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My Birthday Wishes

I can’t believe it is already that time of the year! While the past year has gone by incredibly fast, my birthday fundraiser this year will, once again, remain the same – to help the horses that comprise our beloved herd.

My Birthday Wishes…

  1. Raise $2500 to help the horses here at the rescue that have little to no sponsorship. Please note that all donations up to $400 will be matched!
  2. Secure at least 20 people to sign up for our “Strive for $5 Club” where you can make an automatic recurring monthly donation of $5 via our website, simply by clicking HERE.
  3. Secure monthly sponsors for Shai (pictured above), a senior Paso Fino mare. Shai came to us in 2021 from a Citrus County seizure. Shai had been “living” in a very small pen with several goats and a steer. Her needs had been neglected for quite some time. She arrived untrusting and afraid of humans – she would literally shake with fear. She found a good home with humans who were patient with her and, with time and patience, gained her trust. Sadly, there was an unexpected life event and Shai had to come back to the rescue this week. Shai has no sponsors but is very deserving. Would anyone like to help with her care costs? If so, you can sign up to make an automatic recurring monthly donation for Shai by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below. One time donations are also very much appreciated and no amount is ever considered as being too small.




If you are unable to donate at this time, we truly understand but you can still help by sharing this fundraiser amongst friends and family in hope that they may consider helping the horses as well.

Thank you in advance for your love and support!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Rider Up!

I’m so excited to share some news with you! Many of you know that we have been searching for a place to relocate for quite some time now. We are in a rural part of Levy County and it’s a 30 – 40 minute drive to Gainesville or Ocala. There are quite a few people, including students, who would volunteer on a regular basis if we were not so far from the cities. Having more volunteers would enable us to pursue a number of things on our bucket list. One of them being an equine facilitated wellness program which would promote emotional, mental, and physical healing. This would mean the world to me.

Just over a week ago, we emailed a company out of Chiefland in order to get a quote on Jack and Jill stairs which would help humans with physical challenges mount and dismount a horse. A very nice lady from the company called me with some questions a few days later.

Well, today started out with the stairs being delivered – they were donated by the company, Southern Steps! The workmanship and quality is amazing – they are perfect! The gentleman who delivered the stairs was very nice – he had them unloaded and positioned in no time. We are so very appreciative of this donation which will benefit many for years to come. Prayers do get answered!

We are so truly Blessed!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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A Great Day!

Despite threats from cloudy skies, we had a great day on Saturday, at the trail ride. The rain, thankfully, held off until later in the day and the temperature was just about perfect.

It’s always nice to see familiar faces and make new friends! Sometimes, we get to visit with horses we’ve adopted out, too. For those of you who remember Magnum, he was there with his human – Bess Darrow. He’s still as handsome as can be and Bess has done amazing things with him. He is one very happy boy!

Many thanks to:

  • Karen Hanna and Kathy Edgell for coordinating and managing everything needed for the event (door prizes, raffles, food) etc.
  • Karen Hanna for taking care of event sign-up.
  • Lynn Lawrence for coordinating with the State Forest Service.
  • Jessica Schabert for providing a really sweet (and tolerant) Arabian mare for me to ride.
  • Pamela S Hall and Bob for taking care of the needs at the farm which enabled me to ride!
  • Everyone who spread the word about the event.
  • Everyone who participated.
  • Everyone who donated items for door prizes and raffles.

We are so truly Blessed!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Sweet Warrior

Last Wednesday, when the vet came out to help Chloe transition to Rainbow Bridge, we had him examine Warrior, our twenty-five-year-old Falabella mini. I was concerned because Warrior hadn’t been feeling well. Although his vitals were normal, there was a bit of crackling in his lungs which may have been due to his allergies which oftentimes, worsen this time of year. Bloodwork was performed and he was started on antibiotics while his supplements were modified. We also scheduled Dr. Bess, our Equine Dentist, to come out on Friday. Her dental examination revealed that Warrior did have a few sharp teeth which were immediately addressed and our ‘Little Man’ is now, thankfully, a bit more perky and is eating more.

On Friday, Dr. Mangan also came out to check Warrior’s eyes. Warrior appreciated it very much and gave Dr. Mangan a special ‘thank you’ which you can see in the video.

