Momma and baby seem to be adjusting very well to their new environment. Candace has taken some nice long naps, her little body is very weak and the rest will do her good. Sophia has also laid flat on her side for some good REM sleep a few times. They are drinking well and enjoying their hay. Both girls like to stay under their shaded shelter where there is usually a breeze that comes through the side windows. We monitor their temperatures, manure (which is much better formed, albeit there is still evidence of sweet feed passing through their systems), how much they eat, the baby’s joints to see if there is any heat, water intake, etc. So far, their body temps have been normal or pretty close to it. However, they were somewhat elevated this evening.

It truly is amazing that Candace survived in this condition, she wouldn’t have lasted much longer, that’s for certain. It says a lot about her will to live but she is far from out of the woods. Foals can crash pretty fast so we will be regrouping with Dr. Emily in the morning.

Some have asked if we know how to feed and care for horses that are in such poor condition and if we have any experience doing so. We have noticed many new names following our efforts – we welcome new friends and followers as well as their questions! We invite you all to peruse the other posts on our blog and read about many of the horses we’ve helped since we established of Beauty’s Haven in 2006.

Our re-feeding program is based on the UC Davis Refeeding Program and yes, we do have many years of experience doing this. It’s a group effort and we truly are blessed to have an awesome, experienced, compassionate, and committed care team. Our vets, farriers, equine dentist, and volunteers are all key players. And we couldn’t do what we do without support from others – we appreciate all of you.

Please keep these precious girls in your prayers. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Theresa


On Friday morning, when the mare and baby loaded up to come to the rescue, Momma knew – they always do – she walked right onto the trailer. Upon arrival, they both settled in nicely. Sadly, Baby is very weak.

Dr. Pulliam arrived shortly thereafter and examined Momma and her baby. Blood and other tests were performed. Both received fluids and the baby received a vitamin cocktail – she was such a good girl. We did a glove sand test on the Momma and discovered that there is quite a bit of sand in her manure which was not at all surprising. There is a concern about the sweet feed which they were fed the past few days prior to their arrival at Beauty’s Haven which could have a negative impact. Both are receiving supplements to help with ulcers, their GI tract and immune system.

The baby is in very poor condition, scoring less than a 1 on the Body Condition Scoring Scale, but we choose to be cautiously optimistic that she will pull through. We’re not sure how she has managed to survive.

She does have a good size hernia that will need to be addressed once she is considerably more healthy. Momma has little to no milk to offer and is also in poor condition. We’ll see what the blood work and other test results reveal today and provide an update as soon as possible. Momma and Baby have, and will continue to be, watched around the clock. The baby had not been handled before we met her on Thursday, but she has been a very brave little girl.

This baby needs a miracle, but here, at Beauty’s Haven, we believe in miracles and have experienced many in past years. She also has to have a strong will to live – it’s amazing that she is still standing.

We have named the mare Sophia, and the baby’s name is Candace.

If anyone would like to help it would be so greatly appreciated. Contributions can be made via the ‘Donate’ button below. Please designate your donation to ‘Sophia & Candace.’ Please also note that another wonderful friend and supporter has offered a second $500 Match Game, whereby, all donations up to $500 will be matched dollar for dollar. If you are not in a position to donate at this time, we truly understand, but you can still help by sharing this email amongst family and friends.

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We truly appreciate your love, support, prayers and well wishes.

Please keep Sophia and Candace in your prayers.

Sincerely,
Theresa

It’s been a very long and exhausting day. We have an urgent need at hand – a foal who is in a very bad way. Her mama is also in bad shape and gets irritated if the baby tries to nurse as she has little to no milk to offer. The baby has bite marks on her little body and a hernia that needs to be surgically repaired. When I visited yesterday, I about lost it when I saw her stagger over and attempt to eat weeds as well as leaves off a tree.

With ribs protruding, these horses’ obvious lack of nutrition, especially protein, is evident by their low, big bellies. Ulcers and parasites are likely, contributing factors to their poor condition as well.

The baby’s dull coat, glassy eyes, slow movements, loss of hair, dullness, diarrhea, and large abdomen say it all – she’s starving to death.

Starvation causes the body to use up its body stores of fat, muscle, and then organs. It causes weakness, impairs gut function, wound healing, and affects the overall immune system. Internal organs atrophy. Bone growth can also be impacted in young horses. It’s a horrible thing.

Thankfully, someone cared enough to do something when they saw these two precious horses and made a call to county authorities. It’s an open case but we were given the okay to pick up the mare and baby this morning. We did make certain that they had enough hay to last through the night. Please – we need your help to help them. They deserve a chance.

The baby, about three months old, hasn’t known a good day in her short life, but you can help us change that.

