Yesterday was yet another busy day. Dr. Julia came out to run blood work on Peaches, Addi, JoJo, Jazzy, Valley Girl, Danni, Mo, Skye, and Walker, whilst some of the boys had their sheaths cleaned. JoJo and Jazzy were not at all happy about their procedures and were still pouting about it last night!
And now for some not so good news. Jo was kicked late last week and the next day, the area where she was injured was swollen. We monitored her temperature and appetite, both of which have been normal, but as the swelling continued to worsen, we opted to proceed on the side of caution and have her tested, and when the results came back, our fears were confirmed – Jo had Pigeon Fever.
“Pigeon fever in horses is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, commonly causing large, painful abscesses in the pectoral muscles (chest), abdomen, or inguinal area, often peaking in warm/dry seasons. Transmitted via flies and contaminated soil/wounds, it requires isolation, careful drainage of abscesses, and prompt veterinary care to prevent severe, long-term complications.”
Pigeon Fever does not pose a danger exclusively to horses however, as other animals including cows, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, etc. are also susceptible to this insidious disease.
Since we have had no horses enter of leave the farm for several months, the extremely dry conditions have most assuredly, contributed to Pigeon Fever resurfacing from beneath the ground once again this year. The vet will be back this evening to lance and drain the injury on Jo’s chest and fluids will be collected. Our bio-security protocol has been activated, with foot baths, gloves and fly-control measures in place.
Jo lives with Valley Girl, another senior mare. Valley Girl was the first horse who was stricken with Pigeon Fever in January 2025 and the last to recover from it in June 2025. She, thankfully, has not presented with symptoms at this time.
Lastly, if you would like to contribute toward our beloved little herd’s ongoing medical expenses, it would be so greatly appreciated. Just click on the ’Donate’ button below. If you are unable to contribute at this time, however, we ask that you please send prayers for rain, Jo to quickly recover (she’s almost 40 years old!), and no spread of Pigeon Fever.
Toofies & Toes
JoJo and Jazzy had dentals done by Dr. Bess this week and I must admit, they were not the very best patients! Walker, who is always such a good boy, stood by to oversee it all.
Once again, ‘Farrier Friday’ is upon us, as caring for the hooves of our beloved equines is essential for their overall health and well-being. Sadly, last week’s fundraiser yielded very few sponsors, but to those who did come forth to support this endeavor, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We are so hoping that this week’s plea for “hooficure” sponsors, the average cost of which is $45, will generate more interest which will make an incredible difference in the lives of Beau, as well as each and every member of our little herd here at the rescue. Please remember that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below. If you are, however, unable to help at this time, we truly understand, but we would be forever grateful if you could share this most important need amongst family and friends.
Simply the Best!
We are, as always, so very grateful for all of our volunteers who are simply the best! When I became sick on Thursday with a stomach bug, Chris, Ernie, Sandy and Joan did a stellar job of handling the morning chores. At the same time, while standing in his paddock, JoJo, who recently experienced an eye issue, let everyone know, in no uncertain terms, that he was not at all happy about wearing his fly mask. On a happier note, Jo has thankfully, recovered from Pigeon Fever, is doing well, and is as always, as sweet as ever.
Lastly, ‘Farrier Friday’ is once again upon us and since caring for hooves is essential for the overall health and well-being of equines in general, we are hoping that our wonderful little village of supporters will come forth and help sponsor a hooficure, the average cost of which is $45, for their very favorite member of our beloved Beauty’s Haven herd.
If you are able to help, please click on the ‘Donate’ button below, but if you are unable to do so at this time, we would be forever grateful if you could share this most important need amongst family and friends.
In Honor
In Honor
“A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”
~ Abraham Lincoln
Littles Announce “Wriggly Wednesdays”
Sassy, Lily & Warrior who are being such good helpers, have asked that I post a message on their behalf.
Hey Everyone!
The Littles here, kicking off a new campaign, “Wriggly Wednesday.” And since we are the first group on the list, we are hoping that our aunties and/or uncles will come forth to sponsor one Zoetis Quest Plus Gel Dewormer and Boticide Kit which will help keep us all healthy and safe. The cost per kit is $17, but since we are little, one kit provides enough wormer for the three of us. The big horses, however, will need one kit each and big beautiful Addi will need more than one kit.
Addi, Peaches, Valley Girl and Bae all have sponsors so far. If you would like to sponsor a wormer kit for another Beauty’s Haven horse, donkey or mule, as listed below, it would make us all so very happy indeed. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below!
*Please note that the paired equines require just one wormer kit.
Aaleyah Belle
Amira
Beau
*CaryLou & Lucy
Cowboy
Dani
*Ebony & Luiji
Elka
Ford
*JoJo & Jazzy
Jo
Kalista
Magic
Mo
Tobias
Walker
Willow
Thank you!
Love,
Sassy, Lily & Warrior
Pretty Feet for Mother’s Day
Our first ‘Farrier Friday’ of May is upon us and we are hoping that our wonderful little village of supporters will come forth and help sponsor a hooficure for their favorite member of our beloved little herd so they can all have ‘Pretty Feet’ on Mother’s Day!
