BEHIND THE BARN

SAFEACT.org Progress Our advocacy site SAFEACT.org is responsible for facilitating over 8,000 letters sent to legislators over the past 6 months.  Thanks to volunteer, Allison Walton for donating her web design to this great cause!  Liberty’s mission is based on supporting this legislation called the Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act (SAFE Act).  If passed, the SAFE Act will forever ban the export of American equines for slaughter.  Attached is a draft of the final press release explaining more.  I ask that everyone post on about SAFEAct.org on their social media.  There are no donations request. The whole point of the site is to encourage people to learn about the SAFE Act and send letters to their legislators in support.  The site features AI letter writing tools to write and send your support in just 1 minute!  The bill will need to be reintroduced in the 119th Congress.  

Volunteer Outreach           We appreciate all of your help and could use more of it. If you have friends who would like to be part of Team Liberty please have them apply to become volunteers.  We could always use more hands on deck!  www.libertysanctuary.org/volunteer 

We are making a change to shifts to create more efficiency and avoid holes in our schedule. Until we expand our volunteer team significantly, all volunteers will be assigned to roles in the canyon since we have many horses living there now.  All volunteers are always welcome to visit the mustangs and drafts but the day-to-day work up top will be handled by Scott & Augie while Team Liberty can focus on the herds in the canyon.

Clocking In/Out. Please start your shift by clocking in and out of Homebase. This is so important; It allows you to see the updated shift notes, lets the Sanctuary know the horses have been fed and that you have safely left the property.

Feeding. Feed all horses in the tires and feeders provided, making sure they are at least 10 feet apart and not close to standing water. Divide all the hay among all the tires/feeders. General rule of thumb, most horses get 3 flakes each shift.  Young horses and heavier horses get 2 flakes each. There will be wagons and tools located by the hay storage for your shift. 

Mucking. Please use a metal shovel or half moon hoe on frozen muck and plastic forks for loose muck. Rake up any old hay to avoid freezing in standing water. Empty wagons in designated areas. Return wagons and tools back by the hay barn, with wagons left tilted open. 

Water. Canyon horses usually drink from the creek, however, water troughs have been put in some of the paddocks due to the creek freezing in very low temperatures.  Check troughs and break up ice if necessary. For your safety, please DO NOT attempt to break up ice on the creek. If you notice the horses do not have access to water or access is impeded, please text Scott at 801-870-3156.

Please remember to lock all gates, making sure they are secure for horses but not too tight for the next volunteer to open. Most importantly, enjoy spending time with our sweet rescues.

The SOUTH FIELD CANYON SHIFT includes THREE groups of horses/donkeys and 3 sheep located on the left hand side as you enter the property.  Always check water sources upon arrival.  Dacia has also prepared a Who's Who document attached here.

1. MUCK      ONLY Romeo (Ashley’s horse), Gemma and Aurora in the first paddock. Gemma      and Aurora should be approached with care, they startle easily. Ashley      will fill their hay net AM/PM. There is a muck pile in the paddock marked      with an orange cone.
2. FEED      & MUCK - Max, Cody and Penny (Therapy/Ranch      Horses) in the second pasture. Feed 3 flakes each (9 total) using the hay      barn and tools located in Romeo’s paddock. Sweep and lock. Muck the      shelters and open area as much as possible. Muck pile located in their      paddock, marked with an orange cone. 
3. Horses/Donkeys/Sheep in the      last pasture.
   
       A) FEED      AND MUCK - Sabrina, Mason, Bentley, Bailey, Piper (small Shetland Pony),      Sierra and Sundance (donkeys.) Hay is located in the four      stall shelters, on the far left in their paddock. Feed one bale of hay for      these six equines. Wagons and tools are located next to the hay. They have      two pastures, each pasture has several tires for feeding. Only feed in one      pasture at a time, trying to alternate, if possible. Hopefully this will      keep it less messy. Muck stalls and as much as possible in the pastures.      Muck pile located in their pasture, marked by an orange cone.
   
