Dear Santa,

Thank you for all the wonderful gifts that you left for me and my horse family last Christmas. This year, I’m not really asking for anything for myself. But I am worried about other equines that are not so fortunate. 

I hear terrible stories of horses not wanted by their owners, neglected, uncared for, even dropped off in the middle of nowhere. We saw that first-hand this past fall, when we took in a rescue horse that was left to die out on the mesa near Taos after he suffered a broken bone in his leg. We felt bad that the only thing we could do for this nice horse was to give him a couple days of tender loving care until the horse doctor came and he was put to sleep. But at least he found out that not all persons are bad and he experienced a bit of comfort.

They say that there are too many of us equines and with the economy the way it is, some of us just aren’t wanted any more. I’m sure that in many cases, the people really do want us – they just cannot afford to pay the high expense of feeding and care, especially when so many have lost their jobs and all. I’m sure that there are some folks out there whose hearts are breaking because of this. It makes me so sad. 

And then there are those horses who suffer severe injuries and their owners do not have the funds to pay for expensive veterinary care and treatment. We took in a nice horse just a couple months ago who was in that very situation. The only way we could do this was thanks to the kind donations of people who cared enough to give so that this horse could be here to get the care he needs to heal his leg after an awful accident.

We also took in an older gelding who was very thin, in need of a special diet so he wouldn't die of starvation. He's doing just fine now, enjoying lots of wonderful food (the kind that makes me such a plump little guy!).

Santa, could you please help the needy horses this Christmas? Maybe there are some good owners out there that could feed just one more extra horse this year, or donate to a horse rescue or sanctuary, or volunteer. Santa, if you could inspire more people with the giving spirit of the season, I’m sure lots of horses could be helped this way.

At ESS, we are very thankful for the kindness of strangers, for the support from friends, for the wonderful volunteers to come out to help take of us, to clean our pens and stalls and the barn. We are happy to share what we have, whenever we can. We take our work here very seriously, bringing joy and inspiration to people who delight in the magic of being around us, teaching young and older people how to ride and care for us, just being here for people who want to meet us.

We have learned that we have so much to offer to all who come to ESS. Each of us here has something special to give. Our rewards are great – we are loved and appreciated, we have good food and shelter, all of our needs are met.

This year was a very memorable one for me. For the first time since I was a baby donkey, I had a buddy my own size and species to be with during the winter months. Marley, another miniature donkey, came to stay for a while. We had a blast playing together all day long, and sharing a nice comfy stall with a cushy bed of straw at night. I was very sad when Marley left after the winter was over, but I hear that he's coming back again next month. I can't wait!

It was also a sad time for me, when I lost my best friend Buck to colic this past summer. Buck was the best. Absolutely the best big horse friend I've ever had. We all cried a lot of tears when Buck died. It made me realize how important it is to not take our loved ones for granted - ever.

As 2009 comes to an end, our wish is that all horses everywhere would have plenty of good hay and people who care about them and love them. We know there really is a Santa Claus and we believe the magic of this season.

Love,
Bindy, Dustee, Mandy, Chico, Mariah, Kat, Mist, Casey, Soxy, Baylee, Ginger, Scribbles, Star, and Mateo

PS – I don’t need much – really – but if you happen to have an extra bag of those peppermint treats that you’d like to leave under my tree, I wouldn’t mind. I promise I'll share it with the rest of my horsey family.