December 16th, 2012
This horse was found wandering down a road in south Florida, very close to death. He reportedly walked away from an illegal backyard slaughter operation. He obviously has no meat on his bones that would bring money. When starved, a body feeds off its fat, then muscle, then its organs which is where this horse is. By the grace of God, and the help of a few, he found his way to us in the wee hours this morning. Here, he has found solace just as Hollie and the Christmas Trio (Nevada, Sachet, and Noelle) have. I don’t know why the name “Solace” came to me the first time that I touched him, but it did, and so it is. Maybe the events of this past week – I’m sure many of us are seeking solace – I hope we all find it too.
There are pictures below that some may consider graphic. If you don’t want to see them then please don’t scroll down. But I choose to share what these horses go through and what we do to help them – the good, the bad, the ugly. It’s a roller coaster ride and you are all invited to ride with us. You can follow his progress and see how your donations are used. He looks like he just walked out of a concentration camp. 
Dr. Tanya scored Solace a 0.5 on the Henneke Body Condition Score scale. Horses that get down to a 1 don’t usually survive. This says something about his will to survive. His stool is full of sand and he has little energy. He was very cooperative with when he was oiled. Dr. Tanya thinks he is still a stud but he is so thin she really couldn’t say for sure. His rehab will take some time – it must go slow and steady. Too much, too soon, could kill him. He needs a miracle and hopefully, it will come.
At some point in his life Solace sustained blunt trauma to his mouth – his top front teeth are on a pretty bad angle and there is a scar in the gum line. Dr. Tanya couldn’t tell how old he is but he is aged. His teeth are just so messed up – we will have the dentist out soon. 
His temperature was low normal. Blood tests are being done and a stool sample was taken.
When Solace poops, it flows in the hollow under his anus which is chaffed and irritated (this can cause infection) and then it runs down his legs. We hope to give him a warm bath very soon. 
He got fluids (including vitamins) via IV. He was a perfect patient and seems content being here. I think he knows we care. 🙂
As much as I don’t like asking for it – we need help. Today’s vetting was $490 and the transport cost from to get him here (he was 4 hours away) was a very good price but it wasn’t inexpensive.
I know Christmas is upon us and pockets are empty but please know that any amount of a donation helps. One of our volunteers told me a few minutes ago that she collected all of her lose change and it came to almost $40 – she is donating it to help Solace. If many people do this it will all add up. If you’d like to call a credit into the vet’s office the number is 352-237-6151 and, again, no amount is too small.
We are still nursing Hollie, Nevada, Sachet (she is better), and Noelle back to health. They were all in bad shape too but they are slowly recovering. I don’t know why these 5 horses came to us but I’m glad they did. But again, we need your help. Tax deductible donations can be made via PayPal to bhfer@earthlink.net or via our “Donate” page at https://bhfer.org/donate.
His body has withered away to bones and I hate to think of his past and the stories he could tell of what he has lived through. His love for life, and will to live, must be strong for him to have survived and find his way to us. Most others would euthanize him. But I see a flicker of light in his beautiful eyes. Somehow, I think he realizes that his life is beginning again, with people that will love him unconditionally and properly care for him. Will he recover? We choose to believe he will. Please keep Solace in your prayers.
Today is our Christmas gathering with our wonderful volunteers. They will get to meet Solace as well as Hollie, Noelle, Nevada, and Sachet. God bless and I’ll update more when I can. Thank you all for your support.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://bhfer.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Aged PMU Percheron mare needs a home….
I am still trying to find a home for this mare – please spread the word. She needs medical attention (an issue with her ears) and is living on vacant land. The thought of her just being there – no hay or grain – is very upsetting.
This mare still needs a safe place to go. Her owner moved to another state and the boarding facility where the mare is (Avon Park, FL) wants her gone by the end of December. She is a 25 year old PMU mare. Please share this out and help to find her a home. The owner says the mare is UTD on shots and coggins.
If anyone can help please contact me ASAP.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Solace Update – He’s Still Weak
December 22nd and 23rd, 2012
Solace didn’t have as much snots today. At times he is somewhat perky and alert but he does tire easily. His immune system is very weak. He has a long way to go but his attitude is positive which says a lot for a horse in his condition – he’s already defied the odds. His positive attitude will help a lot in his recovery. When a body is starved it will take protein from its vital tissues, including the heart and GI tract. I am still being asked if he will make it. And my answer is still – only time will tell.
Solace yesterday morning. It was COLD! He had is blanket and I found a fleece that kept his tummy warm too. It was a little big on him but he didn’t mind.
Getting his meds – he’s always good for this. This morning getting ready to go outside – he looks forward to getting out of the stall.
And the day warmed up – it was actually perfect! We cancelled Solace’s dental appointment for today – he needs to get better first.
But when you find a horse in his condition that greets you in the morning looking like this it sure makes you feel good and it gives hope.
