Gabe, Maggie & Nadia

It was wonderful seeing Gabe and Maggie (a recent county seizure) together exploring new places and making new friends. They are both such very sweet horses. Gabe has COPD, which we are trying to manage, whilst sweet Maggie does not sweat at times. Maggie’s neglect case is still pending with the county but her owner has been charged. Maggie and Gabe both need sponsors for their care including hay, grain, farrier work, etc., so if you would like to sponsor or help either horse, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button at the bottom of this post where you can make a one-time contribution or sign up for monthly automatic donations which help tremendously.


ABOVE: Gabe and Maggie experiencing the innate joy of just being horses.

Nadia is still searching for a perfect friend since we lost Venus in November. Nadia and Venus had been together for twenty-five plus years. A few weeks after Venus passed, Peaches sensed that Nadia was grieving and remained by her side. Peaches has always helped others cope with the loss of a friend, but since she has always been a loner, her comfort to others is only temporary and after a few weeks of giving the other horse time to adjust, Peaches is ready for the other horse to move on. Nadia has Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), a progressive condition that leads to chronic breakdown of tendons and ligaments. Her condition will only worsen and at some point, we will have to make the decision to let her join Venus. We will keep her comfortable for as long as possible, but in the meantime, we will continue our quest to find Nadia another very best friend from within our herd.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Our Precious Peggy Sue

It’s been a tough couple of days. Actually, a tough couple of weeks. I hate to share more sad news, but on November 15th, our precious Peggy Sue went to Rainbow Bridge.

Peggy Sue came to us in April 2012, unable to stand or bend her back legs with elf slippers for back feet. Some years before, her pelvis had been fractured in multiple places when humans tried to help her deliver her foal. Because her humans couldn’t pick up her back legs, they did not trim her back feet. We had no issue putting her in the sling for trims – she was always a very good girl.

Peggy Sue didn’t let her physical limitations stop her from getting around – she could really move out when she wanted to!

However, if she laid down and rolled over onto her left side, she couldn’t get up and we had to help her. We would roll her back onto her right side and she’d usually pop right up. Over the last few months though, it had been getting harder for her.

Arthritis and years of overworking her good leg/hip had taken a toll. We knew there would come a day when we’d have to make the heartbreaking decision to let Peggy Sue go, and that time had come. We loved her too much to allow her to suffer. The thought of her going down in the middle of the night, in the cold or rain, and not being able to get up, was a horrible image.

Peggy Sue had the darkest yet most beautiful bright and loving eyes that touched the soul. She left this world knowing she was loved, very much.

We were very blessed to have been given the years that we had with Peggy Sue. They all take a piece of my heart when they go, and Peggy Sue took a pretty huge piece. In my mind, I can picture her with her friends, Little E and Bria, under a Friendship Tree on this side of Rainbow Bridge where they await with the rest of herd. I find comfort in knowing we will see our loved ones again someday.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Our Beloved Venus

I’m sorry that I don’t have a good update. Venus took a turn for the worse on Wednesday evening, and yesterday, it was time to let her go. It wasn’t the outcome that we had prayed for, but it was the most loving thing that we could do for her. We couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate and kind care team – Dr. Adams, Dr. Cuadros, and all of the staff at Ocala Equine Medical Center were amazing and we appreciate them all, very much.

We were concerned about how Nadia would handle losing her best friend. We gave Nadia some time with Venus and I believe they both understood what was happening. At that point, I think we all (humans and horses) had reached a place called ‘acceptance.’ Acceptance is key to moving forward and with it, comes change.

Life at the rescue will be different, but we will cherish memories of Venus and do what she would want us to do – continue to help others in need.

Nadia has settled into a paddock with Peaches. Peaches is pretty much a loner – she always has been. But this afternoon, she sensed that Nadia needed a friend and when I left them, they were sharing a bag of hay hanging in their shelter. It gave me great peace.

Venus left this world with dignity, knowing that she was very much loved. She was a regal mare with a lion’s heart, fire in her soul and an iron will. She was the personification of beauty and grace. Her presence is still near and dear – we will carry her in our hearts, always.

