Aureole Ranch Horse Rescue

07/05/2026

Happy 4th from our mountain top. No fireworks but plenty of color!

06/15/2026

The Little Horse Who Could

Many of you have probably come across or possibly already follow Rocking R Ranch and Rescue, and their three legged horse, Rocky.
And if you have, you have most likely come across some of the sad posts about his dedicated humans making the heartbreaking but brave decision to let Rocky go. This was based on new information about the added stresses of his one front leg.

I have stayed quiet, watching the posts from those who loved Rocky from afar, sending their prayers to his heartbroken herd-mates and the dedicated people who loved him. It was such a difficult but necessary decision.

But I feel the need to speak up now. I am truly angered that Rocking R Rescue has had to defend themselves from internet trolls who have literally been celebrating Rocky’s passing, claiming to know things that they simply could not. And many of these trolls run nonprofit horse rescues. Shame on them.

Rescue is bigger than any one act or decision.
I have been in the shoes of Jennifer who had to make that final decision, and frankly, it sucks. But we are here to make sure that every day is a good day. When those days aren’t consistent or are no longer there at all, we, their guardians, must do what is right by them.

It is NOT about keeping an animal alive to continue raising money . It is NOT about our personal feelings. It is about what is the right thing to do.

The resilient strength, love and dedication that both Rocky and his caregivers have shown us, proves that we are capable of so much more than we realize. Thank you Rocking R Ranch and Rescue, Inc. for sharing Rocky with all of us. His story has surely changed me and I know he will forever live on in the hearts who loved him.

RRR shared this very well written blog that I hope you’ll take a moment to read.

Please remember to be kind to each other.

https://id-myhorse.com/the-hostile-hypercritical-horse-community/?fbclid=IwdGRleASdJh9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe3gNb9q8HLad1-WZWtsoWkyojZBVFp6rTSjzGUh29LIyj06BKriw9sZTxZQE_aem_bOML5O0gMK6HBkBgsNW-vA

For three years, I published a blog post every single week. Eventually, I needed a break, so I shifted to writing only when inspiration struck. Yesterday,

04/13/2026

We had some pretty severe storms move through over the past few days. Last night the sun & blue sky finally peaked out, which we were all grateful for 🌞.

03/17/2026

Luca is coming along!
He has gained around 100lbs since he arrived last fall and is looking plump!

I’ve been working with him a few times a week, practicing foot handling, leading manners and general exposure to things that are ‘scary’… water is a big one.

He got out for some grazing and loved every second of it!🌱🌾🌾

03/11/2026

Willow had a grooming session with one of our resident Ravens. It’s always an interesting interaction with these extremely intelligent birds #♥️

03/05/2026

Because you donated, he lives!
Luca says “Thank you”♥️

Enjoy this short clip of him romping!

01/27/2026

Amazing that this gelding survived. Between the cold, having his food supply covered by snow and plenty of predators, I’d say this is a miracle horse♥️

01/27/2026

We’ve had plenty of rain the past few months which has led to some delicious grass for our ponies. Luca got some grass time today and enjoyed every bite!
He’s looking so much better♥️

12/30/2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shotz, a truly extraordinary spirit who left an indelible mark on our lives.
As their custodians, we must sometimes make the difficult yet compassionate decision to release one of our beloved horses from their suffering and physical limitations. Shotz lived a life filled with purpose and joy at Aureole Ranch, having once been a devoted cow pony in Texas.

He was entrusted to our care several years ago when his previous owners relocated, and he reveled in his well-deserved retirement. He was one of the most remarkably human-oriented and kind-hearted horses I've had the privilege to know. He adored being scratched, especially his belly, and would gently nudge me to make his desires clear, often pausing mid-meal to savor the affection.

Unfortunately, Shotz suffered an injury, believed to be a pelvis issue, while turned out with other horses a few years ago. We successfully managed his discomfort and nursed him back to health; however, his age and the terrain eventually took their toll on him over the past few months.

As his pain management became increasingly challenging, we knew that the kindest decision was to offer him a 'Last Act of Kindness.' We approach such decisions with the utmost care and sensitivity, and it's especially heart-wrenching when a cherished animal remains bright-eyed and spirited, Yet, we took comfort in knowing that we could honor his legacy by ensuring his transition was peaceful and dignified.

We kissed his nose and whispered words of love and admiration in his ear, celebrating his bravery, strength, and the profound impact he had on our lives.

As Shotz departed, surrounded by the serenity of nature, with blades of fresh grass still clasped in his mouth, we found solace in the knowledge that he was finally free from pain and at peace. His memory will continue to inspire us, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion, kindness, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals.

Rest easy now Shotzy. We love you. 💔