Louise
Louise was rescued a few years ago, along with another donkey named Thelma, by a valley woman who drove a UPS truck up on the reservation and saw them in a field. They were in really bad condition so she called reservation police, who came out and confiscated them. A mare who was with the donkeys was too sick to be moved and was euthanized. The woman got the donkeys to her home in Corvallis and then asked Debora to take them. They could hardly get Louise to walk, but they got them both to the sanctuary. Debora fixed their feet, and within a year Thelma was adopted out. Louise had a much harder time, as she had bedsores and laid down all the time. Her blood work showed that she had Cushing’s Disease, so it was a long, slow rehab process. Her feet had a lot of abscesses, which took a long time to heal, especially because she didn't like having her feet worked on. Louise was a sanctuary animal and remained at Wings until her passing in May of 2024.
A Tribute by Debora Lay
We are sad to announce our Louise has lost her battle with severe metabolic disease and we compassionately let her go. We want to thank our vet Dr. Allie Vandermotten at Tammany Vet Clinic for her continued support when making difficult decisions that are always in the best interest of our equine.
If you have ever driven by the ranch on the "S" curve on East Side Highway, you will have invariably seen Louise in the front pasture: she was the shining white donkey, usually lying down and enjoying the sun. She was a cornerstone of the front pasture and will be greatly missed by us all.
Louise came to us from a reservation in Arlee just over 7 years ago, where she was seen in distress with her friend Thelma by a passing UPS driver and ultimately rescued with the help of law enforcement. She was in bad shape when she arrived but we nursed her back to health and gave her a full, rich life at the ranch. She was constantly loved and constantly pampered. Her friend Thelma was adopted by a wonderful local family and still lives with them. Louise needed continued care and bonded with some of our mini donkeys. She was most recently pals with Zoe and Gracie. Louise, Zoe and Gracie provided lots of community outreach/service at Mule Days, Sapphire Concerts on the Lawn and the Living Nativity Scene in downtown Hamilton.
We will always remember Louise braying at us when we weren't fast enough with her food and also her letting us know something wasn't right (which probably meant a mini was trying to escape.) We will remember how she would always stand there and let us patiently hug and love on her. Louise loved to have her ears rubbed and to roll in the dirt.
Caring for Louise was a group effort and I want to thank our staff and volunteers for all their care and compassion. Louise was on a special diet 3x a day and medications. A lot of love and care effort was provided.
I know the community will miss Louise and we hope that those who are able will make a memorial donation so we can continue to provide care to other equines like Louise who give so much back to us.
Louise was rescued a few years ago, along with another donkey named Thelma, by a valley woman who drove a UPS truck up on the reservation and saw them in a field. They were in really bad condition so she called reservation police, who came out and confiscated them. A mare who was with the donkeys was too sick to be moved and was euthanized. The woman got the donkeys to her home in Corvallis and then asked Debora to take them. They could hardly get Louise to walk, but they got them both to the sanctuary. Debora fixed their feet, and within a year Thelma was adopted out. Louise had a much harder time, as she had bedsores and laid down all the time. Her blood work showed that she had Cushing’s Disease, so it was a long, slow rehab process. Her feet had a lot of abscesses, which took a long time to heal, especially because she didn't like having her feet worked on. Louise was a sanctuary animal and remained at Wings until her passing in May of 2024.
A Tribute by Debora Lay
We are sad to announce our Louise has lost her battle with severe metabolic disease and we compassionately let her go. We want to thank our vet Dr. Allie Vandermotten at Tammany Vet Clinic for her continued support when making difficult decisions that are always in the best interest of our equine.
If you have ever driven by the ranch on the "S" curve on East Side Highway, you will have invariably seen Louise in the front pasture: she was the shining white donkey, usually lying down and enjoying the sun. She was a cornerstone of the front pasture and will be greatly missed by us all.
Louise came to us from a reservation in Arlee just over 7 years ago, where she was seen in distress with her friend Thelma by a passing UPS driver and ultimately rescued with the help of law enforcement. She was in bad shape when she arrived but we nursed her back to health and gave her a full, rich life at the ranch. She was constantly loved and constantly pampered. Her friend Thelma was adopted by a wonderful local family and still lives with them. Louise needed continued care and bonded with some of our mini donkeys. She was most recently pals with Zoe and Gracie. Louise, Zoe and Gracie provided lots of community outreach/service at Mule Days, Sapphire Concerts on the Lawn and the Living Nativity Scene in downtown Hamilton.
