Sunday Dec 19, a wonderful little female lab(?mix) wondered onto the rescue. She poked her head into the barn and looked very lost. She was cold, wet and hungry but looks to be in good health. I am sure she is missed greatly. If she is yours or you are able to take her in please contact us at info@loneoakrescue.org with LAB in the subject line. We would like her to get back home for Christmas... meanwhile she is tucked into the barn, even blanketed- what can I say, all the critters get blanketed!!

Christmas for Mia.....

This season has brought us a blessing.... a new home for Mia. We are excited to have Mia move to her new home, just waiting for a break in the weather. Macy too may be leaving for a new home, more details and pictures to follow.

There have been many rainy and cloudy days but the work continues. Thanks to our great volunteers who help with tasks from construction to cleaning stalls and grooming horses. Breaks in the weather have let us enjoy some riding and continue basic training.
Kalib has made great strides responding well to even new hands,showing us he does indeed understand the lessons.

Mya is under saddle and doing well, she has a potential new home.

Mia too has had visitors and her adoption is pending.

Macy has grown tremendously and at 7 months stands at 13 hands, we are expecting her to be a tall girl. She has moved out of Mia's stall and now shares quarters with "Uncle Duke", my own gelding who loves babies.
Lordy is back at the rescue, and enjoying the pastures, as well as our rides. He is a treasure,and all adore him. Here he is pictured with Liz. We expect to be offering day camps in the new year with Liz assisting. Liz currently offers riding lessons for both able and disabled riders. Please contact us if you are interested in working with us in the upcoming summer.

Every one of the horses here at the rescue has their own story, and unique personalities. I invite you to join us in caring for these wonderful horses and help us so we may find each of them a new loving home.

The weather these days has been up and down, with plenty of sunshine between the showers. A big thank you to those volunteers who come help, even on the rainy days. It is hard to come out on those not so nice days, and I am so appreciative, as I too get "under the weather".... speaking of which, I'll take this as an opportunity to remind you to all get your flu shots... tis the season.

Today was a beautiful day at the rescue......blues skies and sunshine shone over our hills and our horses grazed on new grass. JD is back with the rescue and today he joined the herd for the first time. He is a beautiful boy, and the mares ran around him kicking up their heels. Head and tail held high he snorted a time or two and trotted up the hill to join the herd.

During the night our Macy had an adventure.... the young calves next door had pushed on the fencing and lowered it just right that Miss long legs stepped over it. However the view from the other side of the fence was different.... The top of the fence was higher on that side and so there she spent the night..... 7 handsome black Angus calves kept her company, from a distance of course. Our Macy is quite the energetic filly, and was running around their pasture. On our side Momma Mia stood with Uncle Duke, ( My boy Duke has adopted Macy as his offspring).
It took but a moment to lead Macy to the gate and send her on her way with Momma and Duke, none the worse for wear but a small scratch from the fence. Myself of course... I did fencing to keep curious calves on their side, and all before breakfast.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and we see you again soon.

The winter rains are turning our hills green and the paddocks muddy. We do have a great barn now and all the horses are out of the rain and wind. The barns still need work to ensure the rains stay out, gutters to be hung and auto water and feeders installed, but the horses are happy in their stalls.

We have a new hay storage shed coming soon, and our Foaling barn is underway in preparation for any mare in need this coming spring.

Pictures still are unavailable due to technical difficulties..... but coming soon

This weekends rains have not put a damper on our activities... with the help of many great volunteers we are completing our winter preparations. Pictures coming soon.

Tomorrow we will gathering at Tommy T's, Thank you to those of you who purchased tickets, and those who donated. Every dollar helps us care for our horses.

We have many horses still needing homes, please consider adoption or sponsorship this season.

There are many things of beauty in this world, but to see our new 8 stall barn standing, and horses in their new stalls, well it was a beautiful sight to me. Thanks to the great efforts by Jessica, Jacob, Jerell, Bobby and Alec.
Along with their efforts were the great students from De La Salle High School. Many thanks to Nicholas, Will, Blake and Robin, have been putting in hours at the ranch helping to clean, feed and work on our construction projects.
There have been many changes to our set up along the way, but they have all fallen into place nicely. Soon our days filled with construction and planning will be replaced by days full of horse only activities. I thank all of you who have helped us along the way.

