• Day 19: Angels
• Donate & Double Your Impact: Match Challenge
• AAE Gift Guide
• Tack Store Holiday Hours
• Adoptable Horses
• Volunteer Corner, Volunteer Needs
• Other Ways to Help
• AAE Friends, Supporters, Service Providers, & Boots & Bling Sponsors

As we count down to 2024, join us every day this month as we share stories from the barn that show how your support has helped horses this year and every year.

2023 was a difficult year at AAE, especially the month of May; too many of our friends earned their wings. Any time we experience loss of our four-legged friends, it's difficult, as it is for most. But when we lose four truly beloved animals in such a short time, it's an immense challenge to our hearts. Fortunately, we're surrounded by an army of love, and we all get through it, together.

Today we're remembering our sweet souls who crossed the Rainbow Bridge this year. We are forever grateful for the special memories they've given us.

ANGELS

Our sweet Velcro was with us when it all began, and she got to make the move to Pilot Hill to bless the new barn. She adapted incredibly well, and really seemd to enjoy her new digs. In March, her lil' body traveled as far as it could before reaching the end of it's journey. Velcro was 21. Velcro loved everyone, and everyone loved her. She was soft, cuddly, and oh, so sweet. She earned her name because of her clingy nature, and it fit her so well, it stuck. She loved to be held on your shoulder, and she'd sit there and purr all day, if you'd let her. Rest easy sweet girl, you were the best kitty ever!

Oh Loretta, Loretta! Loretta was a very elderly donk that came to us from an abandonment situation. Her owner left her with caretakers that were unfamiliar with donkey care and needs. She was in very poor condition when she arrived. Loretta left us as we slept one night in March, after a vet visit the day before. Loretta's red mane, long ears, and sweet nature won the hearts of everyone that met her. We loved you, ol' girl!

Gabby, our Warrior, lost her battle with recurrent hoof infections in May when the infection penetrated her joint capsule. Gabby came to us after long term neglect. Her body was spent, but her spirit was very alive. She overcame multiple issues, only to be defeated by a hoof abscess. Abscesses came and went, but the last one was different. Though we fought right along with her, and did everything we could, nothing we could have done would have given her a pain free life once the infection penetrated her joint. If ever a horse has left hoofprints on our hearts, Gabby's are some of the deepest. We miss you, sweet girl. You will be remembered forever!

Oliver o' Oliver (photo at intake)! Oliver crossed over in May after an acute illness that was never determined. Oliver was a senior pig (no clue how old). He came to us from a distressed sanctuary that was being evicted. He and his buddy had nowhere to go. This cantankerous ol' guy weaved his way into many of our horse-lover's hearts (but not a few), making some new pig-lovers. He was here to let everyone know not all pigs are mean, not all pigs are smelly, not all pigs like to live in wallows, and so much more. This lil' guy is missed every day!

Lil' Mr. Dusty was one of the cutest lil' minis, ever! He left us in May after a severe bout of colitis. He came to AAE several years ago to be part of our youth and outreach teams. Unfortunately, because of Covid, then our move, the mini team got lots of love and R&R. Dusty was a favorite with new volunteers and our long-timers, as well. The Farm just isn't the same without you, Dusty. We miss you!

Mi Amigo, Mi Amor, many would say. Amigo crossed the Rainbow Bridge in May, as well, after a very difficult colic. He was 34. Amigo came to AAE emaciated and in dire condition from an extreme neglect situation. Though some doubted he would survive, he perservered and blessed AAE and all of our volunteers with his gentle and friendly spirit. He was patient, he was kind, and he just loved to be with people, whether in a stall, the arena, or out in pasture. He taught most of our new volunteers how to be safe around horses and what a well mannered horse was. He was so loved! Thank you for five fabulous years, Amigo, you're missed more than you'll ever know.

Elvis, we hardly got to know you! Elvis passed in June while at the hospital the second morning after castration surgery; he was a crypt orchid (only one descended testicle). Results of his necropsy were inconclusive, but cause of death was a suspected air embolism. Elvis was a magically stunning 17 year old Gypsy Vanner stallion that came to AAE after his elderly owner passed. He had these beautiful blue eyes that you could feel staring into your soul. He was simply a big, beautiful guy, inside and out. We had so much more we wanted to learn about him, and so much more love to give him, but his mom must have needed him more and called him home. We'll remember you forever, blue eyes! ‘Til we meet again, may God bless you. Adios, Elvis.

Sadly, Joey wasn't with us long, either. He'd only been with us a couple weeks, when he had a four-day battle with an impaction colic he wasn't able to work through. He was an older mini stallion (~27) and part of a group of five minis that came to us after a death in his family. We collectively called them Friends. Joey was definitely the coolest, sweetest, lil' stud muffin, and he definitely had that "What you doin'" look when interacting. This lil' dude is missed by his fellow friends, and he's missed by all of our volunteers that were enamored as they were getting to know him. Run free, Joey!

Miss Maisy was one of our most easy-going and drama free mares in the big herd. We lost her to a strangulating lipoma. Maisy came to us when facing euthanasia due to a recurrent respiratory infection. She battled through it, and she was a model patient for the myriad of drugs she was on (injections and oral meds) multiple times a day for weeks. You wouldn't know she was a mare if you didn't already. She was in the pasture, quiet in stall, quiet in a paddock, and quiet in the herd. She was simply lovely, lovely mare, and she was loved by so many volunteers. There's definitely an empty spot in our hearts without you here, Maisy. Miss you so much!

