By Shirlee Grabko

Right here in Union County is a family deeply involved in Mustang rescue. Loretta Morris and her teenagers Ariana and Ayden have prevented these horses from being shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. The Morrises care for these animals on a daily basis. Today, there is a total of 52 Mustangs, donkeys, mules, and mulestangs (part mule and part Mustang). Some arrive at the Cherokee Spirit Mustang Rescue in Washburn fairly healthy, while others are in need of extra care, nutrients and feed.

Beauty, a Mustang, arrived with a hole in her face where she had been shot. She came in traumatized, terrified of everyone. She wants attention, will take sweets but still prefers not to be touched. River and Moon are bonded pals, two Mustangs that have been together since they were rounded up out west.

Nokee, an Appaloosa female, arrived deaf and very skinny with COPD and ulcers. Her medications were running around $500/month. She became blind about a month after coming to the Rescue. Because of her blindness and concerns that she would hurt herself, they tried to contain her. But no matter what they did, Nokee kept escaping and having multiple accidents. On one occasion, she got stuck in the creek, tripped backwards and fell lying in the creek. She appeared to be dead. They got a tractor and pulled her out. Once she was out, Nokee jumped up and ran off - perfectly fine with no injuries! One day they found her lying down motionless in her stall – she had gone to sleep and passed peacefully away.

Cowboy came from the slaughter auction in Sneedville. Bitten by a snake, he became partially paralyzed. He did not appear to be in pain, but every time he tried to sit up his legs would give out. They took turns sitting with him 24/7 until he passed away.

Around 10-15 of these animals need special care: Nutrena grain for improved health and weight gain, supplements, oil, yogurt, beet pulp, rice bran and probiotics are some of the extras kept on hand for the horses that need it. Hay is, of course, a constant. Most of the animals, however, are perfectly healthy and would make great companions for horse lovers.

Have you ever thought about adopting a horse? Loretta would be happy to take your application! She interviews each prospective adopter to be able to best match the personalities and experience of each horse and human. Fees are dependent upon the horse and its’ age and needs and generally run between $500-$1000/horse. Or perhaps you are not sure about adopting a horse, but would like to try one out? Fostering might be the way to go! No long-term commitment, you would just need pasture with safe fencing and the ability to care for the horse. And you can arrange to give the horse back! Each horse at the Rescue has a different personality and experience. Some can be ridden, some can’t but could be trained while still others will never be ridden but would be happy grazing in your field. And Loretta is committed to helping each foster and adopter as much as possible with teaching and training both you and the horse.

You would love to have a horse but it won’t fit into your apartment? You can sponsor a horse, mule or donkey by paying for its’ maintenance and upkeep. Loretta will send you updates and photos of how your equine is doing.

There are many needs, should you wish to donate one time or monthly! A roll of hay runs around $65 and a whole load of hay around $495. A bag of rice bran is $28 and 3 bags of Nutrena ProForce is $96. But ANY amount, no matter how small, is appreciated. Donations can be mailed to Cherokee Spirit Mustang 3427 Tater Valley Road Washburn TN 37888-4811

There are a LOT of opportunities for volunteers at Cherokee Mustang Rescue!! Right now, there is a need for manual labor (fencing, putting up hay, tractor work, hauling horses, daily animal care and other farm work). Do you have a day or half-day every week to donate? Are you an organizer? Immediate assistance is needed for administrative organization and paperwork. Cherokee Rescue has not yet applied for their 501(c)(3) – there just hasn’t been time to care for the animals and do all the paperwork. Can you help with this??? Do you like to design websites? It would be great for the Rescue to have a website to record and update what they have going on!

The dedication and love that the Morris family has for these fantastic Mustangs is incredible and heartwarming. For more information, contact Loretta Morris at TValleyMustangs@gmail.com