Hi all,

Honey Bandit finally has his "BAND".  He has his own little "family", made up of the two minis and Suri.  It is wonderful to see the four of them playing together and watch the interaction as they each find their own place in the pecking order.    I have to say though, it won't be long before Princess Suri rules, as she will definitely be the lead mare.

She is quite comical when she gets her milk.  I have to distract DaBubbles, as he thinks that he should have it, and would take it away if he could.  At the very end he gets to help "clean up" the bowl.  The other night I went out to give her more milk and DaBubbles was on the floor, with his feet stretched straight out in front of him, the milk bowl firmly in between his hooves.

When Suri gets tired of DaBubbles, she backs on to him, nearly sitting on him.  Then she will but bump him.  That little girl has attitude.  We will be watching closely, but are pretty certain that she will outrun Honey Bandit all day long.  She has nearly full energy, (not quite, but almost) for a baby her age, and is as fast as lightning.

Honey Bandit is amazing.  He is so beautiful and just continues to improve.  He has such a big strong neck, almost "studly".  It looks so awesome when he arches it and does his little prance.  You can feel the power he has when he moves beside you.  He has come so far from the pile of bones and carcass, and continues to grow bigger and stronger daily.  He is going to be a very solid horse, and hopefully someday we will be able to ride him as he runs across the land.  But for now, he is safe and happy and well, thanks to all of you.

We are still trying to raise funds for Suri's surgery, and I want to thank everyone who has helped our rescue and these beautiful babies.  God Bless you so much!  P & the critters

p.s.  please be patient if I havent' kept up with the emails.  I only get access to the internet occasionally.  Will send pix of the "band" together soon.

Hi all

Sorry it's been so long since I have sent out a real update.  There should  be one coming up soon.  Suri is doing fabulous.  She is getting more energy, growing like a weed and becoming fast friends with DaBubbles.  Had a scare the other day when DaBubbles grabbed her hernia in his mouth.  Not sure whether it is just instinct that told him not to bite hard or just angels from above.  Gave me quite the little fright though.

I have not had internet access for awhile and it is going to be sketchy longer.  Will try to get some more pix up though.  Suri has gotten stuck in the panels twice now.  She simply rolls over when she is getting her "sun bath".  She was so good though.  She had her top and bottom hind legs quite a ways under and through the panel, (she was on her side) but she just hung out quietly for a couple of minutes while she waited for us to get there.  Shows what a smart little girl she is.  Her cough is getting much less noticeable and she is doing better and better letting us lift her feet with very little fuss.  For those of you who are not too familiar with horses and why this is a big deal, the reason is this.  When a horse doesn't "have it's feet" (all four on the ground) they cannot choose their option of flight.  Horses have two options when their lives are threatened or they are scared.  "Flight or Fight".  If they can't leave, their instinct is to fight.   It is not as much in the forefront of the domestic horse's mind, but the mustangs live by being smart and their survival skills, which means "keeping their feet" on the ground.  The mustangs survival skills are obviously  much more honed and quickly acted upon.  This is one reason why people should not turn their domestic horses out to survive on their own when they cannot afford to feed them,  as they are not equipped.  Their survival skills are buried under years of coddling.

Another difference that I have been told about and have witnessed, is that while a domestic horse might give you a "little warning kick" if they are irritated or frightened, a mustang kicks for real the first time.  This is why they survive.  In the wild, it is the first kick that will save their life.  (Just a tid bit of info that I find interesting and painfully true).  

Honey Bandit is doing very well, although I think he misses all the time we spent together.  (Or maybe that is just me hoping that he misses it as much as i do - ha ha).  He is a very healthy guy, although his brain is still finishing up the rewiring process.  He & Patches are hanging out together.  As soon as he can kick a bit better and is a little more sure footed, he will get to start hanging out with Chilly Pepper and Dakota.  After talking to the vet, we decided to let him get a little more surefooted and the ability to "let fly" before we put him in with the big guys.  That way he can boot scoot out of the way if he needs to.

You can visit or donate at   
Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang,
30027 State Highway 44 East
Shingletown, CA  96088                        
530 339-1458   or 530  474-5197  (The answering machine should be fixed shortly)
or visit the website at          WWW.CHILLYPEPPER.WEEBLY.COM

We are still working on getting the "rolling foal hospital".  I hope I am wrong, but with roundups in the upcoming heat, we may be picking up more little ones.   I have to say that although I wish all the babies were with their mommies, running free and wild, safe from human interference, it isn't the case.  Since that is not our reality, I have to say that being able to provide care and a place to heal for an orphan or critically ill foal and watching them grow up is a blessing I don't take for granted.  It is truly a gift to be part of that.  ( A very pricey and sometimes overwhelming one, not too mention sleepless ha ha, but a gift none the less.)   No matter how hard life gets and what kind of bad news you get, there is a peace and comfort that fills you when you watch the babies pull through the often horrendous conditions we get them in and start to be "horses".  I thank each and everyone of you who helps make our work possible.  God Bless!   Honey Bandit and Dabubbles will be turning one soon, and we also need to celebrate Chilly Pepper's two year birthday.  So I am thinking this summer we will have a birthday party for the babies!!!  God Bless and thank you for being patient with me.  Hugs, Palomino & the Gang!

Hi ya'll,

Sorry I have been out of touch, I have had very limited access to the internet. 

Honey Bandit is doing well and staying fit and healthy.

Suri is fighting a cold and is now on antibiotics for her cough.  Prayers would be much appreciated. 

Will try to update again soon. 

Please also say a prayer for our soldiers.  Seems like politicians and their dirty laundry are big news, while our sons and daughters and brothers and sisters are risking and losing their lives for us.  They are underpaid and definitely under appreciated.

More to come later

hugs
p & the gang

Wow,  It never ceases to amaze me how wrong I can be when it comes to guessing what the horses will do.  I was so worried about Suri getting hurt by the other horses.  The boys do play pretty rough.  But yesterday was Suri's day to meet DaBubbles.  Suri was in the lower field and I brought down DaBubbles.  As soon as she saw him, she whirled around and planted both hind feet near/or on his head/shoulders.  Well I can tell you DaBubbles had some seriously hurt feelings.  He flew off as if he had wings and raced around the field for about 6 laps.  Then he went to the gate and tried to leave. He wasn't physically injured, but boy was his little ego crushedAfter about 15 minutes they made "nice" and kind of hung out for awhile.  Suri wasn't real energetic, (must have been all that warm sunshine) :) and they did end up kind of playing for a few minutes. After that we put Suri back in and let Honey Bandit and Patches out, and the three boys had a blast.  Next I am going to let Suri and Patches (the other mini) play, as she has made it pretty clear she will be able to hold her own.  Hmmmmmmmmm  I am thinking lead mare??? Honey Bandit is almost ready to hang out with the big guys.  Chilly Pepper is kind of snotty (to put it politely), but Dakota is awesome with the youngsters.  It will be good when he and Honey Bandit can hang out, as HB will  learn some etiquette that can only be taught by his elders. So all in all it was a great day for the kids as they all got to go play in the big field.  Am forwarding some pix, and hopefully they will be the appropriate size. ha hahugs P & the gang

SLAUGHTER BAN BILL FINALLY INTRODUCED - WOOHOO!!!!

From AWI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Senate Reintroduces Bill to Permanently Ban Horse Slaughter

Washington, D.C. (June 9, 2011) - A bill to ban horse slaughter was reintroduced in the United States Senate today. Sponsored by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the "American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011" will end the slaughter of American horses here and, most urgently, will stop these horses from being exported abroad for slaughter. The sponsors, who have long championed the cause, have the bipartisan support of 14 colleagues who are co-sponsoring the bill.



“As a lifelong horse lover and rider, this practice is appalling to me, and more importantly, the majority of Americans oppose it. We raise and train horses to trust us, perform for us, and allow us on their backs, and as such, they deserve to be treated with human compassion. When horse owners are faced with the sad reality of having to put their animals down, it should be by humane euthanasia,” said Senator Landrieu. “I intend to work with Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina and my other colleagues to get this bill passed and permanently end the slaughter of our American horses."



