May 3rd
Serenity is on her way home to Phil Yarbrough. I didn’t say goodbye. I’ll see her again and Phil will share her with us with updates and photos. She will be meeting my goddaughter, Mercedes, today at her new home.
Serenity is home!!! Thank you Phil!
From Phil: Here ya go Theresa. This is what we hoped for!
Our hearts have been heavy today. God has called home a very dear friend. Bill Newton was a wonderful man with a heart bigger than Texas! Bill and his wife, Blodwyn, have been married for 66 years – I know his family will miss him (we all will) and their life will never be the same. But just think of all of the wonderful memories they made! Memories are more valuable than any amount of gold and nobody can take them away, ever. We were very blessed to have been able to spend some time with him and Blodwyn on Friday. Blodwyn has been a volunteer here for many years.
Seven years ago today, on May 3rd, 2008, the very day that Eight Belles lost her life while running in the Kentucky Derby, a special Thoroughbred filly was born near the rescue. Eight Belles gave the race her all and crossed the finish line in 2nd place. But sadly, in doing so, both of her front ankles broke and she was euthanized where she went down. In honor of Eight Belles, we named the newborn baby Aaleyah (means greatest gift from God) Belle (IMO Eight Belles). Below is a photo of Bill singing Happy Birthday to Aaleyah in celebration of her first birthday. Happy Birthday, Aaleyah!
Bill was retired from the Army – he loved this country and proudly served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He fought for our freedom and always stood for what is right – he is a hero.
I’ll never forget Bill’s bear hugs and the “You got this, kid!” We love you Bill, always. And Blodwyn, we love you and we will always be here for you – you’re family! This is Aaleyah Belle greeting Bill and Blodwyn with her slimy hello!
May 4th
Peaches getting some grazing time before her surgery this afternoon.
May 6th
Good morning!
Barn Divas! Beauty is improving ever so slowly but every little bit is a good thing. Betsy Rose is doing great.
Daisy, JoJo, and Jazzy always share their hay. We try to keep them out of the sun.
Everyone loves Matilda! I’m so proud of her and her recovery!
When she arrived here you could put you hand between each rib. She was skin on bones. There’s no excuse for any animal to be denied proper care. She’s a survivor that will never be neglected again.
Love, love, love these hay nets! They save time and money! No wasted hay. Fill in the am and the horses are good until night time. Easy to carry and durable – they’re the best! The donkeys certainly endorse them!
Peaches is coming home today!
Peaches arrived back at the rescue. She will be on stall rest for 30 days which she’s not very happy about. I’ll give more details later – it’s been non-stop here. And today we have to somehow modify her stall to allow her to look out the window. She’s all closed in so that she doesn’t rub her trach area on anything and open the stitches. We’re extremely short on volunteers. Thank you to everyone that helped Peaches – we truly appreciate it.
“Jazzy look at MY sand pile! I’ll share it with you if you take my mask and sun blanket off!”
That morning we received a call from a nearby farm advising us that a mare and her newborn baby were going to be shot because the baby had a wry nose. When we went to pick them up we found a sand lot with no shade or cover and a mare with a baby by her side. It was obvious the mare had given baby any and all nutrition she’d been able to get while carrying her – she was deathly thin. The baby could not latch on to mom to nurse because of her wry nose. A few more hours and the baby wouldn’t have survived. Once at the rescue they settled into the birthing stall and we milked mom and bottle fed the baby while waiting for the vet to arrive. We were very concerned that the baby hadn’t gotten the colostrum she very much needed from her mom. Blood tests were done on both of them during their exams and we learned that the baby’s IGG level was only 17 and it should have been at least 1000! The vet had to run plasma and he was amazed that the baby survived!
