Alex - Alex was actually our second resident, but he is the inspiration for what we are today. This lovely Percheron gelding arrived at a local rescue from someplace in WV. He was very underweight (by at least 500lbs), anemic, had heart murmur and his feet were very poorly trimmed. After several months at the local rescue he was improving, but really need some more additional attention that would be better suited to a smaller place. So, he arrived at Flying Duck and stole the show. He slowly gained some much needed weight, his feet got in better shape with proper trims and Doc guided us through his other health issues. With daily walks and care – Alex started to thrive and had quite a happy year with us. Unfortunately one February day it came time for him to cross that rainbow bridge; He was a young 32 yrs old. His presence is still felt in everything we do to help animals and people – he will always live on that way. RIP Alex!
Wiley – Wiley was our first and don’t tell anyone but our favorite.. ok just kidding. They all have their place - but Wiley is extra special because he was the first horse to step on this farm. He was originally a trail horse at a local horseback riding facility. His main responsibility was to carry people all over the trails over and over and over again. While working at the horseback riding facility – Taylor our oldest fell in love (in fact we all did) and he had to come here to stay. He is the comedian of the herd and loves to make you laugh. He is also our most trusted riding horse and he will do anything you want him too. We love this big goofball!
Update: Unfortunately we had to suddenly say goodbye to Wiley on 2/15/2020. His body was just too tired to continue on. We were by his side until the vet arrived to ease his passing. Wiley was the "babysitter" of new arrivals and will leave a large empty space at the farm. He was definitely the heart horse of our founder and not a day goes by that we don't miss this goofball. RIP Wiley!
Charlie – Charlie is a 30 year old blind Shetland Pony Gelding. Charlie’s previous life was nice and he was even shown, but what he really wanted was a place retire with other seniors! Well he found it here with us at Flying Duck. Not long after arriving it was discovered that Charlie also suffers from kidney issues and also has some trouble regulating his temperature, so he requires some extra amenities. This would mainly be air conditioning during the really hot summers days. He doesn’t mind one bit and enjoys the cool air in his stall when it is too hot to play outside. He is a very independent pony and does just fine without his vision! He always wears his "sunglasses" to prevent debris from going into his eyes.
Update: It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of our beloved Charlie on 9/7/2014. We were able to be there with him until the end. We let him know how much he was loved and will be missed here at Flying Duck. RIP Charlie.
JB Top Hook – JB is an off the track Thoroughbred who would rather chase butterflies then other horses. His official name is JB’s Top Hook and his short racing career brought him here. He arrived on Christmas Eve and what better gift to receive! He adjusted to life at the farm quickly and has since feel in love with Taylor (and she with him).
Update: We are heartbroken that we had to say goodbye to this sweet boy on 11/7/2018 due to a severe colic. We worked hard to help him, but he just could not be pain free and comfortable. RIP JB.
Snickers – Snickers' story starts with a craigslist ad. He was born to a breeder and it later developed that he had a genetic condition called locking stifles. So, the breeder placed him on craigslist for a cheap price and advised if he was not sold he would be euthanize (and not humanely). So Flying Duck went to pick him up and brought him to safety. After sometime with us, it was becoming obvious that his stifle issues were getting in the way of a normal life and making him frustrated. So, with the help of Doc and Dr Riddle of Cecil Veterinary Clinic both locking stifles have now been fixed. Now there is no stopping this little man!! He also survived a severe case of colic recently and was rushed to New Bolton. Thanks to their wonderful care – 32lbs of hair was removed from his system! He sure likes to groom the others but we will be working with that to prevent the hair buildup in the future. Big thanks to Snickers' monthly sponsor for all of their help! They have help provide him with his blankets, feed and other daily needs.
Nilla Bean "Nilla" - Nilla was received from a friend of the family. One of her humans passed away suddenly and her and her “sister” Marsy proved to be a bit more than one person could handle. So it was quickly decided that she would come to live at Flying Duck. She is a beautiful snowflake appaloosa and is very eager to learn. She has since become a very reliable mount and spends her time on trails with Morgan aboard. She is happier without a bit in her mouth though , so she is ridden only in a bit-less bridle. Big thanks to Nilla’s monthly sponsor for all of their help! They have help provide her with his blankets, feed and other daily needs.
Update: We were sorry to have had to say goodbye to our sweet Nilla on 3/29/2018 due to a rare cancer. She is truly missed. We are grateful to New Bolton and Dr. Mike for their compassion in help in trying to help her.
