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.
What a Wonderful Day!
What a wonderful day – even with a little rain. We enjoyed a great ride followed by a delicious lunch, along with plenty of raffles and many happy winners throughout the day. This is truly one of my favorite days of the year. I cherish the opportunity to ride, spend time with friends, and meet new ones. It means a great deal to me.
I am incredibly grateful to Kathy Scarallo and her team for organizing such a wonderful event, and a special thank you to Jenny and Diane for the fantastic job they did with the food. We are also very thankful to everyone who sponsored raffle prizes and other items.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to Kathy Edgell for helping Bob manage the farm on Saturday morning, together with Hailey’s assistance. We are so fortunate to have such amazing volunteers, and we simply could not do what we do without them.
Many thanks to Jessica Schabert for working with Tobias at her place for a few days in order to prepare him for the ride, and for hauling Tobias, Walker, and me, to the event. Tobias did wonderfully and he will, one day, make someone a truly fantastic horse. I rode Walker and I’m so incredibly proud of him as this was his first time off the farm, and he handled it beautifully.
Thank you, as well, to Lynn Lawrence for arranging this event once again this year, and many thanks to everyone who participated. All in all, it was a truly blessed day.
Annual Trail Ride for the Horses
Our Annual Trail Ride for the Horses will take place on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at Goethe State Forest-Tidewater Trail. This annual trail ride always proves to be a great way in which to have fun & meet new people (and horses) while supporting the horses here at the rescue!
*Please click on the image above to register.*
Addi and Mo
Addi has been having trouble adjusting to a new baby camel and baby ostrich that moved in next-door causing her great anxiety. She started having open sores down the left side of her face and around her eye which appeared to be the result of rubbing against something. Also, as she is allergic to flies and no-see-ums, she must wear a flymask 24/7. Rubbing with the flymask on does worsen the sores, but we simply cannot leave off her mask. We moved Addi to a different paddock last week, but, as of Sunday, she still had very bad rub marks over and under her left eye. I stained her eye and was happy to see that it did not appear to be ulcerated but out of an abundance of caution, we had Dr. Julia out on Monday to check Addi’s eye.
Dr. Julia stained Addi’s eye once again and confirmed that no ulcer was present and nothing was stuck beneath her eyelids. Addi has therefore, been placed on both a calming supplement and Coat Defense. We also ordered a special mask to protect her eye from further injury should she continue to rub it. As of yesterday, the calming supplement seems to be greatly helping her anxiety while Coat Defense is clearing up her sores nicely. Addi is such a magnificent horse who truly appreciates human attention and everything that is done for her. And as always, she was a perfect, well-behaved patient!
I also asked Dr. Julia to check Mo’s neck as I had recently discovered a large knot which I believed to be the result of ant bites. Mo experienced no difficulty swallowing and did not have a temperature. But, at this time last year, we had a very long dry spell resulting in an outbreak of pigeon fever which brought back terrible memories, as three of our horses, including Mo, were affected. Thus far, this year, while the weather has been just as dry, I’m happy to report that Dr. Julia agreed that Mo merely has ant bites and is doing just fine!
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to our most recent Hay Fundraiser which was a complete success!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
Cowboy Takes the Lead
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!
She’s so SASSY!
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.
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!
Valentine’s Day is Almost Here!
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.
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.
Thank you and please keep Beau in your prayers.
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.
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!
A Very Proud Cowboy
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!
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.