04/25/2026
💔 Dakota & Cinnamon Need Us Right Now 💔
This week has been a heavy one at the ranch… and we want to be fully transparent with the community that helps us care for these incredible horses.
🐴 Dakota (“Eeyore”)
Dakota is 24 years old and has been with us since 2019. He’s the kind of horse every program dreams of—the safest, kindest, most gentle soul. The one we trusted with everyone. So many first rides, so many smiles, so much confidence built on his back.
About 3 years ago, Dakota was diagnosed with ringbone, a degenerative form of arthritis that affects the joints in a horse’s legs. Over time, it causes pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. It can be caused by wear and tear, conformation, or past strain.
We retired him from riding and gave him a softer life—more peace, more love, more time just being Dakota.
But recently… he’s been hurting more.
New X-rays show the disease has progressed, and the bone changes have not fused like we had hoped.
Now we are facing one of the hardest decisions:�• Try injections to manage his pain�• Or let him go peacefully if they don’t work
Because if there is a chance for him to be comfortable again… we owe him that.
💛 Because of YOU, we have already raised $650—enough to start his first treatment.
If it works, we will need ongoing support to keep him comfortable.�If it doesn’t… we will give him the most loving goodbye he deserves.
🐴 Cinnamon (“Dots Playgirl”)
Cinnamon is our 11-year-old mare—sweet with just a little spice—and a favorite among our kids and volunteers.
She came to us 5 years ago with early navicular disease, a condition affecting the navicular bone and surrounding structures in the hoof. Over time, it can cause chronic pain and lameness, often due to genetics, conformation, or repeated stress.
With excellent care, we kept her happy and comfortable for years.
But this year… things changed.
She became very lame, and new X-rays confirmed:�💔 The disease is now in both front feet�💔 One navicular bone has become jagged from arthritis�💔 It is now damaging her ligament
Her treatment will require specialized injections and ongoing care—more complex, more intensive, and more costly.
And until now… no one even knew she was struggling.
💛 Why This Matters
When you support us—you are part of this.
You help us say YES to horses like Dakota and Cinnamon.�You help us give them sanctuary, dignity, and love… especially when things get hard.
And this… this is the hard part.
🙏 How You Can Help Right Now
Every dollar makes a difference:
• $25 – Helps with daily comfort care�• $50 – Supports farrier care�• $100 – Helps cover vet visits�• $250 – Goes toward life-changing injections�• $650 – Covers one full treatment
👉 Donate here: https://happinesshorses.org or on Venmo at Happiness through horses
🔥 Want to Make an Even Bigger Impact?
• Share this post�• Start a small fundraiser for Dakota & Cinnamon�• Sponsor their ongoing care
When our community comes together… incredible things happen.
From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for standing with us, and with them.
We will continue to walk this journey with honesty, transparency, and hope 🤍
There's a lot riding on our kids