Vetting is going to be costly. They need everything – blood tests, fecal exams, the mare will need dental work. They both need to see the farrier. And just as important, they need financial support for as long as they are here. They are Thoroughbreds.

I’m deeply concerned about the financial assistance we need for these horses. Donations continue to be down since the arrival of COVID and we still haven’t raised enough funds to pay the farrier bill. We need a ton of orchard hay for the herd ($600+) today and we will need alfalfa as well. The utility vehicle broke down yesterday with a cost of $376 to repair. There are so many things that need to be addressed, but we just cannot walk away from this mare and baby – time is simply not on their side.

If anyone would like to help Baby & Mama, it would be so greatly appreciated. Contributions can be made via the ‘Donate’ button below. Please designate your donation to ‘Baby & Mare.’ Please also note that there is currently a $500 Match Game in progress, whereby all donations up to $500 will be matched dollar for dollar.

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If you are not in a position to donate at this time we truly understand, but you can still help by sharing this amongst family and friends. Thank you, all, so very much!

Please keep Baby & her Mama in your prayers.

Sincerely,
Theresa

P.S. Some of you may remember baby Tonka. He was in about the same condition when we brought him and his mom to the rescue many years ago. Sadly, it was too late for Tonka. We pray we’re not too late for this little girl. If you don’t know about Tonka, here is a video in his memory:

It was a very busy day at the rescue this past Thursday. Dr. Bess Darrow (Tune-Ups Equine Dentistry) spent a good part of the day at Beauty’s Haven taking care of many teeth. Scooter and Simba did great as did Belle Star, Chloe and Nicky, our very sweet blind mare. Actually everyone was good, except for CaryLou who decided he didn’t want to cooperate and opted to make faces to share his displeasure. He’s always starting or getting into something – he’s a hoot! Peaches’s examination revealed that she has not lost any additional teeth and thankfully, all was fine with Luiji as well. Lucy and Peggy Sue were rescheduled for another day as they were not sweating. It truly was a very productive day!

If anyone would like to help with our dental bill, it would be so greatly appreciated. We have already received a number of donations but we are still in need of $750 to have the entire bill covered. Donations can be made via the ‘Donate’ button below. All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. If you are not in a position to donate at this time we truly understand, but you can still help by sharing this with family and friends. Thank you all, so very much!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Hooficures Part Deux

A big Thank You to our wonderful friends and supporters who contributed to the first round of this week’s “Hooficures”! As promised, we are now seeking sponsorship for the remaining members of our herd that were on the farrier’s schedule this week, including CaryLou, Lucy, Bouie, Frodo, Sassy and Scooter, to name but a few. The average cost is $35 – if you can help, we would be forever grateful. Just visit our Donation page for multiple options. Please note that your contribution is for “Farrier.”

Bonus! Remember, everyone who donates toward farrier care will be eligible for a chance to win a lovely necklace created by a very dear friend and supporter. Once the “Hooficure” fundraiser is complete, three names will be randomly drawn. The winners, in order of selection, will then be notified via email or social media private message as to which necklace they would prefer. (Please note, these necklaces contain faux gemstones.) For more details, click here.

I first wish to thank everyone who contributed to our Emergency Fundraiser, which was a great success! Because of your amazing generosity, we reached our Match Game Goal of $5,000! Now, on to the next!

Once again, farrier week is upon us at Beauty’s Haven with Jo, Dancer, Nadia, Venus and Jazzy – to name but a few – scheduled to have their “hooficures.” We would be forever grateful if you would help with the cost, the average for each is $35. You may forward your contribution via the “Donate” button below. Please note that your contribution is for “Farrier.”

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In appreciation of your wonderful support, everyone who donates toward a “hooficure” will be eligible for a chance to win a lovely necklace created by a very dear friend and supporter.

Once the fundraiser is complete, three names will be randomly selected. The winners, in order of selection, will then be notified via a personal message or email as to which necklace they would prefer. Images of several necklaces may be found below. *Please note that the necklaces contain faux gemstones.


 

Thank you for your continued love and support for our beloved “Velvet Nosers.”

Sincerely,
Theresa

Our Emergency Fundraiser is winding down with just $636 needed to meet our $5000 Match Game goal by August 8th, just four days away!

If you would like to play the Match Game and help our little herd over the Finish Line, please click on the ‘Donate’ button below. Please designate your contribution to ‘Emergency Fundraiser.’

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Thank you to everyone who has contributed thus far. We are so truly blessed by your amazing generosity, love and support!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Kiah is doing very well. She is a happy pup and has really filled out. Her paw is also healing nicely and her ghost pains have pretty much disappeared. She’s a quick learner who loves to participate in everything. She is still trying to discern how to play with the pup in the mirror, however, instead of attacking her! Kiah has also learned to not jump out of the golf cart and she loves to go on sight-seeing excursions much to JoJo’s dismay!

