Since becoming a nonprofit organization in 2000, The Horse Shelter has been dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and facilitating the adoption of abused, abandoned and neglected horses in New Mexico.
The Horse Shelter has over 80 volunteers and generous and loyal supporters who believe in its mission.
“In December, our long-term photography volunteer Evalyn Bemis, who also is a knowledgeable horse woman, offered to foster Yahtzee over the winter, to give Yahtzee a deeply bedded stall in which to rest, stay clean and dry while receiving ongoing care from our veterinarian and farrier,” said Susan Hemmerle, the shelter’s executive director. “We were thrilled for Yahtzee to have this opportunity and we were all hoping that by spring she would be healthy enough for us to be able to find a good home for her.”
Yahtzee is a 19-year-old Pony of the Americas horse with a very sweet disposition. Yahtzee arrived at The Horse Shelter in February 2023 in very bad condition. She had laminitis, a painful and often fatal hoof problem, which is not uncommon in neglected horses and ponies.
“Yahtzee stole my heart,” said Bemis, “along with everyone else’s who met her, especially my 1- and 3-year-old grandnieces, Gia and Cara Caloairo. She now has a home for life with us and my two horses, Peñasco and Booker T, both of whom are also rescues from The Horse Shelter.”
Bemis did not intend to add another permanent horse to her herd. “Yes, she wormed her way into my heart, in large part because she got better, and I was so happy for her, and thus felt a need to protect her forever. Yahtzee is the gentlest, kindest pony on the planet,” she said.
Recognized as a majestic animal that brings joy, horses are one of the most adored animals in the world. Monday is National I Love Horses Day. I would say it is not only a day for Bemis to celebrate adopting three wonderful horses, but also a day to celebrate The Horse Shelter’s continued success and dedication to serving as a sanctuary for rescued horses.
Tracks
The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society: August is an adventure buddy with boundless energy. He is the ideal dog for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors. Energetic and spirited, August embodies the joy of discovery and the thrill of new experiences.
Bruce is a handsome 3-year-old dog who is a great listener and loves to go on walks and runs. Since he does have a lot of energy, he could use puzzle toys to help calm down and also playing fetch. Bruce prefers his solitude and enjoys being the sole focus of attention, making him more comfortable without cats.
Española Humane: Tank has a sweet swagger and charm. The 1-year-old, 73-pound dog is house trained, excellent on leash, loves everyone and is content with leisurely neighborhood strolls. He is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and comes with six months of free heartworm prevention.
His adoption fee is waived during the Empty the Shelters event.
Violet Bridgerton needs a little time to warm up to new people, but once she does, she is an absolute sweetheart.
Lady Violet loves crunchy treats, head scratches and a good window seat. She is learning how to play with toys and recently decided she just might like being a lap cat, too.
She does not really enjoy being picked up, but if someone sits near her, she will crawl in the person’s lap for a snuggle. She is 1-year-old, weighs 6 pounds, and is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Her adoption fee is waived during the Empty the Shelters event.
Felines & Friends: Five-year-old tuxedo cat Jonesy is a handsome social boy who loves to give head butts in return for pampering and petting. He is seeking a permanent foster person who will give him a long-term home while administering his shelter-provided medications: two daily pills and eye drops. This sweet guy would be happy solo or sharing a home with other gentle cats.
Three-month-old look-alike kittens Frank, Dino, Lena, Ella and Billie were rescued from Artesia along with their petite black mom, Inky.
Little Ella is a true lover. She plays with her siblings but mostly enjoys snuggling on laps. She will reward a person with endless purrs. Ella has silky jet-black fur and one white whisker.
Meet these kittens and more from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Teca Tu. Inky is also awaiting adoption at Petco. Apply at FandFnm.org to meet Jonesy and learn more about the Felines & Friends’ Permanent Foster program.
Dew Paws Rescue: Ghost is a 2- to 3-year-old husky-heeler mix. She has a sweet disposition and gets along well with other dogs. Ghost weighs 50 pounds and is vaccinated and spayed. Call 505-412-9096 or email infodewpaws@gmail.com.
The Horse Shelter: Snickers is a 7-year-old sorrel mare who has been in training under saddle. She has been ridden for about a month and has been exposed to trail rides and cows. Snickers is a sweet girl who has taken to new things really well.
She is a confident mare who is not easily startled. She really wants to be a quiet and relaxed girl. She needs an intermediate to advanced rider.
