Second Chance Ranch

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31367634939950840812009-03-17T12:36:06.796-07:00Second Chance RanchSecond Chance Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to equine welfare, specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and transitioning of Thoroughbred race horses. We are located in Elma, Washington.Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-77931852158770275052009-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:002009-03-17T12:36:06.820-07:00Animal Welfare Institute Establishes Abandoned Horse Reward Fund.

Washington, DC (January 29, 2009) – The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) announced today the establishment of the “Animal Welfare Institute Abandoned Horse Reward Fund.” Under the program, individuals providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone who abandons a horse in violation of state law will be rewarded with up to $1,000 by AWI. “We’ve heard time and time again from

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-12977192827035478852009-01-18T12:22:00.000-08:002009-03-17T11:55:14.259-07:00Seattle Times Article - Runaway Costs of Horse Rescue

Marc Ramirez of the Seattle Times interviewed Katie of Second Chance Ranch, as well as other key rescues in Washington. Here's a link to the article... By Marc RamirezSeattle Times staff reporterAbout a year and a half ago, Katie Merwick noticed the phone starting to ring a lot more at Second Chance Ranch, the horse-rescue outfit she runs in Elma, Grays Harbor County, 30 miles west of Olympia. I

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-74696444890732110842009-01-12T22:21:00.000-08:002009-03-17T11:55:44.436-07:00Flood Relief Fund - flakesale.com

Second Chance Ranch and HorseReunions.com have teamed up in a cooperative effort to establis a flood-relief fund to assist Washington state horse owners affected by the January 7, 2009 floods. At http://www.flakesale.com/ - you can click on a donate button and purchase a flake of hay for $5.00. This will feed one horse for one day.On January 7, 2008, Western Washington experienced torrential

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-6294154015732772992008-12-19T23:18:00.000-08:002009-03-17T11:56:22.698-07:00More on Slaughter...

Some want to bring it back - make it legal again. Really?“I saw horses that were dead in trailers, with their legs ripped off, with their faces smashed in, eyeballs dangling, and these horses, some of them were still alive. They were just standing there,” said Caramante. Read the full story - my good friend Steve Long was interviewed with a horse he adopted from Second Chance Ranch. And that is

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-61799588135470774932008-10-21T20:21:00.000-07:002009-03-17T11:58:50.957-07:00Slaughter - the progress, the plan.

In March of 2007 a federal district court ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stop inspecting horsemeat at the Cavel International slaughter plant, effectively closing the last operating horse slaughtering facility in the United States. Those opposed to ending slaughter speculated that horses would run rampant in the streets and people would leave horses to starve in the fields, or set

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-68775054736951192542008-09-15T22:34:00.000-07:002009-03-17T01:13:55.403-07:00Do racehorses love their job?

This one does! Topaz Legacy (#7) dumped his rider at the gate and continued to run the entire race using strategy and tactic. He holds back, watches for a hole, accelerates to the next hole, slows down, weaves in and out – blasts to the finish line to WIN. He timed the entire race perfectly. Watch #7 come out of the gate - then keep your eye on the right side of the screen. Any wagers that he

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-53314418867188816232008-06-05T12:45:00.001-07:002009-03-17T01:15:36.279-07:00New Vet Fund to Assist the Community...

SCR has created a new fund to provide assistance for veterinary and emergency needs of animals owned by private citizens or other rescue organizations in Washington. It is not limited to horses - we will consider requests for any animal. The fund is not sustained by SCR, but is solely dependant on donations that are sent in and earmarked for this fund.So far we have been able to pay for two

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-90524199167498858792008-06-04T13:05:00.000-07:002009-03-17T01:16:18.327-07:0010 Horses at the Enumclaw Auction escape death...

They had just a matter of hours before loading up on the truck to make the hidious journey to Mexico for an even more hidious and violent death. Click here for photos.Several of us in the equestrian community, some affiliated with rescues and others are horse owners, got on the phone and email to make pleas for funding to purchase 10 horses who were not bid on. The owner of the Enumclaw Auction

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-20391518200162233912008-06-01T16:37:00.000-07:002009-03-17T01:16:57.367-07:00New Approach to Racehorse Rescue in France!