Marsy – Marsy is Nilla’s “sister” and was also received from a friend of the family. One of her humans passed away suddenly. So it was quickly decided that she would come to live at Flying Duck especially since Nilla was already coming to us. She is a beautiful appaloosa and has COPD (Chronic Obstructed Pulmonary Disease). She is usually only managed with low dust/clean hay out of netting/hay nets and being on full turnout at all times. Sometimes she has rough days and environmental things triggered more severe breathing issues and she struggles to breathe easy. So again with Doc’s help – we have found the right medications to manage her episodes and she lives a normal and happy life with the herd.
Trinket - Or also known as Poco's Trinket - Trinket lived her earlier days with a family and had a nice show career. But, like Charlie she started to want a place to retire. So Flying Duck was contacted by her humans and we were asked if she could come retire with us. Well, of course we said yes! This sassy older mare is the alpha mare and keeps everyone in line. She does have a growth on her one ankle and some arthritis in her rear end that causes sore days, but we just take the extra time with her she deserves. Big thanks to Trinket’s monthly sponsor for their help! Their help has provided her with her blankets, feed and other daily needs.
Update: It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of our beloved Trinket in March 2017. Her body was just getting too tired and she passed peaceful with everyone around her. She is missed dearly!
Smokey – This handsome little guy was purchased from a Holiday Auction in PA by one of our friends Jeanette. It is believed that he might have had and healed from EPM as he does have a small hitch in his giddy-up when walking. He doesn’t always show it, but it also doesn’t stop him! He is a little bit of a nervous nelly so he needs just a little bit more patience than others when it comes to new things; but we love him for it. Thanks to Jeanette for saving this little man and sending him to us to live out his days!
Update: It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of our beloved Smokey in June 2016 after some health issues. His sweet face is missed around here!
Melina – Melina was pulled from the New Holland Auction in PA to be sent to a local rescue to be humanely euthanized because she was so skinny along with her advanced age (she’s is spunky 40 years old). Being the spunky old appaloosa mare she is – so she fought back and gained the much needed weight, had her teeth floated and feet trimmed. She eventually found her way to Flying Duck when the rescue felt the activity there was too much for this older gal. So she came and will live out the rest of her days with us. She has completely fallen for JB and stays close whenever she can. Recently one of her previous owners found the pictures of her online and contacted us to see how she was not knowing how she ended up with us. Her original name was Mama Mia and she was shown in her past. She will remain Melina, but it was great to see old pictures and hear old stories. We even found out she had had one foal in her younger days!
Earl - Earl spent some time as therapy horse for kids with disabilities and also worked with Wounded Vets. Then came one day of rough housing in the field with his friends when his one eye became injured and then became abscessed. After a visit from the vet, the therapy facility decided that his care was a little more than they could handle with having other horses and the kids coming through their facility to care for. It was then decided after some discussion that he would become part of the Flying Duck family. After some time with us and with Doc’s help, his eye has almost fully healed and only has a small cloudy spot. He came a long way from almost needing that eye removed in concern for his health and happiness. He is a handsome devil but is very humble and believe it or not he is the most passive of the whole herd. We love this gentle draft guy and he is a reliable mount as well.
Goliath - On December 21, 2013 we were contacted by friend about a dwarf mini at an annual sale in Pennsylvania. Goliath was his name and he is a 6 year old stallion (for now that is, wink wink). Unfortunately we also found out that he had been bounced from sale to sale to sale. So it was then decided that depending on price, as we have limited funds and we don’t normally pull from auctions - that he would be bought and brought here to Flying Duck. The auction cycle needed to be stopped for this little guy, as no animal deserves that kind of stress and uncertainty. Luckily the price worked out in our favor and so now here he is! As a lot of people might be unaware - dwarfism in minis can and does cause all kinds of issues with feet, legs, teeth and overall health. He has a twisted front leg and some possible hind end issues, but it seems he has escaped some of the other troubles dwarfism can cause (only time will tell at this point what might affect him as he ages). He will be gelded so he can soon be added to the rest of the crew. We are just waiting for him to recoup from a respiratory infection he was suffering with when he first arrived. He will live out his days here with all the special care he will and may need. He is enjoying daily walks with us around the farm and is easily falling into the farm routine. We are happy to have this spry little man with us!
