Cherokee's Spirit Mustang Rescue & Equine Refuge

04/29/2024

Today’s Devotional from Pray.com…

I thank You God for divine protection against my haters. Thank You that even when people plot and devise schemes to betray me and hinder Your call for my life, I will be able to dodge their attacks like David dodged the spears of Saul. If the marker for promotion gets unfairly pushed further back for me because of the favor You’ve placed on my life, I praise You for allowing me to exceed the expectations of my haters proving that You are with me indeed. When broken promises and deceitful measures seem to be before me I know You’ll surround me with people of valor who will help accomplish the impossible task devised against me to slow me down and block my blessings. I decree and declare that haters make room for the greater, and like David my life is living proof!

In Jesus’ Name I Pray… Amen 🙏🏻 ❤️

Pray.com is the #1 app in the world for daily prayer and Biblical audio content. Share inspiration, sleep better and be inspired. Make prayer a priority with Pray.

11/30/2023

Hey y'all!! We are happy to announce that Clover has picked her forever family!! Thank you MaKenzie for providing Clover a loving home. Thanks for all you do for us and the rescue, love you 💞💞

11/15/2023

✨ADOPTION POST✨

Welcome to today’s candidate for adoption!

Name: Coraline “Cora”
Breed: QH
Height: 15.1
Age: Approx late teens to 20 years old. (Will get pics of teeth.)
Personality: A sweet mare who takes a second to come around, she has definitely had progress since coming to use. Beautiful girl and VERY well trained, she is great being led around and worked with. We have not tried to ride her, so unsure how broke she is.

Brief Backstory: She was originally pulled from Sexton’s by a friend, but after a few months she realized she did not have the time for her so she came here! We were told she ended up at Sexton’s after bucking while being ridden, but we’re also told her old owner was not the nicest of horse people. But she did ride fine in her video at Sexton’s.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Killpen video: https://youtu.be/bfSgpFs9NTE?si=A-IvTNxuE3bY3ySf

If interested in Cora please comment or pm the CSMR page!

11/15/2023

✨ADOPTION POST✨

Welcome to today’s candidate for adoption!

Name: General Custer “Custer”
Breed: Arab/cross
Height: 14.2 hh
Age: Mid Teens
Personality: A sweet and very loving gelding! He is broke to ride, but since we haven’t had time to work on him one-on-one, he has had a bit of an attitude when we tack him up. But otherwise he is super easy! I’m sure with some extra one-on-one time he would be someone’s DREAM gelding!

Brief Backstory: He came to the farm in 2022, we were told he is a retired civil war reenactment horse. So a bomb proof boy, which we have seen to be true so far!

Experience Level: Beginner

If interested in Custer please comment or pm the CSMR page!

11/15/2023

✨ADOPTION POST✨

Welcome to today’s candidate for adoption!

Name: Tuxedo “Tux”
Breed: Spotted Saddle Horse
Height: 14 hh
Age: 20+
Personality: The absolute SWEETEST old man you’ve ever met! He is in your pocket and super super loving. Chill as can be and the safest of kid horses ever. He is mostly blind so we are trying to see if we can find a place with a better set up for him to live out his golden years. He is also broke if you have little kids who would like to just sit and chill with this fluffy old man.

Brief Backstory: He was a QT failure (aka, someone bailed him, had us QT and never got him.) he came from Sexton’s lot back in 2022. Not much known past that

Experience Level: Beginner horse, but needs a good set up as he is mostly blind.(Will do best with a chill buddy.)

If interested in Tux please comment or pm the CSMR page!

Sexton’s Killpen video: https://youtu.be/H136wlqq4Og?si=LXQEr50EbyUojRtP

11/15/2023

✨ADOPTION POST✨

Welcome to today’s candidate for adoption!

Name:Ellie
Breed:Cross-bred
Height:14 hh
Age: 12 years old
Personality: Takes a second to warm up, but a sweet mare all round. Unsure if she is broke, but we think she is. She also came in with a cropped tail so we have a feeling she used to drive as well! She’s a friendly, pretty girl. With some one-on-one attention she should do amazing with riding or anything you ask of her!

Brief Backstory: Came in with a group of 8 back in 2021 from Sexton’s Killpen, came in bred and had her baby Apache with us, and we just recently rehomed Apache and so Ellie is definitely ready for new pastures. Like said before we believe she may be broke and possibly drives!

If interested in Ellie please comment or pm the CSMR page!

11/14/2023

✨ADOPTION POST✨

Welcome to today’s candidate for adoption!

Name: Clover
Breed: Paint
Height: 14.1 hh
Age: 13 years
Personality: A very sweet, chill mare. Definitely not your typical mare personality, laid back, in your pocket for treats and food period lol. Does not mind being messed with, she enjoy grooming and any attention! However she is NOT a riding horse, she has an old injury that causes her pain when ridden. (pictured) But otherwise it does not bother her one bit! EXTREMELY easy keeper!

Brief Backstory: Rescued from Sexton’s Killpen back in 2022. Came in with a group of 7, not much is known before that other than she was part of a trail riding gig, which they dumped her after she bucked.

Experience Level: Beginner

10/30/2023

🚨🚨NEED WINTER HAY ASSISTANCE🚨🚨

SECOND UPDATE: We are STILL at $1750 remaining! 😞
*** Winter is approaching!! I ask that anyone who has the ability to assist with the feeding of these amazing creatures, please do! We are grateful for whatever comes in to help us take care of them. Thank you in advance 💞🙏🏻

UPDATE: $1750 remaining!!

❌❌MATCH FUNDRAISER❌❌

🔷Who can match a 50 donation?🔷

Hey there everyone!! Just wanted to give y'all an update!!

Things have been incredibly busy on the farm!! I've been working on several exciting things and will reveal the AMAZING News very soon!!

We have also been extremely busy prepping for winter which is just around the corner! 🥶🙈

We have a generous person who has offered a match donation for all who want to help us get prepared for the upcoming weather changes❣️

❌❌MATCH FUNDRAISER❌❌

♨️We had the opportunity to obtain 4x5 rolls of hay for just $30!! We can store 60 rolls.

I would love to fill up the barn before winter officially begins!!!
🙏🙏

🔥🔥Winter Prep Hay Fundrasier - Total $1800 🔥🔥

🙏Thank You for your continued support for our herd.
🛑Ways to Help:
🟢 CashApp: $TValleyMustangs
🟣 Venmo: CherokeesSpirit
🔵 PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TValleyMustangs?locale.x=en_US

God Bless Y'all!!

10/30/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100057683996611/posts/770193924913400/?mibextid=95YSWs

I've hesitated to post this photo here, for fear that it sends the wrong message. It requires an explanation.

In 2018, I embarked on a 14,000 mile 'wild horse road trip'. In a camper with my husband and dog, this was a photographic journey with one goal: to share the stories behind these magnificent American mustangs, in the hopes that more people would help keep them protected.

I always keep a respectable distance from wild mustangs, using long camera lenses, and ensuring that my presence from a distance is not changing their behavior in any way. It is of utmost importance.

One morning just after dawn, we were travelling through the Bighorn Canyon area of Wyoming, when I saw some wild mustangs on a ridge and decided to hike up the hills. The horses disappeared into a canyon and I turned back, just thankful to have seen them.

I hiked to the road and started to walk back to the camper. I was looking at the images on the back of my camera as I was walking, when suddenly I became aware that I was being followed.

I turned around.

A stunning wild stallion was within a few feet of me.

I stopped, stayed still and kept my body language calm. The stallion had a beautiful, gentle demeanor, and took a few more steps towards me.

Should I have backed away immediately, and put some distance between us? Absolutely.

For those few seconds, it felt like I was in an energy field that I can't explain. I was looking directly into the eyes of a wild American mustang.

He wanted nothing from me. Yet there is something that we can all give to the American mustang: the right to exist, wild and free, peacefully with their families, and an acknowledgement that their free spirit once reflected ours.

But somehow we have lost our way.

Wild mustangs can teach us everything we need to know about ourselves, if we take the time to listen.

