My heart is breaking, and I can hardly see through the tears as I write this. I am so very sorry to have to tell you that we lost Lil Bit today. The picture above is her out on the range.

Matt and I were at a "meet and greet" with Honey Bandit, when I was called out on an injured horse emergency. While I was there, I called Shirley about the injured mare and this is what she told me. She could barely speak and I knew she was beyond devastated.

Shirley did what she promised and stayed with Lil Bit 24/7. She was watching Lil Bit and standing beside her in case she needed help while she was up and walking. All at once there was a "snapping noise" in Lil Bit's leg, and she crashed, pinning Shirley under her. It took about 40 minutes for Shirley to get free, but Lil Bit was done. She absolutely could not get up again. Doc was on his way and Lil Bit would be set free from the pain and suffering. No one was expecting this, especially not Doc, but apparently she blew out either her ligament or tendon and it was horribly clear that she cannot recover or have any type of quality of life.

We want to thank everyone who stepped up to help this little angel. As I sit here I am physically ill and the tears won't stop. Sometimes you wonder "why - why do we keep doing this?" Your heart is broken so many times that you think it may not keep beating, and it is nearly impossible to even breathe, the pain is so harsh. The worst part of it is that every time you lose one, it not only devastates you but brings back all the pain of each and every other one you have lost. Sometimes it is just too hard......

So now Lil Bit has had her last visit from Doc. He was gentle and kind when he freed her from her pain and this world that was so cruel to her, and she was wrapped in Shirley's arms, knowing only love and kindness while she left this world.

I remember being at Shirley's and watching her "run". She was awkward and clumsy, and oh so proud. The thing I will always remember is the look of life in her eyes. She wanted to be here and she enjoyed her little romps, never realizing she was "different". She had lots of spirit and spunk and she would give you "what for" if she decided she had enough. _This was not a sick little girl who was moping around. She "lived" in her own little fashion and played and ate and slept like a normal little one. She LOVED LIFE!_

The only thing left we can do is cry, and then make sure we are ready for the next baby that God puts in front of us. Sometimes I think we even fight harder (though that really is not possible) for the next one in honor of those that have been lost. In our world, they never stop coming. I know how devastating losing Lil Bit is for me, even though I only got to help take care of her a little bit now and then, but I know for Shirley it is like the day we lost Mav. Her world just ended (again) but she always keeps going......

We try so hard to make the right decisions, and according to everyone in the know, her vets, (2 separate opinions) and her Mom, she still had a chance. But today it was clear a different choice had to be made. And as much as it destroyed everyone involved, the right decision was made for Lil Bit.

Folks ask - how do you do it? But can anyone ever look one of these innocent creatures in the eyes and say "no - I won't help". I certainly don't know very many folks like that.

So our hearts will keep breaking, and we can only pray we have what it takes to save the next one.

Sending love and prayers for all the hearts that loved this little girl, and so many thanks for all who supported her, whether it be with love, prayers or donations.

Update -
Just got a call from Shirley - YOUR PRAYERS HELPED - LiL Bit is still with us. This is the basic information I got this evening.
There are no obvious fractures
Spine looks intact bonewise
Did x rays and ultra sound - no damage visible in these tests that would cause this type of issue
Docs think there is soft tissue damage and a nerve that has been injured or pinched in her back and hindquarters.
Do not know at this point if recovery is possible or not.
Doc is doing a more indepth study of pictures at office - will call with news tomorrow. They took pix from the top of her head to the top of her butt.
At this point treatment involves literal 24/7 care and she will be receiving steroids to help ease the swelling.
Shirley is doing what we do. She is spending 60 minutes out of every hour with her so she won't fall. She can move forward in a straight line, but when she turns she falls. This is what we do. Nothing else gets done - just that baby is watched and helped each minute of each hour of each day.
Please continue your prayers and thank you for those who have helped us start to pay the vet bill.
If she reaches the point where it is unkind to give her any more time, she will be helped to leave this earth, BUT AT THIS TIME - the vet, (and Shirley - who has been taking care of her all these months) feel like we should keep on trying as there is no reason not to. She is comfortable and eating and drinking like a champ. She whinnies to Shirley when she is done resting and she helps her up and then watches to make sure she doesn't fall.
Last night was a hard night but apparently today was not quite as hard.
The chiropractor will be coming out in the next day or two, after the swelling goes down a bit.
The prognosis is definitely unknown. Only time will tell if this little miracle gets more time on this earth. At this point time is what she needs.
These are the types of babies that had no chance when I volunteered for 8 years at a sanctuary. I was not allowed, nor given time to help foals like these and had to watch so many babies leave this world without any attempt to help them. It broke my heart.... (I understand this was due to the fact that there were so many healthy babies who needed homes and there was not money allotted for babies like this, but it definitely did not work for me.)
But this is what we do here at Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang, Equine Rescue & More, and what Shirley does at Lucky Horse Rehab in NV.
We do everything we can (within reason) and always keeping the comfort and best interest of the babies we are helping in the forefront of every decision made. But we never get the easy ones, and we don't go looking for the ones we get. But when God puts a baby like this in front of us I believe with all my heart that we are supposed to do everything we can.
So the good news today is that the vet did not feel it was right to euthanize her and gave us a bit of hope. Thank you again for your continued prayers and support for this little girl.
SHIRLEY ASKED ME TO PLEASE PLEASE MAKE SURE I SAID THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF HER HEART. SHE WILL SEND PIX AND A BETTER UPDATE WHEN SHE CAN GET TO HER COMPUTER, BUT RIGHT NOW SHE HAS TO STAY WITH LIL BIT.