The legislation comes at a time when horse slaughter no longer occurs on U.S. soil, but each year approximately 100,000 American horses are hauled to Canada, Mexico and beyond. Reports show that horses regularly travel for hundreds or even thousands of miles to the slaughterhouses on double-deck cattle trucks without food, water or rest. At some Mexican slaughterhouses horses are stabbed repeatedly in the spine until they are paralyzed, after which they are butchered while still fully conscious. This country’s three remaining horse slaughter plants – two in Texas and one in Illinois – were shut down in 2007 under state law.



“The slaughter of horses is not a substitute for humane euthanasia though it is often mischaracterized as such by opponents who are more concerned with wringing a few bucks from a suffering animal than doing what is right.” said Chris Heyde, deputy director of government and legal affairs for the Animal Welfare Institute. AWI commends Senator Landrieu and Senator Graham for their continued leadership and for reintroducing this very important measure.”



For years, the pro-slaughter camp has led a concerted and disingenuous effort to resurrect the industry domestically and has used scare tactics in an attempt to defeat the federal ban. This federal legislation is desperately needed to stop the slaughter of American horses, irrespective of where the killing takes place.

Sitting in Big O Tires, waiting for my car,  I finally have a minute to do my update.  I apologize for the delay, especially as I know so many of you are wondering how Suri is doing.  Am having worse and worse issues with my knee, and sometimes it is impossible to actually sit down at a desk and get on the computer.  (Sitting still seems to be the worst thing for my leg, besides standing,  and people get ticked off if I stay in bed all day or live in the tub). J  Went to the pain clinic and they still want to do the spinal cord stimulator test after I get my bone scan.  It has been about 30 + years of chronic pain, (wow – that makes me old ha ha) and more surgeries than that.  My ortho doc told me that after this third knee replacement comes out, (the last two just fell out when they opened my leg), he wants to amputate.  So I have been a little discombobulated.  Add the fact that I have the beautiful Suri for a sleeping (yeah right) roomie, and I am way behind on everything.  (For those of you who aren’t familiar with my whiney little story, I have had over 30 surgeries, a nerve disease called RSD, and live with chronic pain).  I spend lots of time on crutches and in my wheelchair.  But as my mom always pointed out, there are so many people who struggle through much worse adversity.

It’s funny though, how God sends you the little things that help you survive when you wonder if you can.  I can honestly say that if I had a horse in the pain that I live with daily, I would put it down immediately.    Yet every time I start feeling sorry for myself, God sends me a big fat example of why I should be grateful for what I have and not be such a big weenie.  For example, when I am twisting and turning and thinking that amputation is a good idea during the worst nights, what do I see but Suri’s little milk face.  She leans against the hammock, (which collapsed this morning about 3:00 a.m.) and mushes her milky little face on mine.  She is such a comfort when I start thinking that I cannot do this pain anymore.  It’s amazing how random acts of kindness can change the world.  So now ya’ll know why I am behind, and I am hoping to “git er done” and be back on track.  J

SURI, IS DOING FABULOUS!  I think that Honey Bandit thinks she is pretty cute.  The other night though, DaBubbles busted out and ran over to her.  He was “clacking” at her, which is interesting as usually the babies are the ones that show submissiveness and “don’t hurt me” to the older horses.  That gave me great comfort as they will be pairing up on Friday, and I was worried if he would be too rough with her.

That little stinker (DaBubbles) moves about as fast as a pingpong ball.  He bounces around like the speed of light and was almost impossible to catch.  His little head is up and his tail is high and he just has a blast knowing he is not supposed to be running around the yard.  I think that makes it about 100 times more special for him.  He is like  “look at me – I am free” and you can't catch me!!!"

Honey Bandit is getting lighter and his tail is growing so long.  He is such a beautiful (handsome) boy and I look forward to the day he is 100% better.  He looks so grown up beside Suri.  Someone is going to have a wonderful little horse with Suri.  She is absolutely a love and incredibly smart (duh – after all, she is a mustang and a survivor).  Right now I think she is helping me as much as I am helping her.

