Marley is a young quarterhorse who was seized in a neglect case by the Danville Virginia Humane Society.  We drove to Danville on July 12, 2009 to get Marley.  Marley spent the fall of 2009 and early 2010 in a foster home where he gained weight, was vaccinated, dewormed and gelded, learned to trust humans and learned to stand to be brushed, have his feet trimmed, etc. 

As of Feb 21st, Marley has moved to a second foster home where he will start basic groundwork and be prepared to be ridden as soon as he is old enough. 

Update!  We are very excited that James Cooler of Cooler Horsemanship has volunteered to work with Marley during the month of March and use Marley as his training demonstration at the Oak Ridge Horse Show!  They started together on February 27th and Marley is a very quick learner.  There will soon be video available on the Cooler Horsemanship site so that everyone can watch that first session.

We would love to find an adopter for Marley who lives in this area and would be willing to either board Marley at James Cooler's farm or continue to take lessons with James so that Marley (and his adoptive owner) could continue to learn from the same professional trainer.

Marley's adoption fee will be set as he progresses in training.

Caroline came to us on September 19, 2009 from a situation of horrible neglect.  Caroline is a beautiful mare with impressive lineage.  Her registered name is “Case for Caroline.”  She is a granddaughter of Storm Cat and a descendant of Secretariat.  Caroline's entire pedigree can be found here through the Thoroughbred database.  We have her registration papers and she has the standard thoroughbred tattoo in her upper lip.  Caroline ran 9 races on the track and would be a great project for an eventer, hunter/jumper or foxhunter willing to get her back in shape. 

Our veterinarians believed Caroline to be pregnant, but a recent ultrasound revealed that her uterus actually contained only fluid left over from a prior pregnancy.   We are very disappointed after making significant preparations for her to foal in our care, but we are pleased that we can now move forward toward finding Caroline an adoptive home.  We will begin working with her under saddle as soon as possible to see how much prior training she has had.

The perfect adopter for Caroline would be an experienced rider willing to exercise her and get her back in shape.  She is a gorgeous mare and we'd love to see her reach her full potential.  Because she is only 11 years old, she has time to have a long riding career ahead of her.

Caroline's adoption fee is $1000.  If we have her long enough to do significant re-training under saddle, it may be increased.

2/21/10 Update!  Caroline is now in training with one of our volunteers, who has been working with her on the ground and plans to start working under saddle this week.  Caroline is doing very well!  More updates to come.

Update!  As of March 6th, Caroline is officially back under saddle after years of neglect.  An RDF volunteer is working with her on a regular basis and she is doing great!  More updates to come as re-training progresses.

Thank you to Tom and Cindy Farrand for sponsoring Caroline.  To sponsor an animal, please see our “Sponsor an Animal” page.

Wrangler came to us from animal control after being found running loose.  His owners were contacted and chose to surrender him for economic reasons.  Wrangler came to us as a stud colt but has been gelded. 

His first foster mom worked with him on ground manners and did a wonderful job!  He now stands beautifully to be brushed, saddled, bathed or have his feet trimmed. 

One of our volunteers is now starting him under saddle.  He is green but doing very well.  Wrangler needs an adopter with enough experience for a young horse or who is willing to involve a trainer and continue his training under saddle.

Click here to see Wrangler being haltered, tied, and brushed.   He also stands nicely to be blanketed when it is cold.

Now that Wrangler is healthy and in training, his adoption fee is $750.  His adoption fee will be increased as his training progresses.

Nugget is 2 years, 5 months old and weighs 450 pounds.  He should weigh 900 pounds at his age.  He came to us from a situation of horrible neglect. 

Physically, Nugget shows all of the classic signs of extreme malnutrition.  His legs are crooked and his head seems too big for his body.  Personality wise, he is an absolute doll.  He has absolutely no reason to trust humans, but he lets us rub all over him, scratch his ears and kiss his sweet face.  He even takes his antibiotics as if he understands that we are trying to help him.

Nugget has an abscess resulting from fractured bones in his withers (shoulders) - the result of some sort of trauma.  We're hoping it will heal naturally with good antibiotics but if not it can be fixed surgically. 

