Life is beautiful for our girl Bella! After two years of patiently waiting, the 11-year-old mare has finally found her happily ever after. She is embarking on an exciting new chapter with her adopter, Amaya. These two gals are heading off to attend Feather River College together! Cheers to a future filled with learning, adventure, and much-deserved love.

Then 9-years-old, Bella and her baby, Canela, came to the HSVC as a result of an abuse and neglect investigation in late May 2023. Both were severely emaciated at the time, and young Canela was just 1-week-old. Thanks to a special team including our staff, Dr. April Armstrong of Shoreline Equine, staff at Humphrey Giacopuzzi & Associates Equine Hospital, and farrier Stacy Hyatt, both horses made a full recovery! 

Both Canela and Bella resided at the shelter for nearly two years before their court case reached a resolution, finally allowing them to be made available for adoption. During such time, staff and volunteers alike formed a strong bond with Bella. In addition to her beauty, Bella had a heart of gold with a personality to match! Her sweet, gentle nature, partnered with her natural social butterfly tendencies, made her an absolute joy to interact with in the barn. Her story is one of resilience, and it did not go unnoticed by our team.

"Through extreme neglect, Bella never stopped fighting for her foal. She gave everything to keep Canella safe until help arrived. As she healed, her gentle spirit and bright soul shone through. Today, Bella is thriving in a loving home, just as she always deserved. She is the definition of a resilient momma horse," said HSVC Humane Investigations Director, Kendra King (pictured above, left, with Bella). 

Bella was placed with Amaya and her family for one month as a foster-to-adopt horse. During this period, she got to know her new owners, surroundings, and barn friends. "She’s been doing really good! Some of the little girls at my barn have been riding her, and she’s been so perfect and tolerant of all of our shenanigans, even riding double! She’s going to be my horse for all of my equine classes at school and to ride on the weekends," said Amaya.

It's safe to say Bella is officially "back in the saddle", and we couldn't be happier for her. Congratulations and happy tails, Bella!