Calling on the Tsaheylu Farm community and all horse lovers!

Over spring break, I decided to step WAY outside my comfort zone and follow something that’s been on my heart since I was a young girl— rescuing a horse destined for slaughter, often called a kill pen horse.

Doing this gives me a true feeling of joy and this joy is something I want to share with all of you. At the same time, giving a horse this chance comes with real costs that I feel as a community we could absorb more easily than one individual.

So I brought home (or rather, am in the process of bringing home) a little mare that was listed on Direct Ship Slaughter Bound Horses, with the hope that she will become a safe, kind, lesson pony here at Tsaheylu.

Horses headed to slaughter only have a short window—often just days—before they’re shipped out, and decisions have to be made quickly. So I’ve watched horses line up on FB with small blurbs and 10sec videos until one caught my eye, the price was low enough to take a chance and my gut said yes.

In her write up she was listed as a large pony mare, most likely a Morgan/standardbred Amish driving pony. Her photo showed very overgrown feet, but with a sweet expression, and a nice build. She was definitely aged but reminded me some of Misty. The video showed a smooth gait and obedience while being ridden. Her price was $895, doable. I paid $100 that would be put towards her purchase price, to go try her out the day before the slaughter truck was set to come get her. I felt grateful for the opportunity to try her out and not just buy off the internet. I rode her first and she was obedient and simple. I realized she was gaited making her smooth to sit. I felt comfortable enough in her and my kids abilities, to put Danzig on her next which says a lot about the mare’s gentleness. They figured each other out, and were soon zooming around the ring, over poles, practicing her whoa and go. Next up was Freya, her little legs barely reached past the edge of the saddle pad, but the mare went well enough off verbal clucks and “whoa”. Freya got her to go fast, stop and managed a pole or two. We were there about an hour and I needed to make the decision. She had done everything that was asked of her and the kids had enjoyed riding her…. I hesitated, then said yes

Right now, she’s in quarantine until April 19th, getting the care she needs to start fresh. She’s already begun antibiotics for a respiratory infection, and we have plans in place for her feet, vaccines, dental care, and more—everything to help her feel comfortable, healthy, and ready for her next chapter.

If you feel moved to be part of her journey, I’ve set up a GoFundMe to help cover her initial costs. Truly, any contribution helps me continue saying yes to these heart-led decisions. I feel we are putting a little beauty back into our world.

Here’s what it takes to give her this second chance:

• Save her life (bail fee): $895

• Quarantine board: $200

• Farrier (first visit): $50

• Coggins & vaccines: ~$150

• SMZ antibiotics: $70

• Dental care: $125

• Ulcer support: $150

Total: $1,640

Thank you for standing with me and for caring about these horses. I am happy to be strong on my own, but it’s so much more meaningful with your support!