This is 4-week old Cash, a blind Quarter Horse foal who came to us from Alabama. Our horse hauler, Bob Hubbard Horse Transportation, had picked him up on Saturday morning and delivered him to us late last night. I drove in to Missoula with the trailer to meet the hauler, and I got Cash back to the ranch around 11 p.m. Alayne took this photo of me with Cash this afternoon.
Cash was born on February 7 on a breeding farm in northern Alabama. The couple who run the farm contacted us when Cash was 4 days old, after they realized he was blind. Cash has a very rare eye disorder called aniridia, in which the irises don't develop. The couple felt they could not keep the foal, and believed they had no option other than to euthanize him if we couldn't help.
We are always very reluctant to take a foal away from the mare at such an early age -- normal weaning is at 4 to 6 months. But as our vets tell us ... if the foal is healthy and vigorous and has a zest for life ... and if the alternative is euthanasia ... then it's a risk worth taking. We've had to do it before, with blind Destiny who came from South Carolina also at the age of 4 weeks.
With a contribution from the breeder and his wife, and a gift from a generous supporter in British Columbia, we were able to afford the cost of shipping Cash all the way to Montana.
So we held our breath as Cash made his big trip across the country. He received excellent care from the folks at Bob Hubbard Horse Transportation. They were understandably nervous at first about transporting such a young foal without its momma, but after we explained the circumstances and assured them we understood the risks involved, they got behind this adventure in a big way. Cash was in wonderful hands during the entire trip with drivers Chuck and Miriam.
Cash's first day in Montana was warm and sunny, despite all the snow you see in the photos! He has a great appetite and is nibbling on hay and drinking his mare milk replacer. Alayne took this photo of me with Cash late this afternoon after he had just finished a quart of milk in his stall.
We can tell he's one smart little boy, and he quickly figures out his environment and starts mapping his boundaries right away. He's calm and centered, and you can see him really thinking when he encounters something he's not sure about.
The arrival of a blind baby like Cash helps keep the "cycle of life" going for us. Having just lost our beloved old German Shepherd Pappy last Thursday, it seemed fitting that a little disabled youngster would arrive just a few days later, full of life and energy and ready to be loved.
(Click on photos for larger images.)
I am just astounded with your dedication and work for all of GOD's creatures. Especially this little guy, who is in the hands of angels and he is a cutie indeed. Good luck Cash !! :)
Posted by: Julie | March 19, 2007 at 12:06 PM
I have only recently discovered your wonderful Animal Home and subsequent News Mails.
I am from England living in Southern California - and an avid animal lover.
Cash looks like a suuuuper addition to your Sanctuary, just adorable, and what good timing. A good distraction for you while missing Pappy.
God moves in mysterious ways ! !
I have told my Husband that I want to visit you all one of these days.
Keep up your wonderful work.
Hugs for all your animals !
Posted by: Gail Cawthorne | March 16, 2007 at 11:42 PM
What an adorable cutie pie Cash!
Posted by: Sue in Missoula | March 14, 2007 at 09:09 PM
Cash takes the adorable award!!! Plaudits to both of you for taking him on....you both will be rewarded for your efforts on all of your critters' behalf!!!
Posted by: Karen S/Central Oregon | March 14, 2007 at 05:51 PM
I'm so fortunate to have discovered your wonderful sanctuary after reading about it in last week's USA TODAY. I first saw a picture of Pappy last Thursday and just learned of his passing in this blog which saddens me. But Cash's arrival is a real blessing. Thank you for all that you do each and every day!
Posted by: Alison LaValley | March 14, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Gorgeous colt.
I second the endorsement of Bob Hubbard. They brought my mare out from California to Kentucky 10 years ago and were just fantastic. She caught cold along the way during the coldest winter in ages and they nursed her along. When she arrived she was perfectly fine.
I saw the article in the USAToday and just had to find your website. They didn't list in in the article which is a shame for folks who are too lazy to find out more (not me as I am an internet addict!)
