Launi B Photography / Greenheaven

01/04/2026

In Memoriam: Sergeant York
April 25, 1991 – January 1, 2026

It is with deep sadness and a very heavy heart that I announce Sergeant York, one of the best-known and beloved Caisson Horses of all time, passed away yesterday at Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary, where he had been retired for the past three and a half years. He was 34 years old.

Sergeant York gained worldwide attention when he performed as the Riderless Horse at the funeral of former President Ronald Reagan in 2004. He served this country with honor for 25 years as a Caisson Horse with the U.S. Army’s Caisson Platoon, performing in thousands of Armed Forces Full Honors Funerals and other official ceremonies.

He was retired by the Army in 2022 and arrived at the sanctuary on June 12, 2022, where he immediately became a local celebrity and one of our most popular residents. On Veterans Day that same year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul awarded Sergeant York a Special Citation for his quarter-century of loyal service to the country. In March of 2023, he was the recipient of the Medal for Distinguished Service from Animals in War and Peace at an official ceremony on Capitol Hill.

Prior to his retirement, Sergeant York had been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis of his stifle joints, which are the largest joints in a horse’s body, located in the hind legs. It was a condition that we managed since his arrival, knowing that it was degenerative and would worsen over time. Those issues never dampened Sergeant York’s spirits or his zest for life. He adored being the center of attention every day, but it was at the special events we held on Veterans Day, on our Public Open Days, and at the celebrations we threw for him on his birthday each year that he loved the most.

Sergeant York passed away peacefully, surrounded by those of us who loved and cared for him at the sanctuary. The equine veterinarian who performed his euthanasia, Julia Gloviczki, DVM of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga Springs, said, “…For the past few years, Sergeant York has been aggressively treated for chronic, progressive, degenerative orthopedic disease (significant bilateral stifle joint osteoarthritis). Sadly, despite our best efforts, Sergeant York’s rapidly progressing vestibular (neurologic) signs, compounded with his ongoing orthopedic disease, overcame his ability to rise. The decision was made to humanely euthanize Sergeant York so he would not suffer.”

This first public announcement of Sergeant York’s passing will be followed by a more extensive obituary next week. On behalf of everyone here at Equine Advocates, I just want to express how much we will miss him. It was an honor to have him here and provide him with lots of love and the care he needed during his well-deserved retirement years.

Susan Wagner
President and Founder

01/01/2026

PETS AND NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS

It's that time of year, again.

While many of us revel in the New Year's Eve celebration and festivities, our pets are subject to a frightening and stressful experience as a result of the discharge of fireworks.

These incredibly loud and unpredictable noises often trigger a pet’s “fight-or-flight” response, an instinctive survival mechanism.

Once triggered, an animal will do virtually anything to distance itself from the perceived threat. Animals commonly demonstrate uncharacteristic behaviors when frightened to this degree.

Before discussing steps that can be taken to calm and secure your pet, we would be remiss if we didn’t broach the topic of microchipping and pet identification.

All pets should be chipped. This low-cost, often free, action dramatically increases the chances of locating your pet should they successfully flee your home or property. Please ensure that microchip information is up to date.

In Lee County, Florida, County Ordinance 14-22 requires “All dogs, cats and ferrets must have some form of identification indicating the owner's name and current telephone number at all times.”

Some options:

1. Any commercially available tag imprinted with the appropriate information attached to the collar or harness of a pet.

2. A current, valid County license/rabies tag attached to the collar or harness of a pet.

3. An implanted microchip identification device registered to the owner of the animal containing your name, address, and telephone number.

Certainly, avoiding escape is the best practice and there are a number of steps that a pet owner can take to reduce the potential for lost pets.

Pets should remain indoors when fireworks are being detonated. Doors should be kept closed and additional measures should be exercised when guests arrive and leave your home.

Exterior fences should be inspected. Tables and chairs should be moved away from fence lines and all fencing should be inspected for holes/damage.

Create a safe and peaceful environment for your pet(s). Toys and calming music often relieve an animal’s stress and anxiety.

Sadly, shelters see an increase of 30% to 60% of lost pets following the July 4th and New Year’s holidays.

Please…set aside a bit of time to ensure your pet’s comfort and to prevent your pet from becoming a statistic.