Thank you for your good wishes and prayers for Venus.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Update on Venus

Venus is a champ! After a very long day on Wednesday, I am happy to report that her colon is back where it belongs! She is bright eyed and talkative but she needs to have a normal poop. We are so very thankful that Nadia, Venus’s best friend, is right across the aisle there to provide love and support.

They will likely be there until at least Monday. I know if Venus needs anything, she’s in great hands at EMCO (Equine Medical Center of Orlando). They’ve been very good to the girls.

In the meantime, a dear friend and supporter has offered to match all donations up to $1000 for our brave and beautiful girl.

You can contribute toward Venus’s care on our Facebook fundraiser, or here on our website, just click the appropriate button below. If donating on our website, please make sure to note it’s for Venus.

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Please continue to pray for Venus. Nadia would be lost without her, as we all would be.

Gratefully,
Theresa

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Hurricane Ian Update

We are doing okay. The winds and rains have not been as bad as expected. The barn is a mess but manageable, everyone is good here. Had Ian not changed course, it would have been devastating here. Simply devastating. The horses have their ID bands and breakaway halters on. They are doing pretty well except that Mishka is dealing with a horrible abscess in his front left foot. The abscess blew out of the coronet band yesterday but he’s pretty tender. It’s tough being such a big horse when your foot or feet hurt, I’m sure.

We are very saddened by the impact Ian has had on everyone in its path. We will continue to pray for those that have been impacted.

The winds and rain are starting to get worse. We will update again soon. Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers.

IMPORTANT: The trail ride fundraiser for Saturday, October 1 is POSTPONED, new date TBA.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Oh Peggy, My Peggy Sue

Peggy Sue’s Hooficure

We used the new winches today with the sling when it was time for Peggy Sue’s hooficure. They worked great and were much safer than the manual ones that we’ve been using for years. Winches with the sling are most necessary tools to help equines like Peggy Sue.

Peggy Sue can’t bend her bock left leg at all. Her pelvis was fractured in three places many years ago when her humans opted to ‘help’ her deliver her baby. She’s really a precious and determined little mare and she truly gets around quite well.

A number of our ‘Velvet Nosers’ ore also scheduled to have their hooficures this week, so If you would like to assist with this most necessary need, we would be forever grateful. The overage farrier fee per horse or donkey is $40 and this week’s visit will total $535. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below and note thot your contribution is for ‘Happy Feet.’

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On behalf of Peggy Sue and the Herd, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

 

Don’t forget to RSVP for:

Celebration of the Horse
Saturday, September 17, 2022

We are excited to announce a special guest appearance and performance by “Ivory Pal” at our Celebration of the Horse Open House event this year!!! Ivory Pal, the golden palomino champion Tennessee Walking Horse stallion – owned, trained, and loved by Rafael Valle – is an extraordinary performer and partner with exceptionally great temperament. This will be Ivory Pal’s first public appearance in Florida in 13 years after returning from Nashville, TN. To learn more about this amazing duo, CLICK HERE.

Details about the event can be found at https://bhfer.org/event/beautys-haven-annual-open-house or https://www.facebook.com/events/822279948753292.

Email BHFERopenhouse@gmail.com or text Elizabeth @ 352-339-2784 with any questions.

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Mindi Update, Presley’s Passing and Oreo’s Surgery

Mindi on the Mend

Mindi is becoming a bit more animated each day. Mentally, she’s still processing and adjusting. It may take her days, weeks, or even longer to come around. But she will. She’s approaching me now instead of walking off when I go into her paddock. That’s a very positive step in healing, in my opinion. Her coat is looking much better and her eyes are brighter. She needs to gain quite a bit of weight and muscle.

Regarding Mindi’s physical health, her blood test results were what we typically find in malnourished horses. She needs a few supplements; Liver Kleen, Ferrofood from Standard Process, Transfer Factor Stress Pak, a Panacur Powerpac, and Succeed. If anyone would like to gift her any of these supplements it would be greatly appreciated. I’ll try to post links to them tomorrow. Dr. Julia will be back tomorrow to do an Infratonic treatment on Mindi. Hopefully we will be able to get on the dentist’s schedule soon. The farrier comes on Sunday.

