Reflecting on 2023

As we reflect upon 2023, we want to take a moment to thank you, our wonderful village of supporters, for helping us continue our mission of providing care and support, not only to our beloved little herd, but to other sentient beings in dire need, as well.

Because of your unwavering support, we were able to grant a second chance at life to Elka, our precious Molly Mule who was about to be shipped to slaughter, Waylon, a wise old soul, who needed sanctuary where he could live out his remaining years, Amira and Maggie, two beautiful mares, both of whom were discovered starved abandoned and neglected, sweet Walker, who. too, simply needed a safe place to land, and of course, Benjamin, discovered wandering about, lost and alone. We also welcomed Willow back to our herd.

And when it was time to say tearful goodbyes to Beauty, Ruby, Nadia, Venus, Oasis, Peggy Sue, Minnie and precious Rosie, you were there for us, once again, providing unending prayers and beautiful words of comfort, for which we will forever remain grateful.

Your support also helped us with the feral cat population. We are so truly grateful for a much needed Catio which was recently donated and just received! A Catio will help these sweet cats, together with their kittens, stay warm and safe. We will be trapping, fixing and releasing at least one more adult cat and her five kittens as soon as the kittens attain the proper age. Sadly, Midnight, one of our released feral cats, sustained life-threatening injuries and had to be humanely euthanized after seemingly, being run over by four wheelers that were illegally racing in a large field next to the rescue. Despite his significant injuries, he somehow, made it back to the rescue, and had we not found him, he would have suffered immensely for at least, another day or two.

Lastly, we are so very grateful for your most generous support to our End of the Year Campaign which has allowed us to become just $2881 within reach of our $15,000 goal. With only one day remaining in 2023, we ask that you please share this newsletter amongst family and friends, in hope that they, too, may wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc. And to our twenty-one recurring automatic donors, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your monthly donation is constant and makes a significant impact on each and every member of our precious herd.

Wishing you all, a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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What are the Chances?

When I received a call about a little pony that had been down since early morning and saw a picture of her, I knew I had to take immediate action. Memories of Betsy Rose came flooding back. Jessica was at the farm so we gathered up some things and went to see if we could help her. She was still down when we arrived. It wasn’t colic but she was extremely weak and couldn’t get up. We were told she was about 30 years old.

I called the vet and she came out to evaluate the situation and run fluids. Since it was dark and the pony was dehydrated, finding a vein proved to be quite challenging. The situation was not good and time was of the essence. We opted to roll the mare over onto a tarp and pull her into the trailer to get her back to the rescue where we had more resources. I sat by her side soothing her as we headed back to Beauty’s Haven, which was less than five minutes away.

Once at the rescue, we shaved her neck and the vet was able to hit a vein in order to start running IV fluids, but then, her vein collapsed. My husband, Bob, had gotten the sling together in a stall so we moved her to the stall and gently rolled her over into the sling and secured her in it.

The vet advised that her prognosis wasn’t good at that point, but I could sense Rosie’s desire to keep going and I believed good nutrition, and time, might help.

We opted for the vet to go ahead and run an IV cocktail via another vein. I named the little pony, ‘Rosalita’ – ‘Rosie’ for short.

When the fluids were almost finished, Rosie started perking up. The vet drew some blood in order to perform tests. – we will have those results tomorrow. We offered Rosie a small amount of senior grain in warm water as a mash and that really motivated her. She was so hungry! It made me so sad to see how hungry she was. After she finished her mash, and having given her some time to collect herself, we lowered the sling and prayed she would make it on her own. She stood for a few minutes and I held my breath as she took her first wobbly steps. But she did it! She looked exhausted, but relieved. Rosie will be getting small mashes every few hours.

Rosie has a thick coat (likely Cushing’s Disease), but she is quite thin. Her teeth are really sharp which makes it painful for her to eat. She can’t grind food in order to properly digest it so her body has just been wasting away. She has diminished vision in at least, her right eye. She is drinking and becoming more vocal. She’s had several bowel movements and has urinated a few times. She certainly hasn’t given up.

Her odds are a bit better today – at this point about 50/50 but getting through the next few days is very important. I know she’s very fragile and she could take a dive at any moment, but I truly feel that she deserves a chance.