The average cost per hooficure is $45, so if you could help these sweet horses, donkeys or mule have ‘Pretty Feet’, it would make us all so very happy indeed! Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below. If you are unable to assist at this time, we truly understand, but we would be forever grateful if you could share this need amongst family and friends.
Thank you all, for your love and support and Happy Mother’s Day!
OH NO. IT’S BACK!
Yesterday was yet another busy day. Dr. Julia came out to run blood work on Peaches, Addi, JoJo, Jazzy, Valley Girl, Danni, Mo, Skye, and Walker, whilst some of the boys had their sheaths cleaned. JoJo and Jazzy were not at all happy about their procedures and were still pouting about it last night!
And now for some not so good news. Jo was kicked late last week and the next day, the area where she was injured was swollen. We monitored her temperature and appetite, both of which have been normal, but as the swelling continued to worsen, we opted to proceed on the side of caution and have her tested, and when the results came back, our fears were confirmed – Jo had Pigeon Fever.
Pigeon Fever does not pose a danger exclusively to horses however, as other animals including cows, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, etc. are also susceptible to this insidious disease.
Since we have had no horses enter of leave the farm for several months, the extremely dry conditions have most assuredly, contributed to Pigeon Fever resurfacing from beneath the ground once again this year. The vet will be back this evening to lance and drain the injury on Jo’s chest and fluids will be collected. Our bio-security protocol has been activated, with foot baths, gloves and fly-control measures in place.
Jo lives with Valley Girl, another senior mare. Valley Girl was the first horse who was stricken with Pigeon Fever in January 2025 and the last to recover from it in June 2025. She, thankfully, has not presented with symptoms at this time.
Lastly, if you would like to contribute toward our beloved little herd’s ongoing medical expenses, it would be so greatly appreciated. Just click on the ’Donate’ button below. If you are unable to contribute at this time, however, we ask that you please send prayers for rain, Jo to quickly recover (she’s almost 40 years old!), and no spread of Pigeon Fever.
Fire and Rain
As per the Levy County Sheriff’s office: “Even though fire activity has thankfully decreased in the last 24 hours, smoky conditions still exist in the area, especially in the overnight and early morning hours and especially on CR326 which remains closed. It is not safe to visit the fire area. In addition to the poor visibility and health concerns of smoky conditions, trees that ignited are randomly falling throughout the forest. There are also hot pockets in the ground and stepping in one of these could result in severe burns.”
On Thursday, we had a very productive day prior to the arrival of today’s badly needed rain, with horses being groomed, several gates/fencing being fixed, shade cloth put up for the littles, Spring cleaning at the barn, heat lamps collected, cleaned and stored away until next year, and much more! Many thanks to our volunteers – we appreciate them all, so very much!
The average cost per hooficure is $45, so if you could help these sweet horses and/or donkey have “Pretty Feet,” it would make us all so very happy indeed! Just click on the donation button below. If you are unable to help at this time, we truly understand, but we would be forever grateful if you could share this need amongst family and friends.
Thank you all, for your love and support!
Springtime at Beauty’s Haven
I’d like to share a few images of some recent happenings at Beauty’s Haven Farm over the course of the past week. Pictured above:
Upper Left ~ When the driveway camera went off, I went to check out what was happening, only to discover that a big ole Tom Turkey appeared to be reading the ‘Visitors by Appointment Only’ sign, while his friend was strutting about, attempting to get Peaches’ attention. Peaches paid him no mind and continued to graze.
Upper Right ~ Magic loved sharing a special few minutes with Joan and Steve, volunteers who come on Tuesdays. I am so proud of Magic – he has come such a very long way. He is a proud Arabian stallion that was used in the barbaric ‘sport’ of horse tripping before we rescued him many, many years ago. He is now twenty-six years old.
Lower Left ~ Some of you may remember Captain’s Skywalker, aka Skye. He has returned from an adoption, but he continues to be the sweetest boy ever.
Lower Right ~ Bae and Walker, aka the ‘cleanup crew’ after a rainy morning at the farm.
Center ~ Cowboy announcing the first ‘Farrier Friday’ of Spring, hoping to get “hooficure” sponsors for his friends, Lucy, Ebony, Lily, Sassy, Jazzy and Dani. The average cost per trim is $45, so if you would like to help your favorite Beauty’s Haven horse have ‘Pretty Feet,’ we would be forever grateful. All contributions are tax deductible and please be assured, no amount is ever too small. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below.
Thank you, as always, for your love and support!
This Easter, Give Hope
Hoppin’ Down the Bunny Trail!
Hey Everyone!
JoJo and Jazzy here, hopping down the Bunny Trail, to help our friend Beau with our fundraiser for a pallet of Purina Equine Senior Grain. Since Easter is next Sunday, we are hoping that each of our baskets will contain some of this delicious grain, so if you could help fulfill our Easter wish, we would all be so forever grateful.
As always, donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below. If you are not in a position to donate at this time, no worries, as you can still assist us by sharing this amongst family and friends.
Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far!
Happy Easter!