If anyone would like to gift any of those products to Mindi, please contact us. Thank you.

Presley

Our beloved Presley transitioned to Rainbow Bridge yesterday afternoon. Presley was truly precious and we will miss him so very much. Grief is truly the price we pay for love.

Oreo

Oreo’s ear canal ablation surgery has been scheduled for July 7th! Thank you to our wonderful little village of supporters who have made this possible.

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Chloe Update

Chloe was having lameness issues that were getting worse over time. Some days she moved pretty slow and on other days she wouldn’t want to even move at all and was depressed. Dr. Lugo came out to examine and evaluate her and to do x-rays and bloodwork (full chemistry panel, CBC, SAA, Cushing’s, T4, and Cortisol levels). He also did a nerve block of her feet to help identify the source of discomfort.

Dr. Lugo took several x-rays of her feet and knees. We learned her feet were good, and her knees weren’t bad, just some very mild arthritis. Andrew, one of our farriers, was also here and we all discussed a plan for Chloe. Dr. Lugo suggested a different shoe and put her on Equioxx and Succeed. She seemed a bit better and was more active, but not by much. She was still somewhat uncomfortable and it was upsetting to see her that way.

We decided to take her off Previcox and put her on aspirin once a day recently, and oh my goodness, what a difference! She also gets Equinety and Succeed.

Chloe is holding her head high again, she’s more active, bright and alert which brings much relief to all of us. It’s hard to believe she’s 16 now. She was a nurse mare foal that came to us in 2006.

We need help with Chloe’s vet bill which was just over $1400. And she needs monthly sponsors to help with her medication and farrier needs. Is there anyone who would like to help Chloe?

A dear friend and supporter has also just come forth and has offered to match all donations up to $500, so this is a wonderful way in which to double your contribution! You can forward your donation via the button below. Please note it’s for Chloe. All contributions are tax deductible and no contribution is ever too small. As always, we truly appreciate your support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Report Card: A+ for Lady Sophia & Candace!

Candace and her mom, Lady Sophia, are doing well at the trainer’s. They’re making new friends and Candace is becoming a bit more independent each day. Amanda Hill (Legacy Hill Sport Horses) is working with Sophia to figure out what she will be happy and comfortable doing. It’s just not the same here at the farm without them, but they are where they need to be to prepare for the next chapter in their life.

We are now accepting adoption applications for Lady Sophia and Candace (to be adopted together) even though they are not yet ready for adoption. Applicants must be experienced with foals and be able to demonstrate their ability to work with both of the girls (natural horsemanship methods only) and continue with their training. Boarding situations will not be considered. Both Candace and Lady Sophia are healthy, kind, smart, honest, and willing to learn. They will make their adoptive human very proud.

ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS & APPLICATION
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Lady Sophia & Candace off to school

Considering the condition we found them in, we were very blessed Lady Sophia’s and Candace’s rehabilitation went well. There were bumps along the way but we were very attentive to their care and kept the faith, and they both grew healthy and strong. (To learn more about their rescue and rehab journey, click here.) Lady Sophia is a great mom and she loves Candace so much. Both are very smart, intuitive, and a pleasure to work with.

Now, on to the next phase for these two! Today, the girls left this week to go to Legacy Hill Sport Horses where Amanda will be working with them. We want to figure out what it is that Lady Sophia is comfortable doing under saddle, while Candace will get daily hands-on. We were so proud of Candace, she walked right on Amanda’s trailer like she owned it! In the past, when she was transported to and from the veterinary hospital, it took awhile to get her on the trailer.

Our ultimate goal is to find the right home for Lady Sophia and Candace, together.

We’re grateful to all of you for your support. And we’re also very thankful for Amanda helping us with Candace and Lady Sophia, and looking forward to watching their progress. They’re not quite ready for adoption yet but we ARE accepting applications: go to https://bhfer.org/adoption-requirements-considerations/.

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