Elf – Elf is our newest resident who arrived in May 2014 and he is an 19 years old Shetland/Welsh Pony Cross. He is a former TRRC Therapy horse and after retirement he went to live with one of our close friends. He has had eye issues for a while and he was doing well at his retirement home, but after a diagnosis of anterior uveitis by a specialist - it was decided after some time that it would be better to have him here at Flying Duck. Since arrival he has been seen by Doc and has received additional medications. His vision will never improve, but we have been able to reduce and then eliminate the watering of his eyes. He seems to be experiencing no pain or pressure and gets around pretty well without his sight. He has easily fit in as part of the crew as he is an easy going guy! Welcome to Elf!
Update: Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to our sweet Elf on 8/25/2019.
Buddy - We don't make it a habit of buying horses. We always try to help those that are listed for free as they are the most at risk of ending up in the wrong hands. But, as always there are exceptions and Buddy became one of them. While we bargained for a better price; we couldn't let this little guy go anywhere else. Buddy is a soon to be 1 year old Shetland pony colt and has an old eye injury. It was stated that the injury was caused by obsessive rubbing and it was never checked by a vet when it first happened. So, since the eye is essentially dead and deflated - our wonderful Vet has decided he would be just fine to live without it. If left in place it could cause additional problems like infection now and possible damage to the other eye in the future. So there are plans to have it removed in the near future. He also had extremely overgrown feet. So, after an initial trim and sometime to adjust and more trims - his feet will be perfect. He didn’t come to us as Buddy. It was quickly decided that based on his personality and his love for our mini Snickers; Buddy seemed to just fit him better. Buddy is a total love bug and is quickly fitting in with the help of “Daddy” Goliath! Welcome Buddy!!
Gizmo - So it seems there is always room for one more; especially a senior horse. Meet Gizmo – a 32 years young Thoroughbred with a lovely blaze and a kind soul. Gizmo’s owner came to us with a plead to help her horse find a better way and place to live out his life. While we considered ourselves at capacity – we had to at least meet him and as they say “that was all she wrote”. It was clear he needed weight and additional TLC and he can get that here. He has been checked over by Doc and will more than likely need some teeth pulled. But, for now it’s all about good food, farrier work, and time to get back his quality of life. He has already made an improvement since being here with us. We would love to thank his previous owner for being his monthly sponsor! Help us welcome Gizmo to the Flying Duck Family!!
Update: It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of our beloved Gizmo on Sept 1, 2017. His body was just getting too tired and he passed peacefully with everyone around him. We miss this sweet old man!
Sassy - Where do we start on Miss Sassy Britches? Yes, she quickly earned her name as soon as she stepped off the trailer. Prancing and dancing around – that’s all we could think of was a sassy little girl. Sassy was found on Face Book by friends of ours and when they went to meet her - they recognized that her teeth have been neglected. It will take several sessions to correct her mouth, but so far she doesn’t show any signs of having any real eating issues, injuries or pain from her teeth. While she is a sassy little girl and can be bossy to the boys - she does love them and has quickly adjusted to life here!
Louise - She is a wonderful draft mare with a history in therapy. Louise was a part of the crew at TRRC for quite a few years. Yes, the same place that both Elf and Earl previously worked! This easy going mare was getting close to retirement and we were asked if we had a place for her. The first few times – the timing was unfortunate and we unable to offer her space at the time. It wasn’t easy to say no, but at the time we knew they wouldn’t let her go to just anyone and she would have a place there until we were able. As things progressed and it became more apparent that she was struggling with some lameness – they asked again. This time the timing was more on our side and we were able to offer a place to retire and to join her “co-workers”. After a visit from our vet it was decided that she has a degenerative ligament disease in her hind leg and will need additional help in the future. For now she receives medication to help with any discomfort and is enjoying her days with the others horses without issue. She is a very easy going girl and is a great addition!
Update: We are sad in reporting that we had to let Louise go on 8/24/2018. Her degenerative disease was just progressing too much for her to move and live comfortably anymore. We miss you Louise!
Snickerdoodles - One day while browsing craigslist – we came across an ad for a mini. At first there was no picture and then once it showed up - we knew we needed to do what we could to get him safe. He was thin.. oh so thin. So, multiple people got in touch with the person who listed this little guy and got more information. In some situations it takes some understanding and care while dealing with owners and rehoming animals. It was clear that this was a case of lack of education in caring for horses. While this owner could have asked for help and to rehome him sooner – they did after all do just that. So, after being picked up and a 30 day stay with some great friends - Snickerdoodles arrived here at Flying Duck. He had started gaining in quarantine and continues to blossom here. He will soon join Goliath as one of our volunteers to visit with the public! Welcome Snickerdoodles to the family!