Many people think it’s normal for an older horse to be thin but that is far from the truth. While there may be some medical reason(s) why an aged horse is thin, most aged horses can keep weight on if fed the right diet with the correct frequency. Our aged horses get an annual physical, with blood work, in order to identify and address any potential issues. They also get their teeth done by an equine dentist (not by a farrier or anyone but a DVM dentist) at least annually. The older they get, the more worn their teeth get. Many have to be fed many smaller (soaked) meals a day. If not, they drop weight which can lead to being in the condition Rosie is in. They also should be fed while separated from other horses that could take their food.

And, I have to say this: if an owner is not in a position to provide an aged horse multiple smaller, mushy meals a day and provide for an individual horse’s needs, humane euthanasia should be considered. No living being should ever be starved to death. It’s inhumane!

If anyone would like to help with Rosie’s medical bills, it would be greatly appreciated. Prayers and/or good thoughts for her recovery are also appreciated, very much.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Our Christmas Save

As you all know, we didn’t have a Thanksgiving save this year which I felt absolutely terrible about, especially since we had many calls from others wanting to surrender their horses. At the time, however, we were focused upon Beauty who was very sick and in the hospital. I am still adjusting to her being gone and I miss her so very much.

In honor of Beauty, we took in an aged mule that needed help as our Christmas save. Her name is Elka.

Just because one is old, doesn’t mean they should be neglected or sent to slaughter – every life is precious and every life matters. Elka will now only know love and proper care – this is our promise to her as it is to every sentient being that enters through our gates.

Elka would very much love to have sponsors to assist with her daily expenses, so if anyone would like to sign up to do so, it would be so greatly appreciated. Just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below, where you may sign up to become a monthly recurring sponsor, or if you prefer to make a one-time donation, there are a variety of ways in which to do so. All donations are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

DONATE

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Dear Santa…

Lucy and CaryLou have asked that I share their Christmas Wish List with Santa! They are asking for items that they really need, so if anyone wishes to be their ‘Secret Santa,’ it would truly make their hearts sing on Christmas day! You may forward a donation toward an item simply by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below, or, if you would prefer to purchase an item and have it sent directly to Beauty’s Haven, our address is: P.O. Box 53, Morriston, FL 32668. Thank you for always ‘being there’ for our beloved little herd.

DONATE

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Hay, Hooves & Match Game!

End of the Year Campaign

As #GivingTuesday 2023 is now behind us, our fundraiser has morphed into our End of the Year Campaign. We continue to pray for your support to assist us with the numerous ongoing expenses involved in running an equine rescue organization, expenses that are necessary to ensure the overall safety, health, comfort and well-being of each and every member of our beloved herd, many with special needs. Broken gates and fence boards need to be replaced, repairs to shelters and equipment are needed, the supplement and medication cabinets must be restocked – the list is seemingly, endless. Some horses sadly, are without sponsors to even cover their daily expenses.

As Beauty’s Haven is also actively engaged in TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), the most effective and humane method for managing and subsequently, reducing the population of the numerous feral and stray cats that frequently find their way to our farm, your donation will also assist greatly with the veterinary and overall care expenses of these precious cats and kittens, who, sadly, find themselves alone and unwanted through no fault of their own. As some of you may know, Midnight, one of our released TNR kittens, was severely injured recently and has transitioned to Rainbow Bridge. I am most certain he is once again  happy and pain free as he lovingly plays with all the precious kitties who have gone before him.

Our $500 Match Game is still ongoing, so hopefully, it will soon be met. All donations are tax-deductible, so this is a wonderful opportunity in which to forward your 2023 end of the year contributions while, at the same time, honoring each and every member of the Beauty’s Haven herd, both past and present. Contributions may be forwarded by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below, or, if you prefer to donate directly to our End of the Year Campaign, you may do so by clicking on the image above.

DONATE

Thank you, in advance, for honoring the legacy of all the precious members of our beloved little herd, especially those who we have sadly, lost this year – Beauty, Ruby, Oasis, Nadia, Venus, Minnie and little Midnight. May they forever remain in each of our hearts.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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She Brought Light & Joy Into My Heart

If you would like to view a video of Beauty in all her glory, please click on the image above.

