Phoenix, Buddy, and River
Phoenix, Buddy, and River - a love triangle. Phoenix , a APHA mare was at a low end auction in Southern California. She was brought in to the auction with River. Leading up to the auction, they stood with their foreheads touching through the fence. We were just watching the auction- making sure everyone was going for good money (above slaughter/meat prices) and/or to private homes. A rescue we know got River but a private buyer got Phoenix and wanted to use her as a riding horse for their family. The guy at the auction did ride Phoenix through but she was obviously crippled which the auction failed to see.
We talked to the rescue who got River and asked if we were able to track down the people who got Phoenix to see if we could do a rescue-to-rescue transfer with River, to reunite them. They agreed so we got to tracking down Phoenix.
Eloise was able to speak to the person that got Phoenix, a few stressful days later (envisioning people trying to ride Phoenix the whole time). Luckily, the vet was able to see Phoenix within the same week the woman had acquired her from the auction. The vet had one look at Phoenix and honestly told her that she would not be a family riding horse. So we organized transport to go pick up Phoenix but a little Senior Arabian gelding (Buddy) got in the way.
The family who had Phoenix also had another horse Buddy who had been abandoned by his previously owner in their community and left in a turnout with a bale of hay. He had horrible hooves, terrible deep summer sores all over his face and was skinny. They had done their best putting weight back on him. Phoenix would NOT leave Buddy and even though he is at least 10yrs older than her, he was now her boo. Time for plan C(?) of getting them to let us also have Buddy. A week after that we loaded both Buddy and Phoenix and got to reunite Phoenix with River so she had al of her boys with her.
We have since come to love Phoenix as a nurturing 'mother'. She connect deeply with both humans and animals that need love and protection. Her external beauty is admirable, but her softness with the most delicate amongst us is what makes her so special.
