14/01/2026
Every horse at AAE has a story, and this month we’re highlighting Teddy, a horse who has come a long way from neglect to healing, and who’s once again searching for the right place to call home.
In addition to Teddy's story, below, you’ll also find a photo and link to information for each of our adoptable horses. They all have a second chance to find a family of their own. We’re also featuring a special item from the AAE Tack Store this month, perfect for treating yourself while supporting the horses in our care.
Thank you for being part of the community that makes these second chances possible.
TEDDY
Teddy came to AAE in December 2023 alongside his buddy, Kody, after being surrendered from a neglect situation. Their care had been lacking for some time, and they were living in deep, foul mud and muck. Teddy’s condition was especially concerning; he suffered from severe, watery diarrhea that left his hind end and tail thickly coated with crusty manure. After a concerned neighbor struggled to get help elsewhere, AAE was contacted, and with the owner’s agreement, both horses were surrendered into our care.
Both Teddy and Kody were emaciated, with long, neglected hooves, painful dental issues, and thick, dead winter coats hiding just how thin they truly were. Teddy received an initial cleanup upon arrival, followed by a more thorough cleaning once he had time to settle. The pair was started on a refeeding program following UC Davis' protocol for emaciated horses. With medication, Teddy’s diarrhea resolved, and once they were stable enough for sedation, both received much-needed dental care, vaccines, deworming, and microchips.
Teddy’s recovery took time. His body was depleted, and his spirit reflected it, but as his weight improved, so did his outlook. He eventually transitioned to a herd environment in a pasture where he truly began to thrive. Living with other horses helped him regain both physical strength and confidence, and it was wonderful to watch him come back to life.
Before neglect, Teddy was a trail horse. After recovering, he had several rides and seemed to be mostly steady, though a bit rusty and unpolished. Teddy is generally easy to handle, and he halters and leads well. He's generally good for hoof handling and the farrier, though he can be impatient at times. He has trailered well in limited experiences and does well living with both mares and geldings, though he has a clear preference for the ladies. He can be a bit protective during new herd introductions, but typically settles in without major issues. Some of Teddy’s behavioral challenges, mainly impatience or anxiety, are tied to separation from his buddy or herd, something he continues to work through. Overall, he is fairly uncomplicated and continues to make progress.
Teddy was adopted in spring 2025, but due to circumstances beyond his control (his adopter’s divorce), he returned to AAE in late November. He is available for adoption again and ready for a stable, experienced home of his own.
Teddy is not a beginner horse and will need an experienced adopter who can help him continue relearning and rebuilding his skills. Given his age, history, and limited health background, Teddy is best suited for a light-riding or companion home. With conditioning, he may be capable of more, but a quieter, lighter workload is the safest fit. He will likely do best in a home with fewer horses and less overall stimulation.
If you sound like a good match for Teddy, we’d love to hear from you — you can fill out our Adoption Inquiry form to get started.
Even if you can’t adopt, you can still help! Please share Teddy's story, someone out there is ready to open their heart and home.
