Niko

Height:  14 hh (est) Growing like a weed
Weight: 650 lbs (est)
DOB:  2023 (est)
Sex:  Gelding
​Color:  Gray
Breed:  Arabian
​​DNA:  1st Arabian
2nd Turkoman
3rd Hanoverian
Adoption Fee:  $750 
Category:  Young Horses

Niko's Story

Niko came to AAE with his mom, Lila, after law enforcement intervention/seizure in a neglect case involving 24 horses, which became 25 horses when a colt was born after seizure.  We were told law enforcement stepped in when they learned of horses that had been abandoned on a large, remote, high desert property. Law enforcement provided care for the animals from late 2023 until mid-February 2024, when they seized 21. Three additional horses had died, one prior to law enforcement intervention and two shortly thereafter. Another rescue was contacted, and together, we supported this effort. In the end, AAE took in 15 of the horses (pregnant mares, mare/foal pairs, and two young, sickly fillies), and the other rescue took seven horses (two mature stallions and young five stud colts). These are mostly younger Arabian horses. The condition of the horses had improved, overall, since law enforcement stepped in; however, all were in rough shape when AAE arrived. Basic care had been neglected for some time. In general, body conditions and hair coats were in poor condition, especially the foals and weanlings that were heavily matted.  Hooves were in poor condition with long toes, high heels, splits, cracks, and even one long slipper toe on a young filly. Dental care was needed for the mature horses. Arabian stallions (and potentially mustang stallions) had been running with the mares, so the older fillies and mares are all potentially pregnant.  

Niko was a scrawny and sad little guy when we met him, and he was separated from his mom. He was definitely impacted by the harsh winter and inadequate nutrition. No doubt mom, Lila, did her best to feed him to keep him warm. Over the past few months, Niko has turned in to a handsome prince. He's friendly, sweet, and enjoys attention. He's enjoyed pasture life and gets along well with everyone in the herd. He's good with haltering (best in a small space) with a slow/quiet approach. He's approachable and will approach in a large pasture, but prefers to focus on his herdmates and playing with the other youngsters. He's curious and kind, most of the time. He is a typical mouthy guy that needs an occasional reminder to keep his teeth to himself!
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Niko has been gelded, he is current with hoof care, vaccines, and deworming, and he has a microchip. He is available for adoption to a young-horse experienced person, someone that will take time to develop a trusting relationship, and give his body and joints time to mature. He would love to go home with his pal, Coley.

In general, there is a lot of activity around AAE including vehicle and foot traffic in and out of paddock/pasture areas, mucking with wheelbarrows, grooming and care activities, tractor and trailering, weekly farrier visits.  There are resident dogs, cats, goats, a pig, cows, and mini horses, as well as various wildlife including frequent turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, deer, coyote, and bobcats in and around paddock/pasture areas.  A portion of AAE is situated along a highway with high speed vehicles, trucks, and sirens.  Tractors are used in and around pasture/paddock areas, trucks deliver feed, and a squeeze is occasionally used for unloading hay.  Horses at AAE are accustomed to a more active environment as opposed to a quiet/sterile environment. Some do well; others will do better in a more quiet environment.​​