Niña truly gave us a scare today. She apparently got spooked by a sprinkler and took off running, then sadly, she slipped and fell and was unable to get up. We immediately ran some fluids and gave meds as per the vet’s instructions while we awaited his arrival.

Our poor girl was truly headed in the wrong direction but got a much-needed boost with some DMSO thanks to Dr. Becker, coupled with the power of prayer.

Niña is now resting comfortably and is tucked in for the night.

God is good. Believe.

Beauty Update

I’m very happy to report that Beauty is better! An abscess finally worked its way out of the bottom of her foot and thankfully, this morning, another blew out from her coronet band so hopefully, she is now, well on the road to recovery.

We also discovered Frodo camped out in Beauty’s stall this morning. Beauty was standing at the feed room door – something she hasn’t done in days. It’s great to see her feeling better.

Kitty Cat

Kitty Cat was given approximately 2 months to live several months ago due to a mast cell tumor that had metastasized. I love that he’s doing well and still greets me at the golf cart every morning. Do I believe in miracles? Always.

Sweet Dreams

“Wishing everyone a Good Night! We hope you have a terrific Thursday!”

Love,
JoJo

In Loving Memory

On Monday afternoon, the vet was called out to the farm to treat our precious Cricket for colic. After doing all that could be done and being unsuccessful with clearing her impaction, and surgery not an option, it was decided that we could no longer let her suffer. She was simply in too much pain. Cricket was such a wise and brave little mare to the very end and she even enjoyed some time with her dear friend, Tilly. The vet returned last evening and Cricket was peacefully transitioned to Rainbow Bridge at 9:00pm, surrounded by all who loved her so dearly.

We know in our hearts that her beloved Jiminy was awaiting her arrival, and both, with youth restored and free of pain, crossed the Rainbow Bridge together.

We love you, sweet Cricket, forever & always.

Blessed

Hi Everyone,
I hope this newsletter finds you all safe during these most challenging times. We have been hunkered down here at the farm as we practice social distancing with our wonderful team of volunteers who bravely, come out to assist us with the herd. It is with great hope that you will find some peace and joy as you read this update about our beloved ‘Velvet Nosers.’

Warmly,
Theresa

PICTURED: Penny, our adoptable Belgian mare. For more info on her, click here.


The Friendship Tree

This tree has been home to many friendships. These are some of our seniors – Little E, Niña, Peggy Sue, and Bria having a post breakfast gathering.


Bria’s Happy Feet

Bria is very beautiful and a very sweet mare. She still has to wear her SoftRides 24/6 but she doesn’t seem to mind at all.



Keeping Cool

Little Tilly has COPD. She hangs out at the barn on the days that are a bit challenging for her. She has a Portacool available to her but she prefers the shade of the tree.

Warrior, on the other hand, really appreciates the Portacoolers since he doesn’t sweat at times and also has seasonal airway issues.



Grateful

We are really appreciating the Carryall 700 that was donated to the rescue a couple of months ago. It saves a lot of time since we only have to make one trip to give out hay instead of 2 or 3 with a golf cart.


Shadow

Lastly, what would an update be without featuring Shadow!

Shadow was recently gifted a cooling mat which he truly loves! His training has been going very well. He is such an awesome dog who is always smiling for the camera!

We were a bit worried about Niña during her first 48 hours here at the rescue. We learned that she had access to a tub of grain on her transport here and we didn’t know how much, if any, she had consumed. She went down the morning after she arrived and couldn’t get up. We had to roll her over in order to help her stand.

After receiving some fluids, Niña started to perk up a bit. She gets a warm soupy mash several times a day which she seems to enjoy. Her blood test results indicated highs and lows – typical values for a malnourished horse. Her immune system is quite compromised, she likely has ulcers, her kidneys are a bit stressed, she has a high parasite load, she’s pretty anemic, etc. Appropriate supplements have been been identified that we are adding to her re-feeding program.

Perking Up

Feeling Proud

Watching

 

Yesterday, we put a blanket on Niña – I don’t know if she’s ever worn one before, but I believe that she felt very special. She looked like a different horse in the blanket. She held her head high and it appeared that she was very very proud!

Niña watches the other horses all of the time. She hasn’t been with another horse in at least 16 years and I have to wonder what she’s thinking. When she is stronger, and the time is right, she’ll be introduced to another.

A wonderful friend and supporter has come forth to offer a Match Game to assist with the initial and ongoing care of sweet Niña. All donations up to $150, will thereby, be matched dollar for dollar.

Niña does not have any monthly sponsors thus far, so if you would like to be her ‘Angel’ for a few months or longer, you can sign up for as little as five dollars per month via our Website. If you would prefer to make a one time donation, you can do so here on our website, or via PayPal.me. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to ‘Match Game.’ Please know that all contributions are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

We would also like to thank everyone who has assisted with Niña’s expenses thus far. We are forever grateful for your extremely generous contributions, loving prayers and most thoughtful well-wishes. And we know that this sweet girl is truly, feeling your love as well!

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!