We will always remember Louise braying at us when we weren't fast enough with her food and also her letting us know something wasn't right (which probably meant a mini was trying to escape.) We will remember how she would always stand there and let us patiently hug and love on her. Louise loved to have her ears rubbed and to roll in the dirt.
Caring for Louise was a group effort and I want to thank our staff and volunteers for all their care and compassion. Louise was on a special diet 3x a day and medications. A lot of love and care effort was provided.
I know the community will miss Louise and we hope that those who are able will make a memorial donation so we can continue to provide care to other equines like Louise who give so much back to us.
Lucy
Lucy was a 16-year-old mini-horse who was born and bred in the Bitterroot valley. A retired couple bought Lucy, her mother Dancer and another mini sometime around 2008, and eventually became unable to care for them. They were adopted out a family in Missoula who took very good care of them. Eventually that owner retired and ended up traveling a lot, and felt bad that the animals were not getting enough attention. She called Debora and asked her to find a home for them, so Debora brought them to Wings. For many years Lucy was a community outreach ambassador for Wings, going to events with Dancer and letting people enjoy being around a mini-horse. Lucy had Cushing’s Disease and was insulin resistant so she couldn’t be on pasture. Both diseases affected the circulation in her hooves. This led to de-mineralization of the coffin bones in both front hooves, which was very painful for her, and for which there is no cure. Lucy was humanely euthanized in March of 2024.
Lucy was a 16-year-old mini-horse who was born and bred in the Bitterroot valley. A retired couple bought Lucy, her mother Dancer and another mini sometime around 2008, and eventually became unable to care for them. They were adopted out a family in Missoula who took very good care of them. Eventually that owner retired and ended up traveling a lot, and felt bad that the animals were not getting enough attention. She called Debora and asked her to find a home for them, so Debora brought them to Wings. For many years Lucy was a community outreach ambassador for Wings, going to events with Dancer and letting people enjoy being around a mini-horse. Lucy had Cushing’s Disease and was insulin resistant so she couldn’t be on pasture. Both diseases affected the circulation in her hooves. This led to de-mineralization of the coffin bones in both front hooves, which was very painful for her, and for which there is no cure. Lucy was humanely euthanized in March of 2024.
Smooches
Smooches was a 21-year-old registered Quarterhorse with desirable blood lines who had been bred multiple times in the past. Her last owner "Lilly" had to move off property into town and gave her to some friends who had property. Smooches subsequently foundered because she was insulin resistant and was left on pasture, which made her condition worse. When Lilly found out, she then contacted Wings for help and we took her in to try and rehab her instead of euthanizing her. Her rehab was going well, but she had a lot of arthritis, as well as structural and medical issues. Like Lucy, Smooches suffered from de-mineralization of her front hooves, and was humanely euthanized in April of 2024.
Smooches was a 21-year-old registered Quarterhorse with desirable blood lines who had been bred multiple times in the past. Her last owner "Lilly" had to move off property into town and gave her to some friends who had property. Smooches subsequently foundered because she was insulin resistant and was left on pasture, which made her condition worse. When Lilly found out, she then contacted Wings for help and we took her in to try and rehab her instead of euthanizing her. Her rehab was going well, but she had a lot of arthritis, as well as structural and medical issues. Like Lucy, Smooches suffered from de-mineralization of her front hooves, and was humanely euthanized in April of 2024.
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Nikki
Nikki was a 31-year-old MorganXArab, and belonged to a good friend of Debora’s who had passed away unexpectedly in 2014, leaving four horses behind. Her husband didn’t know what to do with the horses and was thinking of taking them to the horse sale. Debora knew none of them were trained enough to sell as riding horses and would end up on the meat truck. Debora took the horses and asked the board members to vote on adding “rescue” to the program, and the rescue function of Wings was born. Homes were found for two of the horses, and Debora took the other two. One passed away from an embolism shortly thereafter, so Debora ended up with just Nikki. Nikki was trained but had a reputation as being a handful, although Debora never found that to be the case. Nikki and Debora went on many trail rides with no issues. Nikki turned out to be insulin resistant and foundered as a result. She also developed Cushing’s Disease and has chronic lameness issues. Nikki was the unoffical "grandma" of our herd of mini-horses and donkeys, and was always watching out for them. She passed away at 31 years of age on February 22, 2024. We miss our beautiful girl. A Tribute To Nikki by Debora Lay It was with a heavy heart that I had to share the passing of our oldest resident and last of the original Wings horses on Thursday Feb 22nd, 2024. She was coming 31 years of age this spring. I had hip replacement surgery on Tuesday the 20th, and came home Wednesday. On Thursday |
morning Nikki was in distress and the vet was called. Unfortunately, nothing could be done as her body was giving up. She was in pain so I decided to let her go.