We are still looking for our “rolling foal hospital”.  We don’t have a specific vehicle in mind, just something that would be usable during the winter (as we have to travel several hours at least to pick up the foals).  It could be something like a camper for a pickup, a small motorhome, a full size van, a horse trailer with people quarters in case we needed to stay somewhere due to weather.   The biggest thing is it needs to be reliable and something we could use no matter what the weather.  It certainly would have been better for Suri not to be quite so exposed as it snowed on the way home.

It was suggested to us that we should let her ride in the back of the suburban on the way home, as it was going to be such a long trip for her.  Hmmmmmmm  that didn’t go too well.  (We have brought babies home on our laps in the truck, and in the back of the trucks and in our suburban many times).  However, there was one little problem.  When Matt lifted her in, her butt didn’t fit.  She was too tall.  But we put her on her side and we sat in the back for a good hour or so.  When she started getting restless, Matt and I slid her back and he lifted her out.  It all went perfectly considering, (PTL I have “the tall one” who is strong and very capable of lifting our little ones).

Hopefully someone has something sitting in their garage or carport that they just don’t use anymore.  It would be a tax deductible donation and would be a big help in saving these little “critical and/or orphan foals”.   We all do whatever we can, and although it doesn’t always seem like we are doing enough, we just do what we can and every little bit helps.  Thank you for all that ya’ll do.  God Bless you and the critters all send hugs and kisses!  We should have more pictures on our website at www.chillypepper.weebly.com in the near future.

Hi ya'll.

It is amazing what prayers and love can do for a little orphan.  Yesterday we took Suri out into the round pen.  The weather has been horrible, rainy and cold, dreary and gray.  So we grabbed the few minutes of "no rain" that we could and brought Suri out into the round pen.  She was ready to go and bucked and ran and slam, slid right onto her side.  She had her blanket on, so she slid several feet and got up and started again  Twice more she went mud diving and sliding across the ground.  I was about to put an end to it, when she got up, shook her head, and you could tell, her little brain was  churning and when she started to run you could see the difference in the way she placed her feet.  After that, it was bucking and running and sliding to a stop right at the last minute.  That little girl is smart.  She figured out that to stay up, she would have to place her feet in a different manner.  It was amazing.

Today, we took her to the lower field and she had a blast.  She ran and ran and ran.  Her tail was up and that little girl can float without even touching her feet to the ground..  She is poetry in motion and is fluid  and will be an amazing ride some day;  You can also tell that she was left repeatedly by her band, as she is in constant communication with us, never letting us out of her sight.

Honey Bandit put on quite a show as he watched her.  He demonstrated how beautiful and studly he can be.  His head was up, neck arched as he floated around the pen.  He can't wait to meet her, but I have a feeling he will be better educated by being with Dakota prior to hanging out with the little Princess.

I will attach a couple of pix so you can see the unbelievable difference that a few days and a million dollars of groceries will make.  (Just kidding about the million, but that little Princess is having lots of different things to make her thrive.)   Foal Lac powder, (which we desperately need), foal lac pellets ( also need those). only the best leafy green alfalfa, special supplements and her special grain.  You can see the amazing difference in her in just a couple weeks.  Oh yes, and we can't forget the goat's milk.

She still needs prayers, but is doing wonderfully compared to her start in life.  We appreciate all your support as we have to get this little Princess ready to be adopted by some lucky person.  I have to say that whomever is lucky enough to adopt her will need to spend some serious time with her here as she has been "left" by the bands over and over.  She definitely is concerned about being left behind.  But she is the biggest love you will ever meet.  I can't wait till she and Honey Bandit can run and play.

If you would like to help save this little Princess and help her get through her hernia surgery (in the near future), please send your tax deductible donations to Chilly Pepper, Miracle Mustang, 30027 State Highway 44 East, Shingletown,CA  96088  or visit www.chillypepper.weebly.com.  to help save this little miracle.