Lil Bit has fought long and hard, and it looked like she was getting better every day. Unfortunately, and it is certainly not uncommon, her Mustang Fight and the Will to Survive and Thrive may be outdoing her physical body. She has had many happy times where she ran and played (in her own crippled fashion) and has enjoyed so much life and the best care possible from her mama Shirley Allen.
However, today is the day we find out if she can be saved or keep fighting. We are so very careful how much of the donated funds are allotted to babies who are struggling and fighting the up hill battles. We never just "throw money away" - we look at the whole picture. How many horses do we have to care for. What are the realistic and good odds for this baby. Sometimes we will fight and struggle with a baby who seems hopeless - until you look in their eyes - and they will beat all the odds.
Honey Bandit is a prime example of that. He died 3 times at the veterinarian's office, but came back and today is thriving and happy, although with a couple of minor health issues. He is still kind of a "special needs", but has been an ambassador for the wild horses and made a huge difference in the awareness of our fight for the wild ones.
Honestly it is not looking good for Lil Bit. But we have to give her this last chance, and the vet is coming out today to make that decision. We are not "throwing money away", but making sure we give this baby every chance she deserves based on the mad progress that she has made. To date she has been a little miracle.
We want folks to know where there donations go and that is why we try to keep y'all updated. Honestly we can use a bit of help with today's vet visit, as she needs some tests. But we simply cannot throw her life away after she has improved so much and fought so hard. At the same time we have to keep fundraising for all the other horses and their needs.
We appreciate all the love and support you show for these critters, and we would also appreciate lots of prayers for Lil Bit. God bless and thank you!
Please remember we still have mustangs ready for adoption at Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang. They are ready, or will be soon, for adoption and you are more than welcome to come and visit them. 530 474 5197 if you would like to chat. Our mailing address is Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang, 34694 Sidebottom Rd., Shingletown, CA 96088
You can go to Youcaring - https://www.youcaring.com/let-em-run-foundation-for-55-wild-horses-orphaned-foals-415297 to help us save these horses.
You can go to Paypal - [email protected] or go to our website
www.chillypepper.org if you would like to help us help the horses.
We so appreciate all the love and support you show and for being part of the solution for these horses. Please remember that your donations are tax deductible and what a great write-off :)
Thank you as always for making this happen!

ORPHAN UPDATE - Lil Bit is doing wonderfully. Her cast has been working and she is improving a little bit each day. We want to thank y'all as we have raised approximately half of her vet bills.

Cowboy is doing better. Due to the fact that he could not travel due to health issues, we were amazed and so thankful that by the time we could bring him to NV, we did not even need to do his casts on his legs. He will need some extremely delicate hoof trimming and some special supplements and meds, but his outlook seems to be much better than was expected. He is the baby that the local vet said might need to be euthanized. However our specialty is the critical foal care and we work so very hard on the "hopeless" cases that God puts in front of us. We do not search them out, but I truly believe, and our rescue is based on my belief that if God puts an injured creature in front of you, you darn well better give it the best care you can.

We spent the last couple of days transferring panels over to the new property we will be leasing for the 55 wild horses. The Let 'em Run Foundation has donated the use of all of their panels and a shelter to be used by the 55 Wild horses and the babies. There are several adoptions in the process and we will update you as soon as we have all the details. We are still needing lots of forever homes for these guys, but in the meantime we need to have the funds to support and care for them. It is an amazing property with tons of water. In this area and with the ongoing drought, the water alone is worth gold. Unfortunately, we will need to do a lot of repair on the fencing.

Our total monthly expenses once we have the fences repaired is expected to be roughly $2500 for the "rent" and feed bill, and that is if hay prices don't rise too much higher. Due to the ongoing drought, many of our suppliers were only able to produce the first cutting, and the normal 2nd & 3rd cuttings of hay are out the window. This is going to cause hay prices to go through the roof in the very near future.

We took 3 of the 4 "special needs" kids today to be seen by the vet. Unfortunately, we also found 3 orphans who desperately need umbilical hernias repaired. The level of their hernias is extreme, and could be deadly if left untreated. So we also need to make sure they are taken care of. Thank goodness we have a great Doc and he is estimating the surgery for all three to be about $750.

We have lots of beautiful horses, aged from a few months to several years old who are looking for their forever home. Grandma Maude and the beautiful Goliath need to stay together as they are "special needs" and are inseparable. By the time winter arrives we need to have them safely settled in their home where Granny Maude (due to horrific dental issues) can receive the extra specialized groceries that will allow her to enjoy her remaining years.

