Sandhill Responds To The Plight Of Starving Endangered Horses

In the last few weeks Sandhill Child Development Center has been privileged to be involved in an amazing effort to rescue rare horses from starvation. Many of you who have toured Sandhill have seen our wonderful and rare Colonial Spanish horses. There are only a few thousand of these majestic beings left in the world. For those not familiar with the Colonial Spanish horse, their history is long and interesting (www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org ). They were brought to this country by the Spanish Conquistadors to explore the Southwest territories. Smaller than most horses, they are known for their hearty nature, patience, sweet disposition, and willingness to do anything and go anywhere. Of note, the last horse to ride a pony express type route in New Mexico was "Little Jack" in 1954, a Colonial Spanish horse that would ride 100 miles in one day and outlast much larger Quarter horses. Some of the horses currently at Sandhill are direct descendants of "Little Jack". Presently, these horses are recognized as an endangered breed by the American Livestock Board, and they are extinct in Spain and most of the world. There are only a few genetically tested pure bands remaining in the United States. Sandhill has had the honor of having some of these horses, and watching how beautifully and gently they have worked with the children in our program.

On November 3rd, Sandhill was contacted by the Colonial Spanish Horse Conservancy Project with a dire need. Drought conditions had been so severe in New Mexico that a herd of approximately 30 horses was on the verge of starvation, and they were desperately looking for homes to adopt these beautiful creatures. Without hesitation, Sandhill took in four mares, three foals, and one elderly gelding. Additionally, we donated two tons of hay to help the remaining horses in need. Dr. Ralph Zimmerman, Sandhill's staff veterinarian, tended immediately to all the medical needs of the horses, and ensured their survivability.

What is amazing to witness is the level of involvement and care that our children have displayed. The children have taken daily roles in providing nutritional supplementation and nurturing to the horses. The three foals, having never been exposed to close contact with people, require gentling and our children spend time sitting with the foals in folding chairs to allow them to sniff and slowly become accustomed to being touched and handled. The experience has provided our kids such an incredible sense of self worth, not to mention the invaluable history lesson they are being taught about this amazing breed. Our hope is to ultimately make these horses a permanent part of the Sandhill family and fully incorporate them into the equine program. To view these beautiful creatures and see our children interact with them, please visit our Facebook page.

Sandhill Child Development Center is a residential program for children between the ages of 5 and 13 who are experiencing significant difficulties functioning in their current home environments, schools, or communities due to an inability to regulate their emotional states. The goal is to create an environment that facilitates intense, gratifying personal relationships, while at the same time confronting those behaviors that interfere with establishing close personal bonds. Sandhill gives the child the tools necessary to proceed with healthy childhood development.