Sweeney

Height:  14.2 hh (est) 
Weight: 850 lbs (est)
DOB:  2019 (est)
Sex:  Mare
Color:  Gray
Breed:  Arabian
​​DNA:  1st Arabian
2nd Turkoman
3rd Missouri Fox Trotter
Adoption Fee:  $750
Category: Project
​**Bonded pair with Tyler

Sweeney's Story

Sweeney came to AAE after law enforcement intervention/seizure in a neglect case involving 21 horses, which became 22 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 horses. Three additional horses 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 15 of the horses (pregnant mares, mare/foal pairs, and a young, sickly filly), and the other rescue took seven (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. 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 older horses. Arabian stallions (and potentially mustang stallions) had been running with the mares, so the older fillies and mares are all potentially pregnant. Most were friendly, but not readily halterable.

Sweeney is a beautiful ~5 year old Arabian mare. She looked like a tick when she arrived. Her midline was round and plump, and she looked miserably pregnant!  We wanted her to deliver so she'd get some relief, but at the same time, she wasn't halterable. Poor girl was suspicious of every move anyone would make when in her bubble. She was a bit of a challenge, and unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to earn her trust.  She arrived at AAE on March 20, and she delivered a sweet little filly on April 8, 2024, not even three weeks later, Eclipse Day. Sweeney and Tyler's names were inspired by Eclipse Day. Sunny Sweeney for the obvious, and Bonnie Tyler who sings Total Eclipse of the heart. (For those that don't know, AAE horse names are country artist inspired names. We have some fun with that!) Sweeney was a great mom, and a protective mom, so we gave these girls there spacee while Sweeney adapted to being a mom. Fortunately, both seemed very healthy after delivery. She's young, and we wouldn't be surprised if Tyler was her first foal. Once they had some time to themselves, we reintroduced human touch, halter and lead, and kind new ways of thinking. Before long, she was accepting a halter, learning to lead, and having her hooves handled.  

Sweeney came around slow but sure. Her confidence grew a little every day. Tyler, too. Once Sweeney was confident enough, she had her hooves trimmed, and she had dental care, vaccines, and deworming, and she got a microchip.  

It didn't take long.  Sweeney and Tyler were adopted together. These two gals received another incredible gift; they were adopted together to stay together forever!.  

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.​​