Sound Equine Options

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Sound Equine Options

A 501 c3 whose mission is to create positive, lasting change to ensure every horse is safe, healthy

To donate please visit our website at https://www.soundequineoptions.org/ways-to-help/donate

12/01/2025

Vitamin E Deficiency and Sorbet.

You may remember Sorbet, the mare who came to us severely neglected and only days away from foaling. After weaning her foal and beginning some groundwork training, Sorbet found a wonderful new home where her training could continue.

While in our care, Sorbet was kind but cautious, especially when people approached her. She responded to training but carried a noticeable amount of tension in her body—common for horses that have been handled roughly or not at all.

At her new home, that tension persisted. Sorbet would rush through doorways in a panic when going in and out of her stall. As her training progressed, it became clear she would be a challenging riding prospect, so she returned to us.

Back in our care, we decided to have her eyes examined, as something about her vision seemed off. The results revealed that while Sorbet has vision in both eyes, she suffers from abnormal honeycomb-like pigment deposits on the fundus (the back of the eyes). This was caused by long-term Vitamin E deficiency due to starvation, which damaged some of the specialized retinal cells responsible for converting light into the electrical signals the brain uses to create vision as well as allow an excessive buildup of dark pigment.

The damage, combined with her body’s inability to break down the excess pigment, has left Sorbet with severely obstructed vision. Although she can see, her world looks like fragmented images lined with dark edges, which her brain struggles to process. This affects her depth perception and other key aspects of healthy vision—no wonder she has remained so tense!

Since her arrival, Sorbet has been on daily multivitamins, but it wasn’t enough to address her severe deficiency. Three months ago, we started her on a high-dose liquid Vitamin E supplement. Her Vitamin E levels have improved but are not yet within the normal range. Once they are, we’ll recheck her eyes to determine if her body has been able to regenerate healthy cells or reduce the pigment blocking her vision.

For now, Sorbet’s foster reports that she seems more relaxed. Beyond her vision, we know the Vitamin E deficiency affected many other areas of her body, and she must be feeling better overall.

The reality is that this gorgeous mare with her graceful movement will need to be a pasture companion. She requires an owner who understands that while she appears normal, her vision makes some things frightening. Despite her challenges, Sorbet would make a stunning and loving addition to any pasture.

If you’re interested in providing Sorbet with a forever home, please contact us at [email protected].

05/01/2025

Thank you so much for exceeding our Give!Guide goal this year!

Your incredible generosity has greatly eased our concerns about being able to say "yes" to horses in desperate need of assistance this winter.

As a horse rescue, being financially responsible and only taking on the horses we can fully support is one of our greatest challenges. We've learned that even the horses that seem easy to adopt at first often require much more time and care than anticipated. Because of this, we must always be prepared to provide for every horse we take in for an extended period.

While this approach help to ensure the best outcomes for the horses, it also means our resources can quickly become stretched, making it impossible to help others in urgent situations.

Your end-of-year donations mean the world to us—and to the horses who now have a chance at a brighter future instead of being turned away.

Thank you for your kindness and support!

04/01/2025

Dutch Has Found His Forever Home!

After two years under our care, Mr. Personality has finally met his perfect match. While we made it clear that 27-year-old Dutch was a companion-only mule, we often received inquiries about whether he could be ridden or used as a pack mule. However, Dutch’s fused hock joints mean he’s happiest choosing his own movements in the pasture, so we patiently waited for the right home.

That’s when Jean contacted us. After moving to a small farm, Jean had recently lost her very old, mule—a heartbreaking loss not only for her but also for her 20-year-old Quarter Horse gelding. She was searching for the perfect companion for her horse when she discovered Dutch. Amazingly, Dutch was being fostered in the same town in Yamhill County where Jean lives!

It was love at first visit, and adoption plans came together quickly. On Thursday, Dutch went home with Jean, and her gelding couldn’t have been happier—like a kid in a candy store! The two hit it off almost immediately.

