The Two AQHA Mares, Holly and Bear, Are Safe!

AQHA Mares

On Mother’s Day Sunday, we took the two AQHA mares, Holly and Bear, up to their new home! We had posted about them on social media and on our website, trying to find them a home, preferably together. We had several inquiries, but for several weeks no one would commit to taking on two older mares that may not be able to be ridden. We kept posting and posting, but people just wanted the 15 year-old gelding, Moon, who was part of the original posting (we passed along multiple inquiries on him to his owner, but after several people went out to see him, every passed on him. We were finally able to get him into another rescue so he could complete his training).

We were then contacted by another individual who is a caretaker on a property in L.A. county and she said that she was able to take the two mares!

Picking Up the Girls

We picked up the girls in Norco on Sunday morning. The owner had the farrier trim their feet the day before, so their feet were done, but they hadn’t been brushed in several weeks, and their summer coat had grown in underneath their winter coat, leaving them looking rangy. They had been fed regularly, but it was clear that they really needed some TLC.

The owner had to corral them before catching them, and after a few minutes he was able to catch both of the girls. They were a little circumspect at first about the trailer, and Holly was pretty sure she did not want to go into the big scary box. The owner was able to talk her into the trailer, however, and Bear followed without issue. Both girls were quiet and calm for the ride up.

The day was a bit warm, but pleasant, so while the drive was a bit long due to traffic, they arrived in good shape. Being able to stay together helped them a lot, as they could rely upon one another for comfort and support.

Arriving at their New Home

When we finally arrived at the facility, the girls unloaded well and we put them into their new stalls. They have box stalls, but they can hear and see each other. They will be put out in the large arena everyday and that is where they will spend most of their time.

Both mares were a bit uncertain at first, and we were not sure if we would have to move them, but a few scoops of timothy pellets helped them calm down quite a bit! They quickly got to eating, and the new caretakers started grooming them and stripping their coats of all of the dead winter hair. Their manes are quite matted and while we were untangling them, large sections of their manes were just falling out. From now on, they will be groomed regularly and given the care they need.

The facility is at the end of a road, and is quiet and serene. There is a pond right next to the large arena where they will be turned out everyday, and there are geese and goslings who live there. There are also four donkeys and a goat that live on the property, in addition to a medley of squirrels and other wildlife. The place is as clean and neat as anyone could desire, and they have several staff members to help care for the horses. It is truly an idyllic environment for two senior horses to live out the rest of their lives.

We are very grateful for everyone who shared their story. We know many people were concerned about the welfare of these two girls so it’s really nice that they are in a beautiful home now.

The girls’ owner had passed away, which is why they were in need of a new home. We hope their owner is looking down on them and is happy to know that her girls will be cared for and loved for the rest of their lives.