By Susan Kayne
For Capital Region Independent Media
In the heart of a sanctuary, which seems like a portal to a world as enchanting as Narnia, the dawn ushers in more than just the sun; it heralds a day of transformation, healing, and unspoken joy for its equine residents.
This sacred space, a haven of renewal and hope, is home to The Unbridled Family — 60 souls saved from fates too grim to dwell upon, each now basking in the warmth of care and compassion. As the seasons turn, the sanctuary’s indoor riding arenas transform into indoor playgrounds, where horses find delight in companionship, shielded from the harshness of the elements.
Here, magic is not just a concept but a palpable presence, seen in the twinkle of an eye or the gentle nuzzle of a companion. Today, the stories of Cinnamon Sparkles and Tessie shine a light on tales not merely of survival but also of the profound change that love and understanding can bring about.
With the break of dawn, the sanctuary awakens to a concert of birds, their melodies promising spring, while SnowFlake and SnowBall bray back, their voices weaving into the morning tapestry, each note a testament to their unique journeys.
Rescued moments before facing a grim fate, the mother and daughter donkeys once cowered in silence, overwhelmed by fear. Now, their jubilant calls echo as a testament to their blossoming assurance and liberation. This newfound voice, a symphony of brays and nickers, speaks volumes of their willingness to trust again, to feel safe enough to express themselves. Just as Wilbur found joy and a voice in the companionship and care of Charlotte and her friends in the classic children’s book “Charlotte’s Web,” SnowFlake and SnowBall’s spirited sounds are a song of freedom embodying the purest form of animal bliss.
Stepping into the sunlight from her shelter atop the southern border of the Sanctuary is the free-spirited Cinnamon, a feisty auburn-coated pony with a fiery orange-tinted mane, and a vibrant personality to match. She greets the day with eagerness, seeking out her friend Tessie, a senior mare of great wisdom and experience. In Tessie, the young Cinnamon found not just a companion but a guide.
Cinnamon arrived at the Sanctuary in July 2023, having been rescued from the slaughter-bound stockyards of Bowie Livestock in Texas. At the time, she was known only as #0311. In 2023, it was reported that Mexican slaughter plants received 17,997 horses from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, a harrowing statistic that underscores the grim reality faced by many equine companions.
The invisible scars of Cinnamon’s past made her aggressive, wary and defensive, too spirited for turn-out with the gentler Sweet Pea and LadyBug. Cinnamon’s temperament prompted a thoughtful pairing with Tessie, a wise mare with years of service in the Amish community before her abandonment led her to Unbridled. Unlike the younger horses, Tessie understood the need for guidance without force, becoming a nurturing figure for Cinnamon. Through Tessie’s patience, Cinnamon learned the social graces necessary for harmonious living with her contemporaries.
A few weeks ago, on a bright and mild March day, I noticed a distance between Cinnamon and Tessie, unusual for the pair. Tessie, typically the anchor, lay in deep slumber under a tree, while Cinnamon seemed restless at the gate, perhaps sensing the stirrings of spring and the changes it brings. This restlessness in Cinnamon could be a sign of her coming of age, a readiness to embrace the next chapter of her life.
While feeding Cinnamon her grain, I took note of Tessie’s lack of interest, which was odd for her. As I walked to her with a pad of alfalfa, her ears turned towards me, she nickered, and pulled it from my hand. She showed no signs of discomfort. Cinnamon’s eagerness to explore beyond her paddock led us on a walk, and into the big stable. Her curiosity led to greeting SnowBall and drawing Arnie from his solitude. Her vibrant personality, once overshadowed by her past, now shone through, a testament to her growth under Tessie’s guidance.
Cinnamon, now three, vibrant and full of life, seamlessly reunited with her age-appropriate contemporaries LadyBug and Sweet Pea, and occasionally, Little Pea, the lively big sister of the quattro. This regrouping marked a significant milestone in her journey.
Tessie’s aloofness that day struck a chord of concern within me; it was a departure from her usual demeanor, a sign that perhaps something deeper was amiss. As I led Tessie towards the stable, her transformation was palpable. Leaving the paddock behind, her spirits lifted — ears pricked, eyes bright, and a soft nicker escaping her lips as if to greet the Sanctuary’s residents with a smile. She ambled through, acknowledging each friend from their stalls, before settling into her own spacious abode, bedecked with fluffy straw that promised comfort.
Her outdoor blanket, once her winter’s shield, now seemed an unnecessary burden in the warmth of her stall. Gently removing it, I unveiled a sight that filled my heart with both surprise and joy — a very healthy, very rotund, very pregnant Tessie. Her condition, a secret harbored beneath layers, now revealed the promise of new life and the continuation of the Sanctuary’s legacy of care and renewal.
Tessie’s surprise touched us all with the profound reminder of the lives we discover we’re saving along the way.
As the day waned, the Sanctuary settled into a peaceful evening, a stark contrast to the tumultuous pasts of its residents. Cinnamon Sparkles, Tessie, and their companions reflect the Sanctuary’s mission — a journey from darkness to light, despair to hope. Their stories, interwoven with the fabric of Unbridled Sanctuary, highlight the sanctity of life and the capacity for love and forgiveness.
In sharing these day-to-day moments, I invite you to look beyond the grim statistics to the souls who, through compassion and care, find a new beginning. It’s a reminder that each act of kindness contributes to a larger story of redemption and hope.
Supporting Unbridled Sanctuary is to be part of a transformative journey, enriching the lives of these magnificent beings and our own. In a world often indifferent to the silent pleas of the voiceless, Unbridled stands as a beacon of empathy, refuge and transformation.
Join us in our mission to provide a voice for the voiceless, to end the cycle of suffering, and to write new stories of hope and new beginnings. Together, we can make a difference — one horse, one mule, one donkey, and one pony, one life at a time.
Susan Kayne is the founder and president of Unbridled Sanctuary, an equine rescue on the border of Albany County and Greenville.
