Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society

11/04/2024

Indy's the next companion horse who is hoping to find a home in time for Thanksgiving!

Indy came to us from a neglect case, and we're pretty sure she had some rough treatment before she came to us. She has scarring over her rump from some kind of burn, and she is wary of new people. She has some osteoarthritis in her neck, too.

Indy is sound. In fact, she competed in the 2024 Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge’s In-Hand Division for handlers 13 years of age and older. She placed 6th overall in a big class, 3rd in Basic Skills, and 6th in the Obstacle Course.

She takes a little time to warm up to new people, but once she gets to know you, she's good at in hand obstacles and ground work. She could easily compete in in hand obstacles or agility, and she could learn liberty work as well.

She is sound, and with a lot of work to build her trust and buid up her musculature, someone could restart her under saddle. She has bucked in the past, but we think that's because she didn't get a solid foundation and was pushed into riding too soon. She would need a more experienced trainer who could bring her along slowly.

Or Indy would be perfectly happy as a companion horse and in hand horse. She does seem to really like people, once she gets to know you. She's currently being handled by a youth handler and doing well.

Her adoption fee is $600, and she's located in Poolville, Texas.

11/03/2024

HUDSON FIRE - EMERGENCY ANIMAL SHELTER SET UP AT MAYFEST PARK
25 American Legion Dr
Bastrop, TX 78602

Bastrop County Animal Services will be activating our emergency response team and setting up a temporary animal shelter for dogs, cats, and other small animals at Mayfest Park.

Live stock assistance is also being set up at Mayfest Park - these efforts are being coordinated by Bastrop County Agrilife Extension.

Questions, please call: 512-549-5160
——
FOLLOW Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management FOR ADDITIONAL UPDATES ON THE FIRE:

Latest Update at 4:40 pm
For residents currently displaced and who do not have a place to go, the Smithville Recreation center will be open for group sheltering starting at 6:30 this evening.

Approximate size: 200 acres

11/03/2024

Today's companion horse who is hoping to find a new home to be thankful about this month is Lady Esther. She's a true companion horse - not rideable due to an old injury.

Lady Esther is a 13 year old, Thoroughbred mare who is about as sweet as she comes. Her former owner bought her at auction, and she arrived with a nasty injury. It has healed, but left her unrideable.

She's a gem, though - sweet, kind, and loves attention. She would love to keep another horse company and would be happy to be groomed or pet whenever you have time. You really cannot find a sweeter mare than her.

She's located in Bynum, Texas and we're waiving her adoption fee.

11/02/2024

For November, we're hoping to celebrate thankfulness by finding homes for some of our companion only (unrideable) horses. Many people overlook these horses because they think they're broken or useless or not good for anything.

But at the same time, there are plenty of people who love horses and have the space and funds for horses who just don't want to ride. Adopting a companion only is perfect - you can pet them, groom them, and love them without the pressure of riding.

Or if you want to do something with your horse but don't need or want to ride, some of our companion horses could be great at in hand agility, in hand obstacles, or liberty.

And if you have a horse who is lonely - or one who gets lonely when you take his or her friend away - you can adopt a companion horse.

Today's horse hoping to find a home is Flame. He's a gorgeous, 10 year old, purebred, but not registered, Arabian gelding. He's actually sound and healthy, but he's got a swayback that can make saddle fitting hard. His vet has cleared him for riding, though, so if someone wanted to adopt him and train him to ride, they could.

He also is a smart, sweet guy who could be a companoin, in hand horse, or liberty horse (he's quite a pretty mover).

He's located in Rosharon, and since he's been with us almost two years and also has the sway back, we're waiving his adoption fee.

11/02/2024

This is the stray horse with the nasty growth on his eyelid - I introduced him when he arrived last month.

We named him Olaf. His vet team has seen him a couple times now and we discussed treatment options.

He has a large squamous cell carcinoma on the eyelid plus another growth on his eyeball.

We didn't want to take the eyeball out, but this is the best option for this horse.

It was supposed to happen yesterday, but he colicked yesterday, so we had to deal with that instead. Pretty considerate of him to schedule his colic for when the vet was here and save us an emergency fee!

We had a ton of people suggesting alternative treatment in his intro post. I know that comes from the best intentions and appreciate that. But I have done my research, discussed with the vet, and considered the finances and believe this gives him the best chance to recover and adjust and eventually find an adopter, free of cancer.