Warrior had been staying around the barn with Frodo and Bouie for a few days so I could keep a closer eye on him, but since he was now feeling better, we let him go back to his paddock where he continues to do well.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Our Beloved Chloe

‘To place your horse’s need for you to let her leave her failing body above your need to keep her with you – that – is the greatest and purest love.” ~ Cynthia Garrett

These past few months have been really hard for us and yesterday was no exception. I will go into additional details within the next few days, but I felt I should get this message out as I know there are many others who care about Chloe.

Chloe was a nurse mare foal who came to us at only a few days old, in April 2006. Her conformation wasn’t the best, and, as she grew, her legs didn’t seem to be able to keep up with her large frame, plus, she was toed in. I remember sitting at the barn, watching her, and telling Bob that I was concerned that her conformation would become an issue later in life. I prayed I was wrong.

Chloe became lame a few years ago and was diagnosed with sesamoiditis in both front fetlocks due to her conformation. With supplements, shoes, injections, etc., we managed to keep her comfortable. Over time, her right knee became an issue which progressively worsened.

We knew that someday, her quality of life would become an issue and we would need to do the right thing at that time.

We had reached the point where her care team, including her vets and farrier, agreed there was nothing more we could do and it was time to let her go. On Wednesday, at 4:10 pm, Chloe went to Rainbow Bridge.

My heart has been shattered so many times over the past year. Losing Beauty, my heart horse and the namesake of Beauty’s Haven, in November, took the breath out of me and knocked me to my knees. I still haven’t recovered. Now, losing Chloe, shatters my heart even more. My only consolation is that she no longer is in pain and is on this side of Rainbow Bridge, where Beauty leads the rest of our herd, awaiting the arrival of the many humans who love them dearly.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Amira


Amira experienced choke this morning so Dr. Valle, our veterinarian, was immediately called out. Dr. Valle, thankfully, cleared the obstruction but he believes that Amira has likely choked in the past as there is some scarring in her esophagus. We will therefore be modifying her diet. Amira is quietly resting in her stall now and she will be getting antibiotics for the next few days.

If anyone would like to help with today’s vet bill and medications it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your continued love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Sweet Jo

Jo hasn’t been herself for the past couple of days. Her vitals have been normal, but she really hasn’t been interested in her meals, which is very unusual.

On Friday morning, when I took Jo’s temperature, it was elevated at 102.7 and she did not eat her breakfast. Dr. Valle came out and examined her and performed blood tests.

Jo is thirty-six years old and was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago based upon observed and documented changes over time. At first, we saw changes in Jo’s normal habits – for example, at times, she gets ‘stuck’ in one place for a while unless we assist her in moving along. At times, she forgets to eat her meals which is most unusual as she adores her meals and can never get enough, but when she has an ‘episode,’ we have to keep taking her food to her.

Jo also appears to be deaf and looks lost, disoriented, and/or confused at times. Her good days, however, thankfully, far outweigh her bumpy days.

Jo was skin on bones when we picked her up in 2019. Dancer, her very best friend, who is thirty-three years old, was also in poor shape upon her arrival at Beauty’s Haven. Both have a physical examination at the minimum of once yearly and bloodwork is performed every six months. Komanchee, our resident forty-year old pony, has also been diagnosed with dementia.

Lastly, I am so happy to report that Jo is pretty much back to her normal self today. Her bloodwork, however, indicates that her liver is a bit stressed. We are witnessing changes that are a part of life and aging, not only with Jo, but with others here too, including Dancer. You can’t negotiate with Father Time, but we will always support them nutritionally, physically, and in any way possible until their quality of life becomes an issue. That is the promise we make to each and every precious being who enters through our gates ~ ‘that all of their tomorrows will be everything that their past should have been.’

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Won’t You Be Our Valentine?

A Valentine’s Day Wish

The ‘Velvet Nosers’ here at Beauty’s Haven are eagerly awaiting Valentine’s Day and they truly hope that each of their ‘Aunties’ and ‘Uncles’ will send them a ‘Virtual Valentine!’

All you have to do is forward a $5 donation and indicate the name of the equine, dog or cat who you would very much love to be your Valentine. Of course, you may send a Valentine to more than one member of our beloved herd and if you would like to forward a donation greater than $5, that would be so very much appreciated as well.