Aaleyah Belle continued to drink from a bottle and grew stronger. A few days after Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle arrived, another orphaned filly arrived. She was named Buttercup. Buttercup and Aaleyah Belle quickly grew close – as sisters. The girls both drank from milk bottles that we hung in the birthing stall. Momma Sue watched over them, always. After some rehab, which included some ups and downs, surgery was performed at UF to correct Aaleyah’s wry nose. At the hospital she became ill and it was quite a roller coaster ride but Aaleyah never gave up! It was a wonderful day when they came home and were reunited with Buttercup. A few weeks later, we picked up another orphan filly from the same place Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle came from. We named her Silver Belle – she had been impaled on something and had a hole clear to the bone at her chest and injuries to her knee. So, Momma Sue then had 3 baby girls to watch over and love! This was the beginning a story that will melt your heart. Momma Sue and her girls – they taught us so many lessons about life. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
Aaleyah overcame so many obstacles – it’s a miracle she survived! I admit, it took a lot of care and a great care team to get her through but it was worth it! Her motto is “Never give up!” I find it quite sad that many people do give up on babies like Aaleyah and lives are lost. There are quite a few babies born with wry nose but many people don’t know about them because the majority of them are euthanized after birth. We share Aaleyah’s story to let people need to know about the condition exists and, in most cases, it can be surgically corrected and the horse can live pretty much a normal life. Aaleyah Belle’s nose isn’t perfect but it’s beautiful and so is her heart – just like her momma’s. Here is a link to their Diary where you can read more about their story and see pictures: http://bit.ly/1c7sRNs. There are 3 parts to it – you’ll see the links.
Happy belated birthday Aaleyah Belle – we love you!
Baby Girl made is back home to Valerie. Thank you Double B Equine Transport, L.L.C. for always taking such good care of our horses!
May 7th
Peaches is doing better. Katie hand grazed her a few times today and each time she was more animated. She can breathe so much better!
Silver Belle, Cisco, Donks, Peaches & More!
May 14th – 21st, 2015
May 14h
What do these two now have in common? Permanent tracheotomies!
May 16th
Good morning everyone! Daisy’s full of smiles today! It’s going to be another very busy and hot day here. Before it got too busy we wanted to wish everyone a great day!
My escorts this morning. Duke beside me in the golf cart seat, Jazzy leads, JoJo stays right beside me. LOL Have a great day everyone!
Remember Silver Belle? She was also raised by Momma Sue, Aaleyah Belles mom. She’s loved. This is what helps to motivate us to keep going – happy horses, happy humans!
May 17th
I wish I could end the day with some good news but I can’t. In fact, I’d like to ask for prayers for one of our horses and his adoptive parents. Some of you may remember Cisco – an older Haflinger pony cross that came to us in 2012 from a home where the owner was a meth user. I got a call from his adoptive humans this evening – he was colicing – thought to be a twist. I haven’t heard back from anyone yet but I hope and pray he’s working through it. He’d been given fluids, etc. Cisco is a lovely soul – he keeps watch over Tia and Tess – two donkeys that were also adopted from us.
Update – we lost Cisco to colic which is a dreadful thing. Thank you Tony and Michelle for giving him a wonderful home and the love and care he deserved. Rest in peace Cisco – we love you, always.
May 18th
JoJo’s ears are still growing!
May 20th
Betsy Rose on her evening walk about.
I’d say Serenity really hit the Jackpot! Thank you Phil for giving her a wonderful forever home!
Radar ears waiting for me at the bottom of the office stairs! JoJo is a hoot!
If only all of the property could be so green. This is Frosty’s Knoll – a very special place.
The trio of donks is never very far away. Of course, JoJo is always first followed by Jazzy and then Daisy.
Cookie is doing well. She got a hooficure this past weekend from Laura Ritonia-Castaños. And one of Cookie’s best friends, Kim Furse, held for Laura. We truly appreciate them!
Well, our snowbirds are gone until the fall. We’re going to miss you Suzanne, LouAnn, and Ginny!
LouAnn having fun with Lily.
Ginny and Fancy
May 21st
Donovan is a huge teddy bear. Such a kind horse. And big. Really big.
