Flint, our most recent rescue, successfully made the trip and unloaded just fine. He seemed to be a bit more chipper and he even managed to say ‘Thank you’ which you can hear by clicking on the image above! He had a good night and was happy to go out this morning. He’s such a very sweet and kind horse. He was so hungry when we picked him up, but he now appears to truly love and appreciate his delicious hay and slurries.

Upon his arrival, my initial assessment revealed that Flint’s heart rate was normal, his gut and lungs sounded okay, his capillary refill rate was about normal, albeit he was a bit dehydrated. His temperature was a bit low but he was out in heavy rain before we picked him up so once at the rescue, we placed him under heat lamps to make him feel more comfortable. He taped in at about 600 pounds.

There was quite a bit of sand in his feces – I could even hear sand sounds in his gut.

We let him relax and adjust to his new surroundings last evening and scheduled the vet to come to the farm today in order to perform an examination and run necessary tests.

Although he is not out of the woods yet by far, he is thankfully on the right path now. We will have a better idea of his health once his blood test results come back.

Mentally, he certainly is in no frame of mind to give up. I do believe this sweet horse wouldn’t have made it much longer – there was no grass, no hay, nothing for him to eat except perhaps, bark off of trees.

Thanks to all in advance for allowing us to grant yet another precious soul a second chance at life.

We will update once again when Flint’s test results have been evaluated.





LAST CHANCE TO DOUBLE YOUR DONATION!

A dear friend and supporter has come forth and has offered to match all donations up to $2000 in order to assist us in procuring our much needed gates.

This is a perfect way in which to apply your year-end contributions while keeping the Beauty’s Haven herd safe at the same time. Just click on the ‘DONATE’ button above if you would like to contribute.

Thank you all for your love and support throughout 2024.

And so a new chapter in life for him begins. I think he came to us in the nick of time.

We wanted to start the New Year by helping this poor twenty-five year-old Quarter Horse gelding. The photo above on the left was taken last week, while the image on the right was taken just this morning. Since temperatures will be dropping down into the 30’s this coming week, he needed to get here sooner than later, so we decided to take possession of him a few hours ago. After meeting him, his condition seems to have worsened as he is much weaker, but he is so very very sweet.

We are asking for your help as this poor boy needs a full veterinary examination, including bloodwork, as well as dental work and farrier care.

We don’t know what medications and supplements he may need until his blood test results are evaluated. He also will need quality alfalfa hay in order to get started on the UC Davis re-feeding protocol. We would be forever grateful if you could help us help this sweet gelding. Just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below.

Thank you, all, in advance for allowing us to grant yet another precious soul a second chance at life.

We will update again tomorrow once he has settled in.

I share this story each year at Christmastime. Some know it as “Only for Love” and some call it “The Old One.” We have several ‘old ones’ living out their sunset years at Beauty’s Haven and we are truly privileged to be able to share our lives with these incredible ‘Wise Old Souls.’ Our ‘old ones’ who are twenty years old and older, include Amira, Bouie, Dancer, Ebony, Frodo, Jo, Luiji, Magic, Mishka, Mo, Peaches, Shai, Warrior and Valley Girl.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the ‘old ones’ is their wisdom. They have lived through countless experiences and have developed a deep understanding of the world around them. Their interactions with humans and other horses, have shaped their perspectives and given them a unique insight into life. It is through their wisdom that they teach us valuable lessons about patience, trust, and resilience.

Many ‘old ones’ have special needs, but that does not diminish their worth or the love and care they deserve. In fact, their special needs often deepen the bond between them and their caregivers, as we work together to ensure their comfort and well-being. Their longevity is a testament to their resilience.

These ‘old ones’ are not just horses who have lived a long time; they are living testaments to the profound impact that animals can have on our lives. They remind us to cherish every moment and appreciate the wisdom that comes with age. We are truly blessed to have them in our lives, and they continue to inspire and enrich us with their presence.

*************

“The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.

Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. “Why do you not at least dispose of “The Old One.” She is no longer of use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?” The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, “We keep her because of love. Only because of love.”

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the “Old One.”

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s fury.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, “We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared.”

And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the “Old One” close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the “Old One” as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift- because of love. Only because of love.”