Our little herd is comprised of: Aaleyah Belle, Amira, Bouie, CaryLou, Chloe, Dancer, Ebony, Elka, Frodo, Jazzy, JoJo. Jo, Komanchee, Lily, Lucy, Luiji, Magic, Mishka, Mo, Peaches, Rio, Valley Girl, Warrior, Waylon, Walker, Willow, Benjamin, Shadow, Allie, Neo, Gio, Oreo and Pearle.

So, if you would like to make one of our ‘Velvet Nosers’ truly happy this Valentine’s Day, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below and please include the name of your very special Valentine.

Thank you everyone!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Elka’s New Adventure

Elka is doing well. She had a high parasite load which we were aggressively treating and which is now, thankfully, resolved. She was absolutely thrilled when I let her out of quarantine a few days ago and she had a blast meeting some of our other ‘Velvet Nosers.’ She is truly, a very sweet girl.

Thank you, all, for your love and support for this precious girl.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Rosie’s Story

If you would like to view a video of Rosie’s Story, please click on the image above.

I apologize for taking so long to post this update, but I wanted to wait until Rosie was back here at the rescue, plus, I have been quite sick with the flu. The post is a bit long, but it’s Rosie’s story.

The evening I met Rosie, she had been down on the ground for several hours. Jessica and I responded to the call and when we arrived, my heart skipped a beat – it was almost as if I was looking at Betsy Rose, a very special pony who came to us in 2013. Betsy’s story can be found on our BLOG by clicking here. Betsy Rose, like Rosie, was thin, weak, dehydrated and unable to get up.

We assessed the situation and then rolled Rosie over onto her other side and waited for Dr. Stephanie, the vet, to arrive. We knew Rosie’s odds were not great, but we also knew she deserved a chance. I sat and talked to her and promised her that we would do our best and try to make all of her tomorrows everything her past should have been, and that there were many wonderful people sending good thoughts and prayers to her. Once the vet arrived, she tried to run IV fluids, but since Rosie had a thick Cushing’s coat, the weather was getting bad and it was quite dark, trying to find a vein was most challenging. We, thereby, opted to roll Rosie onto a tarp, get her into the trailer, and take her to the rescue which was less than five minutes away. Time was of the essence – her heart and respiration rates were up but her temperature was going down. I stayed with Rosie in the trailer and once at the rescue, we immediately, went to work – her neck was shaved and after a round of IV fluids, we rolled her over into the sling and got her to stand. She was given a second round of IV fluids that also contained vitamins and minerals.

We massaged Rosie’s legs and hips and gave her time to adjust. Once she was steady, we removed the sling and she let us know that she was hungry which was a good sign. We offered her a mash and she literally dove into it – it made me very sad to see how very famished she was. She would have loved to have had more mash, but we had to take it slow – a re-feeding protocol must be followed. We were afraid to give her hay because she could have choked – her teeth were bad which would be addressed once she was stable. Rosie drank, passed manure and urine, and perked up. She didn’t show signs of pain and while her heart and respiration rates were still above normal, they were better. She actually looked like she had a smile on her face. That night, Frodo stayed across the aisle way from her and they struck up a conversation – she had a friend. I also put Freckles, Betsy Rose’s best friend, in the stall with Rosie and shared some of Betsy’s story with her. It had been a long day and we headed home at about midnight. We went down and checked on Rosie every few hours, in addition to monitoring her via cameras. Every time she heard one of us, she’d nicker which made my heart feel so good. The night was calm, thankfully.

The next day, when I took Rosie out for a walk, she was stiff, but she got better as we walked. Like Betsy Rose, the first time Rosie went out and stepped upon grass, her head immediately, went down in order to graze! Once back in the stall, I brushed her and was able to get dried and caked manure out of her tail and off her legs. I think it made her feel so much better. Kathy was volunteering that day and she also took Rosie for a walk. It was a very good day. overall.

