Hey Guys,

I think we're pretty much out of the woods now. He's been doing better and better each day for the last three weeks. Making progress with no slide backs but we're still very careful of that little head so no big horseplay with the others yet. He's a little character now and we're working on manners and what's allowed and what's not. He is really interactive as you'll see in video and brain is functioning on GO!! now. I'm so happy and relieved that it was nothing permanent or disease condition with his little head.

The only thing is, he came out of "La La Land" into Mr. Big Shot and he's testing, testing and testing. It's so good to have him happy, alert and healthy, all the rest will come with good love, minding manners and time.

Shirl and Rome

Hi ya'll,

Yesterday was our Open House and birthday celebration for Honey Bandit and Chilly Pepper.  A light breeze danced in the pines and the sun sprinkled drops of golden light through the green canopy around us.  It was a perfect day temperature wise, and such a pleasant change from the days prior where we were even "baking" here in the mountains.

It was so nice to visit friends, old and new, and share Honey Bandit and the rest of the gang!  Honey Bandit has come so far and is such a happy, (although kind of "old and quiet") guy now.  He rarely runs and plays, but every once in awhile he will "kick it" for a few minutes, usually with some persuasion from his friends.  But Honey Bandit can do whatever he wants for the rest of his life.  (As long as he is polite and respectful - haha).  We are grateful for whatever time we have with him and he is looking good and living the good life, thanks to ya'll!

I have to say that the most favorite part of my day was when one of our younger visitors looked at HB with disbelief and asked "was that the one that was ??",  "Almost dead?" I said, and he said Yes!   He simply couldn't believe the difference.  I love watching the look of joy on their face.  Sometimes I think we underestimate the care and concern that our kids have for these animals.

I am not sure who "stole the show" though.  Was it Dakota with his apple bobbing skills?  Or Rocky the "Rock Star" who definitely thinks that the world should and does revolve around him.  Dakota is hilarious when he dives in after his apple, and will stay "under" up to his eyeballs for as long as it takes.  He is actually too good at it though, and can often get the apple in one bite.  But it really is fun to watch.

It looks like we have a potential adopter for the Rock Star.  (and yes, I have already cried for two days before I sent her the email with details).  They have yet to meet in person, but she is an amazing woman and has the skills and patience to keep him respectful and understand that with a horse like the Rock Star, you can't use force, but need to be able to command enough respect that he will do what you ask him to do.  I have seen too many horses that are pushy and think it is okay to kick etc., and have no respect for people.   Without the perfect owner, Rocky would be unsafe at best.  Rocky is extremely intelligent, and has an inherent belief that he needs to take care of his "band".  What a waste that he was not able to stay on the range.  His daddy is in his 20's and still thriving.   His family is famous for their courage, intelligence and "need to be free", not to mention they are all just plain gorgeous!  But he will make such an awesome riding horse since he is in captivity.  He turned so fast in the round pen the other day that his shoulder dug into the ground.   I would so love to keep him, but unfortunately we can't keep them all, and it is imperative to keep the ones like HB so they are not subject to any further loss or trauma.  The Rock Star is especially hard to adopt out, as he has that little bit of craziness that I adore.  However, as long as he bonds with his new mama, and I can't see any reason for that not happening, he will be moving on. It is funny, because no matter how many times you remind yourself that they will be adopted, it still breaks your heart into a million tiny pieces.  There is also that tiny bit of satisfaction once they are settled in their new homes, but boy does it take a long time for the tears to stop.

I want to thank everyone who took the time out of their busy lives to come and enjoy the day with us.  It means a lot and it was pretty much a "perfect day".  We so appreciate all your support and for not only caring about what we do, but also being part of it.  

God bless and stay safe!

OK - we are heading back to Shingletown tomorrow. Got lots of work done on the trailer and we are much closer to having a safe "rolling foal transport"/large animal evac rescue trailer. Rocky got to go and play on the obstacle course in Stagecoach and did fabulously, (of course haha). However, Matt's truck is still acting up a bit. We have been trying to keep up with everything, but am still a tad nervous. Would so appreciate prayers for a safe and uneventful ride home. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Open House on Saturday.
thanks for all your prayers and support. hugs Matt & Palomino Honeybandit Armstrong & the gang!

Hi Ya'll,

As recently stated on facebook, "the time has come".  Although we have enjoyed working with Tom and Susan as the Orphan Foal Division of Whispering Winds Animal Rescue, there are changes in the wind.  Tom and Susan have been doing this for a long time, and family and health issues have made it difficult for them to continue on such a large scale.  The larger part of their volunteer network is up north, and I am very happy for them as they plan their move back "home".  As Whispering Winds is downsizing and planning to move north, Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang is also making a little move of our own.  We are no longer the Orphan Foal Division of Whispering Winds, but will be working as Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang, Equine Rescue & More, a Rescue/Rehab Project of LRTC.  I cannot stress enough how awesome Whispering Winds Animal Rescue was to step up and help us.  I had spent nearly 8 years volunteering at another rescue, and they wouldn't even consider helping or working with us.  But Susan, being the person she was, immediately stepped up to help.   I will never forget or stop appreciating Tom and Susan stepping up like that.  This provided ya'll with the tax donation receipts when you helped us do what we do and save the babies and other critters.

Sometimes opportunities are put in front of you.  This was a good one for all of us.  We work with Nevada babies and LRTC more than ever, and with Whispering Winds working on simplifying and downsizing, it is a good move for everyone.  It is always hard to make changes, but when God puts an open door in front of you, you had better take it.

We will still need to rely on our supporters to continue our work.  Nothing has really changed as far as that goes.  The only real change is that after today, July 8, 2012, all tax donations receipts will come from LRTC (Least Resistance Training Concepts).  We still have to "git er done" and raise funds for the upcoming foals and their travel expenses etc.  As always, we appreciate everything each and every one of you, and everything you have done to make this a successful rescue.  Never forget, our rescue is your rescue, and working together we can always make a difference, one critter, one rescue at a time.  But not without ya'll.

So come and join us on Saturday, July 14, 2012 for our OPEN HOUSE.  We are hoping that Susan and Tom will be able to join us one last time as they are coming down to pick up  "Pete", who is returning to his home at Whispering Winds.  



THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US!

Matt, Palomino & The Gang

Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang
Equine Rescue & More -
Rescue/Rehab Project LRTC

www.chillypepper.weebly.com
www.whmentors.org

LRTC will be hosting a hands-on technical large animal emergency rescue exercise in Stagecoach, NV on July 22.  This exercise will include use of the state's new life-size training mannequin horse in the simulations.  These are learning exercises so you don't have to be a technical rescue expert to participate.  People can also come and observe.  The information will be presented in a format that will be useful to both technical rescue volunteers and large animal owners.  The Division of Emergency Management and LRTC are sponsoring this event so there are no tuition charges.

Here is a link to the announcement with additional details, contact information, etc.

http://www.whmentors.org/evac/evacex120722.html

Hi ya'll,

Well, it is that time of year again.  Time to celebrate all of our blessings and beloved critters who's lives we have changed, working together.  I cannot thank ya'll enough for always being there and coming through for the critters.  I know each and every one of them send their love and hope to see you at our little bbq.

Come see the difference you've made in Honey Bandit, Chilly Pepper and all the rest of the critters.  It's hard to believe HB was ever in such a scary state.  He is happy, growing and beautiful.  We want to say thank you again, for everything ya'll have done, whether it be financial assistance, prayers, or just being there through the difficult times, ya'll rock!

See you there!


NO CHARGE - Just come and share our day!

(see attached flyer for details)

Hi Folks,

Just a quick extra note. I woke up out of a half sleep to a little "thundering" sound this morning. It took me a minute to realize it was ROMEO running and running and playing in his yard. I looked out and he was having a blast and when I called to him, he gave me the biggest, strongest whinny yet. He did have a little muscle spasm day before yesterday but they are getting to be much further apart and not as severe. Shows us that his neck, brain and coordination is improving greatly.

Here's his latest update.


Subject: Romeo 6-28-12

Romeo 6-28-12  coming 3 months. Black/Bay, Small Star and back L sock and R coronet. Romeo was found injured without Mom or herd in Lockwood Reno, Nevada area about 1 month ago.

Romeo is doing very well but with some lingering probs when he gets too hot. I'm hoping that he will heal and outgrow this issue completely, otherwise he is coming along really well with more interaction and getting stronger each day. He's a quiet little guy, right now at least, but has started to run and play more and more. He has already learned to go to his "house" for dinner and when he gets too hot, although he's not really happy when "mom" makes him get out of the sun for a while until he gets cooler, then he is a happy little kid. Rome is a Cutie Pie and LOVES being brushed and puts his little face up to give a gentle little kiss on my cheek when I make his bowl of food. I didn't teach him this he just started doing it as he started getting well. He will be available for adoption in about 3 months and we will know then if he has outgrown his heat exposure situation or may need a home that can ensure that he will always have shelter available so he can get out of direct sun at times. Our adoption requirements state that shelter has to be provided so it wouldn't be an additional requirement if anyone is considering adopting Romeo. He's a sweet baby and I think will grow into a happy, healthy horse kid as he makes more progress and heals completely. He's doing so well that he has the run of the baby yard and baby house all on his own now with Mom watching him on monitor and checking him at a lot of times during the day. He always loves hearing the door open as he knows he's going to get brushed and loved on.

More to come soon.

Thanks All,
Shirl, Bruce and Romeo Too