The winds are a challenge to us in the past 2 days, we are close to completion of the barn requiring the last of the roofing to be in place. Unfortunately with the wind gusts we are being delayed. The weekend will be one focused on settling all down for the winter. Saturday and Sunday days are open for volunteers.
There has been new donations of tack and blankets, a huge thank you to Winnie who made a special trip to bring us many treasures of saddles, blankets, halters and more. As you settle your own barns for the winter and are going through your tack please consider donating those items no longer needed or wanted. Those items not used by the rescue will be added to out spring tack swap and sale.
Please support us this weekend by purchasing tickets for the comedy show at Tommy T's in Pleasanton. Tickets should be purchased through our website, or if you're local to Livermore by calling 925-518-8987.
If you are unable to attend the event please consider a donation directly to the rescue. We need your support.

new barn mom

We have a new helper for our daily chores and are very pleased. Though she has zero horse experience, she walks around them like she has been with them her whole life. She has taken a liking to Monroe and he to her. It is amazing to see this match come together. She has ridden twice in her life, but she is attracted to one of our biggest boys and a boss in the herd. I look forward to her working with him and riding, as does she. Welcome Elisa.
If you would like to be a barn mom and help care for one of our horses, please contact us.

Yesterdays rains and wind were a reminder of the down side of winter. Blankets and sheets were brought out, horses were sized and dressed. I am hoping we make it through winter with fewer blankets mishaps, but am sure there will be some. JP though it was fun pulling at Maggie's blanket as I dressed her, and when unable to do that, took a hold of her lead in his mouth and held onto it. I think he was tying to help, they are such characters.
We do have a need for smaller blankets , if you have any gathering dust we could sure use them. I am hoping the weather continues to hold off this week as we get the 8 stall completed, we are looking for extra hands on Friday. Please email us if you can join us then.

latest news....

Today we were blessed with a beautiful day and the help of 3 strong young men from De La Salle High School. They quickly we were able to plot out the site of our new 8 stall barn and started the heavy work of raising the panels. In a short period of time much was accomplished. We are hoping the majority of the panels will be in place by Saturday so we are able to focus on installing the roofing. We are excited to see this barn coming together as it has long been both wanted and needed.
Please contact us if you are able to volunteer a few hours this weekend. Even if you are unable to do the barn work there are many horses in need of grooming, stall signs to make, and items to mark and assign to the horses so please join us.

latest news....

There are many happy horses on our hills this morning since the rains have brought the start of green grass . Closer to the barn we have JD who has returned to the rescue requiring medical care, also close by are the smallest members of our herd Tina and Rio. They have their own pasture to roam around in. We have cleared the way for the new barn to be started and the panels start going up today. Here are a few of the herd relaxing on that site.

Latest news...

Tonight might be a scary one since it's Halloween, but the day is a beautiful one. There are blue skies and sunshine over the hills at the ranch. The grass is turning those hills green already and they horses are loving it.
The herd was running around and kicking up their heels this morning. After the running around they settled into their little groups, Cass with Mia and Macy; Monroe and Mya; Kalib with Zaida;
and Duke, Jake and Kay a loose trio. JP joined the herd for the first time and joined up with Maggie, they stayed side by side, she is a calm girl providing reassurance to him I'm sure. How I wish I had my camera to share their beauty.

JP, Mia, Macy, are now clear for adoption. Please contact us for more information.

10/26/2010

Today the weather is giving us a break, blankets are off, horses are frisky and kicking up their heels. There is already tiny bits of green poking through the ground, a blessing for sure and soon enough the hills will be green.
There is always work to be done, chores are always there and of course horse work. Our three in for recovery are coming along well, JP showing no signs of lameness today,we hope he will be sound shod and soon be available. Kay is going out soon and will make a great little sport horse for someone. Mia and Macy are now available to be adopted either separately or together. Mia is being worked on basic ground work now and she is learning fast.
These young horses offer so much, I invite you to come and meet them. We are fortunate that we do have an offer of a month of professional training to anyone adopting from the rescue, thank you Laura. Please contact us for more information.

Oct 23/2010

It seems like the hot days were never ending and from that we have chilly rains and slippery slopes. Rain sheets are now out and we know the winter blankets will be needed soon enough. WE are in need of smaller sized sheets and blankets. If you have one to spare our Pony Rio and mini Tina are in need.
We are hoping to get our 8 stall barn up before much more rain, extra hands are always welcome. Our goal is for all to have 16 indoor stalls this winter along with one over sized one.
Our projects seem never ending, but progress is being made. Thank you all for your generous help.
Thank you to our volunteers who help to fill in for those daily chores...