It was her time but I was devastated that I could not go out and be with her. This is the first Wings horse I have not sat with and held their head during euthanasia. Some of our horses passed in the night on their own but If vet assistance was needed I have always been with them.
Nikki was special. Wings was a Therapy non-profit business when my then best friend Wendy Decker unexpectedly passed away almost 10 years ago. Jeff and Virginia Hudson were board members then and we changed the by-laws to include rescue and sanctuary. Nikki and Colonel, Wendy's primary riding horse, came to Wings. I found homes for her other two. Nikki had a checkered history of misbehavior but with me she was always a good partner. She had her issues, but together we overcame many obstacles both on the trail and in life.
Nikki was severely IR and developed Cushings later in life. She was the Matriarch of her herd of minis. You may recall seeing her in the front pens as she was the only full size horse out there for the last couple of years. Severely protective of her "little ladies," she would voice her disapproval if we took any of them away. Nikki attended the Concerts on the Lawn at Sapphire Lutheran Homes and had small children surround her with awe and love.
I shall miss my Nik as she held a special place in my heart as in the heart of many who helped with her care and visited here. So long Nik... we shall ride again one day.
It was her time but I was devastated that I could not go out and be with her. This is the first Wings horse I have not sat with and held their head during euthanasia. Some of our horses passed in the night on their own but If vet assistance was needed I have always been with them.
Nikki was special. Wings was a Therapy non-profit business when my then best friend Wendy Decker unexpectedly passed away almost 10 years ago. Jeff and Virginia Hudson were board members then and we changed the by-laws to include rescue and sanctuary. Nikki and Colonel, Wendy's primary riding horse, came to Wings. I found homes for her other two. Nikki had a checkered history of misbehavior but with me she was always a good partner. She had her issues, but together we overcame many obstacles both on the trail and in life.
Nikki was severely IR and developed Cushings later in life. She was the Matriarch of her herd of minis. You may recall seeing her in the front pens as she was the only full size horse out there for the last couple of years. Severely protective of her "little ladies," she would voice her disapproval if we took any of them away. Nikki attended the Concerts on the Lawn at Sapphire Lutheran Homes and had small children surround her with awe and love.
I shall miss my Nik as she held a special place in my heart as in the heart of many who helped with her care and visited here. So long Nik... we shall ride again one day.
Stetson
Stetson was a 29-year-old local valley Pony of the Americas that was bought by a woman for her grandkids to ride. They outgrew him, as he was pony size, and the owner couldn’t find a home for him. She didn’t want to put him in the horse sale since he had good weight on him and she was concerned he would be bought by a meat buyer. She contacted Debora about relinquishing him to Wings also donated some ranch equipment with him.
Stetson was rideable and took some kids for rides here at Wings. One of our other longtime supporters and adopters wanted a gelding companion for her Icelandic mare, so she decided to foster Stetson and he did well in his new home.
In the fall of 2023, Stetson developed an abcess from an infected tooth and dropped a lot of weight suddenly. He was taken to the vet to have the tooth extracted, and though the extraction was completed the infection overwhelmed this senior horse and he passed away while recuperating at Wings. He was a lovely soul and we miss him.
Stetson was a 29-year-old local valley Pony of the Americas that was bought by a woman for her grandkids to ride. They outgrew him, as he was pony size, and the owner couldn’t find a home for him. She didn’t want to put him in the horse sale since he had good weight on him and she was concerned he would be bought by a meat buyer. She contacted Debora about relinquishing him to Wings also donated some ranch equipment with him.
Stetson was rideable and took some kids for rides here at Wings. One of our other longtime supporters and adopters wanted a gelding companion for her Icelandic mare, so she decided to foster Stetson and he did well in his new home.
In the fall of 2023, Stetson developed an abcess from an infected tooth and dropped a lot of weight suddenly. He was taken to the vet to have the tooth extracted, and though the extraction was completed the infection overwhelmed this senior horse and he passed away while recuperating at Wings. He was a lovely soul and we miss him.
Star
This senior Thoroughbred mare arrived on May 28, 2022. Her owner had died recently and all family members live out of state so there was no one to take care of her. She was in her mid 20s, with little or no back teeth.
