3 Sisters Equine established our ‘orphan program’ in 2016. Over time, we’ve developed a solid and proven program that’s allowed us to rescue and care for more than 50 babies — from hours-old foals in critical condition, to those needing immediate surgeries.

Pictured above: Jasper, an orphan who came into our care in 2022, who is now thriving with a family who adores him!

Here’s how we do it:

  • Orphans are quarantined, and provided stalls with thick shavings and outdoor time.

  • Lots of enrichment, such as toys and sitting with humans.

  • Lots of handling, to promote ease of vetting and care.

  • Halter gentling.

  • Leading and loading practice.

  • Often a year or more time with our rescue.

  • Grafting when possible, or placement of foals with aunties and/or uncles and a herd environment.

Here’s what it takes:

  • Veterinary orphan triage- $1,000

  • Veterinary critical care- $10,000

  • Veterinary support care- $5,000

  • Milk pellets- $100/bucket

  • Growth grain- $25

  • Alfalfa and orchard hay- $15/bale

  • Vet-assisted mare graft, when possible- $2,000-$3,000

  • Training- priceless!

Each and every baby is placed into a perfect home, no matter how long it takes.

Meet Birch.

Birch is an orphaned colt from the BLM’s round-up of the South Steens herd, currently in our care. After spending a night at Bend Equine for a thorough evaluation and testing, he is resting comfortably in quarantine at one of our facilities. We are monitoring slightly elevated SAA’s, comprehensive nutrition, and of course his emotional needs around the clock. While we are devastated by the near zeroing out of this herd and in disgust over the injured and killed, we carry on, holding the space with a full heart for this little angel, who deserves nothing but the best we can give in the name of his lost family. Our team will be rehabbing and treating anything that comes up as side effects of the round-up and days without nutrition.

3S offers orphans in our herd the most comprehensive care. Our orphan program is of the highest standard for their physical and emotional well-being. We are so sorry for what you and your herd has had to endure. Welcome to 3S, little Birch.

FAQs

  • Foals may be orphaned for a number of reasons, including: The mother has died in labor; the foal was separated from the mother for medical reasons; or separation occurred during a round-up on federal or reservation lands.

    3S is often contacted to support the orphaned foal, and we don't necessarily know the fate of the dam.

  • We believe foals are best raised with a mother and a herd. When possible, we attempt to graft our orphan foals to a caring mother. One way to try and replicate a mother to a foal that lost theirs is called grafting.

    Grafting first involves thoughtfully selecting a mare. If the mare is not “in-milk,” milk production is stimulated using a paste and hormone injection. This can take several days.

    Next, the birthing process is simulated using hormones. The mare is given two hormones, oxytocin and prostaglandin, which are normally released during the birthing process. The oxytocin promotes the mare/foal bond and the prostaglandin stimulates uterine contractions. Fluids released from the mare are then rubbed all over the foal so that the mare will recognize the smell as her own. Then the foal is brought to the mare's head in the hopes that she will accept the new baby.

    This process may or may not be successful. The mom may reject the foal instantly or in the next 24 hours once the hormones wear off.

    3 Sisters has helped to facilitate several successful grafts! Scroll below for a few beautiful stories.

  • Thank you for your interest in contributing! We can’t do this orphan work without your support. 3 Sisters Equine Refuge is run completely by volunteers and is not publicly funded. Every penny of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to horses in our care.

    To support the orphan program, you can make a donation online here, or send a donation on the Venmo app. Our username is: Sisters-Equine-05453.

  • After a lot of care and training, most orphans will be adoptable. Note that many will stay with our rescue for at least a year. Visit our Adopt a Horse page to learn more!

If you’d like to make a difference in the lives of these foals, please make a donation today.

PAYPAL OR CREDIT CARD

Make a one-time or monthly donation with PayPal or with a debit/credit card here.

VENMO

Make a donation on the Venmo app. Our username is: Sisters-Equine-05453.

Thank you so much for your generosity.

Check out some of the grafting success stories shared on our Instagram page.