Thank you, Jean, for giving Dutch the loving home he deserves. We couldn’t imagine a better place for him to spend his golden years!

31/12/2024

Happy New Years Eve!

As we gallop into a new year, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and compassion. Thanks to your kindness, countless horses have found safety, love, and a second chance.

May 2025 bring you joy, health, and happiness. Together, we’ll continue to make a difference, one hoofbeat at a time!

With Heartfelt Appreciation,
The Sound Equine Options Team

29/12/2024

Jumping Jak Flash and a Portland Nursery Gift Certificate.

Give $10 or more today and you could win a $500 gift card from Portland Nursery. Throw your hat in the ring today and you’ll be ready for a springtime shopping spree. Portland Nursery has everything you need to make your garden your favorite destination!

When Jumping Jak Flash first came under our care, the idea of him being a previous champion—winning multiple national titles in the show ring—was not a thought that crossed our minds.

Jak came to us at 23 years old after being under the care of Gyneth Davies, a convicted animal neglector. He was in dire condition—emaciated, with muscles so atrophied he could barely move properly. Tragically, he had lost the ability to retract his "boy parts" due to the severe lack of muscle tone.

As we understand his story, Jak had been placed in Ms. Davies’ care during his retirement years. When she relocated from California to Oregon, she wanted to bring Jak with her. His original owner, in the midst of raising young children, agreed, trusting that Ms. Davies would provide the care he needed.

But when the news broke that Jak was among the victims of horrific neglect, his owner was devastated—shocked, panicked, and heartbroken. The wait to bring him back home felt agonizing as Jak had to recover and be deemed healthy enough to travel to California. But the day finally came, and Jak returned to his original owner, where he will remain forever safe and loved.

Stories like Jak’s are difficult to hear, but they serve as a critical reminder of the responsibility horse owners bear. Even when rehoming a horse to someone you trust, follow-up and periodic check-ins are essential to ensure the horse’s ongoing well-being.

The new year brings new challenges—and new horses in desperate need of rescue, rehabilitation, and loving forever homes. That’s why we’re asking for your help to ensure we’re ready to face 2025 head-on. Your support is everything to these magnificent animals who depend on us. With your help, we can make 2025 a year of hope, healing, and happiness for even more horses.

Thank you for being a champion for horses. Together, let’s make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

To Donate:
https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/sound-equine-options

28/12/2024

We’re down to the final few days to reach our Give!Guide Goal — can you help?

Every year, as we prepare our budget, we determine how many horses we can rescue and rehabilitate in the coming year. Half of our annual funding is raised in the 4th quarter, which means the final days of the year are crucial for determining how many faces — like the one in this post — we’ll be able to help.

While it can be frustrating that horses are classified as livestock under the law and don’t receive the same protections as companion animals, we are fortunate to live in a state with some of the best animal neglect laws in the country. Now, we just need the resources to reach those in need.

This photo is from our very first seizure in Oregon. In March 2012, OHS Investigators and Sound Equine Options rescued 10 neglected horses in Estacada. Their owner, Edith Karlin, was found guilty on 8 counts of neglect.

Since then, we’ve helped hundreds of horses across Oregon—and with your support, we can be there for even more in 2025.

Help us make a difference, donate here:
https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/sound-equine-options

Thank you for believing in the work we do.

Donate $10 or more for three chances to win a six-coffee subscription from Nossa Familia. Donors 35 and under have a fourth chance to win! Bonus prize: a tour for up to 10 people of the Nossa Familia roastery in NW Portland!

27/12/2024

Donate $10 or more today, and you'll be entered to win one of SIX pairs of day passes to Pickathon (2025) — an experiential music festival like no other, happening July 31–August 3, 2025.

https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/sound-equine-options

SARA'S JOURNEY TO RECOVERY
Sara, a 7-year-old Bay Arabian mare, came to us in March 2023 following the seizure of four horses from Michael Wells.

With a body condition score of 1/9, Sara was in the worst shape of the group. She suffered from lice, thrush, elevated liver values, and had almost no muscle or fat on her frame.