Nugget is on a very strict feeding program to allow him to gain weight slowly and not overwhelm his fragile system. He has a long road ahead but we're going to give him the best shot we can and our veterinarians are on board to help.  We will update Nugget's bio as he progresses.

10/15/09 Update!  Nugget has made it past the critical 3 week mark and is doing much better.  He spent quite a lot of time with our veterinarians in his first two weeks with us but he is now eating a healthy feed ration four times per day and we will start hand grazing for short periods very soon.  He is simply the sweetest horse you can imagine!  He LOVES humans and will put his head on your shoulder and stay still for as long as you will scratch him.  Nugget will probably never be strong enough to carry a rider, but he will be the pest pet anyone can imagine for someone who just wants a sweet, calm horse to groom and snuggle with.

11/15/09 Update! Nugget had major surgery on his withers on November 13th to remove infected tissue around his withers from an old injury - he did great!  He is back home in his foster home and was the best patient our veterinarians could have hoped for.  They expect him to make a full recovery and have no lasting effects from this injury later in life.

12/30/09 Update!  Nugget’s legs have straightened and his weight is fabulous.  Unfortunately, his first round of surgery to remove the infected tissue in his withers (shoulders) did not work, so he will have surgery again on January 11th.  Our veterinarians will have to extract tissue from both sides of the injury site this time as one side wasn’t enough, so please keep Nugget in your thoughts as he undergoes a big surgical procedure.  He is a great patient and we know he will do well through the healing process.

1/11/10 Update!  Nugget's surgery went well and he can now start the healing process.  He was gelded as well, so he is one step closer to being adoptable!

1/26/10 Update!  Nugget got his stitches out today and seems to feel great!  He went out and played with his two mini donkey friends and ran around like a typical healthy youngster.  We'll start groundwork soon and will start him under saddle just as soon as our veterinarians clear him for that.  Nugget only stands 13 hands tall and surely won't be taller than 14.2 hands full grown, so he is a great little pony prospect!  He has the perfect disposition to be a great mount for a child once he is trained.

2/6/10 Update!  Nugget is now sharing a pasture and barn with two miniature donkeys, a mini horse and four goats in his foster home.  He absolutely loves having friends to play with.  If they are in the stall (and it isn't too dark outside), you can watch them play on this webcam.

Nugget's shoulder is still draining a tiny bit from his surgery.  Hopefully it will heal completely soon and we can move forward with his training and mark him as officially adoptable.

Ollie and Angel (below) were surrendered to us by an owner who would otherwise have been charged by animal control with neglect.  They are both very skinny and received a full veterinary exam upon arrival.  Ollie is full of parasites as a result of not being on a proper deworming regimen, so we will deworm him slowly as not to shock his system.  They are now in good hands and are receiving great care in their foster home, where they are on a strict "refeeding" diet so that we don't shock their delicate systems with too many calories too quickly.  We'll update their bios further as we get to know them.  Both are friendly and followed us around for attention and love when we were trying to take their pictures.

Ollie is having a hard time due to the level of parasites in his system, which we are having to treat very slowly.  He is not adoptable at this time as we want him to be healthy before going to a new home.  Ollie is a handsome boy and will be absolutely gorgeous when he is healthy and at a proper weight.

Angel and Ollie (above) were surrendered to us by an owner who would otherwise have been charged by animal control with neglect.  They are both very skinny and received a full veterinary exam upon arrival.  Angel suffered a broken pelvis at some point in life and therefore may not ever be ridden or bred.  She is comfortable in her daily life but her pelvis is not strong enough to support a rider or a pregnancy.  She'll make a gorgeous pasture pet or companion horse.  They are now in good hands and are receiving great care in their foster home, where they are on a strict "refeeding" diet so that we don't shock their delicate systems with too many calories too quickly.  We'll update their bios as we get to know them.  Both are friendly and followed us around for attention and love when we were trying to take their pictures.

Because she will be a companion only, Angel's adoption fee is $300.