02/18/20

A quick update on Bria – we’re very happy to report that she’s making progress! She came to us thin and with Cushings, DSLD, her teeth were a horrible mess which made it painful for her to even try to eat, she had foundered, and she could be grouchy at times.

At intake, a total exam was done (including bloodwork). Our care team established a rehab plan (we make adjustments over time, as needed). Bria’s dental and farrier needs were taken care of. She was put on a feeding schedule – she gets 5 smaller meals a day. She gets supplements, wears SoftRide boots, and she’s been getting Reiki which helps. We use Benefab QuickWraps on her sometimes and she uses a SmartScrim which she totally enjoys. After the scrim is on her for just a couple of minutes, she relaxes, really relaxes, which helps her in many ways. Her demeanor is much better, she’s a happier, and healthier, horse. We truly appreciate the support we’ve received from Benefab!

Bria hangs out mostly with Little E. She used to follow him around but now, many times, he has to catch up to her!


Some of you may remember Jiminy and Cricket, 2 mini’s that came to us in October, 2017. Both were underweight and needed rehab. Jiminy was 28 years young and Cricket was 32. Once they were of good health, they were adopted into a wonderful home.

Sadly, Jiminy went to Rainbow Bridge a couple of weeks ago. We tried to find a suitable companion for Cricket but didn’t have any luck. Even though her humans showered her with love, and attention, she was lonely. The adopters wanted what was in Cricket’s best interest and felt it was best for her to return to the rescue where she would have companionship. We picked her up today. The adopters will most assuredly come to visit with Cricket, I’m sure of it.

Once off the trailer, Cricket went straight to the area where she and Jiminy lived for the first 2 weeks after they arrived here in 2017, during their quarantine period. Then she walked around to say hello to some old friends. She eventually made her way to the “friendship tree” and introduced herself to Bria, and in no time at all, they were pals. Then, Little E joined them. It was precious to see them all walk away with Cricket leading the way. This is where they will all live out their sunset years. They are all loved, so very much.

A quick update on Bria, a 30 year old National Show Horse (Saddlebred / Arabian).

Bria was quite thin and had issues when she came to us, which included Cushings disease and degenerative suspensory ligament disease (DSLD). Unfortunately, there is no cure for DSLD – it progressively gets worse and, at some point, the horse’s quality of life declines to a point where the most humane thing is euthanasia.

Most of Bria’s days are pretty good – she hangs out with Little E. Sometimes she’ll prance over for a meal – she has a beautiful gait. But over the past couple of weeks, she became a bit more lame. We had x-rays done a few days ago and the findings weren’t a total surprise, but we’d hoped for better news. She has thin soles and coffin bone rotation in both front feet (the right being the worst) which isn’t new – this has been going on for quite awhile.

Bria gets supplements to help with her issues and comfort level. She wears Soft Ride boots which help quite a bit. We don’t know how long she will be with us, but hopefully, it will be for quite some time.

Please keep Bria in your prayers.

Mo is so funny! He always has a look on his face that appears as if he is up to no good and I just haven’t really figured out what that is! Here he is looking like he’s trying to coerce Mishka into who knows what.


Two peas in a pod! Our sweet Pony, Elyza Rose, and our beloved blind Belgian mare, Penny. They make quite the pair.


Jo and Dancer are doing really well and are so appreciative of their new blankets.


If anyone would like to help make one of our Christmas wishes come true, please consider donating toward a bag of ‘Enrich Plus.’ The cost is $31 and donations can be made here our website or via PayPal.Me. Please note that your donation is for ‘Enrich.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Family and Friends,’ no fees will be deducted from your donation. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.

Thank you!


Just a quick reminder to place your calendar order to ensure that it arrives before year’s end! It is a great tool for managing your daily, weekly, and monthly appointments and reminders for both home and barn. Just go to our secure Storefront and place your order: CLICK HERE.

Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Holiday Season!

Hello Everyone,

The new arrivals are doing well. The oldest mare, Bria, was born in 1990, the dark bay mare, Rascal, was born in 1994 and Zoomer, the chestnut, was born in 2000.

When they arrived on Tuesday, they were curious, but cautious. What seemed most intriguing to Zoomer were the minis – it was like he just couldn’t figure out what they were up to and why they’re so small!


On Wednesday past, Dr. Julia came to do exams (including blood tests) on the new arrivals. Andrew came to do hooficures and Dr. Bess came to do much needed dental work on both Dancer and Bria. We truly have a great care team!

 

I do have some very good news to share, however! Zoomer and Rascal left for their new home yesterday! They are so very blessed to have a loving home just in time for the holidays! We’re very excited for them!

Bria, the senior mare, will likely, live out her life here at the rescue as a special needs sanctuary horse. I know she would be very appreciative to have sponsors to assist with her care, so if anyone would like to make a one time donation or sign up to become a monthly sponsor for this sweet girl, we and she would be forever grateful!

There are many ways in which to donate. You may forward your donation via various means here on our Website or via PayPalMe. Please note that your donation is for “Bria.” If you donate via PayPal, please select the tab “Send Money to Friends or Family,” and no fees will be deducted from your contribution.

Thank you, all, so very much, for your love and support.