A generous and anonymous donor has pledged to match donations up to $2000. Consider donating in honor of these angels.

As we wind down the year, our goal is to raise at least $35,000 this holiday season to jump start our funding for the new year and make sure 2024 is merry & bright for horses-in-need.

Like you, we have felt the pressure of the changing economy. Hay, fuel, supplies, and other care costs have increased substantially. The effects are compounded for nonprofits across the country, as many of us have seen a decrease in overall donations. Rising costs and fewer donations are stretching us thin, impacting our ability to serve the number of horses we typically serve. We'll scale back as we need. We need your support more than ever. 

On average, it costs about $8 per horse each day for feed and health care for the horses at AAE. Expenses add up quickly when caring for 50+/- horses and other animals, including costs for basic care, diagnostics, treatments, medications, surgery, and emergency care, when needed.

We know your lives have been impacted, too, we're all in this together. If you're able, please consider making a year end donation to support this life-saving work and make it possible to help more horses-in-need.

Expenses can add up quickly, but your donations can, too! If every one of our followers made a $5 donation, we could surpass our goal by thousands. 

You can help make similar stories to share next year by donating today. Any amount is very much appreciated, and it makes a big difference for the horses.

Ways to Give This Holiday Season

(1) Set up a bill pay with your bank for a one-time (or recurring) donation

(2) Mail a check to:

All About Equine Animal Rescue

2201 Francisco Drive #140-174

El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

(3) Drop off your donation at:

AAE Used Tack Store

4050 Durock Road #6

Shingle Springs, CA 95682

(4) Donate online using a credit card, Venmo, or PayPal by clicking here or any of the red "Donate" buttons

(5) Text HOPE4HORSES to 53-555

(6) Venmo your donation to @allaboutequine

Your donations, volunteering, adopting, and social media shares & likes really do make a difference and make all of this work possible!

Thanks for your gracious and continued support of AAE!

The AAE Used Tack Store is located at 4050 Durock Road #6, Shingle Springs.

More volunteers are desperately needed at the store, please help if you can. One day a month or one day a week will make a big difference. We have a lot of tack to clean and display, and we really need your support. If you're interested, please send an email to [email protected].

NEED A LITTLE MORE 💖

IN YOUR LIFE TODAY AND EVERY DAY?

Let's make 2023 the right time for these lovelies

to find their lifelong LOVE!

Learn more about each horse by clicking on its name or photo.

Please look at each horse's description and needs

to make sure YOU are a good match!

If you are interested in exploring adoption,

please learn more about our adoption process

then submit an Adoption Inquiry.

Whiskey

Jennings

Maia

Bonnie

Portia

Jackson

Red

Rory

Charley

Pearl

Jojo

Casper

Visit Our Horses page from more info on all of our available horses.

Click on the horse's name to visit the horse's webpage, and

submit an Adoption Inquiry if you'd like to explore adoption.

Thank you to our volunteers for giving your time and talents to help the horses of AAE! We appreciate all you do.

Several daily horse care shifts are short-handed and need more volunteers. Our volunteer shifts are 8:30a to 12:30p and 3:00p to 6:00p. If you have been through our volunteer orientation, and you are interested and available, please sign up for shifts!

We have a variety of ways you can help. If daily horse care isn't for you, there's something for everyone. Can you help in other ways?

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

Used Tack Store Support (e.g. tack cleaning, marketing, sales, etc.)

Volunteer Coordinators needed for various activities/areas

Fundraising/Events, help plan or lead fundraising activities like horse sponsorships, CARS donations, restaurant fundraisers, craft-making for store sales, etc.

Grant writing/research

Facilities/Groundskeeping help us keep the AAE property spiffy!

Program development coming soon!

Tack Cleaning, clean/condition tack in our tack shed in Pilot Hill

Special projects all kinds

Administrative tasks

Social Media/Marketing/PR

Tack Donation Drive (host one)

FACILITY PROJECTS

Install sections of electric fencing

Build an observation deck

Cross-fencing installation

Tree trimming, help limb our trees to protect horses eyes and bodies

Paint the interior of a shelter or a shed...or two

Vehicle/equipment maintenance (trucks, van, ATVs, tractor, etc.)

Organize and maintain Tool/Equipment Container

Organize Panels, Fencing, Gates

Have some other ways to help in mind, contact us!

SUPPORT AAE's Used Tack Store

Shop, donate your gently used tack, or just spread the word!

Stop by the AAE Used Tack Store to shop & help horses at the same time!

Patriotic Mustang T-Shirts Available at AAE's Store!

This lovely design was created by Lisa Van Dyke from one of her beautiful photographs of AAE's handsome mustang, Toby.

Toby is one of the Hallelujah Horses in residence at AAE.

The Patriotic US Flag/Mustang image is on front and

"Mustang is My Favorite Breed"

or

"Rescue is My Favorite Breed"

in white is on back.



Available in Black, Ash Gray, Navy, and Brown.

Orders may be picked up at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs or

shipped for an additional cost. Limited availability, please verify inventory, first.

CARS

When you donate your car (or truck, motorcycle, RV, or other vehicle) to CARS - Charitable Adult Rides and Services and designate All About Equine Animal Rescue as the non-profit partner, the profits will used to support our horses! And this donation is tax deductible!

Pick-up is free & easy. Vehicles can be in working condition or not.

To learn more or start the donation process here or click on the orange car button below.

Bryan Swift

(530) 903-2131

AAE's Official Tech Support

www.pc-prozone.com

Thank you to our 2023 Boots & Bling Sponsors!