Please click on the image above to view a video of Kiah touring the farm!

Kiah was spayed on Thursday and she felt a bit under the weather. She curled up on one of her beds when she arrived home and went right to sleep. Popper also wasn’t feeling well as she overdid it when playing with Kiah the day prior and her hips were causing her discomfort. It was so sweet when she snuggled up next to Kiah at bedtime. Keeping Kiah quiet for the next two weeks is going to be a challenge!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Thank you, all, for making a difference in the lives of the horses and all the other animals here at Beauty’s Haven. Many of you have been with us for years whilst some of you are just getting to know us – we love making new friends! For those on social media who know me, I’m sure you have noticed I have not been posting as frequently as I have in the past. I used to post updates throughout the day and well into the night as I so love sharing stories about the members of our beloved little herd. Sadly, I’m no longer able to as the days here have become much more hectic.

We have a daily routine which works well for us and the horses. However, with an average of 33 horses here at any given time, the majority of which have special needs, no matter how well we plan our day, something unexpected often occurs.

Here are a few examples:

  • Peggy Sue often needs assistance in getting up in the morning. Her pelvis was fractured while giving birth years ago and she is unable to bend her back leg. If she is lying on her left side, we have to roll her over and help her get up.
  • Nicky, a blind mare, has gastrointestinal issues (she was starved off and on, repeatedly, over many years which wreaked havoc on her body), and some days, we have to bathe her and administer medications.
  • We have horses with open tracheas which must be cleaned daily.
  • A number of horses have chronic eye issues and their eyes must be cleaned each day and sometimes medication also needs to be administered, followed by putting on clean fly masks.
  • Some have feet issues and have to wear boots which need to be cleaned daily.
  • We must check several horses with respiratory issues and/or who don’t sweat multiple times throughout the day.

These are just a few examples of the attention and care required of our horses, and by the time we have addressed each of their daily needs, it is nearly midnight, and quite honestly, I have little time or energy to sit down and share the day’s happenings.

Also, some of you may be unaware that we also try to help horses and other beings that we are unable to bring into our program by providing hay, grain, and medications, or arranging visits by a veterinarian. While we aren’t a “big” organization per se, we are effective by making a difference in the lives of many animals and humans.

My absence from social media has also prevented me from sharing some of the many challenges that we’ve encountered over the past several months – since the pandemic arrived.

Donations went down considerably, while the prices of grain, hay, and many other items increased exponentially. Unexpected issues also arose which greatly affected our budget, issues from which, we are still trying to recover.

Extraordinary Challenges

  • Hurricane Elsa brought a lot of rain and the emergence of much needed Bahia grass which helps cut down on the amount of hay we must buy. Grass has grown so well, in fact, that it’s up to the horses’ knees which puts them at high risk for eye issues and, in some cases, feet issues. Just ask JoJo – the last time a grass pod got in his eye, he did not at all enjoy standing patiently as the vet carefully, removed it! Nor did he like eye medication being administered three or more times each day. The rains have also caused weeds to take over and we are unable to mow because the mower is in the shop for maintenance and repairs with a bill of $1,100. This is something we need help with right away.
  • We need to replace many of our water hoses that provide water to the paddocks. We have patched them over and over for years. We need hoses that are at least 100’ with brass couplings and a great warranty. You can find them on our Amazon “Wish List”.
  • Our current vet bill is $1,200 and, with so many special needs horses, it continues to mount as each horse has specific, ongoing needs. This past month, x-rays needed to be done, blood tests were done, Ace’s knee was injected, etc.
  • A number of items in our medicine cabinet must be replenished at a cost of at least $2,000. Many meds are quite costly. For example, Equinox ($255 for 180 tablets) and Prascend ($340 for 160 tablets) are disbursed daily to multiple horses. There are also other medications that we must keep on hand.
  • Unexpected repairs on the rescue vehicle: $1,400.
  • Original fencing along the road and behind Magic’s paddock was 30+ years old and needed to be replaced. It wouldn’t have withstood a hurricane. The cost, $11,000, was more than expected due to the price of lumber skyrocketing.
  • The tractor broke down and $1,900 worth of repairs were done to make is usable. There is still another $1,200 worth of repairs needed. It’s 15+ years old, but it’s a good tractor.