Gina Rarick, 45, was raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. She now trains and races horses in France. Read her fascinating story at her website. Read about Gina's innovative program to transition racehorses in France - she recently wrote and article featured in The Rail.June 1, 2008, 12:37 pm A New Approach to Horse AdoptionBy Gina Rarick A few posts back, I mentioned a relatively new program in

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-39160540605410616982008-05-30T23:07:00.000-07:002009-03-17T01:22:54.017-07:00Eight Belles on Kentucky Derby Day

By Katie Merwick and Melodee Shelly-BolmgrenChez Chevaux and Second Chance Ranch were invited to share in the festivities of Derby day at Emerald Downs. The Washington horse racing community and Emerald Downs truly care about the health and welfare of thoroughbreds during and after their racing careers. Proof of this is evidenced by the newly established Prodigious Fund which will help us support

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-25151542797689399862008-05-14T22:46:00.000-07:002009-03-17T10:28:07.909-07:00EPSM: How Diet Can Effect Performance

EPSM (Equine polysaccharide storage myopathy) has been shown to be the major cause of a common muscle disorder of horses, known as exertional rhabdomyolysis or “tying up.” Beth Valentine, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACVP, the foremost researcher and expert on EPSM, proposed the first successful therapy to halt and reverse the progression of EPSM. A graduate of the NY State College of Veterinary Medicine at

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-77636883445533392662008-05-13T22:49:00.000-07:002009-03-17T01:23:19.584-07:00Transitioning Your Race Horse

This article was previously published in the Washington Thoroughbred Breeder's Association magazine (WTBA) - written for the consideration of race horse owners and trainers.Off the track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) are a popular choice for a number of equestrian sports because of their athleticism and performance pedigrees. They are known for being highly intelligent and willing workers. However, many

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-56965176381263334252008-04-13T21:14:00.000-07:002009-03-17T01:21:25.185-07:00The Life of a Racehorse....

This heartwarming video was made by Braiden, a 13 yr old girl who recently adopted a horse named Snack Basket from Second Chance Ranch. His new name is "Chance". I will update the blog soon with photos of Chance and his new best friend.

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-41087240384751523822008-03-04T20:59:00.000-08:002009-03-17T01:22:01.391-07:00Martini is in The House

A must read story by one of my all-time favorite writers! I asked Monica Bretherton to join me for a special event at Emerald Downs, and to cover the story about a reunion of a race horse and his trainer and jockey. This is a true story showing the bittersweet nature of racing - with a happy ending for all! Click here for the story

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-19450533299056262332008-03-04T20:24:00.001-08:002009-03-17T10:29:33.191-07:00Sarah...if that is your real name

Last Sunday we rescued another mare from the Skagit County Auction - a 18 yr old OTTB. We were told she had been an eventer. Her owner wanted to go up a level and needed a younger horse. Sarah, the name we were given, had given this person two foals, and who knows how many years of service. This is the sad fate of so many off the track Thoroughbreds. Competitive riders often use them until they

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-13767714884955705472008-02-25T21:03:00.000-08:002009-03-17T10:30:44.131-07:00IT'S A BOY!

14 hours old! Congratulations to Gary Brady and Just Tickled! Tickled was boarded at SCR throughout her pregnancy. She was in foal to "You and I", and just delivered a beautiful colt at 10pm on Sunday, 24th which was her actual due date! He's got LONG legs and looks like a runner to me!! Thanks to Woodstead Farm for foaling Tickled out, and taking great care of her and the colt. Can't wait for

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-20151206669147477962008-02-24T21:31:00.000-08:002009-03-17T10:31:24.956-07:00Good Luck Hitman!

Congratulations to Hightec Hitman - he left the Grand Mound Chapter yesterday, headed to his new home in California. Photos will follow soon.

