Six Horses Saved From Slaughter in Maine

Sunny is the Dad of the herd.  He is a classic Quarter Horse in conformation and intelligence. Additionally, he is a benevolent sire.  He keeps everyone together, and he is as watchful a father as any good sire should be.  His intellect is remarkable, and his ability to grasp the situation is astonishing.  Lastly, he is wise.   

Max is a 3 year old bay gelding. He is the son of Sunny, from a previous marriage. Max is the independent, adventuresome sort.  Max is very good natured. He makes up his own mind, and he is a gentle, inquisitive and people-oriented horse.  Merlin is his full brother. In the photo below, Max enjoys a noon siesta in the sun. In January 2008, Max was adopted by Priscilla Presley and is now living in Memphis at Graceland with his new best friend is named Candy.  For the story of Max, Priscilla Presley, and Graceland, see Updates.

 Prancer the Mom is a chestnut Standardbred mare, about 12 years of age. Even-tempered, she likes being scratched and she certainly likes her carrots and her grain.  When first rescued, this mare was the most nutritionally depleted of the group, for having nursed Vixen longer than was healthy for her.  However, with good nutrition she soon bounced back, as can be seen in this pastoral photo, displaying a shiny coat and no lack of body weight. All her kids are devoted to Prancer. She sometimes stands apart from them, perhaps to get some breathing room, like any mom with kids. Prancer is the glue that holds the family together. Here, she grazes with daughter Vixen in the background.

Louden the elder son is a 3 year old chestnut gelding. Full son to Prancer and Sunny. Louden is athletic and very smart. He is also attached to his sister Vixen and takes care of her.  Louden had spent the most time unhandled, therefore he was the most fearful of the offspring in the round pen.  He was particularly afraid of lead ropes, which led us to believe he had been roped, probably to be gelded. However, after several weeks of daily work, Louden was able to overcome fear of the lead rope and the lunge line. He also had very long hind hooves, which has caused debilitating problems for his hips.  Only time will tell if he will be able to overcome this setback.  Yet he never complains.  Rather, Louden has made the most dramatic turnaround in behavior of all the young ones.  He follows me around like a puppy, a testament to his natural good nature and team spirit.    

Vixen is the only daughter, a 2 year old chestnut filly. Full daughter to Prancer and Sunny. She has the most lovely sweet temper of all the horses, taking after her mother in this regard. She is small, and she is protected by all the other horses, as would be any younger sister. She is wonderfully innocent and still has a charming baby look about her.