From the camper, my husband saw this moment unfold. With no knowledge of camera gear, he grabbed one of my cameras and pressed the button, hoping the photo would work out.

The wild stallion left the road and called out to his mares, who joined him moments later. I watched as they disappeared over the ridge.

At this moment, thousands and thousands of wild mustangs have lost their freedom- subject to horrific helicopter roundups. Somehow, over time, the private livestock industry and other extractive industries have taken control of your public lands. They want the American wild mustangs eradicated from public lands, and the U.S. government is on a path to do just that.

Follow the money, follow the greed.

Please add your voice. Ask your elected officials to

Contact the Director of the BLM, Tracey Stone-Manning
202-208-3801
Contact your Representative:
202-224-3121
Contact the White House:
202-456-1414
Contact Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland:
202-208-3100

Thank you all.

10/21/2023

SECOND UPDATE: We are STILL at $1750 remaining! 😞
*** Winter is approaching!! I ask that anyone who has the ability to assist with the feeding of these amazing creatures, please do! We are grateful for whatever comes in to help us take care of them. Thank you in advance 💞🙏🏻

UPDATE: $1750 remaining!!

❌❌MATCH FUNDRAISER❌❌

🔷Who can match a 50 donation?🔷

Hey there everyone!! Just wanted to give y'all an update!!

Things have been incredibly busy on the farm!! I've been working on several exciting things and will reveal the AMAZING News very soon!!

We have also been extremely busy prepping for winter which is just around the corner! 🥶🙈

We have a generous person who has offered a match donation for all who want to help us get prepared for the upcoming weather changes❣️

❌❌MATCH FUNDRAISER❌❌

♨️We had the opportunity to obtain 4x5 rolls of hay for just $30!! We can store 60 rolls.

I would love to fill up the barn before winter officially begins!!!
🙏🙏

🔥🔥Winter Prep Hay Fundrasier - Total $1800 🔥🔥

🙏Thank You for your continued support for our herd.
🛑Ways to Help:
🟢 CashApp: $TValleyMustangs
🟣 Venmo: CherokeesSpirit
🔵 PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TValleyMustangs?locale.x=en_US

God Bless Y'all!!

09/09/2023

https://www.historicunioncounty.com/article/cherokee-spirit-mustang-rescue-and-equine-refuge

Right here in Union County is a family deeply involved in Mustang rescue. Loretta Morris and her teenagers Ariana and Ayden have prevented these horses from being shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. The Morrises care for these animals on a daily basis. Today, there is a total of 52 Must...

09/09/2023

Good morning everyone!!

First... let me apologize for being so quiet lately! I'm not the most social media savvy person (to say the least 🥴) but also there's been a lot happening personally which can be draining. I got thrown off schedule with school and all the things going on that I realized it's been wayyyyy too long since I last posted anything. For that I'm sorry!

Also... with the issues surrounding MHF & the BLM... it's causing a lot of extra conversations to occur!

Now for the exciting new!!! We have had 2 local articles come out about us which has been AMAZING!! I'll post them shortly too!

Thank you for your continued support! Just wanted to let y'all know we are doing well and will share many new & exciting things in the coming days!

08/11/2023

🚨URGENT🚨

Update:

9:20a - ❗️4️⃣4️⃣0️⃣ ❗️Needed to pay the remaining left to raise on our little sweetheart's eventful day!

2:24am EST
Although Holly wasn't a fan of the amazing vet team The Charles and Julie Wharton Large Animal Hospital at UT... Our precious baby girl was a bit more compliant even though today was a ton more hands on attention than she has ever had!! They even gave her with a gorgeous new fancy pink leg wrap to show how BRAVE & well-behaved she was for them! 🤩💞 Momma & Baby are tucked in a clean & dry stall for the night. 😴💤 They will have to stay on stall rest for the next 2 weeks while baby's injury heals.

