Ranshaw Ranch Rescue Horses

Denali was the first slaughter-bound horse we rescued and opened up our world of kill pen horses. Denali was a truly gentle soul and would take the best care of non-experienced riders. We did not have Denali long before he began to show signs of lameness and upon vet examination, we discovered he had advanced bilateral ringbone. We retired him from riding but when we could no longer keep him comfortable even retired in the pasture he was assisted over the rainbow bridge.

Shiloh is from Amish country and was used to pull a wagon to and from school. He was severely injured and struggled to walk when we rescued him and we were unsure keeping him past a few weeks was possible. However, over time, he improved enough to offer visitors rides during free farm visits. Shiloh is now fully retired and will live out the remainder of his days being loved and cherished here at Shoofly.

Memphis was rescued the same week as Shiloh. He loved kids and was incredibly gentle with them despite having extreme anxiety about being saddled and ridden. 

When we rescued Louie the injuries to his hind legs had begun to heal however not properly as he had not received veterinary care until he came to be with us. The people who dropped Louie off at the kill pen said he had an accident with a fence. Regardless of what happened, it caused bilateral stringhalt and we sent him for a corrective surgery to reduce scar tissue from the initial injury and help the stringhalt. Louie is a tender soul with so much personality. We are hopeful a new procedure can cure his stringhalt and Louie can go on to function like a normal healthy horse. 

When we went to rescue Jazzy Diesel was there and had been left by a potential buyer. He was incredibly malnourished and emaciated. We were told if we did not take him he would load on the truck bound for slaughter in Mexico that was right behind us. That was not an option so though we had not planned on rescuing two horses that day two horses came home to Shoofly. Diesel had a lot of trust issues however we were able to overcome many of them while also putting much-needed weight on him. When he was healthy he was adopted out to a professional trainer who had experience with horses like Diesel.

Jazzy Girl's issues were overwhelming from the moment we picked her up. It was thought she had a condition called heaves however upon vet evaluation and several tests it was discovered she had an enlarged epiglotis and it was affecting her breathing which then affected her ability to properly cool her body down. Despite her struggles, we were able to keep Jazzy healthy and comfortable for 2 years. We adored this beautiful mare who loved to follow you around almost as much as she loved her stall in the barn with her personal AC unit. Our time with her was precious and unforgettable.

This gentle giant was loved by all who met him. He was also an Amish country rescue who clearly did not know a gentle hand one day in his life until he came here to Shoofly. Moses had a severe case of advanced bilateral ringbone. We knew his comfort could degenerate quickly and we made sure to treat every day like it could be his last and showered him with love and affection which was easy as he was always waiting at the gate for his daily cuddle sessions. The gentelest of souls we wish we had more time with him but we are grateful we could be his soft landing in the twilight of his life. 

Yet another ex-Amish horse, Artemis was used to pull buggies and as a broodmare. She had a freezebrand and so we were able to acquire her history. As a young saddlebred, she had an impressive racing career as Island Escape before being sold to the Amish. When we rescued Artemis she had a fresh bag of milk and was lame on her back right leg. Her initial vet examination was inconclusive about what the problem was so we continued to concentrate on nutrition and her comfort. However despite our best efforts the stability in Artemis' hind end deteriorated quickly and she began falling and struggling to get up on a daily basis. We had hoped to give Artemis the beautiful retirement she deserved but unfortunately, it only lasted a few months. However, we take comfort in knowing Artemis was loved and showered with affection right up to the end.

We believe Atlas was born in the kill pen as we rescued him from the kill buyer at just 3 months old. Hardly old enough to be weaned from his mother he was sick, skinny and had an injury to his back leg. Despite never being handled or haltered Atlas showed he wanted human attention and affection and immediately accepted the care and love he received. Today Atlas is a smart and sweet yearling. After being gelded and spending 18 months at Shoofly Atlas was adopted out to a professional horse trainer.

Diego had a family that loved him and wanted what was best for him. After his health declined at a boarding facility they knew he needed special care and attention but could not care for him to the extent he needed and so they sought us out as a new home. Diego is smart and loves having a routine. He will be replacing Shiloh giving horse rides during our free farm visits.

We had so many hopes and dreams for Jasper, this adorable little mini-donkey. He developed an upper respiratory infection common with kill pen horses and knowing how sensitive these minis are we were desperate to help him. He immediately saw our vet and he was placed on medication and a specific care regimen. Unfortunately, his little body could not fight the infection and only 6 days after bringing Jasper here to Shoofly he passed on.

Chief is another ex-Amish workhorse. He is kind, and gentle and loves his scratches. He is the largest horse we have rescued. He has the softest eyes and is instantly accepting of people and other horses. 

After Jasper's passing, we rescued Echo so Cheif would have a companion while in quarantine. Echo is only 2 and still learning to trust people but he is learning quickly and enjoys being treated and scratched, especially when he sees his pasture mate Chief getting attention, it helps him understand we are here to help him and love him.