Willow Pond accepts rescued, retiring and donated horse athletes that still have good years of teaching and sharing to give. We find a sponsor (much like a traditional horse lease) to help care for, exercise and financially support the horses. The sponsors help rehabilitate the horses so that they are be able to work in the Youth Program, "Flying Lead Changes". The horses work with kids in an after school mentor program much like Big Sisters, psychotherapy programs, and riding programs .
See slide show http://willowpondranch.org/db1/00041/willowpondranch.org/_download/Rescueshowphotoshop.wmv |
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"Blue" came to us in the summer of 2005. He was relocated from Dreamcatcher Mustang Sanctuary in Northern California. Blue had a difficult time at the start. As a youngster, only a few months old, he was adopted by a vet student, and taken from his herd in Oregon. He was removed from his mother much too early, and became critically ill with severe diarrhea. He spent his first six months of life in vet hospitals, battling for survival. Finally he became stable and returned to his adopted home. He grew up as a pocket pal to his owner, and was not trained properly. As he grew stronger and stronger as a stallion, he became increasingly more difficult for his owner to manage. In 2003, when he was only three years old, his owner decided to have him euthanized. Dreamcatcher sanctuary heard about his plight, and rescued him from destruction. They took him from Oregon to their Sanctuary in Northern California. They gelded him, and he soon became a very agreeable and friendly horse. But he did not fit in with the wild horses there. He was a partially domesticated mustang and the other mustangs refused to allow him to join the herd. He spent his days hanging around the gate waiting for a human to come and feed him. He did not know how to spend his days grazing and being with the other horses. He became increasing thin, and was not doing well. Willow Pond and Dreamcatcher made an arrangement for Blue to be relocated, and trained properly to be with people, which was the only life that he knew. He has done very well at Willow Pond Ranch. He loves the kids, and is doing very well under saddle. He will be able to join in the programs in the next few months. |
"Royal" came to us this past summer from a woman who has suffered from abuse, oppression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Royal was her companion and therapeutic guide through several years of therapy and recovery. She refers to their relationship as, “we have been co-creators in my healing.” Royal and his owner had a special relationship and she speaks of him with love, respect, and gratitude. However, in order to pursue her education at Reed College, Royal needed to be re-homed. Willow Pond Ranch Foundation has adopted Royal and he is now working in the youth programs, where is continuing to help guide children. As his owner stated, “everything tells me that he wants to pass on his knowledge to others and I believe your program would be an ideal place for him.” Willow Pond Ranch Foundation is delighted to have such a wonderful horse and mentor in our program.
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"Magic" is a beautiful, dark bay, kind and willing Thoroughbred who is still going strong at 24! He is a retired race horse who had a very successful career at the track up until he got injured in a starting gate accident. Today He is working as a dressage schooling horse and is teaching kids. He is a true gentleman- honest, correct and talented. He can teach a beginner, takes care of the kids, but shines with someone who can walk, trot and canter. |
"M&M" is a little black pony who is turning gray. No one knows exactly how old he is or what breed he is. The best guesses have him in his mid 20’s. He had spent his life taking care of kids and teaching them how to ride and jump. He was a pony club pony. He has left his career as a competitive horse to have an easier going life style at Willow Pond Ranch. He is still strong, and enjoys the time with the kids. He is not the kind of horse that would do well just strolling around a pasture. He still has lots of lessons and joy to give to young riders. |
"Frodo" The Icelandic horse is 15 years old. Frodo is a horse, but is the size of a pony. He can carry a full size adult, as Icelandic horses are the strongest breed for their size. He can carry a rider that is 1/3 of his body weight, which means that he can carry a 200+ pound person. He doesn’t have to do that here at Willow Pond, as most of his riders are the little kids that are just learning to ride. Frodo was part of a herd of Icelandic horses that were not very well cared for. When he arrived at Willow Pond he was in poor condition. His feet were very long, his teeth needed care, and he was so overweight that he was close to founder. He is happy and very healthy now. He has a terrific disposition, and has become the favorite of all the kids, He is like a big stuffed animal, and is patient and willing beyond belief. Frodo will definitely go to horse heaven, and his fans will fondly remember him and their first riding experiences for a lifetime
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"Junior is a 5 year old registered quarter horse. He was donated by his young owner who did not have the time or the skills to train him. He is working with Willow Pond Ranch's trainers, and he is doing very well. He is a kind and willing horse, with lots of years ahead or him. |
"Princeton" was donated to Willow Pond Ranch from the show circuit. He has some leg problems that will keep him from a strenuous and demanding show career. He is very well trained, and was a regional champion. He just needs an easier life, without all the travel and stress of the competition life. He is enjoying his time at Willow Pond, and is quite a shiny show off. He is a Warm blood Arabian cross, and is 9 years old. |
" Freckles" is a 16 year old Appolousa gelding. He is a beauriful tri-color of brown, white, and black. He is one of our bigger horses and enjoys working with adults as well as children. He is a great all around guy. |
"“Ziggy” is a17 year old Arabian. He has retired from a career as an endurance horse. Ziggy has won his 1,000 mile belt buckle. Today he is taking life much easier, and working with beginning kids, teaching them riding and horsemanship skills. He is a beautiful horse with a big and forgiving heart. He is patient and gentle with his young riders, and therapy clients. He has the most fancy long mane and loves to be brushed. |
"Taffy" Our newest and some think the cutest addition to our family, She is a mini horse, not a pony. She is only 30 inches tall . Just a litle diva. The kids love her. |
"Snickers" Is a 8 year old Sheltanand Welch pony. He and his sister Oreo are a favorite for the riders aand therapy kids alike. They are a great litle patient and kind pair; and cute too! |
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