THANK YOU!! For all yalls support and donations!! 🙏🏻💞 I will update the post more in the morning when my brain is more awake. 😶‍🌫️

No tendons or ligaments were damaged but she needs to be sedated, shaved and thoroughly clean the wound then stitches. ❤️‍🔥Vet is 7️⃣❗️5️⃣❤️‍🔥 **UPDATED**
🙏Need prayers!!
🌟Our newest little mulestang baby injured herself. ❌Heading to UT now❌
🙏Need donation towards the vet bill. Vet bill
one ⭕️⭕️⭕️
🛑Ways to donate⤵️
🟢 CashApp: $TValleyMustangs
🟣 Venmo: CherokeesSpirit
🔵 PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TValleyMustangs?locale.x=en_US
⚫️ To donate directly for the vet bill, please call (865) 974-5701. It is under my name Loretta Morris.

🙏Thank You for your continued support.

God Bless!

08/10/2023

This morning was hard...

As I contemplated giving up...

Wondering how the hell to make it another day...

Wondering how the hell we made it even this far as so many things have come at us for over 2 years...

I have shaken my head and cried so many times because I just don't understand the cruel world we live in...

I have always held onto my Faith in Jesus. Knowing HE alone is why we are still here...

HE alone has made it possible to feed so many animals on literally almost nothing coming in...

HE alone has made people appear in our lives at just THE right time...

HE alone has given us the strength and perseverance beyond words can even describe...

HE alone has made it possible for me to even be able to write these words as I want nothing more than to go to sleep and wake up to a place where everything is ok...

The place where I am not behind on so many bills and our farm is threatened to be taken away from us...

This picture brought tears to my eyes because for just that moment...

My world wasn't as screwed up as I felt it was this morning...

HE is Here with us and will make everything OK. I have Faith in HIM and HIS timing...

Please keep us in your Prayers. We need them 🙏🏻🪽

08/09/2023

UPDATED 🆘$32 RAISED 🆘 Still Need $1127!!

❌❌MATCH DONATION FUNDRAISER❌❌
♨️We just picked a load of hay up and would love to go back and get another load.
🙏🙏
💢This weeks list:
🔅Load of hay $495
🔅Protein tubs $350
🔅Loose minerals $90
🔅Nutrena ProForce Fuel $96
🔅Nutrena ProForce senior $96
🔅Mare & foal $32
🔥🔥Total $1159 Needed!!🔥🔥
🙏Thank You for your continued support for our herd.
🛑Ways to donate:
🟢 CashApp: $TValleyMustangs
🟣 Venmo: CherokeesSpirit
🔵 PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TValleyMustangs?locale.x=en_US

God Bless!

07/29/2023

UPDATE #3 - Thank you SO much to those who donated! Thankfully the funds were released from the bank today so I am closing out this fundraiser. I will be creating a new one with current needs. Thank you again 💞🐴

$1355 To Go!! THANK YOU to all who's donated 💞

HELP!!! I am supposed to be on my way to pick up a load of hay (rolls) but the bank is holding funds from my deposit until Monday!! UGH! PLUS... I have scheduled picking up 50 bales of alfalfa & 100 square bales tomorrow.

🟡 Mixed Grass 4x5 rolls $45 x 11 rolls = $495
🟢 Alfalfa squares $10 x 50 bales = $500
🔵 Mixed Grass squares $6 x 100 = $600

‼️$1595 - Total needed ASAP ‼️

*** Update - I picked up 9 smaller rolls to get everyone fed until I get more funds. We also still need to pick up alfalfa since the farmers field was too wet yesterday. Hoping to get them Monday. 🙏🏻💞

PLEASE SHARE!!! We truly appreciate your help!!

If you can help with covering funds for hay, you can send donations via:

🟢 CashApp: $TValleyMustangs
🟣 Venmo: CherokeesSpirit
🔵 PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TValleyMustangs?locale.x=en_US

07/23/2023

Hello everyone!
Hope everyone had been doing well, we have been busy!
Getting adoptions going and trying to keep dry with all this rain! We have been super busy with getting the mustang challenge going as well.

Today we picked up 5x5 rolls of hay! Horses loves their tasty munchies, but they are expensive! Maybe you could be the one to help pay for hay or feed, or maybe sponsor a horse!

