Smoki

Arrival Date:  September 26, 2021

On September 26, 2021, a new horse arrived at the ranch. Her story is a tough one for us to tell because it is the story of radically different world views and involves some pretty important questions, “Is horse ownership a life-long commitment?” “Are horses sentient beings deserving love and care?” For us, the answer to both is a resounding YES! But for many in the horse world, horses are commodities.

The American Quarter Horse mare was born on May 17, 2002. We don’t know if she was ever trained for riding or if her entire life revolved around producing babies. We do know the last couple of years have not been easy. She found herself in an auction, pregnant with a foal at her side. She was purchased by a woman in Temecula whose only interest was the foal, so the mare ended up being re-sold, still pregnant, in San Diego. Her new owner was only interested in her unborn foal, so now that the filly has been weaned, mom was once again at risk. From what we have been told, mom was a very good, protective mother. As wonderful as this was for the filly, it didn’t win her any fans among her owners. So, the owners began looking for options for the mare they didn’t want, including euthanasia.

Humane euthanasia is a big part of what we do as a sanctuary providing life-long care for medically manageable equines. For us, humane euthanasia is used to prevent suffering for ranch residents when veterinary medicine cannot offer a cure or treatment. It is unconscionable to consider it an antidote to having a horse you don’t want. Fortunately, a friend of the sanctuary heard about the mare’s risk and reached out to us. While the mare represents a rare exception to our focus on Animal Services horses, her story touched us so profoundly, we couldn’t say no. How is it that this mare could produce baby after baby, all with reportedly impressive bloodlines, but no one could see the soul of the mare? No one valued the mare as an individual, just for what she could produce.

Her registered name is “Kings Smokin’ Return.” Nathan thought “Smoki” was appropriate name to start her life in her forever home with us.  While initially very guarded, Smoki has blossomed at the ranch and become a special resident for our volunteers to work with.