Black Prong Obstacle Challenge Fundraiser & More! May 9th ~ May 13th Update
May 9th
Obstacle Challenge 2015 here we are! Cheri McDermott and her team have been working hard on planning making this fundraiser a success and they sure did a great job! It raised $2500 in funds to help the horses!
Black Prong Obstacle Challenge 2015! It’s great!!! Having a blast!
It was really nice to get off the farm for awhile.
Great place! Black Prong! Waylon seemed to truly enjoy it too!
Fancy and Katie had a blast.
is Eva walking around with Waylon so he could graze.
Kylie and Fancy having fun.
Many thanks to Cheri for making this happen and to everyone that helped her pull it all together to make it a success! I’m sure it was a lot of work and it’s greatly appreciated! And many thanks to Black Prong Equestrian Center for letting the Challenge to be held there! It’s a great place!
There was a silent auction and prizes too!
Seems to me I remember Peaches doing the same thing in the same spot when Katie went through this course a few years ago. We miss Princess terribly!
May 10th
Happy birthday Katherine!
May 11th
The storm that came out of nowhere left us with a little pond. It poured buckets in a very short time. We need the rain but not at erosion speeds.
The three amigos all looking to get into something. Gotta love them! They are hilarious!
May 12th
Lake Beauty’s Haven.
Always good to see Betsy Rose enjoying just being a horse!
Peaches is doing very well. Three more weeks of stall rest.
Magic visiting with Blodwyn. He was so happy to see her. And to get scratches!
Look who arrived back at the rescue today! Peaches felt bad – she wanted to come home from the hospital so badly she forgot to bring them home. No worries – they are back and we appreciate the kind folks at the UF Large Animal Hospital for sending them home!
May 13th
Love this girl to pieces! So proud of our kids! Katie is training someone in one of the labs today at UF.
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Aaleyah Belle, Peaches & More: May 3rd ~ May 7th 2015 Update
May 3rd
Serenity is on her way home to Phil Yarbrough. I didn’t say goodbye. I’ll see her again and Phil will share her with us with updates and photos. She will be meeting my goddaughter, Mercedes, today at her new home.
Serenity is home!!! Thank you Phil!
From Phil: Here ya go Theresa. This is what we hoped for!
Our hearts have been heavy today. God has called home a very dear friend. Bill Newton was a wonderful man with a heart bigger than Texas! Bill and his wife, Blodwyn, have been married for 66 years – I know his family will miss him (we all will) and their life will never be the same. But just think of all of the wonderful memories they made! Memories are more valuable than any amount of gold and nobody can take them away, ever. We were very blessed to have been able to spend some time with him and Blodwyn on Friday. Blodwyn has been a volunteer here for many years.
Seven years ago today, on May 3rd, 2008, the very day that Eight Belles lost her life while running in the Kentucky Derby, a special Thoroughbred filly was born near the rescue. Eight Belles gave the race her all and crossed the finish line in 2nd place. But sadly, in doing so, both of her front ankles broke and she was euthanized where she went down. In honor of Eight Belles, we named the newborn baby Aaleyah (means greatest gift from God) Belle (IMO Eight Belles). Below is a photo of Bill singing Happy Birthday to Aaleyah in celebration of her first birthday. Happy Birthday, Aaleyah!
Bill was retired from the Army – he loved this country and proudly served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He fought for our freedom and always stood for what is right – he is a hero.
I’ll never forget Bill’s bear hugs and the “You got this, kid!” We love you Bill, always. And Blodwyn, we love you and we will always be here for you – you’re family! This is Aaleyah Belle greeting Bill and Blodwyn with her slimy hello!
May 4th
Peaches getting some grazing time before her surgery this afternoon.
May 6th
Good morning!
Barn Divas! Beauty is improving ever so slowly but every little bit is a good thing. Betsy Rose is doing great.
Daisy, JoJo, and Jazzy always share their hay. We try to keep them out of the sun.
Everyone loves Matilda! I’m so proud of her and her recovery!
