved this horse and made the extra effort to refer the owners to Redwings.

Topper came to live here where he is committed to a lifetime of community service and equine health and education and deserves his place in the pastures at our Lockwood Ranch.

Volunteer Class- Saturday, February 16th!

2013-02-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

JOIN US at the Lockwood Ranch for Level 1 volunteer class and become an active volunteer! Then you can come anytime during Sanctuary hours, as often as you would like, to interact and help care for your favorite horses, ponies, and burros!

Anyone and everyone welcome- whether brand new to the horse world, curious about equines, or a novice horse lover- come on down!

PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE TO RSVP!

(831)-386-0135

HOPE TO SEE YOU HERE!!!

CA Pizza Kitchen FUNdraiser!!!!

2013-01-31T15:50:00.001-08:00

Support Redwings on Thursday, February 28th at the Del Monte CPK in Monterey. Simply bring this flyer in and 20% of your purchase will go towards Redwings!

Awonda: January's Horse of the Month

2013-01-23T10:31:00.002-08:00

Awonda is a pretty grey Arabian mare who was living with other horses in a large pasture in Contra Costa County. Life was good; they had plenty of green grass, hay, and room to run until one year the grass dried up and slowly the feed stopped growing. The herd of eight horses had to walk the whole pasture just to find enough to eat. They began losing weight, were always hungry, and their owner was no longer coming to see them. They became covered with ticks and itchy lice but didn’t have the strength to rub them off.

Their owner had become very ill and he was no longer able to care for the animals. Then, someone told Contra Costa County Animal Services about Awonda and her herd. Animal Services came and brought food, then loaded all the horses into a trailer and took them to a shelter.

Once the younger horses were cleaned of their lice and ticks and started putting on weight again, they were quickly adopted. Awonda and her friend Miz Scarlett were older than the others, and although they were gaining weight, no one wanted them. Redwings was called and the two horses found their forever home at the sanctuary.

Awonda is now 26 years old and still full of life and spunk. She can be seen running with her friends even though slowly but surely a cataract is claiming the site in one of her eyes. She seems not to have noticed and rather enjoys every day that she has, running, eating and resting when she needs to. Here she is safe and well cared for and as another year begins for Redwings, so does another happy new year for Awonda.

December Horse of the Month- Trigger!

2012-12-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

Due to the joyous commotion, excitement, cheer, and togetherness December brings, it is no wonder the majority of us feel like little kids again. There is one such horse, on our ranch, that truly exemplifies being a kid at heart. Trigger is a palomino Welsh Pony, approximately 14 years old. Despite his age, previous tribulations, or even a cloudy day, his gregarious and spunky personality does not falter.

In June of 2001, Redwings’ Stray Animal Pick-up volunteers received a call to pick up a horse in the road in the Salinas area. They arrived to find a beautiful Welsh pony stallion out on the roadway. They searched for the owner of the stallion, but no one claimed him. He was taken to Redwings Sanctuary.

After a week or so, the owner called inquiring about the pony. When he was told he would have to pay boarding and transportation costs, he stated the young stallion was “too much trouble” and “he no longer wanted him.”

Trigger with his pals, The Ponies and Apollo.

Well, Redwings wanted him! He was named Trigger, gelded (Redwings has no stallions on the facility) and has become best friends with the rest of the ponies. Trigger, lives up to his name and can frequently be heard neighing with the other ponies, nuzzling with a visitor, and galloping to race his friends to the gate. He is a handsome one that is truly a joy to visit and once you meet Trigger, he will forever be in your heart!

Redwings Mercantile- Now OPEN!!!

2012-12-07T15:08:00.002-08:00

Participate in "Giving Tuesday": November 27th

2012-11-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

As we kick off the holiday season, we can sometimes become caught up in hours of cooking, miles of traveling, and days of extreme shopping. After giving thanks on Thursday and battling for the best sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is only appropriate to participate in "Giving Tuesday". Tuesday, November 27th is considered "national give back day" implemented to inspire people, families, and businesses to take a collaborative philantropic effort and donate in the name of those less fortunate- to include our majestic equines.

