• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Email Us
  • 619-465-6384
Horses of Tir Na Nog LogoHorses of Tir Na Nog

eNewsletter Signup

Instagram Facebook Twitter

Menu
  • Our Horses
  • Spirit Horses
  • Other Residents
  • About
    • About Us
    • The Legend
    • Our Sponsors
    • Contact
  • Our Partners
  • News & Events
  • How to Help
    • Make a Donation
    • Shop for a Cause
    • Volunteer
    • Be a Sponsor
    • Supplies Wish List
    • Be a Hay Hero

Ciaran

Gender: Geilding

Breed: Mini-Mule

Approximate Date of Birth: 1/1/2003

Sponsor:

In October 2015, Animal Services rescued a stray mini-mule in San Diego’s far East County. His feet had been terribly deformed due to long-term neglect. The hooves on three of his feet had grown forward into long “slippers.” Unfortunately his fourth foot was much worse. This hoof had turned under and was growing backwards, causing him to walk on the top of his hoof, where it connects with his leg. It took months of careful care to reshape the four long slipper hooves. The fourth hoof cannot be corrected, but careful farrier work provides supportive care.

While in the care of Animal Services, initial x-rays raised serious questions about his quality of life and his ability to be comfortable. But Ciaran’s spunk and outgoing personality was in stark contrast to this clinical diagnosis. Discussions with our veterinarians led us to determine that it would be worth trying to improve his quality of life. While the long-term neglect he suffered from will almost certainly shorten his life expectancy, this little fellow seems determined to make the best of every day. Soon after arriving at the sanctuary, he formed a strong bond with Puck, our visually impaired mini-Shetland cross. Now the two of them are inseparable and neither of them let their disabilities slow them down.

As a stray, Ciaran was transferred to our care without a name. He is our second miniature mule. The first was Ban, whose name in Gaelic means “white.” So the name Ciaran was chosen for this little fellow. Ciaran is a term of endearment that means “little dark one.”

Ciaran
CiaranCiaranCiaran

We create a safe haven for horses that have few options remaining, thereby ensuring them a better quality of life.

Be a Hero! Get Involved Today.

MAKE A DONATION iconMAKE A DONATION hover icon

MAKE A DONATION

VOLUNTEER WITH US iconVOLUNTEER WITH US hover icon

VOLUNTEER WITH US

BE A SPONSOR iconBE A SPONSOR hover icon

BE A SPONSOR

SUPPLIES WISH LIST iconSUPPLIES WISH LIST hover icon

SUPPLIES WISH LIST

Foot Logo

Horses of Tir Na Nog
PO BOX 19131
San Diego, CA 92159
619-465-6384
Email Us

Facebook Twitter

Horses of Tir Na Nog is San Diego's longest-operating 501(c)3 equine sanctuary. Our goal is to create a safe-haven for horses that have few options remaining, thereby ensuring them a better quality of life. At Horses of Tir Na Nog, we help build connections between people and horses in the San Diego community, increasing awareness about responsible horse ownership and care through education.

  • Our Horses
  • Spirit Horses
  • About
  • Our Partners
  • News & Events
  • How to Help

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

© 2023 Horses of Tir Na Nog, San Diego's longest-operating 501(c)3 equine sanctuary.

Privacy Policy