Rusty - Miniature Horse

As we look back to when we started Rivers Critters Ranch we really didn't know what we were doing.  Neither Cindy nor I grew up on a farm or in rural america.  However, we both loved animals and were determined to live the rural life.  We started with a pair of minature goats (Danny and Ema) and quickly added Rusty a 10 year old minature horse.  In his prior life Rusty was used as a teaser horse on a farm that breed Tennase Walkers.  We brought Rusty home and he moved in with the goats and we all did pretty well together as we learned what take to have a horse.

As we added animals Rusty became the  lead animal on the farm and it was clear that he was the boss.   He also became a visitor favoriate and received many treats.   He understood people and was a gentle animal; easy to care for requiring good hay, some grain and his hooves trimmed.

Rusty loved getting his hooves trimmed.  When he knew the Farrier was comming he insisted on being the first to get his hooves done; standing quietly for our Farrier Zach.   In fact  as Rusty aged I wouldn't bother trying him while he was having his hoves trimmed.

As Rusty grew older, he never slowed down.   We kept him with a flock of Olde English Babydoll sheep and our female Mediterrian Minature Donkeys.   He insisted on being the last one to come in at night, making sure everyone else was in before he'd come into the barn.  If Rusty didn't come in I knew something was wrong.   Many nights we'd be walking the pastures with a flash light finding that one sheep that was still out.

Rusty passed away in sleep on March 20th 2020 at the age of  32 years.   He will be missed.