More than twenty years ago, a neglected and abused Arabian filly brought light and joy into my life at a time when I needed it the most. In 1997, surgery to remove a tumor within my spinal cord caused nerve damage which resulted in my becoming a quadriplegic, and although my doctors stated that I would never again walk, through sheer will, determination, faith and an intense physical therapy program, I regained use of my limbs. I remain today, an incomplete quadriplegic, however, with no feeling or awareness below my neck (proprioception). In time, I thankfully, was able to return to my government job which I truly loved, but sadly, I had to retire on disability in 2000 due to issues associated with my injury. Thus began a very dark period in my life as I learned to adjust to my physical limitations.

I’ve been riding horses since I was a toddler and truly missed them. In 2002, Bob and I decided that our kids should have the opportunity to experience horses, so we scheduled them for weekly riding lessons. I didn’t tell their trainer that I wasn’t supposed to ride and during part of each lesson, I would venture out on trails on an Arabian gelding that took great care of me. I was nervous at first, I hadn’t been on a horse since before my spinal cord injury, but I was determined. It was wonderful!

One day, I got a call about an Arabian filly that was petrified of humans. She had been seized from an abusive situation and placed in a foster home, but then, she couldn’t be caught. I walked into her paddock with no demands or expectations and after a short time, she walked over and put her head down into my chest. I waited. When she lifted her head, I looked into her beautiful brown eyes and saw fear along with a reflection of hope and a longing to trust. I slowly and gently put my hand on her neck and whispered, “I’m here for you, it’s going to be ok.” She became mine that very day and I named her Beauty.

We found a barn to lease and within a few days, Beauty had settled in. Every day, I spent a lot of time with her, just hanging out. We both had much healing to do. My physical challenges never hindered our connection; rather, they strengthened our relationship. Beauty seemed to understand my struggles and offered a unique form of healing. And I understood her struggles in learning to trust. Being mentally and physically abused is not something one can just move forward from without some level of acceptance, a support system and a leap of faith.

When we were both ready, we moved on to groundwork which proved to be invaluable. Because of my physical challenges and not knowing where my legs are, I taught Beauty to respond to voice commands as my arms, hands, and legs could inadvertently send signals that could confuse any horse. She was very intelligent and caught on quickly. We were both very proud of our accomplishments and it wasn’t long before she was under saddle.

Riding Beauty gave me a sense of freedom and independence. I no longer felt confined by physical challenges, but rather empowered by her strength and devotion. Sometimes, we went to local parks to ride, times I’ll never forget. As every horse needs a companion, we took in a blind Appaloosa gelding that was going to be euthanized. His name was Frosty, and not long after he arrived, we decided we wanted to move to the Ocala area and in 2004, our home in Tampa sold overnight, a sign we were making the right decision. We purchased almost 18 acres in Morriston, took in more horses, and, over time, our little farm morphed into Beauty’s Haven where we have helped over 500 horses and other animals.

Beauty was injured in 2011 because of something very foolish that another human had done. It was a very stressful time. She foundered, rotating quite a bit in both front feet. We were told we might be able to keep her comfortable as a pasture pal, but she’d never be sound enough to be ridden again. In the Spring of 2015, when I went out to ride another horse, Beauty came over and gave me that look – I saddled her up and we took a nice walk around the property! It made us both truly happy. Over the years, she would have founder flare ups, but we worked through them. In late 2015, she was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. In 2018 she was diagnosed with Temporohyoid Osteoarthropathy (THO), and in 2020, Insulin Resistant (IR) / Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). She was a tough and determined mare and her spirit never wavered.

She moved into the barn area as it was very important that we manage her IR which can be quite challenging. Frodo, a mini, that took an indirect lightning strike a few years ago which left him neurologically impaired, became her sidekick. We opened up the birthing stall which enabled Beauty to maneuver better, while Frodo had a stall across from her. Beauty wanted us to think she didn’t care much for Frodo, but the moment he got out of her sight, she’d whinny for him. It went both ways.