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-54115194499948691942008-02-18T10:47:00.000-08:002009-03-17T10:33:54.979-07:00An Emerald Downs Special Achievement Award

I was profoundly honored (and surprised) when Susie Sourwine, VP of Marketing for Emerald Downs, presented me with a Special Achievement Award at the Awards Banquet. It reads; “For her compassion and dedication to animal welfare and especially in the rehabilitation, adoption, and rescuing of Thoroughbreds at her Second Chance Ranch.” Working with these horses is reward enough! Anyone who knows me

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-55455929022001865152008-02-18T10:28:00.000-08:002009-03-17T10:34:34.790-07:00Emerald Downs Announces the Prodigious Fund

I attended the Emerald Downs Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, February 16. Susie Sourwine, VP of Marketing for Emerald Downs announced a new (and first ever) fund for off the track Thoroughbreds. It is called the PRODIGIOUS FUND, named after a horse who raced for seven years and retired, healthy, in 2007. The proceeds for 2008 will be divided between Second Chance Ranch and Chez Chevaux. Owners

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-12771918229637153802008-02-18T10:22:00.000-08:002009-03-17T10:35:15.181-07:00Coming to Comcast!

Emerald Downs has a seasonal show which are segments filmed about the racing industry. The segments can be found on YouTube and also “Comcast On Demand” (under local sports). Recently, they filmed a segment featuring Second Chance Ranch for “Life After Racing”. It was a fun day here at the ranch in Elma, as we talked about my work and introduced many of the retired race horses and those in the

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-26140212218105142902008-02-08T23:53:00.000-08:002009-03-17T10:35:43.263-07:00Our New Rescue - Thank God For 13-year Old Girls

Alicia, a 20 year old Thoroughbred by Prospect North and out of Khal Star, was rescued from the Skagit County Auction this week. She has a great story, told very well by Monica Bretherton.

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-41127235059823957192008-02-06T23:49:00.001-08:002009-03-17T10:36:20.670-07:00Second Chance Ranch is Expanding...

In an effort to cater to a larger audience and combine the efforts of three dedicated equestrian groups, SCR now has two new locations. Annie Chastain of Rainbow Meadow Farm is the Director of the Grand Mound Chapter. Monica Stephens of Natural Horse Savvy is the Director of the Snohomish Chapter.Annie Chastain, owner of Rainbow Meadow Farm has a genuine talent of communicating with horses and is

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-8592024963035644512008-01-08T15:27:00.000-08:002009-03-17T10:37:18.798-07:00Julie and Magik

I recently heard about a woman (a friend of a friend) and her horse who needed help. While Julie is bravely battling stage 4 cancer and struggling to support herself, her horse Magik severely injured his leg and required surgery. Julie is using her artistic talents to fundraise.Check out the U-Tube video of Julie and Magik - these amazing water color T-shirts are hand painted and absolutely

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-51736277740366899412007-12-29T15:34:00.000-08:002009-03-17T10:38:12.197-07:00Update on Tico

The abuse case horse referenced in the PITico was 26 years old when rescued from an animal hoarder who later pled guilty. He came to the ranch 500 pounds underweight, maggots, lice, abscesses, and a bone infection. He could barely stand and it took several minutes for him to walk a few steps. The video of him RUNNING...brings tears of joy every time I watch it.The current photos and video will

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.orgtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136763493995084081.post-3103433007671749882007-12-29T15:31:00.000-08:002009-03-17T10:38:47.099-07:00Response from the Seattle P-I Article...

A note to all the wonderful people who have responded to the recent article posted in the Seattle Post Intelligencer; I am overwhelmed with gratitude! The outpouring of heartfelt good wishes, donations, and offers of help...I just can't believe it! Tucked away here in Elma, I sometimes forget there is a big world out there. To hear from so many people who share my compassion for animals has been

Second Chance Ranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418155213338511031info@secondchanceranch.org