Name: Tali

    Type: Miniature Donkey

    Color: Brown

    Markings: None

    Sex: Mare

    Birthday: 1/1/2019

    Name: Hallie

    Type: Shetland Pony

    Color: Chestnut 

      Markings: Star & Strip

    Sex: Mare

    Birthday: 1/1/2010

    Name: Cody

    Type: Shetland Pony

    Color: Chestnut & White Tobiano 

      Markings: Strip & Snip

    Sex: Gelding

    Birthday: 05/13/2018

    Name: Cassie

    Type: Horse

    Color: Chestnut

    Sex: Mare

    Birthday: 1/1/2010

In August 2021, Celine Myers of the Ark Watch Foundation saw a video of a pony mare and her days’ old spotted mule baby in an auction photo. The foal was dragging her right front leg and had an enormous wound to her right shoulder. She immediately purchased the pair and rushed them to the Reata Equine Hospital in Weatherford, TX. She named the mare Cassie and the little mule baby Blossom. Sadly, Blossom had a long list of injuries, most likely inflicted by a jack. Little Blossom’s injury list was so extensive that she was unable to be helped and was humanely euthanized. After evaluation at the vet clinic, it was determined that Cassie was in fairly good health herself, but had most likely been used for breeding and was basically unhandled or had been mistreated by humans. She was barely handleable and very distrusting of humans. Celine reached out to us and asked that she come to the Sanctuary at Red Bell Run where she will be cared for, learn to trust humans and become a good equine citizen. This is an excellent example of why Auction Houses (many now owned by kill buyers) should be regulated heavily. An Animal Control Officer (paid for by the auction house) should be onsite and instances such as this should be immediately reported and the owner required to provide veterinarian care. It is horrific abuse to force an injured baby such as Blossom through an auction to make a few bucks when the owner should be providing veterinarian care. 

    Name: Winslow

    Type: Standard Mule

    Color: Dark Bay

    Sex: Gelding

    Birthday: 1/1/1998

In 2016, Winslow was rescued by a well-meaning lady from Alabama when she saw that he was shipping to slaughter. He was one-eyed, half- (well, mostly-) starved, feet were a mess and he didn’t have much to recommend him. His new owner found herself unable to afford his care and turned to Red Bell Run. We made arrangements for him to go to Second Chance Equine Rescue, a rescue partner in Georgia, supporting him financially until we had an opening. The good folks at Second Chance Equine Rescue discovered that while Winslow liked being petted, he had no interest in walking on a lead line, standing for the farrier or doing anything at all resembling work. They worked with him diligently and when an opening came up at Red Bell Run, Winslow was ready to be a good citizen!

However – Winslow is a sensitive mule and within four hours of his arrival laid down with a bellyache (colic)! We rushed him tot he Tryon Equine Clinic where he was given IV fluids and pain medication, recovering overnight and ready to come back to his new home. We have learned that Winslow has opinions and can be quite dramatic in expressing them! For several months thereafter, every 30 days, Winslow would lie down and colic, so back to the clinic he would go. In examining Winslow, it was discovered that Winslow was on the far side of twenty years old, lacked most of his teeth and flatly refused any type of paste given by mouth. After several months of monthly clinic visits, Winslow began to settle into his new life at Red Bell Run.

It took a little time, but we found a group of equines that Winslow is comfortable with and he lives happily with his “girlfriends”, Cheyanne, a beautiful paint mare, and Cassie, a pretty little Paso Fino cross. Starvation has taken its toll on Winslow, and his heart is very compromised. We have had every diagnostic test possible performed, including wearing a Holter monitor to record his heart rate. Winslow suffers from three different heart abnormalities. Several drug therapies were attempted but in the end weren’t found to be effective. So, Winslow lives his best life under constant observation for any signs of heart failure or discomfort, grazing, eating his mush (no teeth), and flirting with his girls. We know his time is limited but as we do for every equine, we will make however many days he has left, good ones. 

Winslow is why we do what we do. Living his best life!