October 20 2010

Yesterday we had a full day, thanks to the generous efforts of David, Dillan, Joey and Elisa who joined me in the dismantlement our long awaited barn. It is soon to be brought to our site and reassembled before the winter rains. On site we had the generous help to complete our evening chores. We are hoping our barn raising will be started this weekend, please join us in our efforts. Look for more pictures coming soon.

October 14 2010

Fall is upon us though the weather man thinks its July. There is still much preparation for the upcoming winter rain and cold. Our over sized stall will be ready soon. It will serve as a sick stall and also is large enough for foaling. Our 8 stall barn is scheduled for dismantle and move this next week, we are looking forward to bringing it home.

The quarantine barn will soon be ready. We are looking at going to the auction at the end of the month, if you can help please do so, every dollar can help to save a horse from a terrible fate.

We understand times are hard, and know it will get harder this winter for too many defenseless horses. Please join us in our efforts of rescue and recovery.

Our "Lone Oak" and 2 resident horses

friday October 1

Today was another day on the road, checking on several abandoned horses before the barn owner sends them to auction. The kind hearted care of fellow boarders can only go so far when several are abandoned at the same barn. Thankfully there is a group effort to provide care to whom they can, and now thankfully the barn is ready to release them. We are expecting to take in whom we can to help. Please help us however you can, every dollar counts, there is costly vet and farrier care that must be provided upon arrival. Updates and pictures as soon as possible.

On the ranch Kay had another lesson under saddle and did well, slow and steady progress.

We are updating our horse profiles with videos, please let us know if you can help be a camera man/woman.

Still shots of this gal do not do her justice. Keeva has grown even taller and has a big heart that goes with her stature... we expect she will be under saddle this week.

Kay's Day

Today was filled with some great happenings and some clouds with silver linings.
The greatest part of the day was Kay's first rides. After some reviewing ground work Kay sported a saddle and did so well, we climbed aboard. A little confused as to what we were doing up there she stood her ground, literally, but with reassurance all was good she found her legs and away we went. Both myself and her barn mom Caitlin rode with no attempts to buck, bolt or other such nonsense. Kay was a good girl, and we are very proud of her.

The Rescue clean up and construction continues. The landlord removed old panels, buildings and a huge cattle trough from the central rescue site.( Thank you Thank you Thank you Joey) However in the process the water tank sprung a leak, oops ... so the reposition of the tank to preserve water storage seemed like a good idea .... until a water line broke. That would be the cloud... the silver lining is a new modern tank and added water line assess for barns and corrals.
Thank God for handymen like Joey who had everything under control.

We are looking at another day of construction the weekend of 9th/10th. Please join us for barn and horse time. Soon enough all projects will be completed and our only projects will be our horses. Please join us completing projects and getting ready for winter and new horses.

The worst time of the year is about to be on us and too many horses are thrown away at auction. We are trying to prepare to receive new arrivals from the auction. Our trip is in planning. Details to come soon.

what a weekend!!!

Once again I am amazed and grateful for the kindness and generosity of our local people, this weekend we met more wonderful volunteers.
We are pleased to have 2 new regular helpers, welcome Caitlin and Jolene. They will join Vicki, Stephanie, Aileen and Hannah for assistance with feeds and regular maintenance at the rescue.

A special thank you to David for your hours of help right through til dark! installation of our 24' panels and removal of the old iron ones was hard, very heavy work, impossible without help. We are grateful for not only your man power, but your efforts in planning upcoming building projects. Our hay storage barn is on the drawing board.

Much has been done and our "to do" list is getting shorter!!

This month we have our 2 run in barns up and ready to shield our horses from the winter rains. The division of these into stalls will be our next task.
Our paddocks were relocated and enlarged. We hope to have individual shelters for these as well.
Our arena area and round pens are up, clean and we are preparing the ground for sand.
Our small turnouts are being enlarged, posts reinforced and field fencing to be replaced.
We have out special extra large stall/paddock under construction in preparation for any horse in need of stall rest or for a mare to foal.
Blanket bars were installed in the red barn.
Auto waters purchased and ready to be installed.
The location for the new barn has been marked and the ground is being cleared. We expect to receive it in the next 2 weeks.

More updates and pictures to follow, If you would like to join our efforts, as a regular volunteer, work behind the scenes or just as an occasional helping hand, please contact us. We are also looking for experienced horse people to join our board for 2011. Please contact us for more information.

Latest news...

Our handsome newcomer that came with the name of Patrick has picked up the additional title of James,so is now known as James Patrick. We are calling him JP for short.