We've learned that Sara was once a deeply loved horse. Her previous owner, who now lives out of state, entrusted her to Ms. Wells with the belief that she would be well cared for. Heartbroken upon hearing of the seizure, the prior owner has reached out multiple times over the past 1.5 years, asking about Sara and offering to help. She was devastated to learn that the person she trusted had let Sara fall into such a dire state.

Sara has come a long way. After giving her ample time to recover and regain her health, we recently started her in training in November. She seems to have some foundational knowledge and is now working on improving her balance while under saddle. We're confident Sara will continue to make great progress and find a wonderful new home!

To Donate: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/sound-equine-options

26/12/2024

Sebastian’s Story
Sebastian was one of four severely emaciated horses seized from Michael Wells in Colton, Oregon. When we first saw him, he was in such a dire state that we were convinced he was an elderly horse. His body was covered in patchy hair loss, he had a body condition score of just 1.5/9, and his drooping head and lifeless eyes gave him an appearance of utter defeat. To our shock, we discovered he was only 8 years old.

Though Sebastian was weak and exhausted, he showed an incredible capacity for affection. He would lean his head into our chests, soaking up every moment. Whether in a stall or paddock, he stayed close, always seeking companionship. It was impossible not to fall in love with this guy.

Sebastian spent the next year and a half in the care of some of our best foster homes. During this time, he focused on regaining his strength and health. He gained weight steadily, overcame lice and skin issues, and healed from the thrush that affected all four of his hooves.

Afterward, Sebastian returned to us to learn basic groundwork, preparing him for his next chapter.

Finally, he found his forever home on a stunning hay ranch, where he can live the life he deserves.

Sebastian’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the suffering animals endure when they are neglected or mistreated. It’s incomprehensible why anyone would take on more animals than they can or are willing to care for properly. Yet, his journey also exemplifies the power of compassion and dedication.

As we work to meet our year-end fundraising goals, please remember that your generous donations make it possible for us to rescue and rehabilitate horses like Sebastian. Together, we can continue to provide the safety net these animals need to survive and thrive.

Donate $10 or more today and you’ll get three chances to win a spectacular sightseeing aerial tour from Portland’s best tour operator, Envi Adventures (). Each pass is good for up to three people, so grab a couple friends and get on board for unforgettable views of our beloved Portland skyline, the beautiful Columbia River Gorge or majestic Mt Hood. A unique and memorable adventure — donate today for a chance to see our gorgeous corner of the world in a whole new way.

To Donate: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/sound-equine-options

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas!

We wish you a warm and joyous day filled the company of family, friends, and your beloved four-legged companions!

24/12/2024

After a few days of settling in, Sugarplum had her first handling session yesterday. It was short, sweet, and very successful. It’s hard to tell if she has always been feral and is just naturally good-natured, or if she was handled at some point in her life. The next few sessions will likely help answer that question.

Her teeth don’t show much of a Galvayne’s Groove, which means she could be anywhere from 10–12 or 20–22 years old! We’ll have to wait until we can see more of the occlusal surface of her incisors to learn more. She’s a bit of an age-related mystery—her face has the look of an older mare, but her body and temperament seem much younger.

Some of the locals in Wheeler County refer to this herd of horses as “Puddin’ Foots.” The term refers to horses with big, wide, and slightly awkward feet.”In a race, a Puddin’ Foot might struggle to outrun a porcupine, but they excel at climbing rocks, shale, and steep inclines.” It’s a fitting description for these old ranch lines bred to work cattle in rough, rugged country.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that many of the old ranch lines prioritized temperament over anything else—far more than modern breeding practices. When cowboys rounded up the herd and pulled out fresh young horses for training, they often only spent a few days or weeks training them before hitting the trail. In those situations, a good-natured horse made all the difference.

That kind temperament is what has truly endeared us to these horses. They are usually extraordinarily kind and willing. It’s heartbreaking to think that, after all the work they’ve done for people, these horses are now often seen as a nuisance. But we’re so grateful that someone stepped up and saved Sugarplum.

