Apache was a young, adorable, confused pony the day we met him at the auction barn. Several people were wandering around looking at and evaluating the horses who were crammed into small spaces and tied to hooks on the walls. The barn was dark and dingy, it had an energy of fear and hopelessness. The horses looked defeated and worried, but Apache was different. There was something about him, maybe it was his young and eager spirit.  When I approached him, he greeted me with a nicker and a little head nudge.   I knew he wanted attention and wanted to be recognized, he did a good job at that.

Apache was standing next to a little black pony that the man with them said was Apache’s best friend. He told me that Apache was his granddaughter’s pony, but they had fallen on hard times, and they had to sell the ponies at auction. I fell for the story, I guess because I wanted to believe it. The truth came out a bit later, that this man was a dealer who would pick up horses from owners who no longer wanted them. He would bring them to the auction to sell them to make some money. He was a dealer, and this was his business, selling other people’s horses. Unfortunately, the people had trusted him to keep their horses. The BIG LIE in the horse dealer and slaughter pipeline world. Owners Be Careful these people are in it for the money and your pony is NOT going to be their granddaughter’s forever pony!

I told the man that I was there at the auction that day to purchase a couple of ponies for Peaceful Acres Horses’ programs for children. As we talked my mom and a friend were walking around the barn, looking at more horses and becoming increasingly discouraged and overwhelmed. The chatter they were hearing was from the “kill buyers” who were making fun of the aged and injured horses – “that old hag”, “$25 bucks for that rack of bones”, “that one will be dog food in a few days”. My mom was getting agitated and very sad. She came up to me and blurted out to the man standing next to Apache and Sassy, “How much do you want for these two ponies? I want to get out of here now, we will pay you for them now so they don’t run through the auction, and we can get them home.”  My mom was wise to what was going to happen, especially to the sweet old pony Sassy, she knew the little old pony would be loaded on a slaughter bound truck. (period)

The man accepted my mom’s offer! We paid him and Sassy and Apache eagerly loaded up onto our trailer. Off to Peaceful Acres Horses they came, to love, care, fresh hay, veterinary care, and a forever life of compassion. Apache grew up and attended SUNY Morrisville for training and Sassy went to work in our arena mending the broken hearts of children. She was a sweet little pony who was always eager to be chosen to take walks with the children, loved being groomed and having her hooves picked and even liked doing the occasional pony ride. Sassy unfortunately passed away in 2021 after sharing nearly 17 years with us. Sassy was approximately 34+ years old when she passed, she is missed daily and took a piece of our hearts with her when she left her Stable – Peaceful Place.

Apache’s riding days are over. He now shares most of his time in the pasture with his best friend Hope and the occasional equine-guided emotionally supportive coaching class with youth, families, or adults. Apache seems to be ageless, although he is now nearing 21 years old. To us he is still that eager, social little pony with lots of spunk who loves people.

Apache has been at Peaceful Acres Horses for 17 years, but he does not have a sponsor. Perhaps you would consider making a one-time contribution towards his care, or becoming Apache’s Feed Partner, Care Sponsor or Champion Contributor. Your generosity and commitment help Peaceful Acres Horses to keep our promises to Apache.  He is deserving of support!

Please consider becoming a supporter at Peaceful Acres Horses, your generosity helps PAH to keep our promises to all our rescues.

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