Welcome to the Flying L Ranch, a haven of equine care nestled amongst the breathtaking mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Located in the heart of Nemiah Valley, our relationship with the local Indigenous community of the Xeni Gwet’in lends itself in assisting with the management and caring for local wild horse herds. As nature takes its course, stories reveal deeply resonating with our core values, often requiring extraordinary action.  

July 2023 

When his free-ranging mare returned to his ranch, Elder Cowboy and Former Chief of the Xeni Gwet’in, Benny, found a heart-wrenching scene; a baby filly with an aggressive leg injury standing next to her untouched mare. This emotional discovery was the beginning of an ongoing story of hope and resilience that push the boundaries of modern mentalities and equine science.  

The Urgent Need for a ‘Second Chance’ 

While traditional equine medical care might see injuries like hers as insurmountable, this filly’s tenacious spirit was a testament to an animal’s engrained will to survive. By the time she was discovered with her injury, she was facing:  

• A severe and rapidly-spreading infection. 
• A complex fracture of her cannon bone with severe soft tissue damage. 
• An imperative need for specialized veterinary care. 

 After days spent transporting and searching for an answer for this filly and her mare, a ray of hope emerged from Yellowstone Equine Hospital in Cody, Wyoming. Recognizing her unyielding determination, they devised a rigorous recovery plan. All we needed to do was get her there.  

 Hitting The Road 

Understanding the gravity of the situation ahead, we left the ranch in search of an answer. After initially trying to find Second Chance’s treatment in Canada, we discovered the best scenario was to get her down to Wyoming, USA. After driving 2 1/2 days with an international border crossing, we got her to Yellowstone Equine Hospital where they assessed her and immediately began working on the rampant infection spreading from the injury.  

October 2023 

 On day one under the surgeons care it was determined the little foals leg could likely be saved. The next 3 months in Cody, Wyoming were touch and go as the team at Yellowstone Equine Hospital controlled the infection and set Second Chance’s bones to fuse. It was a miracle in and of itself, but that was only the beginning. The rest of Second Chance’s healing journey was dependent on the care she would receive post Yellowstone. Now she needed to come home and settle in to beat the harsh Canadian winter.  

 Coming Back To Canada 

In the beginning of October, Michael and Lara drove back to Cody to pick up Second Chance and her mare, Juno. They brought them both back to the ranch and for the first time in months, they were able to return to their familiar home.  

November 2023  

However, Second Chance’s leg was still in a cast that needed to be changed regularly. Three hours from the nearest vet, this wasn’t an easy feat to tackle. Trailering her to the nearest vet would have to be a bi-weekly task, and that wasn’t feasible. With winter setting in, the best move to make was to wean her off her Dam Juno and bring her to a trusted friend and capable veterinarian. Dr. Ginger Langin with Dragon Lake Veterinary Hospital, six hours north of the ranch was the call.  

January 2024 

While at Dragon Lake Vet, Second Chance has made fantastic progress. She gets stellar around the clock care including supplements, training and cast changes. When she exhibits healing to a point where she can full weight bear on her hoof and leg without a hard cast, she’ll be able to come home and reunite with her dam, Juno. We think we are close. But we still have to be set up at the ranch to X-ray, change casts and dressings to be able to properly care and support her  

Join Our Movement of Transformation  

Second Chance’s journey stands as a testament to the wonders of love, care, and the persistent advancement of medical technology. Yet, it’s only a small part of our continued commitment at the Flying L Ranch. Our “Second Chance” initiative embodies our sincere promise to rescue, rehabilitate, and nurture. 

Ways to aid our cause: 

Donate: Every contribution, big or small, allows us to help when needed for horses like Second Chance.  

Brand Sponsorships: Unite with us. In unity, brands can exponentially further our cause, ensuring every horse receives the love and care it rightfully deserves.  

Advocacy: Amplify our message. By sharing our mission, you become a part of our team and can help us reach even more people.  

 At the Flying L Ranch, we envision a world where every horse, regardless of its past or challenges, is granted a chance at a renewed existence. Follow us as we carry on with our mission, the Second Chance Way.

Second Chance has come a long way since her original injury. Check back here for more updates about her healing process!