Her body condition when she arrived was a 2 1/2 to 3, a generous estimate. We are glad the family did not take the easy way out and euthanize her, instead they reached out to us.
Star needed a vet dental check, de-worming and a LOT of senior feed with various senior supplements to get her back in good weight. She slowly improved on pasture, and we worked to socialize her a bit more. With a senior horse like this, donations of Senor Feed, Beet Pulp, and Ground Flax were much appreciated.
In March of 2023, Star developed a crippling neurological condition that made it very hard for her to stay on her feet. We consulted with our vet and treated her as best we could, but eventually our board made the decision to have her euthanized, as she was unable to walk or stand for very long. It was a hard decision and we miss this beautiful girl.
This senior Thoroughbred mare arrived on May 28, 2022. Her owner had died recently and all family members live out of state so there was no one to take care of her. She was in her mid 20s, with little or no back teeth.
Her body condition when she arrived was a 2 1/2 to 3, a generous estimate. We are glad the family did not take the easy way out and euthanize her, instead they reached out to us.
Star needed a vet dental check, de-worming and a LOT of senior feed with various senior supplements to get her back in good weight. She slowly improved on pasture, and we worked to socialize her a bit more. With a senior horse like this, donations of Senor Feed, Beet Pulp, and Ground Flax were much appreciated.
In March of 2023, Star developed a crippling neurological condition that made it very hard for her to stay on her feet. We consulted with our vet and treated her as best we could, but eventually our board made the decision to have her euthanized, as she was unable to walk or stand for very long. It was a hard decision and we miss this beautiful girl.
A Tribute To Cisco
who passed away on Oct. 13, 2022
by Alicia Mara
I remember when Cisco arrived at Wings. I had just received news that a young family member had passed away when I pulled up to Wings. I looked out my car window and saw this beautiful horse with soulful brown eyes, and an adorable mini-donkey by his side looking at me. The image pulled me out of my sadness for a moment, as I wiped my tears a peaceful smile crossed my face. I often go back to that moment, and the power of equines.
I quickly learned Cisco and Poco were found wandering in a field alone, their owner had recently passed away. A Wings volunteer alerted Debora of these equines in need of care, and both were rescued. Cisco seemed in bad shape, an older horse with digestive issues. He needed a sponsor for an assessment and care. I became one of his sponsors in honor of my family member. I am thankful I had the opportunity and thankful I was able to see how Cisco blossomed at Wings.
With extra nutrition and good care, his last year at Wings was peaceful, with Poco always by his side. Cisco enjoyed his treats and walks under the apple trees. He seemed to love being out and about, and participated in many community events including the Memorial Day parade, Celtic festival, and Sapphire Home visits. He was always "a gentleman" and appeared younger and more vibrant than when he arrived.
We will miss his beautiful brown eyes, his gentleness, and the way he cared for and protected Poco. We know he is looking over Poco, and will always be a part of Wings. Cisco, we'll make sure Poco is well cared for too.
In honor of Cisco we are starting a fund for those Senior Equines, of which there are many, that make their way to Wings in need of extra care. We'd like to help other equines flourish and enjoy their senior years. Thank you, Wings
who passed away on Oct. 13, 2022
by Alicia Mara
I remember when Cisco arrived at Wings. I had just received news that a young family member had passed away when I pulled up to Wings. I looked out my car window and saw this beautiful horse with soulful brown eyes, and an adorable mini-donkey by his side looking at me. The image pulled me out of my sadness for a moment, as I wiped my tears a peaceful smile crossed my face. I often go back to that moment, and the power of equines.
I quickly learned Cisco and Poco were found wandering in a field alone, their owner had recently passed away. A Wings volunteer alerted Debora of these equines in need of care, and both were rescued. Cisco seemed in bad shape, an older horse with digestive issues. He needed a sponsor for an assessment and care. I became one of his sponsors in honor of my family member. I am thankful I had the opportunity and thankful I was able to see how Cisco blossomed at Wings.
With extra nutrition and good care, his last year at Wings was peaceful, with Poco always by his side. Cisco enjoyed his treats and walks under the apple trees. He seemed to love being out and about, and participated in many community events including the Memorial Day parade, Celtic festival, and Sapphire Home visits. He was always "a gentleman" and appeared younger and more vibrant than when he arrived.
We will miss his beautiful brown eyes, his gentleness, and the way he cared for and protected Poco. We know he is looking over Poco, and will always be a part of Wings. Cisco, we'll make sure Poco is well cared for too.
In honor of Cisco we are starting a fund for those Senior Equines, of which there are many, that make their way to Wings in need of extra care. We'd like to help other equines flourish and enjoy their senior years. Thank you, Wings
Ode to Spike
by Debora Lay
I met Spike and his sister Kate about 11-12 years ago. A handicapped woman, Suzanne, contacted me about hoof care. Both her horses’ hooves were in terrible shape. I went out and proceeded to rehab both Spike and Kate’s hooves. Spike was determined to be Insulin Resistant by symptoms and a new diet plan was also established. Suzanne’s grown children and her grandchildren lived in Europe. They were planning to come visit for the summer and Suzanne wanted both horses safe for the kids to ride.
Spike had been put under saddle many years ago when he was young but not ridden much since. He had terrible ground manners and needed to be restarted. Suzanne hired me to train Spike and tune up Kate. And so our story began. I rode Spike around the St. Mary’s neighborhood, took him on trail rides in the Bitterroot with many different groups on a regular basis. When summer came he was ready for the kids, and they had a great time. The family decided to come back each summer and so it was my job to keep Spike ready to be ridden by novice kids. We trailed in the fall and spring each year, taking the winter off. This went on for many years.
Suzanne’s health began to get worse and before she died, she made arrangements for Spike to go to Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding (no longer in business) as he was an excellent safe riding horse. There he was allowed on pasture which aggravated his metabolic condition and caused him hoof pain. When BTR closed its doors, Spike was sold to a novice horse family who was unaware of his condition. They put him on full time pasture with other friend’s horses and his health suffered. He developed severe laminitis and foundered. The farrier they used did not know how to manage his hooves or deal with the issue. After 2 summers of lameness, they contacted someone I knew looking to re-home Spike.
Bea called me describing Spike whose name had been changed to Sitka. They thought he was an Arabian gelding, but actually he was Arabian/Quarter Horse cross. As Bea described Sitka I knew exactly who he was, it was my Spike. She asked if I want to go check him out and I said it was not necessary, I knew the horse well and to just send him to me at Wings.
When Spike got off the trailer I wanted to cry. He was in terrible shape, thin, lame and looked much older than his 20 years. I was suddenly reminded of the end of the Black Beauty story when Beauty’s previous trainer found him and brought him home. My Beauty was home and I was determined to get him back to health and light riding shape as he enjoyed the mountains, trees and trails so much.
Spike has been here about 2 years. We have worked on his hooves that were severely damaged from years of both neglect and adverse metabolic conditions. He had good days and sore days. I had high hopes for my boy that will never be realized. We found Spike this morning. He passed in his sleep in late March, 2022.
Run wild Spike on your now perfect feet in your now perfect body. I am happy my Beauty came home and had a few good years here with both horse and human friends that loved him.
by Debora Lay
I met Spike and his sister Kate about 11-12 years ago. A handicapped woman, Suzanne, contacted me about hoof care. Both her horses’ hooves were in terrible shape. I went out and proceeded to rehab both Spike and Kate’s hooves. Spike was determined to be Insulin Resistant by symptoms and a new diet plan was also established. Suzanne’s grown children and her grandchildren lived in Europe. They were planning to come visit for the summer and Suzanne wanted both horses safe for the kids to ride.
Spike had been put under saddle many years ago when he was young but not ridden much since. He had terrible ground manners and needed to be restarted. Suzanne hired me to train Spike and tune up Kate. And so our story began. I rode Spike around the St. Mary’s neighborhood, took him on trail rides in the Bitterroot with many different groups on a regular basis. When summer came he was ready for the kids, and they had a great time. The family decided to come back each summer and so it was my job to keep Spike ready to be ridden by novice kids. We trailed in the fall and spring each year, taking the winter off. This went on for many years.
Suzanne’s health began to get worse and before she died, she made arrangements for Spike to go to Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding (no longer in business) as he was an excellent safe riding horse. There he was allowed on pasture which aggravated his metabolic condition and caused him hoof pain. When BTR closed its doors, Spike was sold to a novice horse family who was unaware of his condition. They put him on full time pasture with other friend’s horses and his health suffered. He developed severe laminitis and foundered. The farrier they used did not know how to manage his hooves or deal with the issue. After 2 summers of lameness, they contacted someone I knew looking to re-home Spike.
Bea called me describing Spike whose name had been changed to Sitka. They thought he was an Arabian gelding, but actually he was Arabian/Quarter Horse cross. As Bea described Sitka I knew exactly who he was, it was my Spike. She asked if I want to go check him out and I said it was not necessary, I knew the horse well and to just send him to me at Wings.
When Spike got off the trailer I wanted to cry. He was in terrible shape, thin, lame and looked much older than his 20 years. I was suddenly reminded of the end of the Black Beauty story when Beauty’s previous trainer found him and brought him home. My Beauty was home and I was determined to get him back to health and light riding shape as he enjoyed the mountains, trees and trails so much.
Spike has been here about 2 years. We have worked on his hooves that were severely damaged from years of both neglect and adverse metabolic conditions. He had good days and sore days. I had high hopes for my boy that will never be realized. We found Spike this morning. He passed in his sleep in late March, 2022.
Run wild Spike on your now perfect feet in your now perfect body. I am happy my Beauty came home and had a few good years here with both horse and human friends that loved him.
Amigo in his prime.
Older, but still beautiful!
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Ode to Amigo
5/3/1991 - 12/6/2021 by Debora Lay Amigo was owned by Buzz Ramsey who passed away when he was 84 and Amigo was 20. The last thing I recall Buzz asking me was "what will happen to Amigo". Well Buzz, Mig's has had a good life. A Tennessee Walking Horse, Amigos registered name was Farrahs Major. Buzz bought him as a 6 year old. I met Amigo when he was about 16 or so. Buzz was a small man and Mig was a big horse standing at 16hh. Mig also had developed some behavior issues, mostly he did what he wanted. He wasn't bad or mean or dangerous, just opinionated. Buzz's wish was to ride Amigo again and hired me to ride him and get his manners back in line. In the mean time I had Buzz ride my mare Sassy who was in her 30's while I rode Amigo. So off we went around the Grantsdale neighborhood. Amigo didn't want to be haltered or saddled. Amigo didn't want to cross the bridge. He didn't want to turn down the side streets. Amigo was used to getting his way and didn't want to do what I wanted, but he did. It took some convincing on my part but he finally got with the program and yes, Buzz rode him, with me on other horses around the neighborhood more than once before he died. Amigo was 20 at the time and as I promised Buzz, he came to live with me. This was before Wings Programs was officially a rescue. I tried to adopt Amigo out but he was too much horse for those wanting a senior and too old for those wanting an energetic trail horse. Amigo had decided he wasn't going anywhere after a couple of tries at adoption. Amigo was Dance's partner and when Dance died became Wranglers buddy. Nikki was Dance's mare then Wrangler's mare and when Wrangler passed this summer, Amigo finally had Nikki all to himself. You could not separate them with out him getting all studly and bellowing his frustration loudly. We shall miss our goofy guy and his antics. Amigo loved visitors and was great with all ages. At 30 years old, his time came this morning when I found him in discomfort and light distress. A vet prognosis was grim so I made the hard choice to let him run free with all his buddies, Dance, Wrangler, Beau and his other friends. See you on the other side Amigo. |
Amigo
Amigo was a 30-year-old registered Tennessee Walking Horse who belonged to a man named Buzz, who’s neighbor was a friend of Debora’s. Buzz was in his 80’s and needed a bit of help with Amigo’s hooves and with his training. Buzz had previously fallen off Amigo and hurt his back, so Debora took over the training. Since Amigo was alone and chewing on the fences from boredom, Debora would take other horses there for companionship. After a few years Buzz started to think about what would happen to Amigo after he was gone, so Debora helped him think of possibilities. Before anything was decided, Buzz became ill enough to be taken to the hospital. Debora brought Amigo to the Wings facility to care for him while Buzz was recuperating.
Buzz was moved to assisted care and Debora had arranged to bring Amigo to see him, but before that could happen Buzz went back into the hospital, and then into hospice care. At that point, Debora was really determined that Buzz and Amigo would get to see each other. There was a possibility of taking Amigo to family in California but Debora was concerned about transporting Amigo for that distance since he had been in a trailer accident and didn’t do well in trailers. She has since resolved that issue and Amigo loads and trailers well. Debora was also worried that the family would not be able to handle his size and temperament and would sell him to someone else. If that happened Amigo could end up going to slaughter, as big, meaty horses often do.
