Broken Horses Healing Broken Kids in Colorado

Once upon a time in January, 2010, there was a 6 year old plain sorrel grade mare in a kill pen. She was the last one standing. Charis Youth Ranch was in its infancy then and its Founder, Tracy, saw her and thought she looked an awful lot like the trusty 4-H mare of her youth. Same star, same snip on the nose. Through the group effort of some caring folks, Molly was saved. After a lengthy trip, Molly arrived to the ranch on a very windy and snowy day. She was settled into her warm stall and her life at Charis Youth Ranch began. She would be safe forever. 

It was discovered early on, that though Molly had received some good foundational training, she was still quite green. Our Founder, Tracy, took her for some rides in the mountains to get to know her and she was wonderful; always willing to do what was asked of her. Unfortunately, though, it was determined that she had a breathing problem and couldnt really sustain strenuous work. After several vet visits and tests, it was determined that she was compromised in her breathing. Whether it was asthma or something else, could never be fully determined. It is likely why she was dumped in that kill pen. Molly would be able to do light work and would be perfect in the kids' programs. 

Here at the ranch, we value our horses for who they are and not what they can do and she was assimilated into our youth programs according to her abilities. Through the years, she came to be a valued and cherished partner to many children as she was always gentle and tolerant of their kid-like ways. A more tried and true loyal horse could not be found. 

As Molly aged, she developed arthritis in her knees. The volunteers did their best to keep her comfortable and she was. She could be seen running and playing the last few years with Trigger, another of our OG rescues, living on a beautiful property filled with lush fields and green trees. Just a few months ago, Molly tragically and unexpectedly developed a massive and terrible abscess in her hoof and despite all of our care and efforts, we could not quell the inflammation inside her foot. Her coffin bone rotated and we could not stop it. After six or more weeks of trying our hearts out along with our Farrier and Vet, we could not bring a halt to what was happening. Despite being in great pain (even on pain meds day and night) Molly was always kind and good. The outcome looked bleak and we could no longer allow her to suffer. We had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go. We cannot tell you how many prayers were said, how many hugs and kisses were given, hoping against hope, that she would pull through. 

On her last day, after it was over, Tracy sat with Molly for a long time, stroking her ears and petting that soft muzzle, thanking her for her sixteen years of service to the kids who so needed her and to the volunteers who adored her. Hers was a very worthy rescue. She was worth it all. It was a very sad day and another chapter in the story of Charis Youth Ranch completed. The Unsinkable Molly Brown was twenty two years old. 

This is the hard and heartbreaking part of loving the horses in our care. At the ranch, we are dedicated to our horses for life. We will care for them and love them until it is time for them to go home and we are able to see them again one day. 

Charis Youth Ranch often rescues horses from dire situations. Scenarios such as bidding against a kill buyer at an auction or taking in a horse seized by the county for neglect are not uncommon. However, just as often, there are caring horse owners who are looking for a safe landing for their beloved equines. 

One such case is Sake and Mouse, a mother and son duo whose owner needed a safe haven for her horses to live out their days as she was moving away and could no longer ride. As is often the case, she found us by word of mouth, and reached out to Tracy. Originally, she only asked for Sake to be taken in as she was concerned he would be found at risk of going to slaughter if she were to sell him. Despite Sake being a nice, young gelding, her only concern was for his safety and not financial gain. Her plan was to keep 27 year old Mouse. 

After meeting Sake and Mouse's owner, and discussing the possibility of Charis taking Sake, their owner asked Tracy if Charis would also take Mouse. Finances have not been optimal since the shutdown of 2020, so this was a serious consideration, as adding two horses to the nonprofit's feed bill was not planned. Tracy asked the owner for some time to arrange it and see if Mouse's costs could be covered. If so, Charis would be able to take Mouse too and keep this bonded pair together. 

One of the things Charis Youth Ranch loves to do is pair young horse enthusiasts with a safe mount so that he or she can begin the life long journey of learning to become a horseman.  Because Mouse had been a successful cutting horse and had clocked many miles of experience, and was in excellent health, Tracy thought perhaps she could be such a mount for a young rider. Tracy reached out to one of her Junior Volunteers whom she knew had been searching for her first horse to see if Mouse might be a fit. Introductions were made and the pair hit it off! Arrangements were made for both Sake and Mouse to come to Charis Youth Ranch. Mouse's new rider would lease her for a year under the watchful eye of experienced Charis volunteers, to learn how to care for her and increase her riding skills. Her costs will be coverd and if all goes well, at the end of one year, this young rider will be eligible to give Mouse a forever home and they will spend Mouse's remaining years together. 

Happy endings like this are what we all hope and pray for. We are thankful that we could be available to provide a sanctuary for Mouse and Sake! 

Links:

• Charis Youth Ranch Website