11/10/2025

VIP

Education is key

Please stop using POISON - it also puts your pets at risk

These companies selling black boxes and what they don't tell you - please research the risks and alternatives







Realtor 4 Rescue

11/09/2025

Salt River Wild Horses

"They listen with eyes, and what they see
are reflections of what escapes you and me

They, void of judgement, vengeance, and chaos in our world of destruction, of threatening loss.

Animals are pure, innocent and bliss
so when we sit back lets ask ourselves this...

What will it take to change future fate,
of a world giving into mans' endless take.

Decades now past, when earth gifts cherished
left behind, only echos of those gone and perished

Why can't man be more like them,
give, not take... again and again,
why can't man be like those who stand still wondering if "we" ever will......

consider their fate, their lives, worthy of more
than that born of greed and keeping score

It's not a contest between us and them....
rather one we leave behind in the end... "
lb - 2021

Photo : November 29, 2021







❤️🐴🙏

11/06/2025

VIRGINIA

"The horse had broken free and ran all the way to a local road, where it successfully attracted officials' attention. Once it knew they were paying attention, it led them back to where it came from: a barn and a garage filled with mistreated, starving animals."

November 2025

PLEASE SIGN
PLEASE SHARE

This beautiful horse helped 54 suffering animals

Still think animals can't feel- proof they do
-

The horse broke free and ran to a road where it grabbed authorities' attention and led them to a property with abused dogs, cats, goats, and roosters. (44225 signatures on petition)

10/25/2025

Hope and Bounce

Mother and son - the two that had been at risk until everyone including local residents fought those wanting to put mom down

Keep sharing these two and when in nature - stay at a distance - if you see people not respecting wildlife let authorities know

A lot of loving eyes are on these two ...

I wish the mama bear in Prescott this summer had people that could have protected and saved her from an illegal poach taking her away from her 2 cubs

But I heard they too are thriving and safe







https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BM8RpJpvL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/22/2025

Add laughter and smiles to these "Littles" faces!!

If you can make a donation to their Halloween Trick or Treat basket - the last group of "kids" waiting for their treats 🎃🕸️👻

See the link below to help my friend Theresa Batchelor her sanctuary Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc.

I'll be sharing another story in the near future about this special organization

Such an amazing sanctuary in Florida .. for friends back east and in Florida follow them to learn more

Thank you Theresa for all that you do !!
👏❤️🐴🐾🫏

🐴
❤️
✅

SUCH SAD LITTLES! 🦇🦇🦇

Our beloved little herd is eagerly awaiting Halloween once again this year and we are hoping that, with your help, each of the twenty-four members who comprise our beloved little herd, will receive delicious ‘Apple Flavored Treats’ in their bag, treats which will also serve a dual purpose of keeping them safe from those nasty ‘creepy crawlies.’

Our first, second and third group of Trick or Treaters have all had their Halloween bags filled, thanks to the most thoughtful and kind generosity of our wonderful little village of supporters. Our fourth and last group of Trick or Treaters, however, consisting of our 'Littles,’ is quite sad, however, as no one has come forward and offered to fill their Trick or Treat bags.

A donation of just ten dollars will provide one ‘Apple Treat’ for each of the ‘Littles,’ whose names are listed in the comments section below. So, won’t you please make the ‘Littles’ Halloween wish come true by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button?

Thank you all in advance, for your love and support!

🦇🦇🦇

10/20/2025

Truth 🙏❤️

This quote is a gentle reminder: the Earth isn’t ours to dominate — it’s ours to share. Every action we take leaves a footprint. Let’s choose to walk lighter, live more mindfully, and protect the creatures who depend on us to do better.

10/17/2025

This photo was never about quality .. I took this in the shadows from about 100 yards away. It was pixelated and blurry. I then cropped 75% of the full image .. to tell a story. Their story .. the banter and play of bachelors who were part of a group of about 10. The time before they fight for their place in the herd - and build a band of their own.

These years they will achieve alpha status and the strong ones go on to build a family band of their own. Those who dont achieve lead stallion status - are just as important to the band. The lieutenant will support the lead stallion and help protect the mares, yearlings and foals. And if the stallion becomes injured - the lieutenant position will shift

I was in awe of this bachelor - a stunning dapple grey loved by many and a popular photographed stallion ..

