SAN DIEGO, CA: This is a story about a real life Black Beauty who needs to find his “Joe,” or his final home. This is a horse who has worked hard for people for almost 30 years. This is a horse that we at Hanaeleh truly wish we had a place for, but we just don’t have any open stalls, and so we are asking our network to see if someone else has a place for this very special horse.
Raven is a registered Arabian gelding, and just turned 30 years old in April. He spent most of his life as a trail horse for a rental string- the business closed and he was sold to a family with kids. That family no longer wanted to care for a horse, so he was passed to another family, where he toted their children around with no supervision. Through no fault of his own, the family decided they also didn’t want the work of caring for a horse, so he ended up with his current owner, who was hoping to use him for lessons. Unfortunately, he bucked with a child while cantering, and she just thinks he no longer is happy toting multiple people around anymore- after doing so for his entire life, who can blame him? She wants him to find a forever home with one family where he will have stability and be loved.
Raven’s biggest issue is that he has a medical issue where he will choke if he eats any dry food- he cannot be put out to pasture, and he cannot be given hay. He should only have watered-down pellets and watered-down grain. He cannot have any treats because he might choke. He has some arthritis (he’s 30, after all) and will stumble on hills and rocky trails, but is OK to be ridden at the walk/trot on flat ground.
Raven is a lovely horse on the ground. He enjoys being groomed, and he is very sweet- his current owner says he can be a little silly in the round pen and even kick out a little, but is not aggressive. He has been a babysitter horse for his previous owners, and is good with children.
Horses like Raven give their entire lives to people, and we are hoping that there is one special person who can help Raven live out the rest of his in peace. Arabians live a very long time- it’s not unusual to see Arabians live to see their late 30s or even into their 40s (we’ve known a few of them!), so this is a long-term commitment. The biggest issue is that any new home has to be very strict in making sure his food is watered down and NO ONE gives him any treats.
Raven is not at Hanaeleh. He is located in San Diego. If you are interested in Raven, please contact his owner Lessa directly: lessa@ironoakcanyonranch.com