Also, please keep in mind that we are desperate for a "rolling foal hospital".  A reliable, safe and good running vehicle that is sitting out there somewhere in a back yard or garage would be perfect.;  When we brought Suri home, although it was "short's weather over in Gardnerville, we hit rain sleet and snow on the way home.  What we need is a vehicle we can drive across the mountains and be able to get through snowy conditions to pick up these critical foals at a moment's notice.  Doesn't have to be pretty, just reliable and something we can use to keep these critical foals safe.  A motorhome would be okay, especially if we need to get to Nevada, So California or Eastern Oregon on a moment's notice.  It would also be important to be able to pick up the carnage that we may see after the summer roundups when the foals are critical due to the hot summer roundups.  We know how many issues we are going to be facing.  Also, in my meeting with Tom Pgoznik, he stated he was concerned about our being able to get to LItchfield if there was a snowstorm.  It would be much easier to get across the mountains without pulling a trailer, although we will do what is necessary to get there no matter what.

It would be awesome to fix my truck, (she needs injectors on a  Chevy silverado, 2001, but in the meantime, we have to be ready to go right way.  North Valley Bank has an account that is set up to help save this little princess.  Please help us and don't forget, she will need a loving home.  So "git er done" and help save this beautiful little girl.

thanks
palomino

Hi,

Sitting here, I finally got a very short video of Suri actually showing a spurt of energy for a few seconds.  It is on youtube at http://www.youtub
e.com/watch?v=CoycxvWNhD8

It is very short, but will make you smile.  That is the total "energy" she has shown since she has been here.

Honey Bandit is not happy with me.  Haven't been able to spend much time with him.  He misses his mommy.  He is getting so big.  I can't wait til Suri can meet the boys, but we still have until the Friday after this one til they can meet.   Doc said to keep her segregated for 3 weeks.

Have a wonderful day.  Sorry I haven't had time to get my updates out.  I am so grateful to "gramma Teresa Patterson" as she has been taking care of Suri when I need to run errands etc.

God Bless!

P

IMPORTANT - CRITICALLY TIME SENSITIVE!

Please cross post and respond today, June 1st.

We have a chance at a Hail Mary pass on SB364 (horse tripping.)   The Legislature may consider a rules waiver so that the bill can be voted on before the legislative session ends this Friday.  I'm forwarding a message from Eric Mills on the subject.  Please take a minute and call the legislators listed in his message.  Please be polite and responsible, but please urge them to let this bill come up for a vote.  Nevada and its horses shouldn't suffer because a committee was hoodwinked by people who misrepresented the facts in testimony.  But we literally have just a few hours to get a waiver signed.

PLEASE DO THIS BEFORE YOU GET DISTRACTED.  The hourglass is nearly empty on this one.

Thanks!

":O) Willis

[Begin forwarded message]

Thanks to the tireless efforts of lobbyist Beverlee McGrath, and Senators Mark Manendo and Allison Copening, there's a good chance that Senator Copening's bill to ban horse tripping, SB 364, could be resurrected in the next day or two.  But the effort needs your help.

As you likely know, the current Nevada Legislative Session ends this Friday, June 3.

I got a call from Beverlee late this afternoon with some promising news.  It seems that SB 364 may be brought up again this week for A VOTE ONLY (no more discussion, no amendments, since the bill has already had a full hearing in the Senate Natural Resources Committee chaired by Senator Manendo).

Here's the deal:  Senator Steven Horsford (D-Las Vegas), Senate Majority Leader, together with Assemblymember John Oceguera (D-Las Vegas), Speaker of the Assembly, must BOTH sign the waiver to resurrect SB 364, apparently for another committee vote, followed by a full floor vote.  A long shot, but possible

PLEASE EMAIL AND/OR CALL THEM ASAP (PREFERABLY TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY MORNING), and ask that they do just that:  "PLEASE SIGN THE WAIVER TO RESURRECT SB 364.  Emphasize that this bill would in NO WAY affect American-style rodeo, and that nine other states have already passed similar legislation.  It's time for Nevada to follow suit.

    SENATOR STEVEN HORSFORD              -- shorsford@sen.state.nv.us      tel. 775/684-1429

    ASSEMBYMEMBER JOHN OCEGUERA  --  joceguera@asm.state.nv.us    tel. 775/684-8595

And please ask all your friends to do likewise.  These abused horses should not have to wait another two years for relief.

Many thanks,

Eric Mills, coordinator
ACTION FOR ANIMALS
Oakland