Poppy ❤️

A friend of mine loved this image - it spoke to him. Every image touches something in us - if we see a photograph .. sharing a moment in time - we dont always know the subjects. The intrigue is from how it makes us feel - a 2 dimensional image can take us back in time - can trigger a memory or a feeling - that draw us in.. and the story that moment tells is magical, symbolic and poignant


Butcher Jones ... the early years 2016

Never give up the fight for what you believe in .. their lives matter - they matter - they need all of us

10/15/2025

Beautifully written - the story of a mare helping to reunite a foal with her mother

Thank you Nancy Cerroni .. Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center ..
❤️❤️❤️

By Nancy Cerroni When I taught second grade, my students learned the elements of “story.” Throughout the year, they became immersed in the characters, setting, problem, and resolution by reading an…

10/14/2025

Please share ... if you or anyone know someone who can help ...

These beautiful mustangs of the Canon City program in Colorado do not deserve this fate

A program being cut .. leaves 2000 mustangs / burros needing a new place to call home ..

Please .. sharing saves lives

🙏🐴🫏

Good Day, Friends,

I am preparing this post especially for Wild Horses advocates, but I would greatly appreciate help getting the word out to anyone and everyone with a heart to care.

As many of you no doubt know, for the past 30+ years, the Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has partnered with the Colorado Department of Corrections on the innovative Wild Horse Inmate Program (WHIP).

This program has provided unique vocational and rehabilitative skills to the incarcerated population while supporting the BLM's mission to manage and protect Wild Horses and Burros. Incarcerated workers at WHIP learn a variety of meaningful skills, including stockmanship, animal care practices, hoof maintenance, basic vet care, the importance of animal welfare, welding, heavy equipment operations, and “soft skills”, like responsibility and accountability.

Unfortunately, the Bureau of Land Management has chosen to cut Wild Horse Inmate Programs all across the nation, so WHIP is coming to an end. To read more, please see the official press release here: https://cdoc.colorado.gov/news-article/press-release-bureau-of-land-management-announces-the-conclusion-of-the-colorado

Regardless of why this highly-respected program is being discontinued, the more immediate concern must be the safety of the 2,000 Wild Horses currently in Cañon City prison facilities.

I humbly ask your help in circulating the below flyer and getting the word out about this last adoption event hosted by BLM in Grand Junction, from October 31st-November 1st, 2025.

With community organizing, we can still help to ensure these Wild Horses find loving forever homes. Please share this flyer as far and wide as possible.

With Gratitude,

Marlon Reis
First Gentleman of Colorado

American Wild Horse Conservation The Cloud Foundation Coloradans Against Horse Slaughter Colorado Horse Rescue Colorado Horse Rescue Network EQUUS Foundation For the Love of Aria Friends Of The Mustangs Grand Valley Horse Rescue Homes for Horses Coalition Longhopes Donkey Shelter Piceance Mustangs PhotoAdvocacy Rewilding America Now Sand Wash Basin Wild Horse Advocate Team - SWAT Spirit Wind Horse Rescue Steadfast Steeds: Making Amazing Memories with America's Mustangs The Wild Beauty Foundation Western Watersheds Project The Wild Horse Refuge Wild Horse Fire Brigade

09/27/2025

April 20, 2018....
Butcher Jones
The early years..... ❤
I'll never forget these moments,,,,,,and I am guessing neither will this couple who shared their
"Wedding on the beach with a Salt River Wild Mustang"
This young stallion was just coming into his own,,,,,,all photos were taken the same day.
The once bachelor, now has his own band the last I heard. He hopefully, still has the beautiful grey mare, and object of his affection. She is from the most famous band of Butcher Jones and is the very beautiful legacy mare sired by Shadowfax.
The bachelor stallion truly earned her love with perseverance, patience and persistence on this spring day.
See the series of photos where the took on the lead stallion of the young mare, who he was courting, birth band. He took a hard hit and truly "fell head over hooves" for her... literally!!!
And notice the image of how he trailed her as she walked through a halo of yellow. It was as if- her own wedding day in the wild.
Bachelor stallions have been known to follow a band for weeks months or even longer to earn their place, hoping to be welcome by the lead stallion, or to schmooze a young mare to start their own family