Journey with Equus

01/29/2025

**Meet Cupcake, Zuzu, and Sugar Baby!** 🍬🐴

These three sweet and fluffy minis are living their best lives, happily munching away on dinner.

At Journey with Equus, we celebrate all shapes and sizes—because every horse, big or small, has a story worth honoring. ❤️✨

01/27/2025

Please take a moment to read this.

It is long, but it needs to be seen, shared, and acknowledged. It’s heartbreaking, and a stark reminder of the world we live in today.

As the founder of a nonprofit that operates differently than traditional horse rescues, I have personally experienced the same kind of bullying and criticism described here. There have been moments when the negativity brought me to tears and even made me consider walking away. It is absolutely heartbreaking that anyone who is dedicating their life to saving animals should have to endure such unwarranted cruelty, especially from others within the horse and rescue community.

The harshest critics are often those who claim to know the "right way," dismissing or attacking anyone who operates differently. Let me make this clear: as long as the welfare of the horse is at the forefront of every action a nonprofit takes, there is no single “right way.” There are different ways, and that difference deserves respect, not condemnation.

The way we see and treat horses is evolving. It *needs* to evolve. The mindset that every horse must have a job or be ridden to justify its existence is outdated. I believe horses offer us gifts far beyond riding, and the mission of Journey with Equus reflects that belief.

Yet, like Colby’s Crew, we’ve faced harsh criticism for following our mission. Instead of working together for the good of the horses, parts of this community spend their energy tearing each other down. The bullying and small-mindedness must stop—it’s hurting the very animals we all claim to want to protect.

The letter that follows is powerful and heart-wrenching. It speaks to the harm caused by this toxic behavior in the rescue community. I stand with Colby’s Crew and their founders, Ally & Olivia and I echo their message: We must unite to create a better future for horses. Bullying and ego-driven behavior only divide us and jeopardize the lives we are fighting to save.

Journey with Equus will continue to honor our promise to our herd, no matter the negativity thrown our way. We remain focused on our blessings, our mission, and the lives we change. For those who feel the need to criticize or condemn, I ask: What are you doing to change the system? What are you doing to stop the overbreeding, the abuse, and the pipeline to slaughter?

If you want to support organizations like ours and help create lasting change, please consider volunteering or giving. Small actions make a big difference. For example, we have a goal of 3,500 donors giving just $5 a month. This simple act would transform our ability to focus on our equine-partnered wellness programs, sharing the gifts horses have to offer.

We all need to do better, together, for the horses.

Here is Colby’s Crew’s open letter. Please read it in its entirety and share this message. Let’s work toward building a rescue community that collaborates, not competes—one that truly puts the horses first.

—Candice
Founder, Journey with Equus

01/25/2025

🎥 “Ever seen a horse rock a hay toupee?

Well, Knox the Thoroughbred decided to debut his new ‘hay couture’ look today, and let me tell you—it was EVERYTHING.

We braced ourselves for the classic Thoroughbred freak-out, but Knox? Solid as a rock.

His buddy Wings wasn’t so sure, though. A new horse in the pen?
With THAT hairdo? Nah, time for a full investigation (and a little taste test).

Spoiler alert: They shared the snack off Knox’s neck like true friends, until the grand finale when Knox finally put his head down and said, ‘Problem solved!’ 🤦‍♂️😂

Tune in for the most unexpected hay-sharing moment you’ll see all week—Thank you for bringing a smile to our face Knox.

01/25/2025

We believe in alternative and holistic care here at Journey with Equus.

Check This Out

The Virtual Holistic Horse Conference: Your Gateway to Natural Equine Care

February 1 to 6

Why is this FREE virtual conference an incredible learning opportunity?

Because the speakers are nationally and internationally known for their unique approaches and commitment to equine health.

Dr. Jeff Grognet (DVM) and Joan Ranquet (Animal Communicator) have organized this conference to provide you with information on every aspect of holistic horse care.

The breadth and depth of information presented in the Conference are unique – this is the first time this group of experts has been assembled. Topics covered include feeding and nutrition, body work, aromatherapy, homeopathy, PEMF, and animal communication, and much more. All of the speakers are providing links to free gifts as well.

Please register at this link:

https://lg403.isrefer.com/go/MarFarConf10/MartFar/

I am speaking about the role that commercial feeds and modern horse-keeping practices have in promoting illness in our horses – rather than health. Attendees will be provided with a free feeding guide that explains how to avoid these pitfalls and create a solid nutritional foundation that supports your horse’s long-term health.

The conference begins February 1st and runs for 6 days. The webinars are released daily and available for 48 hours.

You can watch the sessions at your convenience -- in your office, at home, or in any place and at any time that works for you.

You will get a full speaker schedule when you register so that you can arrange your time to see the talks that most appeal to you.

Please register at this link:

https://lg403.isrefer.com/go/MarFarConf10/MartFar/

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from experts on all aspects of holistic horse care.