It’s an honor for us to help her. She may not be fancy or shiny, but we’re pretty sure she has a heart of gold.

21/12/2024

Happy Adoption, Snow!

It is always special when an older horse, especially one we believe has suffered for a long time, finds a loving home. After many citizens voiced their concerns for Snow, we were finally able to get her the care she desperately needed.

Snow came to us malnourished, with a severe hoof crack and a mouth riddled with points and EOTRH disease.

Kristen stepped up immediately and offered Snow a nurturing foster home. From that point on, we could only sit back and watch as this truly charming mare worked her magic and found her way into Kristen’s heart. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long!

Thank you, Kristen! We know you will do a marvelous job looking after Snow, giving her the love and care she has always deserved.

20/12/2024

Sugarplum Has Arrived!

Do you remember Howard, Quinn, and Calamity Jane? They were part of a group called The Howard 22—horses we helped rescue 12 years ago in Spray, Oregon. These horses were largely descendants of working animals once rounded up and managed every year. When no longer needed to work the land, they were abandoned to fend for themselves. Left to roam, they caused issues with domesticated horses and property fences.

At the time they were first gathered, the horses were starving due to an abnormally harsh winter and a deep snowpack. Together with The Pongo Fund, Wheeler County, and Mustangs to the Rescue (MTTR), we stepped in to help.

Once tamed, these horses turned out to be extraordinary creatures. Howard, with his beautiful canter, has become a beloved family member who will do almost anything for his owners. Quinn has blossomed into an accomplished dressage horse with a growing list of achievements, and Calamity Jane gave birth to a beautiful filly named Glory.

Recently, we learned of another 20 horses rounded up in the same area. Sadly, most of them likely faced a grim fate. But one local horseman was determined to save at least one—a mare we now call Sugarplum (Sugar). He reached out to our partners at MTTR to see if they could take her in. While MTTR’s facilities were full, they reached out to us, and we knew we couldn’t turn our backs on her.

Last night, after a couple of weeks of food and care at a foster home in Prineville, MTTR’s Kate Beardsley delivered Sugar to trainer Rachel Tarnowski in Gaston. Rachel will work to further tame Sugar and prepare her to live as a domesticated horse.
From the grey hairs on her face and her sunken dental areas, we suspect Sugar is an older mare, but she’s also likely in foal. She’s a little calmer and more comfortable than a typical wild horse, which suggests she may have been handled before. It’s possible that some locals in the area still practice the “round them up, use them, and turn them back out” mentality. We’ll know more in a few days.

For now, Sugar will receive “all the usual things” a horse needs: proper nutrition, vaccines, dewormers, dental care, and hoof maintenance. We’ll also continue her taming and groundwork training to ensure she trusts us enough by the time her foal arrives. It’s critical that she feels safe and comfortable with us, especially if she or her baby needs assistance during delivery.

These horses, with their kind and level-headed temperaments, hold a special place in our hearts. For centuries, their ancestors worked alongside humans to cultivate the land. When they were no longer needed, they were abandoned to survive on their own. Now, as the area grows more populated, these horses are often seen as a nuisance—destroying fences and grazing on pastures to survive—and many are targeted for destruction.

After years of surviving on so little, Sugar deserves a chance. To help us reach our year-end fundraising goal—and care for Sugar, her potential foal, and so many other horses in need—please donate at: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/sound-equine-options.

Your donations will not only help Sugar and her foal but will also send a powerful message: there are still good people willing to step in and protect these horses, even when no legal protections exist for them.

Let’s show Sugar—and the world—that kindness and compassion can make a difference.

19/12/2024

Hint: It is a horse from a situation we have helped with in the past. Want to guess which situation?

"Get ready! A special Horse Christmas Delivery is trotting its way to SEO. 🎄🐴 Stay tuned tomorrow!"

