Adopt a Horse Month: Twizzler’s Story

May 24, 2023

May is National Adopt a Horse Month – a time to recognize the importance of providing homes to horses in need, encouraging others to consider adopting from a horse rescue, and celebrating equine adoption success stories.

As a haven for dozens of abused, neglected, and abandoned horses, Longmeadow Rescue Ranch knows how important it is for these amazing animals to receive a second (and sometimes third) chance at a happier life and a forever home, no matter how long it may take. As an example of this, look no further than Longmeadow Rescue Ranch’s own former resident, Twizzler, a 12-year-old Appaloosa mare who was adopted in late April, after spending more than five years at Longmeadow.

Twizzler arrived at Longmeadow in October 2017 as an owner surrender and was adopted from the ranch shortly after her arrival. Unfortunately, through no fault of her own, Twizzler was returned in October 2018 when her owner was no longer able to care for her.

We weren’t discouraged. Longmeadow staff and volunteers knew Twizzler was a great horse and the perfect fit for a lucky rider, but sometimes a good home can take a while to find.

Twizzler was a resident of Longmeadow for the next several years, and we didn’t mind at all because everyone loved having her around. Twizzler was always an easy keeper and lived out in the pastures with her herd, enjoying her time in the sun and eating whatever hay she could find. She had a funny personality and got along with every horse and human she met. Her personable disposition and cute Appaloosa face made her a popular girl at Longmeadow, a staff and volunteer favorite.

In the spring, when Twizzler was featured in the ASPCA’s Right Horse Program, Rose Pollina, an amateur equestrian, saw her and instantly knew that Twizzler was the horse for her and began the adoption process. Rose drove from her home in Nebraska, more than six hours away, to visit Twizzler and fell in love with her, seeing great potential in the beautiful mare. Twizzler was loaded up into a trailer that same day, making the trip back to Nebraska and finally finding her forever home.

“Twizzler is doing great. She’s been an absolute doll settling in,” said Rose. “The barn staff all love her, and she’s very polite at feeding times. She really didn’t seem phased by the trip to Nebraska, and she walks around like she owns the place.”

We were sad to see Twizzler leave but are thrilled that she has been given the opportunity to live the life she always deserved.

By adopting from Longmeadow, you can make a real difference in the life of a horse like Twizzler, offering them a fresh start and a brighter future. However, you aren’t only helping the horse you adopt. You’re also directly contributing to the care and welfare of other rescued horses and farm animals who get a second chance at life thanks to Longmeadow and people like you who support our life-saving mission.

To adopt a horse like Twizzler please call HSMO’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch at 636-583-8759 to schedule an interview.