Please join us!

And please share this announcement!

01/21/2025

Horses don’t have a voice—they can’t ask for freedom, protection, or humane treatment. Their fate rests in the hands of those who choose to speak up and make a difference.

Are you being their voice? Are you advocating for their right to be treated as sentient beings, deserving of care, respect, and compassion?

America’s horses have long carried us—through history, on their backs, and in their hearts. But now, they need us to carry them. To advocate for humane treatment. To push for better systems and a shift in perspective that sees them as more than mere “beasts of burden.”

Ask yourself: How are you making a difference in the lives of these incredible animals? It’s time to stand up for the silent.

Animals have no voice. They can’t ask for help. They can’t ask for freedom. They can’t ask for protection. Humans must be their voice.

01/20/2025

This!!!!!

Dear human,

Do you ever think about the life that I live?

The hours of each day that I spend outside of your view?

Out of sight out of mind — meanwhile my reality really does continue.

Whether you think about me or not, while your life goes on, in your home or out with friends

Here I am, I still exist.

You see, a few hours of turnout may sound like a lot to you, but of much not does my life consist.

In your world, you see an abundance of choices, of paths you may take.

But my reality is much different than you may see, with 18 or more hours spent staring at the same 4 walls.

Not much of my life exists beyond stalls.

Yes, when I see you, it’s the highlight of my day.

Your presence provides an escape from the monotony of my life

But for your entertainment, confinement and isolation is a price I must pay.

Horses of years past, ancestors of mine, built the world you now enjoy, but this didn’t come without their strife.

Sometimes I feel like nothing more than an oversized toy.

Like a luxury vehicle, kept in the safety of a garage, patiently waiting, till you should come and play next.

The constant barrage of needs unmet leaves me frustrated and yearning to be heard.

The lines between love and neglect are often blurre

My such cries fall on deaf ears, for if my behaviour is unwanted, it is ruled as naughty.

The lines between love and neglect are often blurred.

For I know that you love me, in your own little way.

You don’t act with ill will, it’s ignorance at play.

And it’s no wonder that this is how it has become because most every horse loving child eventually does succumb

To a misguided perception of what the horse is to be

Its no wonder this happens, it’s almost a prophecy

These children grew up, with so much love in their hearts

Only to be delighted by the grimacing faces of carousel mounts or gaping mouthed horses, miserably pulling at carts.

They stood no chance, their impressionable minds shaping like the softest of clay.

While from their riding instructors, they are simultaneously told that the horse must always obey.

Before they know it, an adversarial relationship has been created.

Where I, the horse, is now an enemy, whose disobedience is a force that must be defeated.

It’s a war that I never signed up for, one to which I was conscripted.

And, thus, the horse must serve a sentence for a crime never committed.

As our wrongdoings are manufactured, by human misunderstanding .

Our pleas to be heard ignored, drowned out by the demands that we must be submitted.

For actions that the humans label as bad, for wrongs for which we deserve to be acquitted

When we say “no, I’m scared” or “ouch! That hurts!”

It is mistranslated by humans as an attempt to thwart a fictional power structure, one we never agreed to.

Where the horse is a foe, one who vies for power and control, one whose defiance must be defeated.

Empathy is extinguished, the energy reserves for it have been depleted.

And so, I find myself trapped, in a world where my voice goes unheard.

Where I’m told I have such thick skin, that I cannot feel it when spurred.

Where they say that I love my stall, that I am a diva who likes being alone to focus on myself

So that when in competition, I can give it my all.

Many parts of me are personified, but not the parts that matter.

My attempts to be seen and heard for who I am feel like useless chatter.

No one listens, so I go quiet and retreat inward. Feeling too much, being too much is all too exhausting.

I fear the damage on my mind and body the this stress might be costing.

They like me better, anyways, when I am not myself.

I am always too much, or not enough, when I tried to hold an opinion.

So, to you, my dear human, I offer you my puppet strings.

You’ve been holding them so tightly, anyways, and my continued fight does not come without emotional stings.

But, dear human, before I must go, please hear me in a final plea:

Loving me is not enough, if I may put it so simply.

For when that love is a selfish love, where your ambitions and goals are always first,

It leaves me no choice but to be stuck within a curse, where my need to feel seen and understood is not a priority.

Particularly when it conflicts with your goals, it seems like it is much too complicated for you to see we have souls.

But, my dear human, I leave you with this:

I know that your love for me really does exist.

If you can do me only one single favour, please let it be that you’ll continue your learning.

Even when it’s difficult, uncomfortable or hard. Even if it challenges what you’ve always believed.

Please do this for me, dear human, otherwise for your understanding, I’ll forever be yearning.

But if you accept my one simple task, from this stress, I’ll find myself forever relieved.

— original poem by me

See the spoken word poem and short film here: https://youtu.be/7AeCJt8wIJc?si=9vdmHBqzFOW4WWRs

01/19/2025

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community and Channel 7 Viewers

After the recent Channel 7 news story, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of viewers and our local community.

Because of your support, we were able to raise enough funds to cover the cost of our last load of hay, a new load for the coming weeks, and a load of hay for our cows, which will sustain us for the next month.

These happy, healthy animals are a direct result of your compassion. Your contributions have made a tremendous difference, and we are endlessly grateful for your help during this challenging time.

In these below-zero frigid temperatures, it’s more important than ever to ensure the horses have access to hay 24/7. Enjoy this video as we deliver an 800-pound netted bale to one of our herds.

01/14/2025

Meet Yeager

Many of you have been asking about Rusty’s friend, and we’re happy to share his story. Like Rusty, his friend was also dumped by a guest ranch, supposedly due to navicular disease (though he still doesn’t show any signs of it). We discovered he was reining-trained with plenty of get-up-and-go, but he does get sore after time under saddle. Because of this, we made the decision to retire him here at Journey with Equus, where he can enjoy life with his herd.

His name is **Yeager**, and he’s the sweetest boy who absolutely LOVES his treats. His days are now spent simply being a horse and soaking up all the love he can get. He’s also formed a close friendship with our little spitfire, Khadron.

We couldn’t leave this boy behind. He deserved a proper retirement, and we’re grateful to give him the peace and joy he’s earned. 💕

Photos courtesy of the amazing Tatiana Rene Photography

01/05/2025

Meet Pryndessa

At just three years old, this young black liver chestnut mare found herself in the chaos of the slaughter pipeline. Her wide eyes spoke volumes—fear, distrust, and the weight of a rough start in life. Her coat, once gleaming with youthful promise, was now dulled by stress and neglect. But even in the depths of uncertainty, her spirit remained unbroken. She had fire in her, a spark that refused to dim.

It was in this dire moment that Pryndessa’s life took a miraculous turn. A compassionate family, grieving the loss of a beloved member, chose to sponsor her rescue. They saw her as a living tribute—a way to honor the one they’d lost by giving this young mare the chance at a life filled with love and dignity.

When Pryn first arrived at Journey with Equus, she was guarded and wary. Quarantine was a necessity, but it was also a time of observation. Her ears pinned back whenever a human approached, her body language clearly stating her boundaries. Somewhere in her past, she'd learned that people weren’t always kind. Yet, there was a depth to her eyes, a story waiting to be uncovered.

Once her quarantine ended, Pryn came home to the sanctuary. Here, we made a pivotal decision: no expectations, no pressure—just the opportunity for her to rediscover what it meant to be a horse. She was introduced to a carefully selected herd, a group that would give her the space to find her place.

It didn’t take long for her to establish herself as the boss mare. She commanded respect with a simple flick of her tail or a well-placed glance, but she was fair. Underneath her assertive exterior was a natural leader, a mare who valued the harmony of her herd. She has settled in wonderfully, still wearing her title as boss mare proudly.

But perhaps the most beautiful transformation is her regained love and trust of humans. Where she once avoided people, Pryndessa—is often the first to the fence, eagerly awaiting treats and head scratches. Her eyes, once shadowed by fear, now sparkle with curiosity and warmth. We believe she is some sort of Iberian cross, her noble bearing and expressive face hinting at a heritage rich with resilience and grace.

Pryndessa will live out her life here on her terms, simply being a horse. She has no expectations to fulfill, no job to perform, and no demands placed upon her beyond enjoying the serenity of the sanctuary. Some horses, like Pryndessa, are simply meant to live without the weight of human ambition—a reminder of the beauty found in letting beings thrive as they are meant to be.

01/04/2025

🌟 **Wear Your Support, Share the Love!** 🌟

At **Journey with Equus**, every horse has a story of resilience and hope, and you can be part of their journey in a meaningful way! Now, you can show your support for our sanctuary and mission while wearing your heart on your sleeve—or your head!

🧢 **Introducing Our Exclusive Merchandise!** 🧢
From our signature ball caps to other inspiring items, every piece you purchase helps provide care, food, and shelter for our rescued horses. Plus, it’s a chance to share our message:
**"Embrace Your Truth. Live Your Crazy!"**

💖 **Why It Matters:**
✨ 100% of net proceeds directly benefit our nonprofit mission
✨ Your purchase helps cover the $20,000 monthly care cost for over 100 animals
✨ Spread awareness of our sanctuary’s mission with every wear

🎁 **Shop for a Cause:**
🦄 Perfect for gifting or keeping
🦄 A simple way to make a big difference
🦄 A stylish reminder of the miracles your support creates

💡 Ready to give back in style?

👉 Visit ** https://journey-with-equus-merch.printify.me/products/1

to grab your favorite merchandise and make a difference today!

Phone cases
T Shirts
Sweatshirts
Mugs
Blankets
Candles
and so much more

Together, we can turn compassion into action and give these amazing animals the future they deserve. 🐴 Thank you for being part of their story!