We can still use donations towards his surgery and now his colic bill. Thank you for helping us help him!

11/01/2024

Can you believe it is November? (I actually typed October and had to correct myself). Where has 2024 gone?!

It is the month of Thanksgiving and thankfullness, and I would love to create some thankful horses this month by finding homes for some of our companion horses. These are horses who aren't rideable either due to lameness, health, or behavioral problems, but they still have al to give and deserve a loving home. I've adopted a couple of these in the past - and will again - and I can tell you that the love they give is well worth it.

AND if you like to do more than gaze upon your beautiful horses, some (or maybe most) of these horses could do liberty work, in hand obstacles, or in hand agility.

So, meet the first adoptable companion of October.

This is Amethyst. She came to us in 2022 and we had such hopes for her as a riding horse that she went into the Challenge. Her Challenge trainer adopted her - but sadly returned her when she started bucking under saddle. We sent her to a trainer to see what was going on, and after working with her a bit, they took her to the vet. Turns out Amethyst has also fractures in calfication in her spine. While she's pasture sound (you can see her trot in the video), riders put pressure on her back which causes her pain, making her buck.

So Amethyst could do in hand obstacles, agility, or liberty - or she could be a gorgeous pet and friend to lonely horses.

She's 12 years old and healthy, aside from the old injury. She's 14.1 hh and is located in Bynum, Texas. We're waiving her adoption fee to get her into a loving home.

11/01/2024

Training Challenge adoption update - Major!

Major came to us last year from a rescue who was overwhelmed, and he was one of the stars of the in hand division of the Training Challenge. He didn't get adopted at the event, but he wormed his way into the heart of someone who met him at the Challenge and adopted him soon afterwards. Sherrie says,

"It's going well! He is wonderful. My vet Dr. Anderson saw him yesterday morning for a meet and greet, discuss food, etc. I have kept him seperated by fence from my two adult horses for this first week so that they can safely get to know each other. That is starting to go very well. During the week I have rotated everyone between the pond pasture, the big pasture and the barn pasture so that Major could get to know the property and everyone can learn each other's smells. He has really gotten excited at each piece doing zoomies and loves to chase the goats."

And that's what we love to hear - babies settling in, getting to know their new family, and of course having the zoomies!

11/01/2024

This week has been so hectic that I almost missed the Special Horses Auction! Eek!

The Fall Trash or Treasure auction benefits several rescues, and Bluebonnet is one of them.

Visit https://specialhorsesauctions.org/ and shop - maybe find a Christmas present or two? And pleasue outbid me - I don't need to spend this much money on myself! :)

You can buy fun or cool or interesting things all while helping needy horses. Win-win!

10/31/2024

Although we've had more Challenge horses adopted since the event, we still have many who would love to find their forever homes. If you are interested in one of these guys, get your application in today, and adopt by Nov. 15, we'll honor the half price adoptions. This is your last chance, though!

If you are interested in adopting one of these guys or gals, you can apply to adopt at https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/adoption-fostering.../

If you are already approved, you can reach out to our Adoption Counselor at [email protected]).

Bambi - Yearling, grade filly - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1383/

Bandera - 10 year old, possibly Arab cross - Not yet started under saddle - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1404/

Carmen - 14 year old, grade mare - Intermediate rider - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-990-carmen/

Chico - 16 year old, 13 hh, pony gelding - Intermediate rider -
https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1039-chico/

Flame - 9 year old, purebred (but not registered) Arabian gelding - Not yet broke to ride
https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1334/

Goose - 18 year old, 16 hh, Quarter Horse gelding - Not broke to ride, available for expert rider (because he has past trauma) or for an intermediate handler if he'll be kept as a companion - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1376/

Indy - 10 year old, 14 hh, grade mare - Has been ridden in the past but has trauma and needs to be restarted - Expert rider to restart her or intermediate handler if she's adopted as a companion - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1298/

Marty McFly - 13 year old, 13.3 hh gelding - Broke to ride and started showing - intermediate rider - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1364/

Mitch - 13 year old, 15 hh, Quarter Horse gelding - Started under saddle, needs expert rider for now - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1433/

Mistify - 19 year old, 14.1 hh, purebred Arabia nmare - not broke to ride but could still be started - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1332/

Nimbus - 8 year old, 15.1 hh, registered Arabian gelding - Needs advanced rider to help him overcome a bolting issue he recently developed - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1407/

Pecan - 9 year old, 15 hh mare - Possibly available as a companion or for someone to finish her rehab (injections for arthritis) - Advanced rider or intermediate handler if adopted as a companion
https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1439/

Pollyanna - 8 year old, 13.3 hh, grade mare - Novice rider - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1390/

Ricco Suave - 11 year old, 14.3 hh, Quarter Horse gelding - Very green under saddle - Advanced rider - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1462/

Rosie - 7 year old, 14.3 hh, grade stock type mare - Ready to start under saddle - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1178-rosie/

Saffire - 11 year old, 14.2 hh, Quarter Horse Mare - has been started but has been bucking and needs expert rider - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1461/

Shawnee - 21 year old, 15 hh, Paint mare - Broke to ride, intermediate rider - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-234-shawnee/

Skittles - 20 year old, 14.1 hh, grade mare - Advanced rider if adopted as a riding horse, intermediate handler if adopted as a companion - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1391/

Sully - 12 year old, 14.2 hh, grade gaited gelding - Intermediate rider - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1372/

Tina - 9 year old, 13 hh, grade pony mare - Has been ridden a bit ba****ck but is not yet even green - Advanced rider for now - https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1382/

Vincent Van Gough - 14 year old, 14.3 hh, Quarter Horse gelding - Green broke - Intermediate Rider
https://www.bluebonnetequine.org/horse/behs-1426-vincent/

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween! It is one of my favorite holidays, for many reasons. Does anyone else have fun dressing up? I would love to see the costumes for your horses or your horse/equestrian/ranch themed costumes for you or your kids.

10/29/2024

We have another Training Challenge horse adoption update!

Aspen Honey was in the In Hand Division of the Training Challenge this year. She wasn't at the event, but she was adopted shortly afterwards. She joins adopted horses Tic Tac and Cady at her new home. Her adopters say,
"She traveled the 5 1/2 hour trip like a champ. She unloaded great in the dark, and settled into her temporary stall well. She's been getting to know her herd mates at the fence, but some are not fans of the filly yet (it will take some time). Each day I put the big horses up and let Aspen Honey run the pasture on her own...she's confident to go up to the fence and visit even if the horses on the other side try to run her off (herd dynamics).

We look forward to integrating her into the herd, and starting some simple ground work soon. She's a sweet girl, and we're excited to be a part of her journey as she grows up!

Thank you again...and all Bluebonnet does for these sweet beings!"

10/28/2024

Training Challenge Adoption Update -

Jaxon Adiv was entered in the Professional Division, but we discovered he probably had some trauma under saddle and changed to the In Hand division. He ended up getting adopted at the Challenge as a companion - which was an awesome outcome for him. His adopter says, "Jaxon has been a great and easy addition to our farm. He has access with our mare to a 6 acre pasture. They took a day or so to get use to one another but are now pasture mates!"

10/27/2024

McEntire was part of the Training Challenge this year, and he landed himself with a great adopter! They've given an amazing and loving home to several other Bluebonnet minis, and McEntire is settling into their herd well.

"McEntire is doing great, he is such a sweet boy! He likes to come up to our gate every night for a small treat, he has made great friends with our mini mares(prior bluebonnet adoptees) and follows us around whenever we do our chores. We love him dearly and he is the perfect fit 💙"

10/26/2024

Blondie competed in the Non Pro Division of the Training Challenge this year and won herself an adopter! They'e sent an update,

"It’s going well with Blondie so far. She’s settled in, although she is putting my Percheron Misty through the dominance battle, and winning quite honestly.

We haven’t ridden her yet bc we are waiting on our round pen panels (any day now). My trainer comes tomorrow to do some ground work with Blondie and my daughters, and to look over our tack and make sure it all fits well. The girls love Blondie, she’s very loving with them, and stands well for hugs and grooming. "

I love it when an adopter has a trainer who can help them get off on the right foot (hoof?) - it is good for the horse and the adopter, and helps everyone get started right.

10/25/2024

Update on Training Challenge horse Queenie, who was adopted at the event:

"I recently adopted Queenie from the Bluebonnet Expo. We are so excited to have her!! She is settling in very well at our place. She has been introduced to our other horses and donkeys and they are getting along well.
The more time I spend with her the more impressed I am with her. She's so smart and seems eager to please. I love how people-friendly she is also...she always greets me at the gate with a nicker. I'm amazed how friendly she is especially since humans probably didn't give her much of a reason to trust or to love them in her past.

Queenie and I have also continued to practice her "lay down" trick which her Challenge trainer, Brooklyn taught her (and me)! I was so excited that she actually trusted me enough to do it! So far she doesn't seem bothered by much...she's seen our neighbor's cows, our chickens and our dogs. She doesn't seem too nervous about anything! I am looking forward to eventually hitting the trails with her but for now I've been working on the ground with her....building a bond with her and letting her adjust to her new home. I am excited for the adventures we will have together in the future! My goal is for her to always feel safe and loved here. Thank you for the opportunity to adopt and love her!"

This is what we want for every horse - a safe place with people who love them!

10/25/2024

Caspian is such a cute guy - I fostered him when he first arrived at Bluebonnet and even though he was only here a short time, I really liked him. And I would really like us to finally find him an adopter. He competed in the 2024 Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge's Non Pro division this year. His Challenge trainer rode him on trails, in arenas, and over trail obstacles.

This is a horse that can hang out in the pasture for a few days/weeks and be good to go for a ride. He isn’t super athletic so he would never be very good at speed events, jumping or technical riding. But he is a great easy-going horse for someone!

He's a 9 year old, 15.2 hh gelding located in Cedar Creek, Texas. His adoption fee is $3,000 but will be half price if he's adopted by the end of October.

You can see more info, including riding videos. of him at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094023837033

10/24/2024

Carmen was scheduled to compete in the Non Pro Division of the 2024 Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge, but her Challenge competitor had to withdraw from the competition right before the event, so she came to the Expo but didn't get to compete. Unfortunately, she didn't find an adopter, so we're still looking for the right person for her.

Carmen is a 14 year old, 14.3 hh, grade mare. She's been with us since 2018, altough she spent more than half that time with adopters. Carmen has been ridden both English and western as well as ba****ck. She's not fond of arena work and gets very nervous when ridden in an arena. However, she loves trail riding and really excels on the trail. She's been ridden both by youth riders and adults, and she's best for an intermediate rider who wants to hit the trails.

Carmen is currently located in Lampassas, Texas and her adoption fee is $3,000 - although it is half price if she's adopted by the end of October.

You can learn more about her, see videos of her with foster Challenge compettiros, and see what she's up to at her foster home at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093833551104

10/24/2024

An update from a 2023 Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge horse:

Giselle was adopted at the event but returned this year because she just didn't work out for her adopter. Her new foster home quickly fell in love, though, and adopted her - so I think this was all just meant to be.

They say, " I wanted to shoot you an update on Giselle who I renamed to Queen B due to her boss attitude! 😂

My gelding and I absolutely adore her! B and I have been spending the last week or two figuring out each others quirks, along with the things she dislikes/likes. Really just trying to figure out what she knows under saddle, which is more than I expected! I’m SO happy I adopted her, turns out she was exactly what I was looking for!! Really excited to see how she does on the upcoming trail rides!"

10/24/2024

We're being plagued with spammy, scammy people. They're making me mad because they're cluttering our feed, taking away from the horses we care about, and trying to trick good people into buying garbage, or wose bogus, merchandise.

I'm banning and removing comments as fast as I can. The page is set to not posts links in comments unless I approve it, but occasionally one gets through.

SO - if someone other than the official page posts a link, product for sale, request for donation, asks for a direct message, whatever - ignore them and report them to Facebook.

And to the scammy, spammy, rude, and irritating folks - kindly go away.

10/24/2024

I think Bambi's the only youngster we had in this year's Training Challenge who hasn't yet been adopted. That's a pretty amazing record, but I would love to get her a home and be able to say that all of our youngsters have someone to love them.

Bambi is a yearling, grade filly who came to us along with her dam, Tina, last year. Her mom is 13 hh but we don't know who her sire is, so we're not sure how tall she will get.

Bambi is very trainable due to her beautiful temperament and willing nature. Best of all, she is brave, inquisitive, and trusting. This was obvious when, shortly after arrival, she trotted right up to the largest horse in the field to befriend him.

With her friendly demeanor, she will be the first at the gate to be caught, haltered and led. She can be touched all over and seems to enjoy grooming. Bambi has been tied for a short period of time next to a "babysitter" mare. Several times a week, all four of her feet are lifted, so she is good (but not perfect) with the farrier. As is the case with any yearling, her skills need to be refreshed often. Bambi has been in a mixed herd of mares and geldings. She gets along with dogs and cats, plus she shared a pasture with ducks, emus, cattle, and the resident deer. Given gentle and consistent training, Bambi will be a lovely mare for some lucky adopter.

Bambi easily walks and trots on a lead and is being introduced to lunging. As part of the Training Challenge, she learned to navigate trail obstacles in hand.

She's a great age to adopt now, work in hand and bond with, and start under saddle when she turns four. In the meantime, you could compete in hand obstacles, agility, or liberty.

Her adoption fee is $1,800 but it'll be half price if she's adopted by the end of October. She's located in Coupland, Texas.

You can also learn more about Bambi and follow her time with her new foster home at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093362783341.

Animals & Pets

10/23/2024

Winter came to the Expo hoping to find an adopter, but she didn't - so we're still on the hunt!

She's a 22 year old, 15.3 hh, unregistered Percheron mare. We discovered at the Expo that she's been ridden before - but she doesn't know a lot. We're guessing someone got on her and rode without refining her training at all.

She's hoping to find a home where she can do a little walking and trotting, maybe easy trail rides or pleasure rides. She would also be happy being a pampered pet and keeping a lonely horse company.

Her adoption free is $900 and she's located in Kopperl, Texas. She also has a new page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094183008859 that you can follow.

10/23/2024

Thank you to Ricke Weinkauf for working our booth during the Parade of Breeds at the Brazos Co. Expo Center on October 12!

We're always on the hunt for more places where we can have booths and chat with folks about Bluebonnet. If you know of any, please reach out.

10/23/2024

Miss Romina was part of the Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge's Non Pro Under Saddle Division. Unfortunately, her Challenge partner had an emergency so she didn't get to attend and Miss Romina is still looking for an adopter.

She is a 18 year old, unregistered stock-type mare (the foster home hasn't given me her height or I would add that). She came to us in 2022 when her owner couldn't keep her. Her former owner said she was broke to ride, and this year we assigned her to a Non Pro for the Challenge. Turns out her former owner was correct, and her Challenge partner and her young daughter have ridden Miss Romina many times both in an arena and over obstacles.

She's a sweet mare who loves attention and tries to please. She's located in Kingwood, Texas and her adoption fee is $2,000 - but it'll be half price if she's adopted by the end of October. She's available for an intermediate rider or a novice who will be taking lessons.

10/23/2024

In case you thought rescue work was glamorous or about playing with ponies all day....

This is my workspace this morning. I am sitting on a bag of shavings compiling notes/an outline for a new sponsorship program, a new membership program, and a new communication plan. When all the horses are finished eating, I will go fill chichen waterers (admittedly not rescue work), make my 3rd mug of hot tea for the day, and hit the computer for a long day of answering email and planning out part of a couple of board meetings

I barely have time to pet pony noses - definitely no play time today!

10/23/2024

We have another awesome 2024 Training Challenge horse who wasn't adopted but is still hoping to find a loving home. Tina placed 4th in the Obstacle Course, 4th in Freestyle, and received an honorable mention on the Basic Skills test when showing in the In Hand 12 and Under with her youth handler.

Tina is a 9 year old, 13 hh, pony mare. She came to us from another rescue last summer, and she spent the last four months with a youth hander.

Tina is a very cute, sweet mare with a laid-back personality. She will come when called and is amenable to being haltered, led, and loaded in a trailer. She's learned better ground manners and has learned to navigate trail obstacles in hand. Tina wants to explore new territory, bravely stepping forward with curious eyes and ears to learn about the tractor, implements, and other obstacles outside her pasture. Tina and her foster are working on standing quietly while tied and her stall-mate is out of view and accepting spray from a spray bottle.

Tina has been ridden before the Oct. event at a walk and trot, ba****ck with a halter. Tina readily wears an English saddle for walk/trots on a lead and responds well for brief lunging exposure. She was not as accepting to a Western saddle pad, so for now our focus is on gaining confidence with a smaller, lighter saddle.

Tina is very green, so she's going to need an advanced rider, or an intermediate who is working with a trainer, to bring her along. But she's a fun and sweet little mare who is ready to take on the world.

Her adoption fee is $2,000 but will be half price if she's adopted by the end of October. She's located in Coupland, Texas.