On Monday, last week, Beauty didn’t greet me at the gate with her lively morning whinny. She didn’t finish all of her breakfast, which was very odd. Dr. Staples came that day to do some trims and while she was here, she examined Beauty. Beauty didn’t have a temperature, but she did have a lot of gut sounds. She was given Banamine and thankfully, she was better by evening and even ate her meals. However, the next day, Tuesday, she just wasn’t herself, having little desire to eat. I took her temperature and it was 103.1. I called a vet out to examine her once again, and to do bloodwork.

The next morning, Wednesday, the vet called and said bloodwork indicated that she had hyperlipidemia and should go to a hospital. I called EMCO and took her there immediately. Pulling out of the driveway, and all the way down our road, Beauty and Frodo kept calling out for one another which simply, broke my heart.

When we arrived at the hospital, the staff went right to work examining Beauty, performing blood tests etc., as well as an ultrasound, to see if there was a blockage, but there was no clear definition of what was wrong. They put her on an IV drip and got her comfortable in a stall where she laid down to rest. She refused to eat but she did drink water.

The next day, Thursday, more tests were performed and she appeared a bit brighter and her bloodwork had improved. I hung out her with in the morning and Jenny went in the afternoon. Beauty only passed a small amount of manure, but she was nibbling on hay and drinking water. The plan was to give her another day to see if she improved and then regroup.

When we arrived at the hospital on Friday morning (Jenny was with me), we learned Beauty’s bloodwork results were even better. We took her out to a small paddock where she could relax, graze, and walk around. I hugged her, took the lead rope off, and told her she was free to go. Then, she gave me the most beautiful gift – for the first time in two years, she trotted out and did some of her Arabian dance moves and appeared as sound as any horse could be! Jenny said it was the biggest smile she’d seen on me in a long time. Beauty also passed manure a few times which was encouraging. We didn’t let her overdo it and tucked her back into her stall for the evening, but it sure felt good to see her feeling well enough to “dance”. When we left her in her stall, she was munching on hay.

The next morning, Saturday, Beauty was being ultra-sounded again by two veterinarians when we arrived at the hospital. They saw something of concern (tumor, abscess, etc.) but there was no way to know what it was without doing surgery. We talked about options, pros, cons, risks, etc. and really, the only choices we had were to do surgery to remove the tumor or abscess or to euthanize her. We opted for surgery.

We took Beauty for a walk while the staff prepared for surgery. I buried my face into her mane and cried. While looking at video that was taken at that time, I saw that Beauty shed a tear too. When it was time, she walked tall, proud, and steady from her stall to the operating area. I hugged and kissed her and breathed in her smell (she was the best aromatherapy) before she entered the prep room and assured her that we would be there waiting for her. I told her many times what she already knew, that I loved her dearly.

During surgery a large tumor was discovered. It wasn’t attached to any of her organs, but it went from one side of her abdominal cavity to the other. There was simply no way the surgeon could have removed it. Parts of it had gone necrotic – it would have only been a matter of time before Beauty would have gone septic. We went in to be with her and I held her as she went to Rainbow Bridge. I knew the very second that she was gone – my heart skipped a few beats, it was hard to breathe, and the world seemed so very far away.

Life had kind of come full circle – many years ago, surgery to a remove a tumor from inside my spinal cord led me back to horses, which led me to Beauty. And now, a tumor that appeared partially wrapped around her spine has taken her away from me.

Beauty was a once in a lifetime horse and I am beyond blessed to have been given the years that I had with her. The bond we shared transcended words and created a language of love and trust that only we could understand. Her gentle soul, unwavering presence, devotion, and her ability to sense my needs made her truly extraordinary. Together, we embraced challenges with courage and determination – we believed in each other and we never gave up.

While some of Beauty’s ashes will be spread over Beauty’s Haven, some will stay with me forever, but her spirit will forever be beside me. I know she will help guide me as we continue what we started together – helping those that are unable to help themselves. Her legacy will continue to live on in all the horses who enter through our gates seeking a second chance at life, a life that begins, again.

Beauty is gone from this earth and it hurts more than I can say. But as I sat with Frodo one night last week with tears falling, he suddenly perked up and let out a whinny. I could smell Beauty close by as a feeling of peace came over me, and, in my head and heart, I heard a whisper, “I’m here for you, it’s going to be okay.”

Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate them, very much.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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