Skills / Disciplines

Project

Additional Comments

If you are interested in adopting this horse, please submit an Adoption Inquiry via AAE's website; No texts please: visit our website Adoption fees subject to change based on training; see website for current information.

Dakota came to AAE in September 2021 from a distressed sanctuary. He ended up at the sanctuary after his loving owner developed terminal cancer. He is a handsome tribal mustang from the Dakotas. Dakota was fearful and lacked confidence and he was difficult to catch.... (read more) He was defensive in that if anyone approached from the side or behind too quickly, he'd turn his hind end to you and on occasion, kicked out. He learned quickly that wasn't ok. When we picked him up, he had extensive heel cracks that extended into his coronary band in both hind hooves. They were painful.

Soon after arrival, he got the works, hoof and dental care, vaccines, deworming and a microchip. During his exam, Dr. Stolba discovered he could not see from his left eye. Further evaluation showed his lens was detached, which certainly explained his concerns with people approaching from the side or behind. With more understanding of his vision issue, we learned how to better support him.

After he was moved to the herd, he became very herd-bound and had a strong pullback issue when taking him away from his herd mates. With some changes, it's improved some, but it resurfaces when there are changes or his confidence wanes. Once he's one-on-one, he recovers nicely, but this is still a work in progress. Dakota was introduced to a saddle and he handled it very well. He had occasional dips in his confidence, but they were more related to activity in his surroundings. As we get settled into AAE's new property, we'll do more saddle work and work away from the herd dependency.

Dakota is current with dental and hoof care, vaccines, deworming and has a microchip. Dakota is looking for an experienced horse person to continue building his confidence and enjoy the cool little guy he is.

In general, there is a lot of activity around AAE including foot traffic in and out of paddock/pasture areas, mucking with wheelbarrows, grooming and care activities, weekly farrier visits. There are resident dogs, cats, chickens, and mini horses, as well as various wildlife including frequent turkeys and squirrels in and around paddock/pasture areas. AAE is situated on the corner of a busy road with high speed vehicles, trucks, and sirens. Tractors are used in and around pasture/paddock areas, trucks deliver feed, and a squeeze is occasionally used for unloading hay. Neighbors have weekly gardeners that utilize various power tools, and children that are active in yards adjacent to some stall/paddock areas. Horses at AAE are accustomed to a more active environment as opposed to a quiet/sterile environment.

All About Equine Animal Rescue Inc.

All About Equine Animal Rescue (AAE) is a volunteer-based, 501(c)3 non-profit equine rescue and rehabilitation organization located in Pilot Hill, California. AAE was founded in 2009 as a result of the down economy and growing number of distressed and auction-/slaughter-bound horses. Too many horses are being transported across US borders and commercially slaughtered each year, and many more inhumanely die each year from neglect, abandonment, abuse, or improper care.... (read more) Most of our horses are rescued from a slaughterhouse-owned feedlot before they are transported to slaughter in Canada or Mexico. We want to make a difference. With your support, we can make a change. Your contribution means the difference between life and death, one horse at a time. "By saving the life of one horse, we may not be changing the world, but we are changing the world for that one horse".  Author unknown.

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