Solace needs a miracle – but miracles do happen and I believe!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Solace – A Little Setback
December 21st, 2012
I called Dr. Ryan back out to examine Solace again today and to do another CBC. Solace’s snotty nose was worse this am and he did cough now and then. He has not had a temperature and his appetite has been great. He’s drinking ok and his diarrhea cleared up. He is more animated each day. But something wasn’t right. Dr. Ryan scoped him and learned that mucus was not coming from the guttural pouches. But he did find that Solace’s trachea is surrounded by mucus – a lot of it. An ultrasound was also done which revealed mucus on the lungs but, thankfully, no abscesses were indicated. Dr. Ryan advised that Solace has chronic pneumonia. Based on his symptoms and the ultrasound findings this isn’t a recent illness – he’s been sick for some time.
An IV catheter was placed so we can administer medications – Solace has been started on antibiotics. He was a good boy – he just stood and let Dr. Ryan do what needed to be done – he was so good that Dr. Ryan gave him a couple of peppermints.
Dr. Ryan said that for a horse that is a 0.5 on the Henneke scale to be standing and doing as well as Solace is, not considering the pneumonia issue, is more than amazing. Solace has a lot of will – there is no question about that. For the rest of his story – which makes me believe even more that there is a reason he found his way to us – he reportedly came from a farm that slaughters horses and illegally sells horsemeat. How would a horse in this shape get in that predicament? One example… there are a lot of free horses on Craigslist. I get calls from people asking for help placing more than one horse quite a bit – just today I was asked to help a family that has 4 horses that they can no longer keep. So let’s say the owner puts them on Craigslist for free – a kill buyer may contact the person running the ad and offer to take the horses – he just happened to be looking for a horse for each of his family members. Well, when he gets there to pick up the horses, 1 out of 3 of the horses may be in bad shape, but he will take the thin one anyway just to get the other two that are of good weight. And the thin and sickly ones, like Solace, that have no fat or muscle – they are not desired by kill buyers so they get dumped. And horses are often found wandering – just like Ambrosia. It’s sad and sickening – but it is reality.
Solace is tucked into a stall with some heat lamps and a warm blanket. He adores his mash. And we adore him. His recovery is going to take awhile. More tests may be needed but at this time Dr. Ryan didn’t want to stress Solaces’ body anymore than it already is. We’ll give him some time on the antibiotics – time for him to get stronger. Thank you for caring about him – please keep him in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://bhfer.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Aged PMU Percheron mare needs a home….
This mare still needs a safe place to go. Her owner moved to another state and the boarding facility where the mare is (Avon Park, FL) wants her gone by the end of December. She is a 25 year old PMU mare. Please share this out and help to find her a home. The owner says the mare is UTD on shots and coggins.
Contact the owner via this link: http://orlando.craigslist.org/grd/3448325324.html
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Solace – Something Isn’t Right
December 20th, 2012
Why can’t the weather be more cooperative? Near 80 today and now it looks like it is going to pour but it’s not supposed to for another couple of hours. Temps going to a “feels like” of about 38 degrees tonight. Dr. Ryan is going to come tomorrow – Solace still has a runny nose and I’ve heard him cough a few times today. But no temperature and he’s eating and drinking. His poop actually looks about normal.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://bhfer.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Solace This Morning…
December 19th, 2012
Dr. Bess was running late last evening so we rescheduled Solace’s dental evaluation for Sunday which was probably a good thing – Solace was a bit tired yesterday. It was a cold night and he was at the gate asking for his warm mash this morning. So, here goes another day…
I’ll update this afternoon. Please keep the prayers coming for Solace – I believe in miracles! Have a blessed day everyone!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Solace Update Tuesday AM
December 18th, 2012
Dr. Bess is coming late today to look at Solace’s mouth – it’s a train wreck in there. His temp is a little low this morning and he has a snotty nose.
Solace in his little sheet. The weather is nuts here but it’s supposed to feel like 40 degrees here tonight. The winds on our property are horrible in the cold season but a blessing in the hot months.
Dr. Ryan will also be coming today. I will update more later.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Solace – He’s Totally Exhausted
December 17th, 2012
Solace is in incredibly wonderful and forgiving horse. Today, for the first time since he arrived, he finally laid down for a bit – I was glad because he looked totally exhausted. He did get somewhat of a much needed bath. His legs and backside got washed – it was too windy to give him a whole bath. He is passing oil and his poops are not quite as loose. He still has a bit of a nasal discharge. Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to listen to his lungs again. When Dr. Tanya was here yesterday his gut sounds prevented her from assessing his lungs very well.
I’m sorry my update is so short tonight but it’s very busy here. Yesterday afternoon we had a wonderful get together with many of the volunteers which Bob and I enjoyed very much. And today is pretty much over and I still have much more to get done. If you have emailed or PM’d me and I haven’t responded, I apologize. All messages are important to me – I just have not had much needed time in the office.
