*Update From Lori*

I thought I had seen it all, there were no more surprises and then I met this young fellow. In 50 years, I have never seen a more thin horse. I had convinced myself that possibly, this young guy had thrown a rider and found himself alone by his own actions but that is not the case. The vet and I have gone over this mystery all day long. Three shoes, not terribly old. Feet trimmed certainly within the last few months. Eye removal, professionally done and if not, by one heck of a good sewer. Wearing a rope halter, still clean. This horses without a doubt has been dumped in the bush. The vet and I decided that this guy was hemmed up in someones pen or field. He got to be in this condition in lock up somewhere. Probably a small pasture with no water or grass and through the cold we have had. This guy has gone without for months. As Jeremy said, he doesnt make a one on the scale. Theres not enough left. This guy would have done a lot better all on his own if he had been out in the bush. He would have had access to water, he would have had access to the grass that remains out there and if not a lot of that, bushes and such. Even the round bales that all the farmers leave out here in open fields. He would have been found a long time ago cause he loves people. He would have done a lot better all on his own. This is nothing but cruelty in its worst form. They left him helpless. His urine is completely brown and the vet said it is because his muscles have completely broken down. Not a single horse I have ever had suffered like that even though they easily made a one on the scale and had lost a lot of muscle. This guy doesnt have any left.

Funds are being raised for a sling for Sunkissed Acres so that horses arriving in this condition will have a better chance at survival. This sweet horse has been named Mr. America Beau Jingles by the Chronicle of the Horse Forum members who have been rooting for his survival. If you would like to send a donation you can click here, and we would love to have your words of support…please share them in the comments below for Mr. Jingles!

Found along the highway, this approximately 4 year old horse simply walked out of the bushes and onto the roadway.

One of the most emaciated horses to arrive here, Lori is fighting to help him stay on his feet…he wants so much to stay down.

He is missing an eye, but still has three shoes…

This dear horse has about 4 inches of winter coat, which hides some of the extent of his starvation. The tufts of hair sticking out are actually his hip bones.

This sweet horse is being evaluated and his immediate needs are being met. He has a long road to recovery and rehabilitation ahead of him and Sunkissed Acres could use your support as it provides care for him. Because of his dire condition, his prognosis may not be a good one, please keep him in your thoughts and give a jingle for him as he fights for his life. Donations for his care and support can be made online or through the mail. Click here please for more information

*Update* 7/27/2009 –

Leo is looking better everyday! Every photo shows him eating! He is already filling out and he is well enough to be gelded! He will be home soon!!!

*update*

7/22/2009 – Look at Leo! Just a few days of care and you can already see a difference!

*Update*

7/16/2009 – Little Leo has had a nice groom and all that old winter hair is gone. He is happily eating well and enjoying a comfortable and safe rest while he awaits a new home. We are very grateful to the many generous folks who have made donations to help pay for Leo’s care and gelding. It is because of you that Sunkissed Acres can continue to provide a home, rehabilitation and to find loving adoptive homes.

7/13/2009 – This is little Leo – Undetermined age as of yet. Stallion, stands 32 inches tall at his highest point and he is completely blind. This boy deserves a final few years of gentle care. Can be used as a good teaser or possibly a companion to an older barren mare. This little horse has been through so much, he deserves a piece of heaven.

If you are interested in adopting Leo, or would like to send a donation for his care while he is here at Sunkissed Acres, you can donate via Paypal or by sending a donation in the mail. Our address is:
Sunkissed Acres Horse Rescue and Retirement
536 Wood Road
Summerville, GA 30747
(501-C3 organization)

to make a donation via Paypal

Contact Us

With the economy in a downturn, it is a difficult time for horse owners. Many are surrendering animals they feel they can no longer care for, and sadly of course there are the never ending cases of abuse. What this means to Sunkissed Acres is additional strain on an already difficult situation.

Meet Lily…

Lily is receiving the veterinary care she needs, and is being carefully fed so that she can regain weight without additional stress to her already frail body. Even in the condition she is in she is full of love and is quickly becoming a favorite of Sunkissed Acres. Lily will need extensive care and rehabilitation before she can be considered for adoption.  If you would be interested in sponsoring Lily on her long road to recovery please consider a donation to Sunkissed Acres for her care.

Sunkissed Acres became home to two Sicilian Donkeys, now named Curly and Dolly. Several additional horses were surrendered as well. When these equine come to Sunkissed they most often need extensive veterinary care before they can be adopted or fostered. And when several come at once, well, you can understand how large the care costs can become.

Here are some photos of Curly and Dolly, they may be difficult to see: