We love our horses...
and they will love you!
Willie and Belle
It took time, energy, and love…. but we finally managed to settle them in their new paddock filled with fresh food and clean water.
These siblings were listed on Craigslist in June of 2011—the owner was an older gentleman who bought the pair barely after they were weaned for driving. They had barely been handled and had never left their weedy, unkempt pasture. The pair were priced at auction/slaughter level for quick sale.
They had never been trimmed, wormed, vaccinated or treated medically except to geld Willie. They had only a shallow, filthy water to drink in the 90 degree heat. They had no idea how to lead. Belle had a major roach back and was several hands shorter than Willie so they would never have made a pair.
When the pasture gate was opened, they bolted and broke loose. Upon their arrival, they were understandably terrified and refused to be unloaded.
It took time, energy, and love…. but we finally managed to settle them in their new paddock filled with fresh food and clean water. Despite all the neglect, they were friendly and would beg treats from neighbors passing by!
Willie and Belle were renamed Mack and Molly. We decided to give Molly to an 11-year old 4-H girl and she now gets consistent training, showing, and loving from her young owner. Mack has found a new home at Frog Hollow, where he has developed his backing and groundwork skills.
Meeko
He had been through a lot: starved, frostbitten till his ear tips fell off, and probably kicked in face.
Meeko (formerly known as A Little Off The Top) lived on a lovely farm, but was owned by a 23 year old girl who was trying to re-home him as she lacked the funds to care for him properly or get him the medical treatment he required.
When Michelle from Sleigh Run Farm first met him, he had a loose, abscessed, cracked tooth which was draining under his jaw and causing him a lot of pain. He had a slab fragment fracture of his right lower first molar, which the vet thought could possibly have been done in the field. Michelle took him to the vet and had his surgery done—requiring the removal of a piece of his jaw along with the tooth.
He had been through a lot: starved, frostbitten till his ear tips fell off, and probably kicked in face. Despite all this, he was a sweet boy with a nice mind.
After he was fully healed he came to Horses for a Change where he has become a valued member of our team.
Piglet
Nico
After their recovery, both ponies quickly bloomed under saddle, willingly doing ring work and taking small jumps in stride.
Nico and his brother Jake did not have an easy start to their lives. They were severely neglected for four years: living in a muddy pen and fending for themselves, with no food and only the water running off the roof of the barn to drink!
Thankfully a neighbor noticed these ponies running loose and contacted Sleigh Run Farm in NJ, who immediately took them to get the veterinary treatment they desperately required.
After their recovery, both ponies quickly bloomed under saddle, willingly doing ring work and taking small jumps in stride. Nick led a group of seasoned horses on his first trail ride, through mud and streams, with hikers & bikers passing by, as if he had done it every day of his life.
In Michelle’s words, “Both horses, so eager for attention, soaked up all the love & learning, never looking back.” When ready for their forever homes, Nick came to Frog Hollow Farm where he has become a special partner in the riding program.