We also have two beautiful little souls at Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang in Shingletown looking for their forever homes. They are ready for adoption and you are more than welcome to come and visit them. 530 474 5197 if you would like to chat. Our mailing address is Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang, 34694 Sidebottom Rd., Shingletown, CA 96088

You can go to Youcaring - https://www.youcaring.com/let-em-run-foundation-for-55-wild-horses-orphaned-foals-415297 to help us save these horses.

You can go to Paypal - [email protected] or go to our website
www.chillypepper.org

We so appreciate all the love and support you show and for being part of the solution for these horses. Please remember that your donations are tax deductible and what a great write-off :)

Thank you as always for making this happen!

As I lay in bed, listening to the sounds of the babies moving about, I could not stop the tears from falling.  In the morning, for the very last time, we would be loading Annie & Lil Bit into the trailer to start their journey to their new home in Lompoc, at Return to Freedom.  Slowly, I drifted into an uneasy sleep.

At about 2:00 a.m. I awoke with a vengeance.  The sound of thundering hooves radiated all around us.  In the front, where the babies were, and in the other two areas where the big guys were, you could hear them flying around.  Every once in awhile you would hear them blowing and snorting.  "Matt, something is out there".  All of a sudden I heard a blood curdling scream.  It was clearly an animal in the horrible throes of death.   It was out on the highway side of the road and I raced out as fast as my knee would allow (which is not very fast at all).  I had grabbed the huge spotlight and I was calling desperately for DaBubbles.  I couldn't find him anywhere.  All of a sudden the light went out, (of course - lol) and I could hear Matt calling me telling me not to be out there without a weapon.  But I couldn't go back, I had to know he was ok.  I finally heard him running around, and breathing a big sigh of relief, realized that the kill had been outside of our gate.  Most likely the cat had taken down one of the deer that used to hang around.  My adrenalin was up and my heart was racing.  By then, realizing the danger was no longer, the horses and dogs had all settled down and were quiet, and we knew the danger was over.  I kept hearing that scream over and over in my head, and my heart was aching for the little deer that was now dinner.

Matt and I went back to bed for a few minutes and then we decided, let's just load 'em up and head out.  We had brought the babies into the inside nursery and they were all over the place.  There was no way we would get any sleep,  So for the last time ever,  I walked Lil Bit and Lil Orphan Annie into the trailer that they had come to know so well.  They just hopped in as if to say, where we goin' this time?  We got them settled, rechecked everything on the trailer and off we went.

The drive down was uneventful for the most part.  The babies traveled beautifully, and thoroughly enjoyed their little breaks and "milk stops".  They ride standing up part of the time but like to just lay down and chill much of the time when we travel.  We were about an hour from Return to Freedom when we noticed a large semi with a flatbed trailer who was all over the place.  He would go from 35 - 65, and would often be completely on the side of the road and other times be about 3 feet into the oncoming traffic lane.  Now I am pretty protective when we are pulling our little ones, and I sure didn't want to be in front of him.  After 3 separate calls and a great deal of time, most of which we were having mini heart attacks as he came within inches of wiping folks out, including a large fuel tanker, the CHP finally showed up.  He flashed on his lights and began to follow the truck.  Seems like it took 10 - 15 minutes literally for the guy to finally pull over.  We stopped in case they needed a statement, but the officer told us that they had seen enough.  Once again, the angels were with all of us on that highway.

We pulled in to Neda's place, and were met by a bunch of beautiful women.  However, when we opened the trailer door, the babies who could definitely tell that momma was being weird, decided that they would rather stay in the trailer.  So we took a bit of time to let them figure it out.   We had added a piece of wood just inside the back door so no little hoofers could get caught, and this was only the 2nd time they had seen it.  I think that with that piece of wood, coupled with so many folks waiting to meet them and them knowing that "mommy was different", they had decided why not stay in our cozy little trailer that is like our second home.  So we gave them a few minutes to settle in.

After they were unloaded, they went into a beautiful arena.  Both of these babies are secure, confident and ready to take on life.  They pranced around, showed off a bit and literally just soaked up the love.  That night when we came back from dinner, both of them ran up whinnying when they heard "their" truck.  It was really nice to be invited to stay there overnight.  We got to wake up to some of the most beautiful scenery there is, and I think it was easier for the babies to settle in when we were there for breakfast like normal.  I do have to say though, dropping off two babies that have bonded so well is so much less dramatic than dropping off one.  These guys have each other and are so secure that this will be an easy transition for them, although not so much for mom.

We spent a good part of the day with Neda as she showed us around and explained what they do.  Return to Freedom is an amazing place and a great one to support if y'all need a good tax write-off.  Their operating costs are about $6,000 a day, and they have done studies with the PZP that prove you can manage the wild ones with it.  As is the case with humans, not all mares respond to the PZP, so that core group of mares is with a stallion that has had a vasectomy.   The other mares who respond positively to the treatment are banded up with the stallions.  Life at Return to Freedom is very close to "nature" and the horses are living in their family bands.   I cannot begin to imagine the kind of responsibility and stress that could come with taking such excellent care of so many horses.  As she says, "these horses are yesterday's emergencies".  We were talking about how everyone wants to "save" the horses during the emergency, but as soon as it is over, the day to day costs of feeding, veterinary care, hoof care and all the other expenses seem to fall on the rescues.  We need folks to support these horses the rest of their lives.

