Rescued horses get a checkup in Guatay

Horses of Tir Na Nog, the equine rescue group in the far reaches of East County, took in four more horses in need through its adoption partnership with San Diego and San Bernardino counties last week.

Two mares, Tootsie Roll and Lil’ Girl, were rescued from severe neglect by San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control in July. Tootsie Roll was diagnosed with laminitis, an inflammation and damage of the tissue between the hoof and an underlying bone. Lil’ Girl’s behavioral issues made her unsuitable for adoption to the public, according to Amy Pat Rigney, administrator of Horses of Tir Na Nog.

Doctor Aaron Harlan gives Tootsie Roll a routine check up at Horses of Tir Na Nog on Friday

(Jarrod Valliere/The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Two other underweight horses, Petey and Coco, were brought to the rescue as part of an ongoing County of San Diego Department of Animal Services neglect case. All the horses came to Guatay-based Horses of Tir Na Nog through the work of volunteers on Oct. 16.

“We are proud of our status as an Adoption Partner for both San Bernardino and San Diego (counties), although we do not generally receive animals from both agencies on the same day,” Rigney said. “We are grateful to our volunteers who made the long drive to San Bernardino to pick up the two mares urgently needing placement and then were able to facilitate picking up two additional horses in need here in San Diego County on the way home.”

A rescued horse at Horses of Tir Na Nog on Friday in Guatay.

(Jarrod Valliere/The San Diego Union-Tribune)

The four newcomers are among 200 other animals, including more than 100 horses, who live at the ranch. Since it opened its sprawling 20-acre site near Descanso 13 years ago, Horses of Tir Na Nog has provided sanctuary to hundreds of animals including all types of horses, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, pigs, dogs and cats.

Horses of Tir Na Nog is the longest-operating equine sanctuary in the county, starting in 2003, becoming a 501c-3 nonprofit in 2005 and moving to its home in Guatay in 2008.