Autumn's 3 year anniversary.

This was Autumn in September of 2013 when Riverside County Animal Services was looking for someone to take her or they would euthanize her.  Her owner relinquished her to avoid prosecution.

Fellow rescuer, Jen at Baker Ranch Equine Rescue had Autumn picked up and brought to her in Ramona. With her initial rehab started, 5 weeks of TLC and 100 pounds weight gain, her condition stabilized enough for long-distance travel to our rescue. The collage below was made by Jen the day Autumn left for EqWBR.

Arriving 11-1-13 and continuing her rehab, she gained an additional 300 pounds and has blossomed at 1200 pounds. Today is her three year anniversary of her arrival at the ranch.  She is a little standoffish, not really buddied with anyone but gets along with all.

Still head shy, she will has learned to enjoy a good rub of the ears and cleaning any eye boogers without needing a halter. It makes me wonder what was done to her that her immediate response is to pull back her head. She has arthritis with a large scar on her right front foot and calcification in the bones causing her to lack range of motion and uneven hoof growth.  Autumn gets Previcox for pain management, joint supplements and frequent trims to make walking easier. She is starting to show her early 20's age with gray hairs showing on her face.

Very slow moving and gimpy she is living proof that a discarded horse can have years of happiness with a lot of tender loving care.  She loves a gentle grooming and sweet words whispered in her ears. Every once in a while she will act like a young filly again, kicking up her heels. bucking, rearing and running around, but most days she basks in the sun that warms her achy bones and just enjoys the uncomplicated life she has at the rescue.  

Happy Anniversary our sweet, sweet girl.  We love you so much!