Donations can be made in honor or in memory of a loved one or beloved pet. A card will be sent to the recipient that a donation has been made in their name from you. We have also opened a brand-new online shop to purchase Redwings' gear like sweatshirts, hats, and coffee mugs; 100% of the proceeds go to Redwings, visit http://www.cafepress.com/RedwingsHorseSanctuaryMerchandise to buy anything you would like! There are many ways to donate other than directly giving money, such as: donating hay, horse blankets, fly masks; volunteering at the ranch; or giving the gift of sponsoring one of our horses. Sponsor horses each represent a different plight horses can face and your sponsorship helps provide their care for 1 year. We have recently added 3 new Sponsor Horses to our list. They are Coco, Cyclone, and Apollo. Below is our entire list of 12 Sponsor Horses:

You have the following options when doing a sponsorship:

To give you an idea of what your donation can help provide:

- $17 for 1 bale of hay (1 bale can feed 1 horse up to 2 weeks)

- $45 for a farrier visit to trim 1 horses feet (done once every 8 weeks)

- $95 for dental care from a veterinarian

Which ever way you choose to give back to our Redwings' equine friends, you are making a difference in their lives and it not only helps them feel good, but you as well!

Volunteers from Hayashi and Wayland

2012-11-21T14:03:00.002-08:00

In the words of Elizabeth Andrew: "Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart."

Ten Hayashi and Wayland employees spent a day at Redwings as part of their "Give Back" program in volunteering. This was their second year coming to help out the ranch. They spent a whole day, from 8 to 5, in the Lockwood sun painting the front fence. Additionally, they enjoyed lunch under the oak tree, played with the office cat (Athena, pictured), and toured the ranch visiting with some of the horses and ponies. Redwings entire staff and equine family are incredibly grateful for these dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. We look forward to seeing you next year!

A very long stretch of fence line along the entrance to Redwings.

An Evening with the Lockwood Girl Scouts!

2012-11-14T14:51:00.001-08:00

On Tuesday, November 6th Redwings was visited by the Lockwood Girl Scouts. The 2nd and 3rd grade girls were treated to an evening visiting the ponies, grooming in the mare motel, learning about the different types of feeds, and hoof care. In reaction to observing a hoof being trimmed and cleaned, it was "just like a pedicure" a few girls said. Their excitment and eagerness to learn was contagious. Many girls lined up to dig mud from the feet of a horse, ask numerous questions about different kinds of feed, and strolled right up to brush the mares. The girls finished their evening having snacks under the large oak tree, watching the sun set over the pony pen.

November Horse of the Month: Ginny!

2012-11-03T16:01:00.001-07:00

Most of us know as the holiday season begins, November is a time to reflect on what we are grateful for. At Redwings, we are thankful for each equine that has come our way. Although some come from unfortunate and unfathomable circumstances, we are grateful for the lessons our rescued horses can teach us- as staff, volunteers, visitors, students, novice and avid horse lovers alike. Ginny was one of six horses rescued from a near starvation situation by the Santa Barbara County Animal Services. After being evaluated and rehabilitated, four of the horses were able to be adopted out. However it was discovered that Ginny had a broken bone in her back and could never be ridden again.

Santa Barbara Animal Services have no permanent quarters for equines, so they contacted Redwings to see if we might be able to give her a permanent home. Of course we agreed.

After meeting Ginny, we discovered she is a sweet, easy-going mare. She enjoys being around people and gets along very well with everyone at Redwings. We have no idea how she was injured, but she will not have to worry about feed or care for the rest of her days. The miracle is that, even after having suffered at the hands of humans, she still loves us and offers the best of herself she has to give. Ginny is about 26 years old and lives in the luxurious "Mare Motel" with her friends (all older horses): Anna, Ridazza, and Boomer. She has been pivotal in the education and enhancement of horse care knowledge to visitors, volunteers, and children.

