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Cowboy Takes the Lead

Cowboy, the newest member of our little herd, is in the lead after receiving the most valentines!

And, although Valentine’s Day is just one day away, there is still time to send a valentine to your favorite Beauty’s Haven critter. Just send us the name of the horse, mule, donkey, dog or feline who you wish to be your Valentine, together with a suggested donation of $25 and click on the ‘Donate’ button below! If you are unable to donate $25 at this time and would still like to send a virtual valentine to one of our ‘Velvet Nosers,’ any amount would be so very much appreciated as well. Of course, if you wish to send a valentine to more than one member of our beloved little herd, that too, would make each and every one so very happy and grateful indeed!

Our little herd members & the number of valentines each has received is as follows:

Aaleyah Belle (2), Addi(2), Amira (2), Bae (2), Beau (2), CaryLou (1), Cowboy (3), Danni (2), Ebony (1), Elka (2), Ford (2), Jazzy (2), JoJo (2), Jo (2), Kalista (2), Lily (1), Lucy (1), Luiji (1), Magic (2), Mo (2), Peaches (2), Sassy (1), Tobias (2), Valley Girl (2), Walker (2), Warrior (1), Willow (2), Shadow (1), Allie (1), Oreo (1), & Pearle (1)

You will receive a copy of your virtual valentine, together with a message from your special recipient, via email, if you are not on social media.

Happy Valentine’s Day and thank you for your love and support!

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She’s so SASSY!

As many of you may be unaware of Sassy’s history, I thought I should share her story. When Sassy first came to Beauty’s Haven in 2020, she had been colicing for days, so we took her straight to UF. They had to perform surgery in order to remove a blockage which can leave scar tissue, which, in turn, can lead to recurrent colic. The top image above shows us as we made our way home from UF in 2020.

Everything about Sassy is quite small – she only weighs a mere 161 pounds. So, we naturally became quite concerned this past Friday when our little girl experienced a tummy ache. While her temperature remained normal and she did have gut sounds, she still had not had a bowel movement.

Although she appeared to feel a bit better by the afternoon, Sassy still had not passed manure, so we immediately headed to the Equine Medical Center of Ocala.

Once there, tests revealed her bloodwork was normal and she was not dehydrated. Sassy’s ultrasound did show some fecal matter, but there was no indication of sand or an impaction being present, so fluids were run throughout the night.

When I visited Sassy on Saturday, she was not at all a happy camper about being in the hospital! She was also unhappy that I could not give her any treats. She was still hooked up to her IV drip and she was now, thankfully, passing some manure. She was also started on a feeding program.

We were able to bring her back to the rescue on Sunday, where she soon was back to being her little Sassy Pants self!

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Valentine’s Day is Almost Here!

The ‘Velvet Nosers’ here at Beauty’s Haven are eagerly awaiting Valentine’s Day once again this year with hope that each of their ‘Aunties’ & ‘Uncles’ will send them a ‘Virtual Valentine!’ All you have to do is inform us of the name of the horse, mule, donkey, dog or feline that you wish to be your Valentine, together with a suggested donation of $25 & Voila! If you are unable to donate $25 at this time & would still like to send a Virtual Valentine to your favorite Beauty’s Haven critter, any amount would be so very much appreciated as well. Of course, if you wish to send a Valentine to more than one member of our beloved herd, that too, would bring innate joy to all.

Our beloved little herd is comprised of: Aaleyah Belle, Addi, Amira, Bae, Beau, CaryLou, Cowboy, Danni, Ebony, Elka, Ford, Jazzy, JoJo, Jo, Kalista, Lily, Lucy, Luiji, Magic, Mo, Peaches, Sassy, Tobias, Valley Girl, Walker, Warrior, Willow, Shadow, Allie, Oreo & 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 & please include the name of your very special Valentine.

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Prayers for Beau

Beau was acting colicky last evening so Dr. Rivkin came out to tube him and administer electrolytes/fluids, as he was a bit dehydrated. Although he was feeling better afterward, he was not at all happy that he had to remain around the barn area last night as he could not have any hay or feed.

After a very long and cold night, Beau, thankfully, appeared to be much better this morning after having made four bowel movements! Our Prayers had been answered! Our excitement, however, was short lived, as early this afternoon, Beau became uncomfortable once again despite having been administered his medications. So, we are on the way to the hospital as we speak. Beau has always been a healthy horse since his arrival at Beauty’s Haven and I truly believe that these drastic changes in temperature do have a negative effect on the overall health and well-being of our beloved horses.

As Beau’s hospital bill will most undoubtedly be quite costly, any contribution to help our sweet boy get better will be so very much appreciated.

Thank you and please keep Beau in your prayers.

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Match Game for Hay!

Thanks to the kind and most thoughtful generosity of our amazing little village of supporters, last week’s Hay Fundraiser was a big success and is thereby, now complete! And today, I am so excited and blessed to announce that a dear friend and supporter has just come forth to offer a new Match Game for this week’s hay needs… all donations up to $1,000 will be matched dollar for dollar!

As you may know, the weather here in Florida has been completely erratic since the arrival of winter, with night time temperatures, at times, dipping down into the 20s.

When temperatures drop, horses, mules and donkeys not only need to be blanketed in order to keep warm, but require much more hay as well, so this match game could not have come at a more perfect time.