Thank you to everyone that has helped Solace. It’s nothing short of a miracle that he is even able to walk. Some have asked me if I think he will make it and I’m reluctant to answer a question such as that. Sadly, we’ve been down this road enough to know that things can change quickly and there may be some issues that have not been discovered yet. It’s something that only time will tell but we will do everything we can to give him everything he needs to improve. Please continue to keep him in your prayers – we need a miracle. Believe…
Greg Ambrose has added two new pictures to the Beauty’s Haven gallery that are available for purchase (which the rescue directly benefits from) that can be seen at: http://gra.photoshelter.com/gallery/Beautys-Haven/G0000_f.QHAPkboQ/C0000aComXSozr6I. Please take a minute to look at them by clicking on the link – the photo that so many loved with Hollie and Starbuck is there too! One of the new ones is of the Christmas Trio – it would make a beautiful Christmas card and there is a new one there of Solace also!
Sincerely,
Theresa Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Solace – He Has Found It Here
December 16th, 2012
This horse was found wandering down a road in south Florida, very close to death. He reportedly walked away from an illegal backyard slaughter operation. He obviously has no meat on his bones that would bring money. When starved, a body feeds off its fat, then muscle, then its organs which is where this horse is. By the grace of God, and the help of a few, he found his way to us in the wee hours this morning. Here, he has found solace just as Hollie and the Christmas Trio (Nevada, Sachet, and Noelle) have. I don’t know why the name “Solace” came to me the first time that I touched him, but it did, and so it is. Maybe the events of this past week – I’m sure many of us are seeking solace – I hope we all find it too.
There are pictures below that some may consider graphic. If you don’t want to see them then please don’t scroll down. But I choose to share what these horses go through and what we do to help them – the good, the bad, the ugly. It’s a roller coaster ride and you are all invited to ride with us. You can follow his progress and see how your donations are used. He looks like he just walked out of a concentration camp.
Dr. Tanya scored Solace a 0.5 on the Henneke Body Condition Score scale. Horses that get down to a 1 don’t usually survive. This says something about his will to survive. His stool is full of sand and he has little energy. He was very cooperative with when he was oiled. Dr. Tanya thinks he is still a stud but he is so thin she really couldn’t say for sure. His rehab will take some time – it must go slow and steady. Too much, too soon, could kill him. He needs a miracle and hopefully, it will come.
At some point in his life Solace sustained blunt trauma to his mouth – his top front teeth are on a pretty bad angle and there is a scar in the gum line. Dr. Tanya couldn’t tell how old he is but he is aged. His teeth are just so messed up – we will have the dentist out soon.
His temperature was low normal. Blood tests are being done and a stool sample was taken.
When Solace poops, it flows in the hollow under his anus which is chaffed and irritated (this can cause infection) and then it runs down his legs. We hope to give him a warm bath very soon.
He got fluids (including vitamins) via IV. He was a perfect patient and seems content being here. I think he knows we care. 🙂
As much as I don’t like asking for it – we need help. Today’s vetting was $490 and the transport cost from to get him here (he was 4 hours away) was a very good price but it wasn’t inexpensive.
I know Christmas is upon us and pockets are empty but please know that any amount of a donation helps. One of our volunteers told me a few minutes ago that she collected all of her lose change and it came to almost $40 – she is donating it to help Solace. If many people do this it will all add up. If you’d like to call a credit into the vet’s office the number is 352-237-6151 and, again, no amount is too small.
We are still nursing Hollie, Nevada, Sachet (she is better), and Noelle back to health. They were all in bad shape too but they are slowly recovering. I don’t know why these 5 horses came to us but I’m glad they did. But again, we need your help. Tax deductible donations can be made via PayPal to bhfer@earthlink.net or via our “Donate” page at https://bhfer.org/donate.
His body has withered away to bones and I hate to think of his past and the stories he could tell of what he has lived through. His love for life, and will to live, must be strong for him to have survived and find his way to us. Most others would euthanize him. But I see a flicker of light in his beautiful eyes. Somehow, I think he realizes that his life is beginning again, with people that will love him unconditionally and properly care for him. Will he recover? We choose to believe he will. Please keep Solace in your prayers.
Today is our Christmas gathering with our wonderful volunteers. They will get to meet Solace as well as Hollie, Noelle, Nevada, and Sachet. God bless and I’ll update more when I can. Thank you all for your support.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://bhfer.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb
Sachet update
Sachet had been up and down today and running a fever. She just looked like she felt bad – she is in the worst shape of the trio. Dr. Cadena came out to examine her (Dr. Ryan is out of town) and more blood work was done. She was oiled. She is fighting some sort of infection and has been started on antibiotics. All three of the trio are getting antibiotics as their blood work came back with pretty close numbers. Sachet is also being treated for ulcers.
We’ll be keeping check on her – on all of them. The stress on their bodies was great and rehab is going to take time. We have to be patient and take it slow – there are still things that could go wrong. Sometimes the effects of starvation on organs aren’t known until well into what you believe to be a good recovery period. Yesterday was a bad day for Nevada – he had issues with his back left leg. I’m not sure what happened but today he is better. I watch them like a hawk – sometimes probably too much. Please keep all of them in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb