01/09/2026
We got a message recently asking if we had any lucky horseshoes. Well, we only have one resident at the sanctuary who wears shoes—and he just might be the luckiest horse of all. Here’s his story…
Charley, a stunning American Quarter Horse, along with his friends, Flicka and Chief, are some of the luckiest equines on the face of the Earth. Why? Responsible ownership, that’s why.
Charley was rescued (along with his friend Chief, an Appaloosa,) by a family who had plenty of challenges themselves. The two horses had been abandoned on a property that was being rented by this sweet family including a mom, several siblings and a grandmother. The horses were clearly starving, so the family took on the responsibility of caring for them and when they learned they had to move, asked the property owner if Charley and Chief could go with them. When the family relocated Charley and Chief went along. Soon, a miniature horse mare needed a place to go, so she joined Charley and Chief at their new home where all three were very much loved by this family.
We all know that life happens...Illness forced a change in this family’s circumstances – and the oldest boy knew that at some point, he and his family would have to give up their home and horses and possibly be split up among relatives themselves. At seventeen years old, he displayed more character and commitment than many adults do. He began, six months before their deadline, to try and find a safe landing for his horses. Red Bell Run was notified by a sister rescue about this young man who was desperately trying to do the right thing, but time was getting short. They were in Florida and needed a place to go. Could we help? Well, this family was less than 30 minutes from our Florida facility. Yes, we could.
We connected with this young man who had his neighbor bring him to our facility – where he proceeded to ask very intelligent questions, asked for references, examined every inch of the property, the condition of our equines, and, finally, after thinking things over, decided to trust us with his horses. Our manager went out to assess the situation at their home and came back. We had to help, not only these horses, he said, but this amazing family. Our wonderful Florida vet, who examined Charley, Chief and Flicka prior to their coming to the Sanctuary, made a point of saying how much these people cared for their horses. It was the right thing to do, so we gave their horses sanctuary, and gave the family assistance so they could move– together - to their new home.
So – Charley, Chief and Flicka joined the Red Bell Run herd, and eventually moved to our North Carolina facility. Flicka, the mini, is our little superstar in Mini Heaven, often going to community events and participating in our Read with Rescue Program. Chief lived side-by-side with his friend, Charley, until he crossed the Rainbow Bridge at a ripe old age. Charley has overcome a bone infection in his hoof that required months of intensive care. It should (and would) have killed a less lucky horse, but our incredible farrier, staff and vet pulled him through! To this day he wears special shoes and pads to keep him comfortable. Our young friend, now a grown man, and his family? Still together, doing well and, yes, he has kept in touch with us all this time! We’ll never forget that at seventeen, Charley’s young owner gave us all a life lesson in responsibility and commitment.
Charley and his herd? Lucky horses, indeed! 🧲