You can sponsor one of their beautiful mustangs, and even if you cannot do a full sponsorship, anything helps.  Shirley Allen at Lucky Horse Rescue & Rehab in Dayton, NV also has some babies and big horses that could use a sponsor.  Honey Bandit & Donkey are also available for sponsorship at our place.  There is no end to the amazing places that need sponsors for the "saved horses".  Even $5 to any organization out there can make a huge difference for these animals and allow folks to provide the awesome care they deserve.

So Annie and Lil Bit are happily munching away at their new home.  They are surrounded by awesome folks and I heard a little secret that the staff run out on their breaks and visit with them, so we know they are still getting that special treatment they love.

Remember, please visit the websites and help if you can.  http://www.whmentors.org/lhp/orphan01.html  (Shirley's foal rescue) & Return to Freedom, where Lil Bit & Annie live  http://www.returntofreedom.org/about-us/   and of course www.chillypepper.weebly.com to see our latest.

During the year 2014, we had 10 babies here, Precious, Mikey & Ikey, Texas, Janie, Baby Boo McClellan & Luna, Lil Bit & Annie and Running Bucket.  Running Bucket is still on a nurse mare, (whom has done pretty much all the work) and has a potential, but not for sure adopter.  All of the others have found wonderful homes, with the exception of our beloved Janie, who is now in the arms of the angels.  THANK YOU EVERYONE who made these babies' lives possible.  Y'all are amazing and so very much appreciated.

Fun Day at the Shingletown Volunteer Fire Department today. Annie was standing between the stage where the band was playing and the raffle table. It was about 3 feet wide where she was and she rocked it while she visited a special friend
Click to enlarge pics!!!

If you missed us at the Shingleton Volunteer Fire Department don't fret!  Our Open House is just around the corner!  Saturday, August 16th.  Download the flyer below for more info, print a few out to share with friends!

Babies at Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang. They are growing up fast Having some camera (or rather camera operator issues lol), but they still show how cute the little ones are...... Lil Bit looks soooooo different and is doing so well and also trying to go grey......

Hi Y'all,

It has been a crazy spring this year.  Not including the three that we placed the beginning of this year, we have had 7 critical orphans so far, and also have had great success in helping place some older horses.  Texas is doing well and thriving in his new home back in NV.  Running Bucket is thriving with her adopted nurse mama and growing fast and more beautiful than ever.  As most of you know, God gave us a very short, but beautiful time with Janie, whom we had to let go due to the severity of her injuries and health issues.   My heart still aches for her, and I treasure every beautiful moment we had together.  She was one of those beautiful creatures that emulate love and trust and all that is good.  While my heart was still in a million pieces, God sent the most amazing angel to help ease the pain.

God sent us a beautiful little foal named Baby Boo McClellan.  She is almost identical in appearance to Janie, although her face is a little bit longer and her eyes not quite so large.  However, the expression in those doe eyes was the same.  After spending most of the day in the blazing sun, frustrated beyond belief while watching the rest of the gang forge ahead, I had a moment of self pity, wondering why my leg is so painful and of such limited use.  While everyone else climbed from the bottom to the top and back to the bottom of these amazing mountains, I limped along as best I could, watching the action from a distance.  Hmmmmmm, so much for being able to drive right to them.   I am so never believing that line again. :)     Matt was amazing and did his best to hang back with me and not make me feel quite so useless.

Matt and I then took the shortcut and were picked up by Mikel Ann Hetrick, the lady who is responsible for Baby Boo actually being alive to be saved.  She had been following the bands and watching over this beautiful, severely beaten up foal, making sure that we could find her.  Baby Boo had been with 3 different bands, desperately trying to find solace and food within.  The mares continued to use her for a punching bag until finally, she would move on to a different band.  She was using every bit of adrenalin left in that tiny little body to stay alive, and she barely made it back with us.   She is now doing very well, although she is still stiff and just beginning to play a bit more every day.  Sweet Pea, who was named Luna, is Baby Boo's best friend and they will be going to their new home together.   Yes, I am already crying......

Annie and Lil Bit have been hanging out and they are the best of friends.  So far, the plan is for both of them to be adopted together and they will be moving to Southern California as far as we know....  Again, crying........

Honey Bandit continues to amaze.  He is absolutely gorgeous, the oh so bossy leader of the band, and just a pleasure for all the folks that come to visit to see.  He is sleek and one of the happiest horses around.  He loves "watching over" all the rest of the crew and seems to really enjoy the "manners" that he feels he must remind everyone they need.

We are excited to share the date of Saturday, August 16, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to ?????? with anyone who wants to come and help celebrate not only the miracle of Honey Bandit, but of the wonderful folks who are part of this family rescue, and the lives of all the babies you have helped us save, equine as well as others.  As usual, we will have good eats and drinks and y'all can bring your families to the cool mountain air and enjoy a day of celebrating.  We talked to Honey Bandit and he didn't mind waiting for his birthday party, so we will also be celebrating one tough little mustang growing up.

