Blog
Nikki's Story
In November 2021 our Valley Center sanctuary received a phone call from a woman
named Donna. What she had just witnessed at a small boarding facility in Northern
California had shaken her deeply.
Separated from the other horses stood a mare who was little more than skin and bones.
Her body was covered in wounds. She had clearly been abused and starved for a long
time.
Donna immediately confronted the facility owner and demanded the horse owner’s
phone number. When she reached him, she insisted he come to the property
immediately, warning him that Animal Control would be called if he refused. After a
heated exchange, he agreed to surrender the mare.
Donna named her Nikki and brought her home. But after only two days she realized
Nikki’s condition was far worse than she had first thought. Determined to save her life,
she contacted Castleton Ranch.
We arranged for Nikki to be brought to our sanctuary immediately. Because of the long
trip, Donna stopped overnight at our Lancaster location where our ranch manager
Daniel stayed up through the night watching over Nikki.
The next morning, he transported her to Valley Center where our veterinarian, Dr. Matt
Mathews, was waiting.
When Nikki stepped off the trailer, we were stunned. This was the worst case of abuse
we had ever seen.
Her body was covered with deep cuts and wounds. A bridle had been tightened so
severely that it had become embedded in her nose. But the most horrifying discovery
was yet to come.
Nikki had been bred and left without proper food during pregnancy. When it came to be
time to give birth, she was too weak to complete the process. She was forced to walk
around a metal corral for two days with the foal partially delivered. Eventually the foal
died, leaving Nikki with a massive tear that exposed her to life-threatening infection.
Her chances of survival were almost zero.
named Donna. What she had just witnessed at a small boarding facility in Northern
California had shaken her deeply.
Separated from the other horses stood a mare who was little more than skin and bones.
Her body was covered in wounds. She had clearly been abused and starved for a long
time.
Donna immediately confronted the facility owner and demanded the horse owner’s
phone number. When she reached him, she insisted he come to the property
immediately, warning him that Animal Control would be called if he refused. After a
heated exchange, he agreed to surrender the mare.
Donna named her Nikki and brought her home. But after only two days she realized
Nikki’s condition was far worse than she had first thought. Determined to save her life,
she contacted Castleton Ranch.
We arranged for Nikki to be brought to our sanctuary immediately. Because of the long
trip, Donna stopped overnight at our Lancaster location where our ranch manager
Daniel stayed up through the night watching over Nikki.
The next morning, he transported her to Valley Center where our veterinarian, Dr. Matt
Mathews, was waiting.
When Nikki stepped off the trailer, we were stunned. This was the worst case of abuse
we had ever seen.
Her body was covered with deep cuts and wounds. A bridle had been tightened so
severely that it had become embedded in her nose. But the most horrifying discovery
was yet to come.
Nikki had been bred and left without proper food during pregnancy. When it came to be
time to give birth, she was too weak to complete the process. She was forced to walk
around a metal corral for two days with the foal partially delivered. Eventually the foal
died, leaving Nikki with a massive tear that exposed her to life-threatening infection.
Her chances of survival were almost zero.
Dr. Mathews immediately began intensive treatment with antibiotics and emergency
care. Because Nikki had been starving for so long, even feeding her had to be done
slowly to prevent deadly complications.
Day by day we watched and waited.
Then something remarkable began to happen.
Nikki started to fight.
Her infections began to respond to treatment. She slowly gained weight. Her strength
returned. Soon we were able to take her for short walks, and before long she was
meeting the other horses.
care. Because Nikki had been starving for so long, even feeding her had to be done
slowly to prevent deadly complications.
Day by day we watched and waited.
Then something remarkable began to happen.
Nikki started to fight.
Her infections began to respond to treatment. She slowly gained weight. Her strength
returned. Soon we were able to take her for short walks, and before long she was
meeting the other horses.
Against all expectations, Nikki survived.
Today Nikki runs and plays with friends in a large paddock, showing no signs of the
suffering she once endured. She even became one of the stars of our annual calendar
and Christmas card.
Her abuser was eventually located and charged with two felony counts of animal
abuse and neglect, ensuring he will never again be allowed to own animals.
But the real heroes of this story are Donna, who refused to walk away, and Dr. Mathews
and our Castleton team who refused to give up.
Nikki’s story reminds us that love,compassion, courage, and determination can truly
save a life.
And today, Nikki is living proof
Today Nikki runs and plays with friends in a large paddock, showing no signs of the
suffering she once endured. She even became one of the stars of our annual calendar
and Christmas card.
Her abuser was eventually located and charged with two felony counts of animal
abuse and neglect, ensuring he will never again be allowed to own animals.
But the real heroes of this story are Donna, who refused to walk away, and Dr. Mathews
and our Castleton team who refused to give up.
Nikki’s story reminds us that love,compassion, courage, and determination can truly
save a life.
And today, Nikki is living proof
Alex Williams Thomas
Director of Programs
760-913-5606
505-702-3699
bidwelllifesettlements@gmail.com
joyce.bidwell919@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-bidwell-a336bb119/
Bidwell Life Settlements is a proud sponsor of
New Mexico's Animal Protection Voters Laws & Paws
bidwelllifesettlements@gmail.com
joyce.bidwell919@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-bidwell-a336bb119/
Bidwell Life Settlements is a proud sponsor of
New Mexico's Animal Protection Voters Laws & Paws