Belle is a sweet, BIG girl whose owners could no longer afford to feed her.  She has been well-loved and is up to date on her vaccines, hoof trimming, dental care, etc.  Belle was ridden extensively as a young horse and has had some training in dressage and foxhunting but has been a backyard pet for the past few years.  Her surrendering owners report that she is very very gentle with people (including their four children who rode her bareback around the yard).  Belle loaded very nicely for grain.  She has very cute paint markings.

Anyone interested in adopting Belle as a riding horse will need the experience to retrain her as she has not been ridden consistently lately.  She is a beautiful horse with a nice general demeanor.  She is also friendly to the two sheep in her foster home.

Belle's adoption fee is $500.

Update!  Belle was adopted and now lives in South Carolina on a 62 acre farm.  Congratulations Belle!

We received a call on November 30th from Guilford County Animal Control regarding a gelding found walking down a road who has not yet been claimed and is currently being held at the prison farm.  This sweet boy was craving attention when we arrived to meet him and stood very still to be petted and loved.  We are arranging transport, veterinary appointments and foster care now and will bring him in to our program this week.  He is skinny and pitiful now but will be quite a handsome bay gelding once he is healthy.  He didn't have a name, so we gave him a whopper of a name so that he would no longer be nameless and forgettable.  Who could forget Eldorado Valentine?

Update!  We picked Eli up on December 1st and he literally jumped in the trailer the minute we lowered the ramp.  He was ready to go!  He was examined by our veterinarian who guesses his age to be in the mid-20's.  His teeth are in good shape so he should gain weight quickly.  He is past his riding years but is an extremely calm, gentle horse who will make a wonderful pet or companion horse.

Due to Eli's age, his adoption fee will be waived for the right home.

Update!  Eli will be moving to a forever home in Phenix, Virginia at the end of December.  Congrats, Eli!

Laverne (black with white blaze) and Shirley (palamino paint) came to us from Orange County Animal Control.  Their owners were no longer able to care for them.  They are precious girls who are very bonded and need to be adopted together.  They were good for the farrier and loaded very easily in our trailer for treats.  They'll need to be kept off of lush pasture in spring and fall so that they don't founder (or they could wear grazing muzzles).  They have been examined and vaccinated by our veterinarian and appear to be healthy.  Because we don't know where they came from, we can't guarantee that they aren't pregnant.  They sure are pretty girls!  Both have blue eyes.

Their joint adoption fee is $500.

Update!  These girls are scheduled to move to a forever home in Polkton, NC on December 5th.

John Henry is a very sweet miniature donkey who was vaccinated and gelded on July 22nd and is now available for adoption.  He is very social and will let you walk right up, halter him and scratch him all over.  He is not shy but not pushy either - everyone who has met him has fallen in love.  He is sharing a pasture in his foster home with Sophie and Sutton (sheep, see below) and his foster mom's pig, calf and goats and he gets along great with all of them.

His feet are overgrown so we will have our farrier trim them and get them healthy again.  Donkeys, like horses, need their feet trimmed every 8 weeks or so to keep them healthy. 

Miniature donkeys live for 40 to 50 years, so John Henry is barely a teenager in donkey years!

John Henry would make a great companion for a horse or guardian for sheep or goats.  He, like most donkeys, will kick a dog if it nips at his heels, but he is fine with dogs that don't offer to chase him.  If you are interested in adopting John Henry, please complete the application above.  His adoption fee is $500, which barely covers our vet and farrier bill for castrating him, getting him up to date on vaccines and having his feet trimmed.

Update!  John Henry's feet have now been trimmed and he was a rock star for our farrier!  He stood quietly like a perfect gentleman.  We love this little guy!

Update!  John Henry and Ace moved to Williamston, NC together!  Congrats to these sweet boys!

Ace is a 19 year old gelding whose owner had to surrender him for financial reasons.  He has a thyroid condition but is on a daily medication to keep it in check.  Ace’s surrendering owner donated 6 months worth of his medication, so his adoptive owner will not need to buy any until December.  Ace is a sweet, friendly boy who settled right in with the two other horses in his foster home.  He is very social and will walk right up to you and stand to be petted.

Ace is suitable for trail riding at a walk, but no more than that.  He would be perfect for someone who just wanted to take leisurely trail rides, strolls around the farm or wanted to put children on Ace and walk them around on a lead line.  You won't find a horse with a nicer disposition.  He is a lovebug of the highest order!

