I feel so badly posting each week stating that we need to make yet another hay run. Many of you are undoubtedly growing weary of these weekly requests as well, but the truth is our horses not only need to eat, they need to keep warm during these unusual periods of frigid temperatures here in Florida.
As many of you know, the cost of hay has risen significantly since last year creating much concern for equine rescues across the country who depend upon contributions in order to keep their beloved herds properly fed. Here in Florida, the price per ton of Orchard 3 String has risen to $779; the price per ton of Orchard 2 String has risen to $685; and the price per ton of Half Pasture bales of Alfalfa has risen to $638.
With our hay runs averaging approximately $1200 per week, we have decided to have one big fundraiser with the goal of raising enough funds to keep the hay trailer full through the month of March, when the grass will once again begin to grow.
We do realize that fundraisers for hay and farrier fees are certainly not as exciting as rescuing an equine or other precious being in need, but saving the animal is just one small part of the equation. Once that animal arrives at the rescue, the cost of their initial and ongoing care rises exponentially and hence, the reason why sponsorship is so imperative.
Our goal is to raise $10,800 which will greatly alleviate our stress knowing that the funding is there to cover our weekly hay runs.
If you are in a position to donate, you can do so here on our website or on *Facebook (just click on one of the buttons below). All donations are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. If you are unable to contribute at this time, you can still help by sharing our need amongst family and friends.
On behalf of everyone, both horses and humans alike, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.
Sincerely,
Theresa
*Facebook takes care of the donation processing with no fees.
Never a Dull Moment Here!
It is so hard to believe that spring is just around the corner! And, as always, every six weeks or so, brings yet another round of hooficures.
Mishka was first to receive his hooficure this week and we are forever grateful to have stocks which ensure that our big old Teddy Bear, does indeed, have ‘Happy Feet!’ Mishka also has quite the little harem which does not make Valley Girl very happy. The other day, Jo and Dancer were in the paddock with Valley Girl and Mishka and Jo seemed quite smitten with the big guy. Dancer stayed a little distance away and watched from afar. They all got along quite well, but Dancer was happy when Jo finally joined her to return to another paddock.
And then there are JoJo and Jazzy, having the time of their lives while awaiting their turn with the farrier. There is never a dull moment here at Beauty’s Haven which you can see in the video below.
So, if anyone would like to sponsor a hooficure for one of our ‘Velvet Nosers,’ we would be forever grateful. You may forward your contribution simply by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to ‘Happy Feet’ or the name of the horse that you wish to sponsor. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.
Thank you for your continued love and support.
Theresa
Won’t You Be Our Valentine?
Hey Everyone!
As a way to help our Big Hay Fundraiser, my friends and I decided that all we wanted for Valentine’s Day would be a contribution toward a bale of hay to help feed all my friends and I here at Beauty’s Haven. It would surely make all of our hearts sing!
So, if you wish to be our Valentine, just click one of the donation buttons below. Please designate your contribution to “A Valentine for the Velvet Nosers.” Please remember that all donations are very much appreciated and no amount is ever too small! Thank you!
Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love,
Jazzy and the Herd
*Facebook takes care of the donation processing with no fees.
We Named her Minnie
Minnie (aka Molly) had a good evening. She walked her fence line and was interested in others on the farm, especially the little minis on the hill.
She loved her alfalfa. She got a soupy mash every three hours through the night which she loved. She had even started to give a little bray when she saw us approaching with a meal.
She passed poop four times through the night after each meal. She was fed at around 5am and she seemed fine.
There was a fresh pile of poop. No signs of a struggle. I am still in shock.
The vet said it could have been her heart, a clot, or perhaps an acute colic.
The only comfort I can find is that she finally knew what it was like to not be hungry, to have no demands placed on her. There were no expectations of her here, just a simple life surrounded by love. And she was truly loved.
Thank you all for caring about this very sweet mule.
My heart is simply broken.
Theresa
Newly Rescued Mule Fighting for Life
We brought in this poor sweet mule last night who is barely hanging on. After settling in nicely, then munching on some alfalfa and drinking water upon arrival, she laid down to rest. This morning, we found her unable to get up.
She is in severely emaciated condition, just skin draped over bones. We don’t know her age, but I’d say she’s a senior who probably gave her life working for humans. We have named her Molly.
We called our vet who came out right away and put Molly on fluids after examining her. Then we waited, giving her some time to see if she would get up on her own. And then we waited some more.
But Molly is bright and alert… and hungry, which are positive signs. We have given her mashes and she has passed some poop. Dr. Madera took Molly’s blood samples back to the hospital for tests; hopefully we’ll receive the results tomorrow.
Finally, as the day was waning, we prepared the sling and tractor and got her up. (SEE VIDEO). Though she may be hanging on by a thread, Molly is one determined girl!
Can you help us help this sweet girl? If you can, please click the ‘DONATE’ button below. All contributions are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.
Thank you, and please do keep this precious girl in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Press play to watch video!