18/12/2024

It has been 645 days since we first took in four emaciated horses owned by Michael Wells. While we gained ownership of the horses through a civil forfeiture hearing in December 2023, the criminal case was only recently concluded on Friday, December 11, 2024.

Ms. Wells accepted a plea agreement that includes the following conditions:
• No Contest to one count of Animal Neglect
• 60 months of bench probation
• Completion of an Animal Cruelty Education Class
• Required to dispose of any current equines (it is unknown if she currently has any)
• Restitution payments
• A five-year prohibition on owning, possessing, or residing with any animals, except for one named dog and one named cat

This means that Ms. Wells cannot own, possess, or live with any animals outside of the specified dog and cat for the next five years. If you have evidence that Ms. Wells is in violation of these terms by possessing or residing with any other animals, it is crucial to report it to the Oregon Humane Society’s Investigation Team.

We will be sharing more about the recovery journey of these four horses soon, but for now, meet Maggie, Sarah, Snuffy, and Sebastian — and see the heartbreaking condition they were in upon their arrival.

Give $10 or more and you could win one of six gift cards from New Seasons Market. Perfect timing for those end-of-year special holiday meals and gatherings. Enjoy the best local foods and products from your friendly neighborhood grocery store!

One grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift card to New Seasons Market
Five winners will each receive a $100 gift card to New Seasons White's Country Meat Market

To Donate:
https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/sound-equine-options

13/12/2024

The perfect horse girl stocking stuffer is here!

You can pick up your SEO beanie at for just $15. While supplies last.

12/12/2024

Over the years, we have sent many horse trainers and staff to The Forever Foundation (FF) Clinic, and each time, they return with renewed passion and valuable new skills to better help horses.

A big thank-you to Trevor, Tara, and Monica from The Forever Foundation for their dedication and education they share with rescues across the country, as well as to Cindy Gendron and the Humane Society of the United States for sponsoring this incredible program.

This year, (left to right in the photo) Foster/Trainer Alex Clift, Trainer Stacy Riggs and Herd Health Manager Courtney Smith attended the clinic. All three came back brimming with knowledge they are eager to put into practice and share with our volunteers.

We strongly encourage other horse rescues to explore the opportunity to join The Forever Foundation. The program includes video lessons with corresponding tasks for trainers and volunteers to complete with their horses, in-person clinics, webinars, and professional nationwide networking. Using natural horsemanship techniques, the program emphasizes communication with horses in a way they understand. Lessons cover everything from “catching” untamed horses to preparing them for farrier and veterinary visits, as well as evaluating them under saddle.

To learn more about this transformative program, visit: https://www.hsusforeverfoundation.org/

11/12/2024

We always hope the horses we take in can be trained as riding companions, but sadly, many are physically or mentally unable. A quick glance at social media this time of year reveals countless unrideable horses being abandoned, with few safe places available for them.

We’ve been fortunate to connect with compassionate adopters, but there simply aren’t enough. Horses like Alfalfa, Fremont, and Odie have been under our care for nearly four years. While happy as companion animals, challenges like blindness, arthritis, and lack of socialization have made them difficult to place. Had they not been neglected early in life, they might have become riding horses.

Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to provide them a safe haven while we search for their new homes. Your donation today will help us continue to care for these deserving horses while offering hope to others in need.

All donations of $10 or more in today's Big Give Day gives you six chances to win: one amazing tasting and excursion from Soter Vineyards () and three $200 gift cards to Portland’s favorite bottle shop, John’s Marketplace (). You’ll find Soter and John’s on WW’s Best of Portland list!

To Donate:
https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/sound-equine-options

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Little Ms. Pebbles is feeling good and ready to come off stall rest! This 7-year-old, 14 hand mare came to us as an Estray. She was found abandoned and wandering a country road in Sandy, Oregon last January. Pebbles had been refed, halter broke and working on basic groundwork when her spicy side had a disagreement with a neighboring horse. She learned the hard way that kicking the metal panel on her run was not a good idea. Fast forward a few months, and we finally have a healed splint bone. It is back to work for you little missy!

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