Rescue and Adoption

LPR currently operates a network of trusted partner rescues in California, Washington State, Texas, Arizona and Mississippi. These volunteers monitor activities at feedlots and auction houses as well as work with private individuals looking for neglected, injured and at-risk animals. Based upon available monies, volunteers rescue the animals and begin the process for the long-term care of the animals. LPR’s objective is to expand our network of rescue volunteers throughout the Western United States.

Our Rancho Santa Fe ranch is at capacity. Horses living at Laughing Pony Rescue have medical conditions or special dietary needs that require ongoing care, so they remain here as sanctuary residents and are not available for adoption.

Rideable, sound horses we rescue, are placed with a trusted partner rescue in Yucca Valley. Adoptable horses are also available through a friend’s rescue who has additional space. Adoptions are done with a contract.

We continue to rescue horses and place them whenever we can–either into sanctuary care here or into new homes through our partner network.

“Celia the owner has taught me from the ground up…”

“She really cares about the horses, tries to rescue as many as she can and trains them. She knows each animal’s personality and if something isn’t right, Celia will be up all night caring for the animal. The ranch is very organized and depends on donations and volunteers to keep going. Throughout the year, volunteers organize various fundraisers to keep the rescue going. It takes a village to keep this rescue going, and we have a great, knowledgeable leader and hardworking crew.”

— Elyce N.

Sponsor A Ranch Rescue

The average cost of feed and basic care for each animal on the ranch is approximately $500 per month. Unfortunately, the horses we rescue are usually in need of additional care and support. We allocate another $400 per month per animal to cover the basic overhead costs including veterinary care, farrier, water and electricity. This cost allows us to maintain our operations in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, and continue our “outreach” program throughout the Western United States to rescue horses, donkeys and farm animals. These funds also give us the opportunity to expand our equine therapy and educational programs.

Barbie

More About Barbie

Barbie was rescued from a Premarin ranch in Canada. She was in foal to her fourth foal when she was brought to LPR. Barbie was 6 years old when she had her baby. She was hogtied and branded like a cow, put in a cow squeeze and flipped on her side to get her hooves done. Barbie’s nose was fractured from being tied. She was kept dehydrated to concentrate her urine so that it could be collected for its estrogen to produce women’s hormone therapy. Barbie still checks her water bucket every day to make sure it is full. She loves her water and needs a lot of it! Due to specific medical and feed requirements, Barbie is not available for adoption however we welcome and encourage sponsorship.

Sponsor Barbie

Bullet

More About Bullet

Bullet was a Premarin foal in Canada. He was only 2-1/2 months old when he was taken away from his mother at the auction when she was sold. Another rescue we work with jumped in and saved him when they saw him being hog-tied to keep him quiet. When he came to the ranch both his hooves were bloody and he hated people. It took a lot of persistence to be able to get a halter on him to be able to treat him.

Sponsor Bullet

Daisy

More About Daisy

Daisy was rescued from a feedlot in Bowie, Texas. She was very sick with Strangles, emaciated and couldn’t get up. Strangles is caused by a bacterial infection that typically infect the upper airway and lymph nodes of the head and neck. Strangles got its name as affected horses were sometimes suffocated from large, infected lymph nodes that obstructed their upper airway or trachea. After much medical care, Daisy fought off the infection and gained her weight back. Daisy and DynOmite were legally married by one of our volunteers.

Sponsor Daisy

DynOmite

More About DynOmite

DynOmite is an army vet. When Fort Irwin closed their equine program he and his buddies were to be sent to the feedlot. LPR had 2 horses in the army and when we got them back, DynOmite was picked up also. We wanted the others too but it was too late. DynOmite took care of his mate, Daisy, by standing behind her in the same stall until she got better.

Sponsor DynOmite

Gino

More About Gino

Gino was 3 months old when he was rescued from the Premarin ranch where he was foaled. (His mom is Barbie and Johnny Cash is his half-brother!) He was covered in ringworm and was in very bad health. Gino had a dislocated colon and requires a special diet of soaked hay. Due to his specific feed and medical needs Gino is not for adoption however we welcome and encourage a sponsorship.

Sponsor Gino

Jilly

More About Jilly

Jilly came in with 2 other messed up, abused ponies. They would shake when you looked at them. Jilly was her owner’s favorite so she took care of her. But she ran out of money and all three were going to be sent to some hard-core cowboys for roping. LPR stepped in to rescue her. The 3 horses were all adopted out but came back because of various adoption issues. Jilly foundered and was brought back to good health and stays at LPR. She has been doing well with her best friend Starr.

Sponsor Jilly

Johnny Cash

More About Johnny Cash

At three months old Johnny Cash was bitten by a skunk and quarantined for six months. He was then loaded into a truck with other babies and driven across the country over a period of thirty days. They were in the truck for thirty days! Finally, Johnny Cash and the others were left at another rescue ranch, where he had surgery for a dislocated colon. He was fattened up and brought to LPR. He’s now full of energy and plays endlessly with the other horses.

Sponsor Johnny Cash

Ruby

More About Ruby

Ruby is a Shetland pony. She was given to a 12-year-old girl to learn to ride. The girl lost interest, and Ruby was left alone in the backyard. The family could no longer care for her properly and turned her over to LPR.

Sponsor Ruby

Starr

More About Starr

Starr was used for horse tripping/roping which involves the roping of a horse’s feet. You can see the scars on the back of her legs. She’s suffers periodically from allergies and hives. It takes a lot to keep her in good condition. She is best friends with Jilly.

Sponsor Starr