Hay for the Horses
I feel so badly posting each week stating that we need to make yet another hay run. Many of you are undoubtedly growing weary of these weekly requests as well, but the truth is our horses not only need to eat, they need to keep warm during these unusual periods of frigid temperatures here in Florida.
As many of you know, the cost of hay has risen significantly since last year creating much concern for equine rescues across the country who depend upon contributions in order to keep their beloved herds properly fed. Here in Florida, the price per ton of Orchard 3 String has risen to $779; the price per ton of Orchard 2 String has risen to $685; and the price per ton of Half Pasture bales of Alfalfa has risen to $638.
We do realize that fundraisers for hay and farrier fees are certainly not as exciting as rescuing an equine or other precious being in need, but saving the animal is just one small part of the equation. Once that animal arrives at the rescue, the cost of their initial and ongoing care rises exponentially and hence, the reason why sponsorship is so imperative.
If you are in a position to donate, you can do so here on our website or on *Facebook (just click on one of the buttons below). All donations are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. If you are unable to contribute at this time, you can still help by sharing our need amongst family and friends.
On behalf of everyone, both horses and humans alike, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.
Sincerely,
Theresa
*Facebook takes care of the donation processing with no fees.
Grief is the price we pay for love
Early last evening our beloved Ruby went down, and sadly did not attempt to get up. She was very peaceful and did not appear to be in pain. As we were awaiting the arrival of the veterinarian, we placed a pillow beneath her head and took the canopy out of the storage shed to shield her from the falling rain. I sat and softly talked with her about many things. Even though she appeared to be fine all day, I feared that this could be her time to leave us.
What a joyous reunion it must have been as Cookie and all of her other old friends greeted Ruby at Rainbow Bridge, but it sure leaves a big hole in the hearts of everyone in our Beauty’s Haven family. Ruby was such a very special mare, at approximately 30 years of age she was a very wise old soul. She had been with us for many years, and knew that we all loved her beyond measure.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers during this most devastating time.
Grief is truly the price we pay for love.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Betty White Challenge
In Honor of Betty
Betty White, who sadly passed away on 31 December 2021 at the age of 99, was a friend and advocate to countless animals throughout her legendary life. Inspired by her legacy and lifelong devotion to creatures both great and small, Betty’s fans encouraged compassionate hearts across the country and throughout the world to honor her by contributing to an animal rescue organization of their choice on 17 January 2022, the day that would have been Betty’s 100th birthday. And once again this year, many organizations will uphold this wonderful tradition in celebration of this remarkable woman and her incessant love for animals, on 17 January 2023, the anniversary of her 101st birthday.
Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc. is truly honored to commemorate the life of this amazing woman through our participation in the second annual Betty White Challenge. Please consider keeping the legacy and memory of the late, great Betty White alive with a donation in her honor by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below. Please indicate that your contribution is “In Memory of Betty.”
May her radiant light forever shine.
Thank you all for your love and support.
Theresa
Here we go again!
Here we go again! The “feels like” temperatures are dropping below freezing, and coupled with the high winds, it becomes nearly unbearable to say the least. We need to get a load of coastal and some alfalfa hay ASAP which will cost about $925.
If you can pitch in, please click the “Donate” button below, or visit our Donations page for all options to contribute.
I know the horses would really appreciate it, digesting hay helps them stay warm!
Gratefully,
Theresa
Happy Feet for the New Year
As we enter 2023, the first round of “Hooficures” has begun! The average cost per horse is $44, so if you would like to sponsor a farrier visit for your favorite Beauty’s Haven equine, just click on the “Donate” button below, or go to bhfer.org/donate for more options. Please note the name of the horse that you wish to sponsor. If you have no preference, please designate your donation to “January Happy Feet.”
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and wonderful New Year.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Gabe, Maggie & Nadia
It was wonderful seeing Gabe and Maggie (a recent county seizure) together exploring new places and making new friends. They are both such very sweet horses. Gabe has COPD, which we are trying to manage, whilst sweet Maggie does not sweat at times. Maggie’s neglect case is still pending with the county but her owner has been charged. Maggie and Gabe both need sponsors for their care including hay, grain, farrier work, etc., so if you would like to sponsor or help either horse, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button at the bottom of this post where you can make a one-time contribution or sign up for monthly automatic donations which help tremendously.
ABOVE: Gabe and Maggie experiencing the innate joy of just being horses.
Nadia is still searching for a perfect friend since we lost Venus in November. Nadia and Venus had been together for twenty-five plus years. A few weeks after Venus passed, Peaches sensed that Nadia was grieving and remained by her side. Peaches has always helped others cope with the loss of a friend, but since she has always been a loner, her comfort to others is only temporary and after a few weeks of giving the other horse time to adjust, Peaches is ready for the other horse to move on. Nadia has Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), a progressive condition that leads to chronic breakdown of tendons and ligaments. Her condition will only worsen and at some point, we will have to make the decision to let her join Venus. We will keep her comfortable for as long as possible, but in the meantime, we will continue our quest to find Nadia another very best friend from within our herd.
Sincerely,
Theresa