JP came with front lameness, having his misfitted shoes pulled has already helped, though he is still very sore. He will be re-shod following x-rays to determine the cause of his lameness.
He is a high energy horse but seems very sensitive on the line. Our riding evaluation will be held until he is sound, but he comes with a history of dressage training and jumping.
His recommendations and restrictions will be determined following his upcoming assessments.

lastest news

The work at Lone Oak continues, we are happy to say we have new homes for Sugar and Dixie, we know Patty and Gary will provide a wonderful home. We have 2 new friends at Lone Oak.

Rio is a Sr pony who came to us this past week. He is in need of dental and farrier care. He has obvious pain when walking and is a little underweight, that should be corrected with dental and a diet designed for a Sr horse. Our vet and farrier assessment are screening for any medical conditions, such as diabetes and cushings, meanwhile he has a thick bed of shavings and medication for pain. Rio will have a permanent home at Lone Oak Rescue. We are looking for 4 regular sponsors for $25/month for our little Rio.

Rio and Tina became friends instantly

Smile for the camera, long teeth and sharp points hinder eating and affect nutrition



Rio shows the evidence of chronic laminitis, we will do our best to get his feet back under him and keep him stable and comfortable.
Our other boy is Patrick. He is approx 15 y/o he is a quarter/Tb cross. He stands at about 16 HH. He needs new shoes and evaluation by our vet. Currently showing slight lameness at the trot only. He is a pretty boy, insecure by himself, but settles immediately with a pasture mate.
He will be available post evaluation.

updates

This month has been so busy, and the computer has been plagued with many sick days. It has been too long since an update, so here we are.

We are happy to say several of our horses have new homes!!

Bree, Shelby, Emma, Sugar, and Quinn are settled into their new homes. JD was here and gone so fast he never made our available list. Sugar and Dixie's adoption is pending while their new owners complete their pasture and shelters. Their are potential adopters coming to meet Mia, Macy, Kay and Cass. We hope to have new homes for them in the next few weeks.

We are still working on our site in preparation for the cold wet months ahead of us and much progress is being made. As soon as the new barn 8 stall barn is up we will open the doors for more horses in need. We are hoping to have funds and assistance for an additional 6. Please help us with our fund raising efforts. Join us on our trail ride, or simply make a donation of any amount. All proceeds at this time go to the hay fund and our planned trip to the auction.
Please help us prepare for these upcoming expenses so we can help more.
We need hay and grain for the upcoming months, if you have donations of these we can come and pick it up.
Thank you all of our volunteers for your many hours spent at the rescue. I am so grateful for your help, ans I know the horses are as well. If you are not on our list please contact us for the next volunteer day.

upcoming trail ride

We are planning a small fund raising trail ride in the upcoming weeks, watch for more details coming soon. The trails are great and views are beautiful.....here is a peek at our ride yesterday

latest news

Many thanks to the numerous volunteers who have become regulars here at Lone Oak Rescue.

Our list of chores and projects remains full and we always need more hands. Our construction projects need to be completed. Below are our top priorities.
Construct hay storage.
Place roof on open barn.
Construct additional shelters.
Someone with a small tractor/bucket to help level small areas .
Replace current runs with electric.
Install auto water buckets in barn.

We have a small group of volunteers who have been working grooming feeding and exercising the horses. Thank you all for being so great. Please contact us if you would like to be a part of that group, horse/riding experience is required for this group.

We are looking for dedicated persons to join our efforts. Please contact us if you are interested in the following positions. The majority of these hours are off site but we encourage on site participation as well.

- photo album management.
- volunteer coordinator
- fundraising coordinator
- website assistant

Thank you to all of you who have joined our efforts, we have several horses pending adoption which means we can help others. If you need assistance placing a horse please contact us, we have people looking for horses but do not have the suitable match for them.

Currently we have a need for a calm well trained horse for a family for arena and basic riding only, no competition or heavy riding. As well we have an individual looking for a gelding, trained and capable for packing/trails.

We are having a tack sale next week Sunday the 15th please join us we are still looking for donations, receipts for all items donated.

Watch for more fundraising events in the works, and please contact us with your fundraising suggestions. Together we can help more horses find the homes they deserve.

Saturday

Saturday was great, many thanks for the volunteers who joined us. There were chores done and projects completed and horses groomed and exercised. pictures as soon as I figure out why there not loading!!! you guys all looked so good!!

Quinn leaves us

Today I took Quinn to his new home. As we started down the driveway Duke ran following us, he and Quinn calling back and forth. I stopped and told Duke he had to say goodbye because Quinn was leaving. I was stopped for 4 or 5 minutes as they put nose to nose several times and then I started to drive away slowly. Duke stood and watched for a few moments and then ran back to the barns where he stood and watched us leave. What they communicated to each other I have no idea, but Quinn was quiet the rest of the ride and settled in to eating upon arrival. I want to think Duke said everything will be okay... kinda pulls at the heart strings
Big brother Duke and little Quinn

sunday trails

a few pictures from our leisure day Sunday

great day!

Saturday was productive and a great time. A special thank you to John for the doors to our tack room, as well as the many hands helping with daily maintenance. There was new introductions to horses and for some it brought back that urge to ride, and so we did. Duke, Bree, Dixie, were wonderful to there riders and Kalib and Jake did great on there lessons. A few of our recent pictures to share...

Vicki and Kalib
Quinn and David are buddies

back in the saddle like they never missed a day!!!


Davids first ride on a horse......

A few instructions...........
a trial run with Stephanie.......
David solo on Duke
Aileen on Dixie......our horses do love that tar weed !!!

A toast to a great day with a nice cold coke!!

back home

This week one of my favorite horses came home. Kalib is a wonderful little guy, has not finished his training, will do so with us. He is a high energy arabian who requires time and dedication. He is available with training stipulations.

play day

Today there was much running around, myself with errands that never end and with the horses, well running just for the fun of it!. Quinn must have woke the playful side of Cass as together they ran bucked and reared playing tag back and forth. Cass of course leaving little Quinn behind when he decided to stretch those long TB legs.... what a delight to see him stretch out running ,nothing keeping up but the wind.
He set off the herd and away they ran up and down the hills. Mia and Macy in the middle of the herd that was running full tilt.
It is amazing that little Macy only 8 weeks old keeps up with Mom, but there she was right by her side. Its days like this that make me want to sit on the hill and do nothing but watch them just being horses.

mia

Finally a minute to sit and update. Mia had an episode of colic and all hands were on deck to pull her through, she is doing well. Macy is growing like crazy, sassy and loving to run in the pasture. Mya is accepting a saddle well and expect to be on her soon. More ground work and an evening ride with Stephanie finished my day.

changes

This week is the start of a change of schedule for myself and as a result for the rescue as well. We will be able to have additional volunteer days that will consist of 2-4 hour periods in the mornings. These will be times committed to both horse care and ranch work. We welcome regular volunteers to arrange times to work with us and encourage you to become a barn mom or dad to a particular horse. Also coming are days dedicated to our young horse enthusiasts. Watch for announced days and times.

Mia and Macy

Mia and Macy have joined out general herd out in pasture at the ranch, all is well, It is a beautiful thing to watch the herd in motion, just being horses.

many thanks!!!

A special thank you and much appreciation for Stephanie who has helped out til dark this weekend. She is a long time horse gal,great around the horses and game for our many projects. We need more like you!!!
Cassanova is back at the ranch with sore knees, unable to perform as his adopting owner needed. so once stable he again will be available for a light riding home. In the meantime he is in love with Stephanie, following her around like a puppy....

a few of our volunteers

I great bunch of gals.... we accomplished a lot and we had fun, please come back again!!!!

great girls made it a great day!!

Today was a small showing for our volunteer day, but what a bunch they were!! I huge thank you for all that we accomplished!!
We have our stalls in our 4 stall barn all prepped for mats.... there was a wonderful job of cleaning for our little ones Macy and Tina, and framing was completed and walls up on our new tack room. Lots of wind didn't stop us.... even though it tried pretty hard.
forgive the lack of pictures, computer acting up....

more projects

Projects continue, framing for our tack room and barn work continues. We will have a few extra hands tomorrow and hope to have it completed... pics to follow

busy busy busy

Today was a full day. We were assisted with a vet day by Kathryn, she transported 2 of our horses and one placed to a central barn where we shared a vet call.

There was exams and dental work (Sugar)

say "AAAAHHHHH" now, rinse and spit".... ok drool- close enough


X-Rays and exam (Cassanova)
" I just stand real still and look handsome right?"


and a castration (sorry baby boy Quinn)

"was that a needle???? aahhhh ......nice soft green bed..."


" don't know what you're doing..... don't care"


"where did everyone go?? I'm soooo sleepy"



"never mind.... .... more sleep"

A big thank you to Dr Kessinger who let us tag onto his vet call. All went well and everyone behaved very well. A little sleepy from medications they got to enjoy the afternoon sun. Our day was almost done.... all but the drive home.