We truly appreciate ANY support you can provide! If you prefer to send monetary donations, please use one of the links below! And if you can’t support monetarily doesn’t mean you can’t help! Sharing, liking posts we do, volunteering, or even helping find potential adopters are great ways to help that are free!🐴😇❤️

https://www.paypal.me/TValleyMustangs?locale.x=en_US

https://account.venmo.com/u/CherokeesSpirit

https://cash.app/$TValleyMustangs

07/09/2023

Happy Sunday Everyone!!

First... let me apologize for not posting updates lately. I'll be honest, there are times that life definitely gets in the way and things get overwhelming. 😖

Second... We live pretty far out away from things so whenever I have to leave, it can almost be an all-day event 🤪. I am not the most tech-savvy person out there, and quite honestly, I am a private person so please be patient and know that we are trying to get back on track again. 🤩

Our wonderful Lead Trainer intern Makayla Huddleston will be returning this week so she will definitely help get us back on track! 😬

We had some adoptions fall through which does happen. Although, Shorty will be going to her new AMAZING home soon. 💞

I hope to start getting posts out daily again. If anyone would like to help us with that, please contact me as we do need the help 🐴❤️.

06/30/2023

Update on Holly.....She is still holding and not many changes to report, other than feeling uncomfortable being pregnant. When notable progress is made, it will be shared. This waiting game is nearly tortuous lol.

Don't forget that anyone and everyone can still sponsor Holly and have an opportunity to name her foal and have first glimpse of the new addition!

06/26/2023

Happy Monday everyone!

Sorry for being MIA all weekend, summer time is a busy season on the farm.

Anyways, back to give an update on our two land hippos aka Holly and Cheyenne. They’re still holding their foals hostage 🤣 Continuing off the last post, comment your suggestions on who will foal first, the gender of the foal and for fun we can guess potential coat colors!

If you would like to sponsor one of these beautiful ladies, please private message us. Sponsors will have the ability to have the first peek at their chosen mare’s foal & can name them if they choose ❤️

06/17/2023

BABY WATCH! The rescue has two mares currently who are VERY pregnant and are about to BLESS US with Our NEWEST Additions to CSMR!

First is Holly! She's a bay roan Mustang mare who prefers her own space most of the time... HOWEVER... we know she is halter trained and leads wonderfully! We just let her think we didn't know 😉 It has given her time to exhale and feel safe & loved!

Next is Cheyenne, the GORGEOUS chestnut, and is VERY SWEET & Lovable!! She has found her way to AN AMAZING HOME with P***y Wilder!!

How about we start a contest??! The rescue is debating on which BEAUTIFUL MOMMA is going to foal FIRST! Also... We are so excited to know the gender and also, what colors their foals will be! Since they both came to the rescue pregnant from the kill pen, we do not know the sires, breed, colors, etc...but BABIES are TRUE BLESSINGS and we CANNOT wait to meet them!!!

To enter your name into the FOAL CONTEST please comment below:
1) Which Mare?
2) What Gender do you think the foal will be?
3) What color do you think the foal will be?
4) AND... Any possible Name Ideas!

Whoever guesses the most correct answers for each Mare/Foal WINS (2 Winners):
~ They get to see the baby FIRST (the one they guessed correctly)
~ ALSO... We will send you a few Special items in the mail from the New Additions to the Rescue!

However... Don't worry if you do not win this contest!! We will have more in the Future so stay TUNED!

These mares are eating for TWO! We are in need of Nutrena Pro Force Senior or Mare and Foal grain and Orchard Grass hay since the mares should not have any fescue hay.

If you would like to SPONSOR either of these Mares & Foals, We would be EXTREMELY Grateful for the Help!!

For more info on how to donate or general info on the rescue, please feel free to message us!

We truly appreciate ANY support you can provide! If you prefer to send monetary donations, please use one of the links below! 🐴😇❤️

https://www.paypal.me/TValleyMustangs?locale.x=en_US

https://account.venmo.com/u/CherokeesSpirit

https://cash.app/$TValleyMustangs

06/07/2023

06/03/2023

Shorty is still looking for her for her home! Will you be it? ♥️

05/31/2023

Had a fun day evaluating ponies and goofing off ba****ck in the fields! ♥️