And the list goes on…

  • Shingles and a number of roof boards on one of the storage buildings had to be replaced at a cost of $2000. The building is air conditioned and is used to store grain and supplements. It made me quite ill when we recently had to dispose of 50+ bags of grain due to an infestation of grain mites. The door wasn’t sealing properly, thereby permitting hot, humid air to enter the building while cool air escaped, creating a perfect environment for grain mites to quickly grow and multiply. While we have temporarily band-aided the problem, the entire door, including the threshold, casing, jamb, etc. must be replaced at a cost of $700. Until this is resolved, we are unable to store grain, resulting in many more trips to the feed store, thereby using more gas (which has also gone up in price). The time spent going to the feed store could be spent on other things that need to be done here at the rescue.
  • Some swamp coolers need to be repaired. We’ve opted to replace two, with a different make and model, which should require less maintenance, and thankfully, both have performed quite well, thus far. These coolers are truly, a life saver to horses that don’t sweat and/or have asthma or COPD.
  • Mats that line the center aisle of the barn need to be replaced. They have held up well for 10+ years but the corners are warped which create a tripping hazard. Replacement cost is approximately $520.
  • We store hay in two horse trailers (orchard in one trailer, coastal and alfalfa in the other) that were donated to the rescue and they both have leaky roofs (when hay gets wet it spoils) and other issues that need to be fixed. We have a 3rd trailer that we use to transport horses. We also have a flatbed trailer that we use to haul large pasture bales of hay and make runs to the dump. All of these trailers need repairs and maintenance at an approximate cost of at least $3,000.
  • One of the golf carts needed new batteries ($900) and repairs ($400) a few months ago. Now, another golf cart needs new batteries ($900). The golf carts are one of the most valuable tools at the rescue and are used all day long pulling manure spreaders, hauling 30+ tubs of food and hay, etc.
  • Lastly, we have recently been unsuccessful at raising adequate funds for our farrier needs with $623 still needed. Horses are trimmed every 4 or 6 weeks, depending upon their individual needs so this is a constant, recurring expense.

I have always felt uncomfortable when the need arose to ask for donations, and even after 15 years since the creation of Beauty’s Haven, it’s still a hard thing for me to do. But we are at a point where I simply must reach out for help during this most trying of times.

The fact is, this is the way in which charity organizations operate – they depend upon the generosity of supporters to enable them to provide for the needs of all the innocent and beloved animals entrusted to their care.

WONDERFUL NEWS!

Thankfully, we do have some great news to share. Upon hearing of our many needs, a very special friend and supporter has offered a most generous Match Game whereby all donations up to $5,000 will be matched dollar for dollar, provided we can meet an August 8, 2021 deadline to reach our goal. Once we receive $5,000 in donations (they must be marked for the “Urgent Match Game”), the $5,000 will morph into $10,000! This would help tremendously.

If you would like to donate via our Facebook Fundraiser page, please CLICK HERE. If you are not on social media and would like to forward a contribution, just click the “Donate” button below.

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We truly understand that many are not in a position to donate, but you can still help by sharing this fundraiser amongst family and friends, and perhaps with a little testimonial, they will hopefully become comfortable with donating to Beauty’s Haven. Thank you for your love and support, we truly appreciate each and every one of you!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Belle Star finally got out of quarantine! She enjoyed venturing out in the main paddock and meeting others. Enjoy the video above of Belle on her very first adventure, which will truly make your heart sing!

Sincerely,
Theresa

P.S. A dose of cuteness for you – I hope you love watching watching these kids as much as I do. They’re like little jumping beans! Remi would be very entertained too, I’m sure!

We hope that everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday weekend. As we batten down the hatches and place safety collars on each member of our beloved herd in preparation for Hurricane Elsa, I just wanted to give you all a quick update about our most recent rescues, Belle Star and Ace.

Belle Star has put on quite a bit of much needed weight and her coat now shines! She was having an issue with her right eye last week but Dr. Giuliana Marie Templeton fixed her right up by flushing her tear duct.

On Friday morning, however, Belle didn’t greet me at the gate as she normally does, a sure sign that something wasn’t right. I found her in the corner of the shelter with her head down and her respiration up – it was obvious she didn’t feel well.

Her temperature was high (103.7) and she refused her breakfast. Blood tests indicated that Belle was fighting an infection (of unknown origin). She’s been started on antibiotics and is also getting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. By Sunday, however, I am happy to report that Belle was better. She was not quite 100% yet as she still had a slight temperature but, thankfully, her eye was much better. Belle is truly such a very sweet mare.

While she was at the farm, Dr. Templeton injected Ace‘s knee which is quite bad. We hope and pray that it brings him some relief.

Lastly, we still have a few horses that need sponsors for their “hooficures,” so if anyone would like to donate it will be so greatly appreciated. Thank you, all, and please stay safe!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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P.S. We watched a goat across the street give birth to two babies on Friday while we were awaiting the arrival of Dr. Bess. The babies are simply precious!