Amigo was a 30-year-old registered Tennessee Walking Horse who belonged to a man named Buzz, who’s neighbor was a friend of Debora’s. Buzz was in his 80’s and needed a bit of help with Amigo’s hooves and with his training. Buzz had previously fallen off Amigo and hurt his back, so Debora took over the training. Since Amigo was alone and chewing on the fences from boredom, Debora would take other horses there for companionship. After a few years Buzz started to think about what would happen to Amigo after he was gone, so Debora helped him think of possibilities. Before anything was decided, Buzz became ill enough to be taken to the hospital. Debora brought Amigo to the Wings facility to care for him while Buzz was recuperating.
Buzz was moved to assisted care and Debora had arranged to bring Amigo to see him, but before that could happen Buzz went back into the hospital, and then into hospice care. At that point, Debora was really determined that Buzz and Amigo would get to see each other. There was a possibility of taking Amigo to family in California but Debora was concerned about transporting Amigo for that distance since he had been in a trailer accident and didn’t do well in trailers. She has since resolved that issue and Amigo loads and trailers well. Debora was also worried that the family would not be able to handle his size and temperament and would sell him to someone else. If that happened Amigo could end up going to slaughter, as big, meaty horses often do.
Buzz’s family decided to let Debora take Amigo. This was prior to the founding of Wings. Debora was finally able to arrange to take Amigo to the hospice to see Buzz. On an Easter Saturday, she loaded Amigo and his friend Wrangler in the trailer and took them to see Buzz. Both horses were on their best behavior, loading and unloading calmly, even though it was snowing and a bit icy. Buzz’s caretaker brought him out in a wheelchair all bundled up. Neighbors, friends and family were all around as Amigo walked up to Buzz and put his head in Buzz’s lap. (Add picture) Debora took Buzz’s hand and put it on Amigo’s face. They visited for a while and said goodbye, and everyone took pictures and everyone was crying. Amigo was a perfect gentleman! Sadly, Buzz passed away the next night. A short time later Debora received a check from Buzz’s daughter. Buzz had left a modest amount of money to help with Amigo’s care. Amigo was at Wings since 2011 and passed away on December 6, 2021.
Hoback
Hoback was a 35-year-old Quarterhorse who came from a gentleman who was moving with his wife to Indiana, where she is being placed into a care facility. They will be near the rest of their family but wouldn’t be able to take a horse with them. His ranch was being auctioned and he needed to find a home for his horse before they moved. When he couldn’t find anyone to help him, he contacted Debora, who agreed to take Hoback. The man had been an outfitter for many years and had ridden Hoback for a documented 30,000 miles! He had Hoback for most of the horse’s life and they had developed quite a bond, so he was really wanting to see Hoback go to a good home. He offered to help with Hoback’s expenses when he can, so Debora knew he cared very deeply for the horse, which is always good to see. Hoback was at the Wings facility from May of 2021 to August, 2021, when an intestinal ulcer that had been previously undiagnosed flared up. Hoback was in a lot of pain and couldn't be medicated because the pain meds would have caused accelerated internal bleeding. There came a point where the existing internal bleeding was too much and Hoback could not remain on his feet. The decision was made to put him down. He was a sweet, gentleman horse, and we miss him.
Hoback was a 35-year-old Quarterhorse who came from a gentleman who was moving with his wife to Indiana, where she is being placed into a care facility. They will be near the rest of their family but wouldn’t be able to take a horse with them. His ranch was being auctioned and he needed to find a home for his horse before they moved. When he couldn’t find anyone to help him, he contacted Debora, who agreed to take Hoback. The man had been an outfitter for many years and had ridden Hoback for a documented 30,000 miles! He had Hoback for most of the horse’s life and they had developed quite a bond, so he was really wanting to see Hoback go to a good home. He offered to help with Hoback’s expenses when he can, so Debora knew he cared very deeply for the horse, which is always good to see. Hoback was at the Wings facility from May of 2021 to August, 2021, when an intestinal ulcer that had been previously undiagnosed flared up. Hoback was in a lot of pain and couldn't be medicated because the pain meds would have caused accelerated internal bleeding. There came a point where the existing internal bleeding was too much and Hoback could not remain on his feet. The decision was made to put him down. He was a sweet, gentleman horse, and we miss him.
Wrangler
Wrangler was a 35-year-old off track Thoroughbred racehorse that Debora received in 2005 in lieu of payment for training a horse. Although skeptical, Debora thought she could train him and sell him. She soon found out he couldn't be tied because Wrangler had been in an accident and was very skittish about being tied. No one had worked with the issue, they just never tied him.