Ace does have shoes and will need good farrier care to keep him sound for light riding. 

Ace's adoption fee is $250. 

Update!  John Henry and Ace moved to Williamston, NC together!  Congrats to these sweet boys!

"Major" is a gentleman of a horse who was a star hunter/jumper in his day.  He came to us because his elderly owner had a hard time keeping up with the daily responsibility of owning a horse.  Major has been seen by our veterinarian and is current on all vaccines.  He has retired from being ridden but has many years ahead and will be a wonderful pet or companion horse.  He LOVES attention and would like to live somewhere where he would be brushed and loved on like a pet.

Major now shares a pasture with Daisy in his foster home.  Wouldn't it be neat if we could find a family to adopt Major and Daisy together?  If not, Major would love any home where he will be brushed and loved as a pet.

Major had his hooves trimmed and got new padded shoes on his front feet.  He was a perfect gentleman for our farrier.

Due to Major's age, there will be no adoption fee; however, donations are appreciated.

*Major has an anonymous sponsor.  If you would like to sponsor an animal, please read our "Sponsor an Animal" page.

Update! Major and Daisy will be moving to a forever home together in Virgina mid-June. We are thrilled for them!

"Daisy" is a leopard Appaloosa mare who came to us because she needed medical attention and her owners could not afford to care for her.  She has one blind eye but sees well with her functional eye.

Daisy is now settled in to her foster home with Major and what a sweet love she is!  Her coat is rough and she has a lot of rain rot but we will fix that as soon as it is warm enough to bathe her with antifungal shampoo.  Daisy will stand nicely to be petted and groomed, takes medicine easily and seems to soak in the attention.

Daisy is by far the most submissive horse we have ever seen in a herd environment.  She is not the least bit food aggressive and even lets her miniature donkey pal share her dish of grain every day!

Do you know of someone who is looking for "pasture ornaments" and has a tender spot in their heart for old horses?  Daisy and Major are great pasture mates and would love to be someone's prized senior pets.

Due to Daisy's age, there will be no adoption fee; however, donations are appreciated.

Update! Major and Daisy will be moving to a forever home together in Virgina mid-June. We are thrilled for them!

"Icy" is a super cute paint pony mare who was turned over by animal control after being found running down a busy road.  This picture was taken the day we picked her up and she had not yet had a bath, but as you can see she will be quite a pretty girl once she has been bathed and had her feet trimmed.  Icy has one brown eye and one ice blue eye, giving her the name Icy.  She likes attention, will gladly eat treats and stand to be petted and loaded very nicely, but she does not seem to have been stalled before and is much happier in a pasture.  Icy has been vaccinated and will receive boosters in 3 weeks.  We'll update Icy's bio as we get to know her better. 

Update!  Icy's foster mom reports that Icy is a good girl who will stand nicely to be haltered and brushed.  She had her feet trimmed March 31st and stood nicely for the farrier.  Icy is scheduled for booster vaccines on April 22nd and will then be available for adoption!

Update!  Icy's foster mom continues to rave about her progress.  She has now been clipped and saddled and seems to be OK with just about anything her foster mom asks of her.

Icy's adoption fee is $400.

Update!  Icy has been adopted by a family in Summerfield, NC.  She is in training to be a first pony for a little girl.

Pebbles and Star came to us together from a situation in which their owners could no longer afford to care for them.  Pebbles is a very sweet girl who is generally healthy other than being a bit thin.  She would be a great choice for someone looking for a riding horse who was willing to put some time and effort into "retraining" Pebbles as she has not been ridden lately.  Pebbles is very laid back and goes in and out of her stall very nicely.  Her temperament would be suitable for children with experienced adult supervision.

Pebbles' foster mom reports that she stands very nicely when tied. She will ride her soon and update us on how she did.

Pebbles is now up to date on vaccines.  Her adoption fee is $500.

Update!  Pebbles' foster mom is riding her and reports that she is doing very well!  She even thinks that she would be a great horse for a child who is a good rider. 