When she arrived here you could put you hand between each rib. She was skin on bones. There’s no excuse for any animal to be denied proper care. She’s a survivor that will never be neglected again.
Love, love, love these hay nets! They save time and money! No wasted hay. Fill in the am and the horses are good until night time. Easy to carry and durable – they’re the best! The donkeys certainly endorse them!
Peaches is coming home today!
Peaches arrived back at the rescue. She will be on stall rest for 30 days which she’s not very happy about. I’ll give more details later – it’s been non-stop here. And today we have to somehow modify her stall to allow her to look out the window. She’s all closed in so that she doesn’t rub her trach area on anything and open the stitches. We’re extremely short on volunteers. Thank you to everyone that helped Peaches – we truly appreciate it.
“Jazzy look at MY sand pile! I’ll share it with you if you take my mask and sun blanket off!”
That morning we received a call from a nearby farm advising us that a mare and her newborn baby were going to be shot because the baby had a wry nose. When we went to pick them up we found a sand lot with no shade or cover and a mare with a baby by her side. It was obvious the mare had given baby any and all nutrition she’d been able to get while carrying her – she was deathly thin. The baby could not latch on to mom to nurse because of her wry nose. A few more hours and the baby wouldn’t have survived. Once at the rescue they settled into the birthing stall and we milked mom and bottle fed the baby while waiting for the vet to arrive. We were very concerned that the baby hadn’t gotten the colostrum she very much needed from her mom. Blood tests were done on both of them during their exams and we learned that the baby’s IGG level was only 17 and it should have been at least 1000! The vet had to run plasma and he was amazed that the baby survived!
Aaleyah Belle continued to drink from a bottle and grew stronger. A few days after Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle arrived, another orphaned filly arrived. She was named Buttercup. Buttercup and Aaleyah Belle quickly grew close – as sisters. The girls both drank from milk bottles that we hung in the birthing stall. Momma Sue watched over them, always. After some rehab, which included some ups and downs, surgery was performed at UF to correct Aaleyah’s wry nose. At the hospital she became ill and it was quite a roller coaster ride but Aaleyah never gave up! It was a wonderful day when they came home and were reunited with Buttercup. A few weeks later, we picked up another orphan filly from the same place Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle came from. We named her Silver Belle – she had been impaled on something and had a hole clear to the bone at her chest and injuries to her knee. So, Momma Sue then had 3 baby girls to watch over and love! This was the beginning a story that will melt your heart. Momma Sue and her girls – they taught us so many lessons about life. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
Aaleyah overcame so many obstacles – it’s a miracle she survived! I admit, it took a lot of care and a great care team to get her through but it was worth it! Her motto is “Never give up!” I find it quite sad that many people do give up on babies like Aaleyah and lives are lost. There are quite a few babies born with wry nose but many people don’t know about them because the majority of them are euthanized after birth. We share Aaleyah’s story to let people need to know about the condition exists and, in most cases, it can be surgically corrected and the horse can live pretty much a normal life. Aaleyah Belle’s nose isn’t perfect but it’s beautiful and so is her heart – just like her momma’s. Here is a link to their Diary where you can read more about their story and see pictures: http://bit.ly/1c7sRNs. There are 3 parts to it – you’ll see the links.
Happy belated birthday Aaleyah Belle – we love you!
Baby Girl made is back home to Valerie. Thank you Double B Equine Transport, L.L.C. for always taking such good care of our horses!
May 7th
Peaches is doing better. Katie hand grazed her a few times today and each time she was more animated. She can breathe so much better!
Peaches at UF – Update June 29th, 2015
We are scheduled to leave the rescue at 8 am to take Peaches to the hospital.
And so the work up begins. Peaches is so sweet.
Neurological tests. Peaches cooperates so well.
More neuro tests at UF.
Blindfolded tests. Need covered arena like this so bad at the rescue!
Peaches getting scoped at UF.
Peaches was pretty stressed when we got to the hospital. Katie came to help her relax. It worked.
Peaches back from x-rays.