That evening, it started raining, so we brought Frodo and Komanchee in and tucked them into their stalls across from Rosie. She was tired and let me know that she was ready to go into the sling for a nap. I had to wait for Bob to get home so he could help me. When we were ready to place her in the sling, it was like she’d been there, done that. Rosie parked herself where she needed to be and stood perfectly still so we could hook it up. The winches make a loud noise which can be worrisome for some horses, but not Rosie. We put a can in front of her with a blanket on top so she could rest her head and get much needed REM sleep, just as we used to do for Betsy, I sat by her head, rubbed her neck, and told her she was home now and was loved so very much.

Rosie slept and when her little ears started moving back and forth like Betsy’s used to do, it was a sign that she was in REM which is so important when the body needs to heal. When she awoke and looked at me, I can’t explain it, but for about thirty seconds, I felt like I was literally, looking into Betsy’s eyes. The peace, love, and gratitude I saw, along with an aura that was all about her, took my breath away as I sensed Betsy Rose’s loving and soothing presence. Time stood still for those thirty seconds while acceptance, peace, purpose and calm came over me – things I hadn’t felt since Beauty left us in November. I will always be grateful for those precious thirty seconds.

After we removed Rosie from her sling, she looked very much at peace. We gave her a warm mash, I kissed her little nose, and we said good-night to all. We went home at about midnight, exhausted, but feeling good about the day’s accomplishments. At 1:39 am Rosie was peacefully standing, looking towards Frodo, when suddenly, she went down, and moments thereafter, she was gone. There was no pain. There was no struggle. Her little heart just likely gave out. We were planning to have a necropsy performed, but since it could not be accomplished until the end of January, we opted to have Rosie cremated and be returned to us.

I’m grateful Rosie didn’t die on the ground, cold, and hungry. She had a stall with soft shavings, food in her tummy, heat lamps for warmth, fresh water, and a friend across the aisle. She had countless people praying and sending good thoughts to her and she got to walk and graze upon green grass. She even had Freckles camping out in her stall. I feel so blessed that we were able to give Rosie a chance, thanks to your support. and while we did our best, her little body had endured far too much, for far too long

Some have said that Rosie may have been waiting, just hanging on to go ‘home.’ Maybe her final rally was, in fact, her belief that someone would come to take her to a place where she would be assisted to go for a final walk in order to graze, a place where she would feel loving hands and caring hearts surrounding her, and hunger pains that would be no more.

I have witnessed countless horses endure unnecessary suffering while their owners were absent, or authorities turned a blind eye. And while we can’t take in every horse, we do try to help other horses in need when resources permit. Our aid may encompass providing essential resources such as hay, vet care, and other necessities, but sadly, in some cases, help comes too late. But even then, I remain by their side, offering solace and comfort until they depart upon their final journey to Rainbow Bridge. I often apologize to these horses, acknowledging the disappointment they must feel due to their humans’ negligence. I make it a point to reassure them of their worth and the love they deserve, with the promise that a better place awaits them.

It is a deeply moving experience to witness the final moments of these horses as their last bit of energy dissipates from their bodies. Some gracefully accept their fate, while others valiantly fight to cling onto life with all their remaining strength. Regardless, I am certain that they are grateful for the presence of a compassionate soul at that time. Many must have felt let down by their human counterparts, and it is a privilege to offer them solace and companionship. It is not an easy task, but I firmly believe that every horse deserves at least this level of compassion when it is their time. Unfortunately, due to the hands-on nature of our work and the amount of time it takes, we are not able to share with you all of our happenings here at the rescue, but please be assured, we stay very busy, helping all that we can while tending to our beloved little herd here.

I believe some horses that have come to us, like Savannah, Minnie, and Rosie, have held on until they arrived at a place where they felt at peace with humans who care. Their ability to hold on, and then be at peace for a short time, may very well be their final ‘rally.’ That peace may also be what enables them to let go at a time of their choosing, oftentimes, alone, in order to spare we humans the grief we feel. Based on my experiences, the short time that I spend with these horses during that final ‘rally’ connects us deeply. While it is difficult for us, it’s a choice that we make – to continue to ‘be there’ for these precious souls during their final moments. It is a gift that we can offer them only because of your support. You all make a difference and I thank you.

Rosie was cremated and her ashes have been returned and while most will be spread on the farm, some will remain with us. Rosie is now home, and forever in our hearts, right where she belongs.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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