We are 7 miles past Shingletown on Hwy 44 East.  There is a big white sign on the right side of the road in a tree that says "SIDEBOTTOM".  Turn right and we will be the 2nd house on the left.  You can't miss us and we really hope that y'all come in and say hi and see the improvements we have been making.  Brings the kids, grand kids, parents and friends to enjoy the beautiful mountain air and enjoy DaBubbles (our miniature) and Belafonte our (miniature goat).   Come see what YOU have helped to make happen.  Oh, and by the way, Donkey thinks y'all should bring him some carrots as he is doing so well protecting all the critters.  Although the mountain lion has been seen hanging out for a bit out back on the cameras, there has been no hanky panky, so we are loving Donkey.  Anyone with any questions can reach us at 530 474 5197.  If y'all want to help with these babies and their munchies, hay etc, you can go to [email protected] to Paypal or you can go to our website at www.chillypepper.weebly.com or come and visit us here at 34694 Sidebottom Rd, Shingletown, CA  96088

We are looking forward to another fun and fabulous Open House!

Emily the web admin here, I'm just back from a couple of days at the beach and playing a little catch up here while doctoring one of my critter's boo boos...  Here's the latest from Palomino, Matt & the Critter Gang!

Critter Kids at Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang. Annie and Lil Bit have their first round pen lesson in tandem. (Click the pics enlarge)

All my critter kids are acting like they are on speed. The little one was wound so tight this morning I thought she was gonna flip over. Dogs were going nuts all night so who knows who was visiting the edge of the property. Matt saw a huge elk (butt - lol) leaving the highway. He is about 6'2" and he said her butt came up about to his shoulders. Apparently another one was hanging out by our driveway on Hwy 44. Hmmm wouldn't want to meet that with any vehicle. Hoping it was one of those and not one of our clawed friends though..... Much more comfy to think of "big deer" as opposed to "big kitties"

Hmmmm - Today is the day for "milk face" I guess You can see how much fun Lil Bit and Lil Orphan Annie have when sharing the milk bucket

Matt will be transporting one, (and hopefully 2) horses that were saved from ending up at slaughter. He needs to get them up to their forever home in Oregon. We are guessing it will be about $ 200 - $ 300 to get them there, and the folks have wonderful acreage and will provide a forever home for the mustang and the other paint that we were trying to save. Anyone want to be part of this awesome success and chip in some pennies for fuel? Our truck and trailer tires are wearing fast, but as long as we can get them there and keep them from slaughter it is worth it. Anyone who wants to help can go to our website at www.chillypepper.weebly.com or go to Paypal [email protected] or use snail mail Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang, 34694 Sidebottom Rd., Shingletown, CA 96088 Thank you and God bless y'all for all you do!

Texas coming home and Texas going home Miss that little monkey. He is such an amazing horse and has such great personality and the cutest little bootie.  His band is in captivity. He could not go back to the wild. He slept in our house for about 6 weeks (haha) In the nursery but we slept with him. He is definitely not wild anymore. Folks want to see the family unit reunited. Not sure how it will go, just saying prayers whatever happens it goes smoothly. But they will make sure he is safe....

Do you ever get that anxious feeling like something is going to happen?  Well, I had it on Saturday, and sure enough, I spotted a notice for another orphaned foal.  After several phone calls to NV and to our awesome "crew" who is taking care of the home front, along with lots of scrambling, we loaded up Lil Bit and Lil Orphan Annie and headed out into the night.  We arrived at Shirley's in Dayton around 1 a .m. and the next morning headed out to pick up a foal.  Now first and foremost, you simply cannot go out and pick up a foal without the proper authorization and steps being followed.  However, since all that was in place, we went out to pick up the motherless orphan.  After about 4 hours in some rough terrain and pretty warm weather, we were able to approach the little one and bring her to safety.   We had an amazing crew, and Willis was astride his awesome mustang Corazon.  What an amazing horse.  The final blessing was a local photographer, who was in exactly the right place at the right time.  Together, working quietly as a team, we were able to approach and rescue the failing foal.

Mikel Hettrick, who was responsible for her having a chance to survive in this often times cruel world, (PTL!!) gently held the baby while I put on her very first halter.  She was scared, exhausted and was clearly not going to survive in the wild.  As I led her gently down the hill,  we had almost made it to the vehicles when I had to stop and give her some electrolytes.  She was in rough shape and could barely stand in the back of the jeep on the way to the trailer.

While we were out picking up "Baby Boo McClellan", Shirley was trying desperately to rehydrate and pull back another little foal from the brink of death.  Luna, who was picked up and brought in by Thomas & Dianne.  We always want to send out our most heartfelt thanks to the folks that begin these journeys by saving the babies in the first place.  Without these folks taking the time and effort to watch over and help these little ones, there would be no story. 