Celebration of Life 2015 – April 25th, 2015
Our #ASPCA Help a Horse Day / 6th Annual Celebration of Life was AMAZING as well as a huge success! First, I want to give many thanks and much love to my family. They presented me with beautiful flowers and very kind words at the event – totally unexpected, thoughtful, and lovely. They have supported my passion for helping horses and I am so very blessed. Bob and I have two wonderful adult kids that make us very proud. Joshua, Katie, and Bob – I love you all to the moon and back!
Robin and Sylvie did a great job at the registration table!
We got to visit with old friends and make new ones!
The band, food, presenters, volunteers – everyone did a great job! We had a great turnout and I feel confident that many people left with more knowledge about horse care and cancer and that makes me very happy! The presentations by Dr. Porter, Dr. Mangan, and Dr. Simonson were very informative and much appreciated.
Waylon was rescued in honor of #ASPCA #helpahorse Day!
Volunteers helped make our #ASPCA #helpahorse Day a success – couldn’t do it without them!
Volunteers are so very much a part of making this rescue a success!
The band was absolutely amazing – I think the horses loved the tunes too! Thank you Jean for bringing the the “West Melbourne Municipal Garage Band”!
The food was great! Many thanks to the chefs and everyone that helped out!
Yummy deserts!
Misty, Dave, Eva, and others did a great job with our silent auction table and tack table. Many thanks to them and everyone that donated and/or bid on/won!
Everyone loved the mini’s!
Peggy Sue got her name from her back leg issue. Humans pulled her baby out some years ago and fractured her pelvis in 3 areas. It healed wrong and now she can’t bend her leg. We must put her in a sling to do her hooficures.
Lucy with Tess and Finn!
Bouie flirts with all the girls.
Lucy made an appearance to show everyone what a tracheotomy looks like on a horse. She needed a permanent trach a couple of years ago because her airway was obstructed – she has “Big Head Disease”. Horses with a trach can’t whinny nor can they go swimming. But they pretty much live a normal life. We just wipe the trach area daily (being careful not to get anything in the hole).
Daisy, JoJo, and Jazzy! The boys were adorable – they were excited about making new friends!
Little Lily hoping for a photo op.
Dr. Michael Porter (PHD Veterinary Services – http://phdveterinaryservices.com/projects/phd/) was the first speaker. He drove his mobile unit to Celebration which has lots of high tech equipment on it! Some of you may remember that Peaches was scoped a few weeks ago and put on medications. She got better and all was good. Then, she started to cough again and her breathing became a bit labored. We were going to schedule her to be scoped again but when Dr. Porter and I were discussing his presentation, he asked if we had a horse that needed scoped – well, yes! Unfortunately, what he found was not good but it could be worse. And, it was a double whammy but he may have solved a years old mystery of why Peaches often trips.
One of the issues is Arytenoid Chondritis – a disease of the upper airway that limits the amount of air Peaches breathes. She likely needs a permanent tracheotomy, like Classy and Lucy have. Follow this link to Dr. Porters’s blog to learn more about this condition and see photos. http://bit.ly/1b7HzTc. The second issue that Dr. Porter discovered is that Peaches has evidence of a condition termed THO (Temporohyoid Osteoarthropathy). If this is the case it would explain some things. Here is a link to information on this. http://bit.ly/1PNORv1
Dr. Porter referred Peaches to the University of Florida. She is only 15 years old and one of the sweetest little mares you could ever meet. Peaches used to be a games pony before she came to us and if she did not perform perfectly she’d get bopped hard between the ears. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank you Dr. Porter!
We have lots more info and many photos to share from our special, so, stay tuned for more posts – we’ll get to Dr. Mangan’s presentation which was also very informative! Dr. Mangan is a board certified ophthalmologist with Affiliated Veterinary Services (http://www.affiliated-pet.com/news/affiliated-veterinary-specialists/) that has been treating Daisy. He is also the vet that did Cookie’s surgery which was a big success! http://on.fb.me/1b7Pj7X. The third speaker was Dr. Julia Simonson (Holistic and Integrative Medicine – http://juliasimonsondvm.com/) and her presentation was also very informative. We’ll be posting more in this too.