If you are in a position to assist with this need, contributions can be made by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below. All contributions are tax deductible and please be assured that no amount is ever too small.

Thank you in advance for helping keep our beloved little herd of ‘Velvet Nosers’ happy and warm and a big Thank You to our dear match game sponsor and all who have donated thus far!

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A Very Proud Cowboy

Cowboy is doing so much better! He had his first hooficure on January 1st, after which he walked off like a new and very proud horse. Cowboy’s coat was absolutely horrible upon arrival, as were his almost bare tail-head and mane, so he was treated with Coat Defense Powder–a truly amazing product–which greatly relieved his itchy skin. As a result, new hair growth has now appeared on his tail-head, mane and face, which he had previously rubbed off prior to his arrival at Beauty’s Haven. Cowboy’s diet and supplements have also helped tremendously and he has gained some much-needed weight.

Dr. Alex was here on Monday to remove the sores or growths from Cowboy’s legs. Afterward, he was not at all a happy camper about remaining in his stall in order to heal. Cowboy’s bandages were changed yesterday, during which time, his legs looked quite good. We are so thankful to Pat and Emily for helping with this chore. We now anxiously await the results of his biopsy.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

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Three Intertwined Souls

In closing out the year, and as we enter into a new one, I’d like to share something good for a change. As most know, we unexpectedly lost Beauty, my Arabian heart horse and co-founder of Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc., in November 2023. In 2025, we welcomed a new Arabian to the herd. Please watch the video below about the journey of three intertwined souls.

And to the dear friend who made this happen, I am forever indebted to you.

Thank you all for your support and for believing in what we do. Beauty’s Haven appreciates each and every one of you. Together, we all make a difference.

True Love Never Dies

Theresa Batchelor’s journey is a radiant beacon of unbreakable resilience, the transformative power of love, and the miraculous ways the universe conspires to heal broken hearts and bodies. Once a vibrant wife, mother of two, and dedicated employee with the United States government for nearly two decades, Theresa’s life took a shattering turn when neurological symptoms led to the discovery of a tumor that had nearly severed her spinal cord. Surgery to remove the tumor left her quadriplegic. Doctors issued the crushing prognosis: she would never walk again.

Theresa heard those words… and chose to rewrite them.

Fueled by unyielding determination, deep faith, intensive therapy, and the unwavering support of her family, she defied the odds. Step by defiant step, she regained the use of her limbs and the gift of walking once more—a living testament that when the human spirit believes and refuses to yield, miracles can unfold. However, she remains an incomplete quadriplegic, with no feeling or awareness below her neck.

In 2002, a young Arabian filly entered Theresa’s life. Severely abused, starved, and fearful of humans, the two-year-old horse carried her own deep scars. Theresa named her Beauty. In a moment of shared vulnerability—Theresa rebuilding her body and mind, Beauty yearning for trust—they began forming a bond that transformed them both.

Beauty helped restore Theresa’s physical strength and emotional wholeness, enabling her to ride again and embrace life fully. Beauty learned to trust humans and, together, they learned to navigate challenges creatively, finding paths around limitations. They forged an otherworldly, unbreakable bond and from this sacred partnership emerged Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc., founded in 2006—a haven where abused, neglected, and abandoned horses receive care, rehabilitation, and new beginnings.

Tragically, in midyear 2023, Beauty became ill. While undergoing exploratory surgery on November 25th, a large abdominal tumor was found and nothing could be done. Theresa held onto Beauty as she went to Rainbow Bridge, leaving a gaping void in Theresa’s heart and at the rescue she inspired.

In mid 2025, another Arabian mare that passed through an auction as a no-sale, with her next destination being a Mexican slaughterhouse, found her way to Beauty’s Haven. A compassionate friend saw the mare and, struck by the mare’s uncanny resemblance to Beauty and moved by Theresa’s lingering grief, intervened. She paid the bail, arranged transport, and brought this soul to safety.

The moment Theresa met the mare an overwhelming, instant connection sparked—a beautiful echo of the past, yet entirely new. Theresa believes that Beauty herself helped play a heavenly role in this reunion. In tribute, she named the 15-year-old mare Beauty’s Halo, affectionately calling her Bae.

There is an ethereal quality to the Arabian horse: the elegant arched neck, the dished face, the large, soulful eyes that seem to hold ancient wisdom, the flowing mane, and the graceful, floating movement that makes them appear to dance on air. This beauty is matched by an intelligence, sensitivity, and loyalty that invite a harmony between horse and human unlike any other. In moments of quiet understanding, a single glance or gentle touch conveys trust, healing, and a shared essence that feels timeless and transcendent.

Two extraordinary Arabian mares now share Theresa’s devoted heart. Beauty, the foundational survivor whose second chance sparked miracles. Bae, the radiant successor stepping into her light, bringing hope anew. Their stories proclaim a timeless truth: True beauty shines not just in arched necks and flowing manes of the Arabian horse—it glows in the courage to believe and to trust again, the loyalty that endures, and the quiet strength to heal those who heal others.

Theresa, Beauty, and Bae stand as living proof: When one believes, and unbreakable will meets open-hearted love, miracles are waiting to unfold. Three intertwined souls on one eternal journey of redemption, love, and renewal – proving that even after the deepest loss, true love never dies, it just finds a new way.

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