Posted by: G in INdiana | March 09, 2007 at 09:57 AM
This is just great!
Posted by: Karen SA/TX | March 08, 2007 at 08:04 PM
What a beautiful angel he is!
Posted by: Mary Balsack | March 08, 2007 at 01:10 PM
What a handsome boy! Cash, you will enjoy life at the ranch..a chance to grow up and love life! Great photos!
Posted by: Nina | March 07, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Was talking on the phone correction Little Cash :)
Posted by: Karen | March 07, 2007 at 10:27 PM
You two and your ranch are just amazing. How kind and how lucky little Cash. What a little sweetie!
Posted by: Karen | March 07, 2007 at 10:25 PM
What a beautiful little boy! Can't wait to meet him.
Posted by: Laura B | March 07, 2007 at 06:53 PM
Welcome Cash to the RDR! You're such a handsome little guy & we know you're going to be so happy there.
Big welcome hugs,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | March 07, 2007 at 05:38 PM
What a beautiful new baby!I truly believe that dear old Pappy went over the bridge so there would be a place for little Cash.It hurts to lose any of them,and it doesn't mean Pappy meant any less than Cash.Cash needs you now and I know you will take the very best care of him.God Bless Steve & Alayne.
Posted by: Elaine Miller | March 07, 2007 at 04:54 PM
Baby Cash is adorable! Yes, the circle of life, loosing dear Pappy and adding a new baby to the mix. Love to all the animals at the ranch.
Posted by: Roz | March 07, 2007 at 04:51 PM
OOOOOO, what a cutie!!
I know since I started to foster, having a new one to work with helps take the edge off of the pain of losing a sick one.
Really, he is just so adorable!!!
Posted by: Linda Lee Balkin | March 07, 2007 at 01:31 PM
Congratulation on your new arrival.
Posted by: Mehdi | March 07, 2007 at 12:26 PM
What a beautiful photo, with that tiny colt so cute in the foreground, and the magnificent mountains and blue sky in the background. You are blessed to live in such a beautiful place (though the cold must be a challenge! Though I do remember it as being invigorating, which must help as you all have so much to do...)
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | March 07, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Welcome, Baby Cash! You are so right about the circle of life, Steve. After the winter, comes the spring. Pappy left RDR when his time came to cross over and new life arrived in the form of an adorable foal. I'm glad that everything worked out so that you could bring Cash to Montana!
Posted by: Gabby | March 07, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Cash is beyond beautiful!
He's going to bring so much joy and vibrance to your lives!
He looks strong, inquisitive, intellegent AND mischievous.
You have many fans already, Cash.
Welcome to the ranch!
We look forward to seeing you grow!
Posted by: Leilani | March 07, 2007 at 09:41 AM
Could he be more adorable? We had a baby (who the volunteers named "Cash") - also a quarter horse at Horses' Haven, where I volunteer, in Michigan. He and two other babies were abandoned in a field and were scared to death of people when we were granted custody of them by a judge. They lived at Horses' Haven for close to two years and (finally!)adore people and are easily handled now. How can people abandon these beautiful, capable creatures? Your work and what you share with folks like me is a daily inspiration. As always, thank you!
Posted by: Kari | March 07, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Hopefully Cash will also provide some "age-appropriate" fun for little Brynn when she gets home. :-)
Posted by: danielle | March 07, 2007 at 08:51 AM
He is gorgeous!! I can't wait to meet him. He will be in good hands with Lena!
Posted by: Laura Whale | March 07, 2007 at 12:35 AM
Cash is adorable...Pappy would approve! Welcome to the ranch Cash!
Posted by: Leigh | March 06, 2007 at 11:23 PM
He is the picture of a beautiful and lucky young fellow! Congrats to all involved, and good luck getting the new guy settled in.
Posted by: Maribeth Watwood | March 06, 2007 at 10:09 PM