Updates
We apologize that our updates have not been making it to the blog. We will be posting several from the last few weeks so stay tuned!
So Much to Share and Lots Coming Up!
April 16th – 20th, 2015
April 16th
Sisco, Athena, and Serenity. A cute little herd. But Serenity will be going home soon. She’s has a new human family! Phil Yarborough has opened his heart and home to this very special girl!
April 17th
Willow was introduced to Peaches yesterday. It’s the first time Willow has had an equine friend in 8 years!
April 18th
Eva adjusting JoJo’s attire.
“Ok mommy Theresa the coast is clear!” JoJo – some things will never change!
Matilda cooling off in the sprinkler.
In June 2010 the owner of a TB foal decided he didn’t want the baby – the foal had a large hernia and leg injury.
We brought him to the rescue. He was simply stunning – I named him Armani.
Even as a baby, he has always been a big boy. It turned out that he is a great-great grandson of Secretariat!
We had his hernia repaired and he grew strong. Armani was adopted by Kateri and Dean in Colorado where he is a happy boy that is still growing! Kate Chenery and LeeAnn Ladin (co-wrote Secretariat’s Meadow” visiting with him in August 2011.
This photo of Armani was taken a few days ago. Thank you Kateri and Dean for taking such good care of Armani! Another happy story….
April 19th Breakfast!!!
Happy mini’s! CaryLou, Daisy, Jazzy.
The officer team of the DeLand SR FFA spent the day here and it was simply awesome! Not everyone could make it here on April 25th to our ASPCA Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue’s Help a Horse Day & Celebration of Life 2015 so we had our get together today. We had lots of fun and so much got done – it was great! I’ve lots of photos to share tomorrow but for now we’re calling it a day! Thanks Jenna! You and your team did a great job!
Beautiful view from the front porch!
The STRIDE Dressage Poker Run to benefit Beauty’s Haven is Saturday in Ocala!
As is our Celebration of Life!
Don’t forget to register for the Beauty’s Haven Obstacle Challenge 2015 SOON! We always have a blast! We are looking for volunteers, sponsors, and participants! Let’s all get together and have a great time – we all deserve a break for a day!
#ASPCA Help a Horse Day Community Come Together! April 11 – 12 2015 Update
We had a wonderful day on Saturday with approximately, thirty visitors. Wanda and many members of her wonderful 4H group spent the day giving baths, clipping, and even helping with other chores. It’s always a fun and productive day when they come and we appreciate them so very much! Wanda’s challenge was JoJo! He was a good boy, considering he is JoJo! He doesn’t like to stand still for very long and it was his first (and likely only) body clip. His baby hair was just so thick and that first clip always requires extra assistance! Jazzy will get clipped as well but Daisy’s coat is just fine.
Rosemary, Vicki, Terri, and Lorilie did a great job clipping many of the horses! This has become an annual event for them that is very much appreciated! That’s Ola in the background giving Little E a hooficure – it was spa day for him!
Little E wasn’t too happy about waiting on line to get clipped. Look at that face!
But once the clipping began Little E was quite happy! He’s our eldest here now and is quite precious.
JoJo now gets to sport his flysheet on sunny days! He didn’t throw himself down and have a fit like he did last year. LOL
Bouie always loves extra attention. All the mini’s got a good grooming.
Matilda felt very special with four people clipping her at once! She stood like a pro – she really enjoyed it!
Sophie was a good girl too and enjoyed getting rid of excess hair, I’m sure! She has Cushings. Just look at that cute smile on her face!
Our paddocks have even more wonderful hearts now.
Betsy Rose got lots of attention too. She stayed in the aisle way with Beauty most of the day – thankfully, there was a cool breeze.
Peaches getting lots of attention and a much needed bath.