Our Newest Foster Horse

2012-10-31T09:33:00.001-07:00

To honor a part of our mission, "...rescue abused and neglected equines and provide permanent sanctuary or selected foster homes for those equines", Redwings provided our 10 year old Thoroughbred gelding with a loving foster home. This handsome dark bay was an ex-race horse who was abandoned and became a Redwings resident in April of 2010. Earlier this year, Alison came to visit Redwings and immediately fell in love with Ricki's beauty and character. On October 23, 2012 Ricki went to live with Alison in the Santa Cruz mountains. As is with any of our fostered horses, should anything arise with the foster parent (such as financial or health issues) that they can no longer care for him, Ricki can always come back to Redwings to a forever home. However, for Ricki and Alison, we hope that is not ever the case, as it was reported that the moment Ricki stepped out of the trailer into his new home, he settled comfortably as if he had known all along that this was where he was meant to be.

Ricki ready for a trailer ride with long-time volunteer, Pam Shreeves who says
her goodbyes before he's loaded up.

Equine Care Provider, Paula Germain fixes Ricki with a "Head Bumper" hat
to protect him during the trailer ride. Due to his large size, the hat was a precaution while
riding for hours in a trailer. Executive Director, Linda Plumb and Paula's
Assistant, Mallory look on to ensure Ricki receives a proper farewell.

Ricki is unloaded at his new home in the Santa Cruz mountains by Paula.
Board Member, Mark Sindel assists Paula in escorting him out, while new foster
owner, Alison happily greets him.

Ricki delves into his first meal provided by Alison. He is very happy not
having to share with a herd.

Alison and Ricki pose on the acres of pasture and redwoods that have become
his new home. Redwings will miss him dearly, but we know he is now with
a phenomenal companion and guardian.

Halloween Fun - Oct. 27

2012-10-26T09:12:00.001-07:00

HALLOWEEN FUN!!!
One more Day! It’s not too late to tell your friends!!!
Activities, Games, Raffles, Tours, Treasure Hunts, Tricks and Treats, Great fun and mild scares!
Have some Fall fun and dare to be scared.

Halloween Event Countdown

2012-10-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 27 - less than 48 hours till the hobgoblins go on the prowl!

Noon- Dusk Halloween Fun
Lockwood Ranch of Redwings Horse Sanctuary
47240 Lockwood-Jolon Rd.
Lockwood, CA 93932
(831) 386-0135 for information!

October Horse of the month - Sport

2012-10-19T15:14:00.001-07:00

In May of 2000, a herd of 110 wild mustangs was found living on a little more than two acres in Montana, These horses had once roamed free in the Pryor Mountains of Montana before being rounded up and adopted out by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The man who adopted these particular mustangs had been buying them from the BLM and slaughter auctions to save them. But he did not have the resources to do this properly and moreover, he allowed the herd to breed year after year.

With the elderly owner having little money and being in ill health himself, the horses were slowly starving. Because of the condition of the horses, the owner was to be charged with abuse and the county was scheduled to come to seize the horses. What this meant for the horses was a trip to auction and probable slaughter. Upon hearing the story, several rescues banded together to help determine the fate of these unfortunate animals.

Among the rescued animals was a young stallion named Sport. He and part of the herd made the trip from Montana to Redwings. Some were moved to the ranch without issue, but other weaker animals had to move with stops along the way so they could regain strength.

Sport was gelded – as there are no stallions at Redwings. But that did not prevent him from becoming the “herd protector” when all were reunited at the ranch. As a youngster, he was considered a blue roan but as he matured, he lost the roan coloring to become pure white. He is a handsome gentleman who will approach the golf cart when visitors come to meet and greet them. Happily, none of Sport’s herd shows any remaining vestiges of their near starvation and they are – truly magnificent examples of some of America’s most beautiful wild mustangs.

Two weeks and counting to Halloween Fun

2012-10-13T16:26:00.002-07:00

Get your costumes ready and join in the fun!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Noon - Dusk
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
47240 Lockwood-Jolon Rd.
Lockwood, CA 93932