For now, we are waiting in NV for the appropriate paperwork and getting the critter kids feeling a bit more ready to travel and we will head back home.  Doc was here today to do the blood work.  We will once again have the "Fabulous Four", only with a couple of different foals.  :)   :(

This foal season has been a bit insane, and it is not over yet.  Once again we are asking for everyone's love, prayers and support for these tiny little babies.  Rehabbing orphans like this is not an easy or inexpensive process, yet it brings so much love an joy to everyone involved.  We need funds for fuel, milk money, meds and all the other things we use to help these little ones fight the good fight.

For folks who want to help a baby, but are unable to do the hands on, which unless you can devote 24 hours a day every single day for months at a time, there are other options.  We understand that so many folks would love to to it, but don't have the time t commit or the ability to stay up for days on end or cannot devote months out of their life strictly to the critical foals.  However, there is another fun and exciting way.   Another way that you can help is to consider fostering a grown horse.  There are many mustangs that are in need of fostering.  While Shirley & Bruce's  "Lucky Horse Rehab" is for orphan, critical and neo-natal foal care, along with the subsequent training these bottle babies need to be adoptable, they are also caring for horses that could be in foster homes.

Believe me, I speak from experience when I say that doing critical orphan foal care is literally 24/7 full time work.  When other horses also have to be cared for, it takes away time that in a perfect world, (or even a sane world) should be for either a few minute nap or more baby time.  So by fostering a mustang, you could also be helping the babies get the best care possible, and for all of us who do this to hopefully be able to stay healthy so we can continue to provide this type of care for years to come.  If we get sick, we can't take care of the babies.

I think that unless you do the hands on care, it would be impossible to understand how much work goes into this.  Often times when you get a baby you don't even climb into bed for the first 3-7 days or nights.  Even after you spend the first week or two up literally 24 hours a day to make sure you do everything to help pull these little ones back to life, the work is still there.  (Most of our babies are in very poor condition when we get them.  We are not talking about raising a healthy baby, - that is a whole different and much easier situation :)  .)     When you finally reach the point that you don't have to jump up and check them every time they breathe or cough or move, maybe at that point - maybe 4 or 5 weeks after you get them, and with some babies not until months later - or like with Honey Bandit, about a year later, then maybe then you can rest for a couple of hours at a time.

Then the "real" (haha) work begins; to train this little one to not only be safe for folks to handle, but to be the best that they can be so their future will be the best it can be.

Many vets say the same thing about what they have experienced.  Bottle babies are ONE of TWO THINGS - either the worst and most dangerous horses, or the very best, most calm and safe horses ever.   There are two choices - spend the time with them and teach them respect and manners, or don't, and create a monster.  Because with out proper TIME SPENT TRAINING THEM EVERY SINGLE DAY, they can grow up to be disrespectful and dangerous, even accidentally causing deadly injuries.  What is cute when they are 100 lbs turns out to be not so cute when they are 1000 pounds.  As the babies grow, they continue to test all the time.  In the wild, their mamas or the stallions or their aunties will set them straight.  They know their boundaries.  (We have often heard folks say they would take a wild 2 year old over a baby anytime and that is because it is much easier to deal with a horse that knows its boundaries and has respect).

So think about helping the babies by helping foster a mustang.  Arrangements can be made for an account at the feed store and you simply pick up the hay.  You have the joy of knowing that you are helping to save part of our Nation's Heritage - the Wild Mustangs.  You can help a critically ill, orphaned and/or injured baby by giving the folks that specialize in that work the time to do what they do best, and to not spend their time feeding and cleaning up after the horses who need "babysitting" when they really need that time for the babies.

It's funny how even though not one of us can do everything, together, all of us can "git 'er done", each one of us doing our own little part for America's Wild Horses, (and the domestics also).  God bless and thank you for all you do, no matter what part of the process it is.  You need the world to save a foal, and you guys Rock at it!  Thank you for helping us with these babies and to find some much needed foster homes.

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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

Date of Rescue: June 1, 2014
Saved by: Mikel Ann Hettrick

OUR LATEST RESCUED ORPHAN. SHE IS BABY BOO McCLELLAN. God sent me an angel to remind me of my beautiful Janie

Meeting Lil Bit and Lil Orphan Annie. WHO DOES SHE LOOK LIKE ? JANIE!!!!!!!!!

Heading out to pick up Baby Boo McClellan

Lil Bit, Orphan Annie & Baby Boo Mcclellan getting to know each other. We had to separate them after awhile, but they are hanging out next to each other and this way Lil Bit cannot jump onto Baby Boo's back

Hi All,

In feline news, my sister and her hubby were visiting last week.  We were walking down the driveway and Tami (my sis) heard a strange whining shrieking noise.  I thought is was the baby at first, as she squeals at me, but apparently that was not the same noise.  While we were watching TV, Matt noticed Soldier locked on to something.  His behavior was enough to intrigue Matt enough to get up and look.  "Oh my gosh, there was a mountain lion out there".  Although he was sure of what he saw, we checked the surveillance camera, hoping that he was mistaken.  Unfortunately he was not, and the video showed a mountain lion hanging out and heading toward the baby area.  It appears to be a young cat, but his footprint was about the size of a large orange.  PTL that Matt stood up and put his hands and head to the window, because when the cat saw him, he turned and headed away from the baby area.  So we had to run to Lowe's and pick up "mountain lion proofing" for the outside "nursery stall".  If it isn't one thing it is another :)  Please say your prayers that we do not have a repeat incidence of what happened to DaBubbles.

