Our Gentle Giants

Blue

Blue joined the L5YR in October 2008 through the help of many generous donations. He is a very  gentle giant, standing at 16.1 hands, who was also the top Nebraska barrel horse in 2000. He had been here a little over a month when he developed severe colic, a condition that is a leading cause of equine death. Due to his extreme case, we were advised that if we were somehow able to get him up and in a trailer, and if he survived the trip down to Kansas State University School of Veterinary Science for a several thousand dollar surgery, then he would have a 20% chance of surviving. Our other option was to let him go and stop his awful suffering. We knew the story that brought him here did not play out so that he could die, so against the advise of our wonderful veterinarian, we stayed by his side and let him keep fighting. It is a true testimony for everyone that joined together in prayer that by the end of the day Blue was not only still with us, but also in great health. We have no doubt he will quickly become a ranch favorite. 

Hershey

Hershey was donated to us in August 2008 along with his pal Eddy the miniature donkey. They were rescued from a neglect situation by their previous owner who could no longer care for them. He's a cute little guy that fit right in and is working with some of the children that would rather buddy up with a gentle giant that isn't so giant.

Anna Belle

Annabelle is a sweet mare that just needed a new home. She arrived on 6/26/08 and while she wasn't to sure about being around other horses at first, has quickly made a lot of new friends. Several years ago she was riding in a trailer during a tragic accident that killed the driver. She was safely extracted from twisted metal cage by the jaws of life and several caring emergency workers. She still carries the scares on her leg from that terrible day, but she has begun loving on kids and helping them through their own hurts.   

Beau
Beau came to the Ranch in 2005. Beau is a ranch/roping horse who loves to be brushed and loved on. He is a beautiful 12 year old paint gelding with a blond mane and tail. He stands 15.1 hands. He was the first horse the L5 used in their youth programs and still loves giving rides to any kid that comes out.

Gus
Gus came to the ranch in 2005. Beau needed a buddy and now they are the best of friends. Gus was originally trained for team penning and truly enjoyed working cattle. He suffered a leg injury in 2006 and took a year off. Now he just wants to play and have someone groom and baby him. Gus is a beautiful 8 year old sorrel quarter horse gelding and stands about 14.2 hands. He is working into our riding program and is now caring kids around the arena.  

Mouse - April 2007
Mouse when we first got him in April, 2007. Mouse is definitely our gentle giant. Standing 15+ hands - he is a 4 year old quaterhorse gelding. He has a beautiful zebra dun with a two/tone mane and tail. Mouse came to us from the same rescue as Apache. He was also underweight and has some severe nerve damage to his lower lip. He loves attention and has a very laid back personality.

 Mouse - Update - 5/21/08
Mouse has gained weight and is looking good. His lip is completely healed and there doesn't appear to have any permanent damage. He has become very affectionate and always wants to be the center of attention. He has begun his training under saddle and is doing well.

Maverick - Feb. 2008
Maverick is a newer addition to the ranch. He is an 18 year old 15.2H Quarter/Thoroughbred cross that has spent most of his life in the hunter/jumper in the show ring and giving children riding lessons. He has come to the L5 from Pony Premiere in Manhattan, KS to spend the next several years loving kids and teaching them the joy of riding.

  L5 Youth Ranch  

 PO Box 75 - Sprague, NE 68438 Telephone: 402.525.9963 or 402.525.9964

email: L5_Ranch@hotmail.com