When Wrangler came off the track he lived in Texas and had been trained for rodeo work. Debora found he was head shy and too tall for her to put a bridle on without a big mounting block. She was able to ride him but he was pretty stoic and not a cuddly horse at all. When Debora started to work with the Reno Rodeo Association as a wrangler and was invited to try out for the flag team, which is an elite group, her personal horse, Sundance was not comfortable with the flag, so Debora began to use Wrangler. It turned out that he knew exactly what to do when Debora picked up the flag to practice with him.
The only drawback was that Wrangler was really fast! He would blast down the arena and make the turns at speed, laying over like a motorcycle racer. Although their tryout for the flag team wasn’t successful, they were invited to practice rides with the drill team, which is the elite of the flag team. Wrangler was fast enough to be in the outside position when they lined up to do the circle - his trot speed matched everyone else’s lope! Because of this everyone started to get to know Wrangler and he had a bit of a fan club.
Wrangler was also very good working with cows and Debora got invited to a lot of events because of it. He knew just what to do. A friend of Debora’s who owned a roping arena invited Debora over to find out what kind of training he’d had. They discovered that he had been trained as a Junior Rodeo horse. He was good at all the rodeo events and knew what to do for every event. He knew the barrel pattern, roping as both a header and heeler and other skills. After that, Wrangler and Debora spent many Wednesday nights working the roping arena.
After Debora started the Wings Programs Inc., she asked the board members to take Wrangler in as she was contemplating a job out of the area, and she wanted to make sure he would always have a home. The board agreed, and although Debora did not leave, Wrangler became a sanctuary horse who was supported by Debora.
Wrangler was a 35-year-old off track Thoroughbred racehorse that Debora received in 2005 in lieu of payment for training a horse. Although skeptical, Debora thought she could train him and sell him. She soon found out he couldn't be tied because Wrangler had been in an accident and was very skittish about being tied. No one had worked with the issue, they just never tied him.
When Wrangler came off the track he lived in Texas and had been trained for rodeo work. Debora found he was head shy and too tall for her to put a bridle on without a big mounting block. She was able to ride him but he was pretty stoic and not a cuddly horse at all. When Debora started to work with the Reno Rodeo Association as a wrangler and was invited to try out for the flag team, which is an elite group, her personal horse, Sundance was not comfortable with the flag, so Debora began to use Wrangler. It turned out that he knew exactly what to do when Debora picked up the flag to practice with him.
The only drawback was that Wrangler was really fast! He would blast down the arena and make the turns at speed, laying over like a motorcycle racer. Although their tryout for the flag team wasn’t successful, they were invited to practice rides with the drill team, which is the elite of the flag team. Wrangler was fast enough to be in the outside position when they lined up to do the circle - his trot speed matched everyone else’s lope! Because of this everyone started to get to know Wrangler and he had a bit of a fan club.
Wrangler was also very good working with cows and Debora got invited to a lot of events because of it. He knew just what to do. A friend of Debora’s who owned a roping arena invited Debora over to find out what kind of training he’d had. They discovered that he had been trained as a Junior Rodeo horse. He was good at all the rodeo events and knew what to do for every event. He knew the barrel pattern, roping as both a header and heeler and other skills. After that, Wrangler and Debora spent many Wednesday nights working the roping arena.
After Debora started the Wings Programs Inc., she asked the board members to take Wrangler in as she was contemplating a job out of the area, and she wanted to make sure he would always have a home. The board agreed, and although Debora did not leave, Wrangler became a sanctuary horse who was supported by Debora.
Beautiful Wrangler
Debora & Wrangler
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Farewell to Wrangler
Our beautiful senior horse, Wrangler, passed away Friday, July 9, 2021 from acute liver failure. As a 35-year-old, Wrangler had a good long life, and was well-cared for and very well-loved here at the Wings Sanctuary. Our founder, Debora Lay, had a good many years with Wrangler and wrote this beautiful tribute to him. We will miss this sweet, gentle soul. "When Father Time caught my gelding, heat waved grass was turning brown. He was suffering and couldn't eat, it was time to put him down. It's hard to do what you need to when your eyes are soakin' wet. I thought about my Wrangler and waited for the vet. I held his halter, talked to him and looked him in the eye. He nibbled grass in the shade while Nikki and I stood by. I guess I wasn't ready. When he fell it made me weep. I rubbed his face and talked to him As he slowly went to sleep. A breeze blew down from somewhere and brushed away my tears, a reminder from heaven of all the happy years. In my mind he's running free with Travelers by his side. Chasing cows with rodeo skills All cowboys dream to ride. " |