Moose will be missed. He brought SO many such joy!

Rescued with two other horses no longer wanted by Knott's Berry Farm, the three arrived at Equine WellBeing Rescue on May 5, 2012.  After well over a decade of pulling the stage coach and carriages their services were no longer needed and they were replaced by younger, healthier horses and sent to sale without a second thought or care.       Click to read about their rescue.

5-5-12 Marshall, Sheriff & Pistol arrive at Equine WellBeing Rescue

This big red thoroughbred we named Sheriff stood over 17 hands tall (that's 68 inches) at his whithers, that's four inches taller than me.  He was huge but definitely a gentle giant. A little underweight, feet in bad shape after wearing shoes for years and some mild arthritis he was noticeably relaxing as each new day arrived and he realized he didn't have to work anymore.

Over the next few months of his rehabilitation we found he was rideable. Off his pain and ulcer meds, his feet healing he was starting to enjoy life.  Years of being part of team he loved to be with the other horses and many times we would see them running in the pasture nose to tail as though they were still in a harness. Old habits are hard to break but a least he could run free, kick up his heals and enjoy life.

10-24-12 Sheriff leaving to live with the Watts family

In the fall a wonderful family was looking for their first horse and were not intimidated by his size. Taking him on a trial period, I soon got a call from Heather saying they wanted to adopt him. He would have a new life with Heather, her husband Adrian and young teens Noah, Liam and Anna in a small community in the mountains of San Diego.

2012 walking with Anna to his new home

They soon changed his name to Moose and like so many others horse people they got more horses to keep him company and so the family could all ride together. Feeding, daily chores, scooping manure, grooming they all shared in the work and the joy.

8-25-13 Anna feeding Moose and loving her big guy

1-10-14 Noah who now wants to become a veterinarian 

10-28-12 Heather and Moose shortly after he arrived

4-6-14 Adrian and the kids on one of their last rides with Moose

He was a horse with a sense of humor and joy to have around.  He loved his naps,

8-7-2013 ahhhh.....feels so good!

he loved slurpy kisses,

12-02-2013 

he loved playing freely with his pasture mates,

04-25-14 running with Tigger in the pasture

and he loved his family.

01-30-13 with Anna

The hardest thing about loving a horse is letting them go when it is their time.   Mind willing but body worn out Moose was laid to rest on 7-22-14 surrounded by those who loved him so dearly.  Hearts are heavy and tears are being shed for the loss of this big beautiful red horse who now runs pain free in heaven. His best friend Tippy suffering from old age and severe ringbone joined Moose in heaven yesterday too. This wonderful family is mourning them both.  Best of buds on earth, now together with the Lord.

Moose and Tippy running in the pasture.

Moose brought joy to SO many.  Over a decade at Knott's Berry Farm where people got the experience of riding in a stage coach or a romantic white carriage pulled by this big red, regal horse. He spent a short time with us and we were so blessed for that experience and then he went on to become a beloved member of an amazing family who gave this old man a wonderful last few years filled with unparalleled love and retirement few horses are lucky enough to enjoy. 

7-22-14 RIP Moose

The support of our many followers who donated to help us rescue the amusement park horses in 2012 gave this sweet, gentle giant the love he deserved till his final day and much beyond.  We can't thank you enough for helping give him a happy, peaceful and loving retirement.  We can't thank the Watt's family, Adrian, Heather, Noah, Liam and Anna enough for making him part of your family and giving him so much of your love.  I know your hearts are breaking now, but you gave him SO much and I know he loved you all with all his heart.  

God is shining his light on this horse who is loved so much!

Thank you sweet Moose for such wonderful memories.