Broken Horses Healing Broken Kids in Colorado

Allow us to introduce our new friend, Gus, who hails from Wyoming. On April 21, 2021, our volunteer Nicole went to the local auction to watch the horse sales. Knowing that this auction is primarily frequented by killbuyers, she watched and waited to see who needed our help. There were 6 killbuyers in attendance and 44 horses ran through. Nicole quickly identified a thin, stoic gelding who appeared to be very depressed and quite underweight. His feet were terribly long and his coat was dull. It was Gus. She knew he was the one and was able to outbid all of the killbuyers to get him safe.

Gus is a 20 year old roping horse who needs quite a bit of care. We can just imagine all that he has done for his people and wonder why he would end up, after it all, at an auction dominated by kill buyers? Did his mom or dad pass away and he found himself unprotected? Did they not care about him? We will likely never know.

All we know is he landed in the right place, at Charis Youth Ranch. For the past month, he has experienced heaven on earth, being loved by kids and adult volunteers alike.  Because of generous donors, he has so far received:

• Hoof Trim.  Our farrier estimated he hadn’t been trimmed in over a year. This is usually done about every 8 weeks. In the photo below, the benefit of a good trim is obvious.

• Chiropractic. Our chiropractor adjusted and acupunctured Gus. He did well except he is quite locked up in his low back and hips and was too painful to fully adjust so we will have her out again in a month for follow up adjustment, acupuncture and kinesiology taping.

• Vet Check. Our vet came out to give him an evaluation. He was having elevated breathing so we drew some blood. He had no signs of infection and no obvious signs of heaves, a breathing condition causing symptoms similar to COPD in humans. We had our DVM recheck him several weeks later and his breathing is now normal and he was given a clean bill of health.

• BEMER/Healy. Our naturopathic practitioner checked for nutritional needs and administered the awesome BEMER electromagnetic therapy which opens the microcirculatory system to carry more oxygen throughout the body to help heal. The Healy is microcurrent technology and biofeedback and bioresonance all in one. So thankful for these cutting edge technologies to help our horses.

Gus was sad and disconnected when we got him that is evident in the photo below.  However, after having these treatments, he has perked up and started to reach out and interact with us. His personality is starting to come out of hiding as he realizes we are here to help and he is safe. He has an awesome appetite now and eats a ton!

Now a month later, Gus has gained a substantial amount of weight, his feet look fabulous and he is getting shiny. He is inquisitive and happy and has horse friends, namely Padah, our resident pony. We are so thankful to be able to help Gus find a new life that is safe, healthy and happy. 

Because of donors like you, we are able to save wonderful horses like Gus and give them a home for life.

Thanks to our generous donors, our horses are thriving during this Colorado winter!  We were able to purchase enough alfalfa to last until early summer.  On very cold days and nights, we make sure the horses have enough feed to munch throughout the hours.  Horses maintain their body temperature because heat is produced through digestion.  When microbes in the gut digest high-fiber feed, such as hay and alfalfa,  the greatest amount of heat is released.   Extra calories are needed to meet the energy requirements necessary for keeping warm.

Meet Cisco.  He is a 28 year old thoroughbred and a favorite of the volunteers and kids.  He joined our horse family in 2015.  Before he came to Charis, he was a show horse and taught many kids how to ride.  As retirement crept up on him, his owner asked if we could give him the rest he deserved for the remainder of his life.  Senior horses sometimes have trouble maintaining their weight during the winter, so we ensure he has enough to eat.  His stall and run are attached to the barn where we store hay.  He is a character and if given the chance, will sneak an extra mouthful now and again.  

Cisco is just one of our 9 seniors.  We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to care for them to give them the best life where they are all loved.