Just wanted to give you a quick update on Lil Bit and Annie.  These two have become pretty much inseparable, except for a short time every evening when Lil Bit hangs out at the fence with DaBubbles.  This ritual also extends to Annie having her little hissy fit.   She will race around madly, bucking and kicking and making little screachy noises, stopping to rear up dramatically to show her displeasure.  She is so jealous when Lil Bit is paying attention to DaBubbles instead of her.  She will run right up to him and stop about an inch away and he completely ignores her.  So she will run around and rant and kick and buck some more.  It is quite comical as it is so very obvious that her little nose is out of joint.

The two of them sleep cuddled up, usually with their legs intertwined or nearly on top of each other, much like Mikey and Ikey did.  It was interesting, although kind of sad to me as during Janie's last days, both of these babies would stay close together as far away from her as they could.  If Janie was resting, Annie would want to go over and pound on her.  So we had to keep them apart.  I wonder if it was just jealousy or if it was because poor little Janie was not "viable".  It makes you wonder how young these little ones realize the need for "survival of the fittest".

Both Annie and Lil Bit have been having a few health issues.  We are still trying to get their guts "happy and working smoothly".  I think we are getting much closer.  Lil Bit still moves a lot like a newborn, and it seems like his little brain is taking a bit longer than normal to "wire itself", but he seems to be improving every day.  Annie is extremely feisty and gets her "manners lessons" every day.  Lil Bit is struggling with the whole halter, leading thing, although we did make great headway today.  He seems to be frightened or get nervous more easily than most babies if he doesn't understand something and it just takes him a bit longer to "get it".

We are missing Texas a great deal, but from all reports from his new mama Karen, he is continuing to thrive.  Running Bucket, the baby that we were so lucky to have hook up with a nurse mare down in Anderson also continues to thrive.  She is in a beautiful place with hundreds of acres to play on.

So that is the latest from Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang.  The former FABULOUS FIVE is now down to 2 babies who are still fighting to get on the "thriving list".    We appreciate your support, and if anyone out there has an enclosed trailer that would be good for picking up babies in bad weather and would like to donate it or help us out with the price, we really need one that we could use when the weather is bad.  Last time we picked up the 3, it was snowing like mad, and that was May 10.  Please remember that all donations are tax deductible and the better our equipment, the better we can care for these little ones.  God bless!


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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


P.S. Some pix of Annie and Lil Bit and the new "nearly lion proof" outdoor nursery unit, (we still have to work on the bottom)  complete with my new bed :)

LIL ORPHAN ANNIE AND LIL BIT are still fighting their infection. (Was asked for an update). Both of them are on antibiotics and Annie has a bunch of lumps under her throat and jaw. We are praying it is nothing too serious, and treating them under Doc's orders. Please say your prayers for them. Both seem to be feeling pretty decent and are still eating and drinking very well. But they definitely need lots of prayers. Me too lol

News is not good. Lil Bit's wound on his neck looking good and we are keeping the infection away. Vet is pretty worried about what his bloodwork is going to say though. He is still extremely critical. Janie is in dire straights. We need prayers like never before. Her joints are septic - she had issues with her umbilical site internally. We were actually headed out to put her down when the 2nd vet said we have a very slim chance of improvement. She then pointed out that we already had a catheter in place so we didn't really have anything to lose. Her chances are extremely slim and our hearts are breaking. On top of that, the vet bill was well over a $1000 after the donations that we received. God bless you and thank you so much for all who donated any amount. Sometimes I don't think I can keep doing this. There is so much pain involved, not to mention the added stress that comes with it financially. I wish I was rich and we could afford every little thing that these babies need on their own, but we aren't, so we do the best we can and love and appreciate all those who are part of this.

Hopefully we found the culprit for what was making Lil Bit so sick. He had some sort of puncture wound that was sorely infected. He was so tiny and so skinny that his skin covered the wound even when you ran your hands over it. (Still feel so totally bad for not finding it sooner ). Anyway, we got him all cleaned up and medicated so hopefully he will be feeling better quickly.

Need lots more prayers. Lil Bit has a 2" deep hole in his chest. We are treating it and he is already feeling a bit better (He kept us all up last night while he played and he hates my guts now cuz I cleaned his owie). But he is still struggling and really weak. Janie can barely walk again today. She cannot use her hind leg at all right now. Please pray there is no spinal or permanent injury. She is also running a high fever. We are treating her and doing everything we can, but she needs major prayers. She is resting quietly in the stall right now, and we are watching her constantly, but they both need prayers!!! Thank you - these babies are beyond precious and need to feel better quickly............

As I stood watching Janie in the nursery, tears streamed down my face. My throat hurt so badly I couldn't breathe, and my heart was breaking for this beautiful little girl who was trying so hard to fight the good fight. Today was a really rough day for her. She couldn't use her left leg this time. Yesterday she couldn't use her right leg. She was still running a fever and yet shivering from the pain. I waited anxiously for the pain meds to kick in. Finally, she stopped her shivering. After awhile she looked at me and gave me the "get me up" whinny. I helped her up and she drank some milk. Prior to this she would call me and want to drink her milk lying down. After awhile she tried to lay down. She was literally doing headstands as she simply could not get her hind end down. It was so heartbreaking to watch. After about 4 or 5 attempts I simply lifted her up and laid her down. All the while the terror in my heart nearly choking me. Doc warned me that if she has the shifting lameness (not sure the exact title), she may not win that fight. All I could think about was how many folks were out there praying for her and that is what can save her........ A few hours and many tears later, Janie popped up by herself to get one of her middle of the night feedings. PTL! This morning she is pretty bright eyed and I have only had to help her up once. She is far from out of the woods yet, but I am hoping and praying that the antibiotics are doing their job. She is full of love and definitely not wanting to leave, but if and when she lets me know, I will respect this little one and do what we have to do. However, I am continuing to pray and asking all of you to please keep up the good work because she walked up to me with those big doe eyes looking deep into mine and gave me her milky ooey gooey good morning kiss. She wants to be here and we need to make it happen!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS! (please note that I will not let her suffer needlessly and if the pain was too much we wouldn't leave her in it)


Janie this morning. Hard to believe that her back end could be having so much trouble when you see that beautiful little face and those amazing eyes. What a love!!!

New blankies thanks to Auntie Sharon

We use fresh goat's milk whenever we can get it and love using it, and a healthy foal nursing a goat would be great. However, we do not get "healthy" babies, and unfortunately I do not have the time to take care of or milk the goats when there isn't a baby that is nursing. Many, if not most, of the babies we get are not even able to stand and nurse and we would still have to bottle feed until they were well enough to be able to stand and nurse. I am all for goats milk, I simply do not have the time to invest in milk goats. Anyone who wants to raise goat milk and provide it for the babies would be much appreciated. I do not have time. Out of all the babies that we had, only one of them was healthy enough to be able to be matched up with a nurse mare. The foals we get are not regular orphans for the most part, and most of them are orphans that the band has tried to kill due to unknown health reasons and when we first get them you are working around the clock literally.


HELP NEEDED FOR JANIE AND LIL BIT! Hey guys, Janie and Lil Bit need some help financing their trip to the vet. We almost lost Janie last night.... Not sure how much it is going to be, but we are heading out right now. We have reached the point where we need to do even more than we are doing right now. The phone number at Crossroads is 530 365-3685 if anyone wants to help these little ones. Unfortunately, these babies don't come with a checkbook!!! and mine isn't worth much lol But they still deserve the very best care - I think! So thank you once again for helping these little ones!

Please send more prayers. Lil Bit is hanging in there. He is still totally weak and exhausted and spends most of his time down. However, we are also really worried about Janie. When we got her she could barely stand, and we carried her into the house. She needed some help getting up, but could do so on her own. The next night she could not get up by herself what so ever. I was up all night helping her get up so she could potty and get her milk. The next day she frolicked about for a few minutes here and there - which is when we videoed, and that night she needed help getting up and down randomly throughout the night. Yesterday she would play for a few minutes, although somewhat clumsily, but by late yesterday afternoon she couldn't even walk on her leg. She was down for a very long time so we had to help her up. Her leg was swollen and she was in a great deal of pain. We treated her last night and this morning she is so very much better. She is still down and resting quietly with her brother, but the swelling is way down and she is using it. We know she was either stomped or kicked, and she has a few scrapes and owies to go along with those bruises. We are pretty sure that (kind of like us), she got to feeling pretty darn happy and over did it. But we do know that there is an injury there that could be a pretty big problem for her (one of many?) and we need to monitor it carefully and we need lots of prayers for her! Y'all are awesome and I know you can help her out, and do not forget Lil Bit. Every day he is here is a blessing and miracle!

The FABULOUS FIVE at Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang, becomes the FABULOUS FOUR, after tragedy turns to joy. The Fabulous five consisted of Texas, Annie, Janie, Lil Bit, and Bucket. However, after the hard work of some wonderful folks and my awesome hubby, Bucket is now matched up with a wonderful mare who lost her little one. The folks who suffered the tragedy of losing their beautiful baby turned their heartbreak into joy and gave Bucket the best possible start to life she could have as an orphan - a new horsey mama. This would always be the best possible outcome for one of our orphans. (The photo of Bucket, who is now called Running Bucket by the youngsters that helped her through the process of meeting and hooking up with her new mama - are courtesy of Chyrle.) THANK YOU TO ALL INVOLVED WHO SPENT THE ENDLESS HOURS TO GET THESE TWO SUCCESSFULLY AND SAFELY HOOKED UP! YOU ROCK!!!!

Hi y'all

A quick update - Matt and I went and picked up 3 more orphans tonight.  We were so blessed that Matt was able to take the one without injuries and help match her up with a mare that lost her foal.  PTL it was a success.

The other two are settled in, although definitely in critical condition.  Appreciate all your prayers and love for these little ones.  Annie is doing well, although a bit miffed, as is Texas, about not being the absolute center of attention.