       B) FEED SHEEP - Lucca, Nicco and Jojo in the fenced in area. Please feed      the sheep 2 flakes in their feeder. Ranch staff will muck this area as      needed.

The NORTH FIELD SHIFT is the feeding and mucking of the TWO north paddocks, both are located on the right after coming down the dirt road. Always check water sources upon arrival.

4.  FEED & MUCK Six geldings (Scout, Maverick, Blaze, Wilder, Asher and Rowan) in the paddock on the right as you enter the property, at the bottom of the driveway. Feed one whole bale of hay. These horses drink from the creek behind their shelter.  Muck shelters and the paddock. Muck pile is located behind the gate next to the round pen by the orange cone. 

5.  FEED AND MUCK Navajo Babies (Kaia, Kiara and Skye), Shiloh and Milo. Located north of the geldings, up the dirt road on the right hand side of the road. Hay barn, wagons and tools are located outside the paddock in the parking area. Feed approx. 10 flakes total for all horses (Shiloh (2), Milo (1), and each baby gets 2-3 flakes.) Dump pile is located in the back of the paddock, marked by an orange cone.

Recognizing distress behaviors in horses can allow us to step in when veterinary attention is needed. Many times, horses can be saved from discomfort, or worse, just from early recognition of behavioral changes. This list is meant to help us recognize potential distress behaviors in horses, and take proactive steps to ensure their well-being. Since horses can’t verbally tell us when they don’t feel well, the more we can recognize their behaviors and understand what they mean, the better we can be for our beloved horses.  Here's a list of common distress behaviors in horses to be aware of:  

Medical Distress Behaviors  

1. Colic signs: Colic can be deadly! Looking at or biting at the belly or flank, pawing, or rolling, may indicate colic (gastrointestinal upset). Notify staff/vet immediately!

Colic Diagnosis  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRsiesAB_CQ

Treating Colic  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnTOi0fZzJw

2. Laminitis signs: Lameness, reluctance to move, or limping may indicate laminitis. 

3. Respiratory issues: Coughing, wheezing, or excessive sneezing, runny nose and gunky eyes may indicate respiratory or sinus issues. 

4. Neurological signs: Stumbling, staggering, falling, wobbling, walking in tight circles, walking sideways uncontrollably and excessive head shaking may indicate a medical issue.  

Physical Distress Behaviors

1. Pawing or restlessness: Excessive pawing, shifting weight, or restlessness can indicate pain and discomfort. 

2. Sweating: Profuse sweating, especially in cooler temperatures, can be a sign of stress or pain… and in warmer temperatures, heat exhaustion. 

3. Rapid breathing: Increased respiratory rate or rapid breathing can indicate stress, pain, or respiratory issues. 

4. Yawning: Excessive yawning along with disinterest in food can be a sign of gastric ulcers. 

5. Lying down: Horses that lie down and get back up excessively, or have difficulty getting up, may be experiencing pain, discomfort, or medical issues. 

6. Rolling: Excessive rolling can be a sign of colic, discomfort, or pain. 

7. Kicking or striking: Kicking or striking can indicate pain, discomfort, or frustration. 

8. Disinterest in food: This is one of the first signs a horse isn’t feeling well, and can be a sign of other things that may need veterinary attention.  

Emotional Distress Behaviors  

1. Ears pinned back: Ears laid back or pinned against the neck can indicate fear, anxiety, or stress. 

2. Wide eyes: Wide, staring eyes can be a sign of fear, anxiety, or stress. 

3. Tail swishing: Excessive tail swishing can indicate irritation, frustration, or anxiety. But if flies or other insects are excessive, this is entirely normal. 

4. Stiffness: Stiffness or tension in the horse's body can indicate anxiety, fear, or stress. 

5. Refusal to move: A horse that refuses to move, or responds sluggishly, may be experiencing pain.  

What to Do If You Notice Distress Behaviors:  LET US KNOW ASAP: If you notice any of these behaviors, let us know! We LOVE hearing from you and would rather go get our eyes on a horse again than miss something that may lead to a medical issue.  Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to a horse's health and well-being!  Debra 435 625 1100  Ashley  623 826 4853