Update!  Pebbles' foster mom rode her in the Summerfield Parade and she was awesome!  Pebbles didn't seem to be the least bit bothered by all of the commotion.  She will be a wonderful mount for someone.

Congratulations to Vanessa Collins on the adoption of Pebbles!

Pebbles and Star came to us together from a situation in which their owners could no longer afford to care for them.  Star is very sweet and has nice manners but her foster mom quickly noticed that she seemed to have to think for a minute before going through gates, finding her stall, etc.  Our veterinarian examined Star and discovered that she has cataracts that severely limit her vision.  No wonder she takes her time finding her stall!  Now that we understand Star's disability her behavior makes perfect sense.  Blind horses can be ridden with patience and understanding.  In fact, there is a local group called "Flurry's Hope" (see http://www.flurryshope.com/) that specializes in blind horses. 

Star's foster mom reports that she is a sweet girl with very nice manners and stands nicely when tied.  At only 9 years old, Star could be a long-term partner for someone willing to take a little extra time with her.

Star's adoption fee will be waived for the right home.

Update!  Star moved to her new home in Greenville, NC on Sunday, March 8th!

"Skip" is a 25 year old Quarter horse gelding surrendered on August 10th.  Skip had one owner for 18 years and was trail ridden all over the mountains. His owner died in 2003 and he has been living with cows ever since.  Skip is now sharing a pasture with Coco and a donkey in one of our foster homes.  He looks great for his age and seems to have a lot of spunk for an older horse.  We'll update Skip's bio as we get to know him.

Update!  8/22/08   Skip saw our veterinarian on August 22nd and was cleared for a test ride.  We test rode him August 24th and he passed with flying colors.  He needs a tune up before any serious riding but he accepted the saddle and bridle nicely and walked and trotted circles in both directions.  He also let these little girls sit on him for a leisurely walk on a lead line.  What a handsome, sweet old guy!  Skip would be a great horse for anyone planning to do light arena work or trail work.  He was trail ridden for many years before his prior owner died.

Update!  9/1/08  We took Skip for a full-fledged trail ride on September 1st and he was a champ!!  He was sad to leave Coco (his new girlfriend) but once we were out of sight of the barn he was an absolute gentleman on the trail and walking along the road.  He will be a jewel for someone wanting to do light trail riding.

Skip's adoption fee is $250.  What a steal for a horse who is ready to trail ride!

"George" is a 28 year old donkey who needs a new home.  Donkeys can live to be 50 years old, so George has many good years left!  George is a sweet, gentle old guy who will make a great pasture companion for any horse or donkey.

Sally (female - gray) and Boo (gelded male - white) are registered miniature donkeys who were donated to our rescue by a wonderful family.  They have never been abused or neglected, but their adoption fee will help us help other equines in need.  Sally is 18 months old and Boo is 15 months old.  They love adults and will follow you around for attention but are pushy around young children and dogs.  They have been pastured with a horse and are now sharing a pasture with a donkey while in foster care.  Sally and Boo will only be adopted out together and their joint adoption fee is $1500.

"Whisper" is a therapeutic riding horse at HorsePower and has put in her time as a therapy horse for children with disabilities. She now needs a home in which she will be loved and can do some light trail riding. If you are interested in meeting Whisper, please submit the adoption application above. She is not technically in our program but we are partnering with HorsePower to find Whisper a new home.

"Scout" is an elderly Appaloosa gelding that was surrendered on October 7th.  He was extremely underweight but has flourished in his wonderful foster home.  He is now at a healthy weight, fully vaccinated and has had his teeth floated and hooves trimmed.  Scout is totally blind, so he would love to have a gentle horse or donkey companion (or maybe a mini) to follow around. 

"Dolly" was surrendered November 14th and has just moved in to her foster home.  She is an easy keeper and is not underweight.  She has been ridden extensively and was ridden Nov. 14th by an experienced rider, but because she has not been ridden much lately she needs a "tune up" by an experienced rider (or someone willing to take lessons on her) before she would be trustworthy for a green rider.  Dolly is a sweet girl and loves attention!  She'll make a great family horse.  Dolly's adoption fee will be set once she has been fully vetted.