Poppy's Story:                            

Poppy was rescued from horrible conditions. She underwent radical hoof removal because her feet were so long and overgrown due to years of neglect, she could barely walk. One hoof grew out and then grew under causing the bone in her hoof to rotate, resulting in her walking on the coronet band. Her teeth were extremely bad due to gingivitis and some were rotted off at the gum line. When she arrived at our rescue facility she was a matted mess with dreadlocks for a mane and bones protruding through her hide. She was in tough shape.

That was then....today she has gained more than 50 lbs. She wears a special corrective plastic shoes that allows her to stand more upright and walk more normally on that left front hoof/leg. Her teeth are on the mend and Colgate mint is her favorite flavor. She's been clipped, her mane cut and thinned, and was quite a project to restore but that little horse had heart. She's about 19-22 years old and is the sweetest and most grateful mare; it's been my privilege to be able to restore her.

On Friday, August 4th, 2006 she went to her new home. Poppy is living at Canyon Acres in Anaheim Hills, CA. http://www.canyonacres.org/programs_residential.asp. Canyon Acres is a place where children from the ages of 5-12 live in residence (approx 30). These children have been taken away from their parents due to severe neglect and abuse. Poppy's role with these broken children is phsycotherapy. They think that because Poppy is broken too, the kids will be able to relate to her. Poppy will be tended to by a groom, a riding instructor and a counselor along with other counselors who tend to the children 24/7. She will eat 3 times a day and have her own pipe enclosure and a 12 x 12 stall next to her bigger counterparts. She will be turned out daily to pasture and graze and will work with the children in 3 hr sessions beginning after lunch. The children will be responsible to help in her care and nurturing.

When Poppy arrived they had a WELCOME party for her. Poppy will finally get a second chance on the love she deserves and missed out on for so long. Thanks to everyone who had a part in saving this beautiful mare.