Precious - We welcomed this wonderful little dwarf mini into the sanctuary in April 2017. Not all those that need help are in crisis; anyone can use some help. She had a home with a friend of the sanctuary that needed to move out of state. Everyone felt Precious would not only be a good addition to the sanctuary but that she would also be happy here. Precious has fit right in with the other minis and is too cute on top of it! She is as fit as a fiddle and youngster of 3 years old – so we foresee a lot of good times with this little girl!
Blue - Where do we start with Blue? Well, he is an aged OTTB, but we are unsure if he had or what his track career was as it is very hard to read his tattoo. We do know that that he has done some jumping and then was with TRRC, but they found he wasn’t as good at therapy as they hoped. So, one of the volunteers there gladly adopted him and spent many years with him. He has some issues, but none that will keep him down. He has only one eye as the other was removed because of a melanoma. He still has some melanomas under and on his tail. After talking with our vet though - we feel that we will just keep a watchful eye on them for now. His mouth is a bit of a mess, some due to age, some due to a possible dental condition but he still carries great weight/body condition. He is an older gentleman but still has some spunk and some great years left to live!
Update: With heavy hearts we said goodbye to our lovely Blue on 9/20/2021. He was surrounded by his favorite people and was spoiled until the end. RIP sweet Blue. We will
miss you!
Shine - A friend of the Sanctuary Tracey contacted us about her wonderful little paint horse named Shine. She was struggling to keep up with the herd were she was and was having some trouble walking. She was diagnosed with arthritis in her hip. Since coming to the sanctuary she has been on doses of Previcox and moves better now with the group here. She still has some hitch in her step at the trot, but doesn’t seem to in any pain. Shine is a quiet and easy going mare and it is not surprising she slipped right into the routine here.
Brenley - We received a message from an owner needing a place for her horse to retire. She said she had suffered from a bowed tendon and was on a light dose of medication for Cushings. We ran out to meet this sweet mare and decided she would fit right into our herd. Dr. Mike confirmed that the dose she was on is still working fine. She has more than settled into to life here and we are happy to have her. She has become very close to our guy Blue. They knew each other from a previous farm, but at that time they had been friends. Its funny how things work!
Update: Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to our sweet Bren on 11/29/2019. Due to some health and safety concerns were forced to make the decision to lay her to rest. We will miss this girl!
Stewy - Stewy was left behind at a farm. His feet lacked attention, he was underweight and really was just lacking any true attention for awhile. A friend worked hard to rehab his weight, his coat, made him more comfortable with some pain relief and most importantly she kept an eye on him. He’s a cribber and a senior QH; so this has left his teeth in bad shape. We decided that the sanctuary was the best place for him. Since being here; he has seen our farrier and has shoes to help strengthen his feet as they grow out and will keep him more comfortable until they do. He’s still gaining weight, his coat continues to look better and he is fitting into the group quickly! He has been slowly weaned off the pain relief as he feels a lot better and no longer needs it! He maybe an old guy but he has plenty of good years left with the right attention. Welcome Stewy!
Roo - We were contacted by Roo’s owner about taking him in. He was diagnosed with cataracts and they would progressively get worse. She was looking for a better solution for his future as he was getting more upset while being ridden. So we went to meet him and fell in love with this smart, funny and just overall cute guy! We welcomed him into the sanctuary end of March 2020. His herd mates Stewy and Lulu and him are getting along famously! Welcome Roo!
Dennis - Yes Dennis is a horse of a different color... well rather he’s a cow! Dennis came here as a tiny calf at end of May 2020. He’s going to grow into a big boy! He loved his bottles when he first arrived but now he has transitioned to a regular diet and is still residing with the little's (the minis and ponies) for now. He prefers his nickname of Den and started sprouting his horns! We love this guy!
Dusty - Dusty escaped her pasture. She was running around locally. Thankfully some wonderful locals were able to catch her and hold her overnight. Dusty’s owner is an elderly blind woman who just lost her husband. He had been Dusty’s caretaker. After her escape it was clear Dusty needed needed to be re-homed. Dusty is 34 years old, going blind and has some lameness and possible Cushings. She is the sweetest girl. During her escape she also suffered some injuries. We have learned that Dusty may be the last horse around that was bred by a local well known Appy breeder, Pappy Mathena. (Not sure if that’s spelled it right.) Ironically Dusty lived right in the Woodstock, Md area which is where Pappy lived. I am told he was very loved by the community. We are looking at some extensive rehab. This will be Dusty’s forever home. We are honored to now call her family.