Wanda and CaryLou have a standing annual date for his body clipping. It took a little longer this year – he’s grown a bit. The faces he made were priceless! Caleb did a great job helping his mom, but we very much missed Martina.
CaryLou’s punk doo always makes me laugh! So, here’s the pretty colors and pattern he hides under his winter coat…
Members of the UF Equestrian Team also spent much of the day helping out. They met all of the horses and some even got slimed by Aaleyah Belle! Many thanks to the team and to Marie, a much appreciated volunteer (who has been with us for a few years) for all of their hard work and their time!
Donovan was a BIG hit – everyone loves him!
Kylie introducing everyone to Matilda. Kylie has been volunteering for a few years now and we appreciate her very much!
Everyone helped out where needed – it was a great day!
Willow is doing well but since she’s learned what her legs can do, she hasn’t stopped moving! We were told she’s an Appendix but I wonder – I could swear I saw her doing a four beat ambling gait on Sunday afternoon showing off for Magic. She is a very beautiful, honest, inquisitive, girl that will give someone her all. We are taking applications on her now but she won’t be ready for a few weeks. I’m sure she was pretty amazed with all of the people here on Saturday. She had her first much needed hooficure .
Beauty stood in the center aisleway of the barn most of the day to oversee all the happenings. She’s still got a ways to go with her front feet but she will get there. She’s the reason Beauty’s Haven came to be.
Lucy after she was clipped. She’s very cute and I’m sure she feels much better.
Lucy has Big Head Disease (Bran Disease). Lucy’s head has actually gone down in size since her arrival in March 2012. She had been rescued by Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary and taken to UF where she was treated for colic. She also had trouble eating and breathing. A total tracheotomy was done, but the vets suggested that she be put down – her liver values were horrible and she couldn’t move her jaw to either eat or drink well. Kari had previously asked another rescue if they could offer assistance and they responded that they could help Lucy – they would bury her 3′ under! Kari then contacted us to see if we could help. I went to the hospital to meet Lucy and felt strongly that her body just needed time – she had lots of light in her eyes, eyes that appeared to be screaming for a chance. She was brought to the rescue the following day. We fed her via IV’s and then, after her little veins collapsed, she was fed orally with Wel-Gel. Over the next few days, she improved. The vets from UF called at the end of the first and second weeks to check on Lucy – fearful that she did not survive and when they learned she was still very much alive, and improving, they were both very happy and relieved to say the least! At Beauty’s Haven, we never give up and we truly believe in miracles as we’ve experienced them firsthand! One can clearly see Lucy’s cheekbones now! When she first arrived at the rescue, her head was huge! She’s an incredibly sweet little mare with such a huge presence – everyone loves Lucy!
Lucy, upon her arrival in March 2012.
Barbara doing her best to keep the little ones from destroying the sod that was put down last weekend.
GO GATORS!!!!
Come to our ASPCA Help a Horse Day event on April 25th and meet Daisy and her awesome care team! Drs. Porter, Mangan, and Simonson will be there! Learn about the way in which to prevent and recognize tumors and what the various diagnostics and treatments are. It could save a life! Please make sure to RSVP!#ASPCA #helpahorse #bhfer #kickingcancer
Easter Weekend Update Word Press
This past weekend was very busy. On Saturday, UF students came out to visit and to do an interview. I always love it when we have an opportunity to share the horses, their stories, and raise awareness about helping horses!
The joy seen on the ladies faces when they put their hands on the horses, was priceless!
Daisy is simply adorable. She LOVES to be loved on. She comes over and literally lays her head across my lap (on those rare occasions when I get to sit down) asking for scratches.
Dr. Mangen was out a few days ago to treat Daisy again – he’s very pleased with what we are seeing. The mass under her right eye is smaller and appears to be sloughing off. We still believe!!!!
Our trio of trouble! They are hilarious – just love them all!
"Shhhh Mommy Theresa! We can’t talk now, ok? We’re playing Hide and Go Seek with CaryLou and we don’t want him to find us behind this tree!"
So we have two diva’s living at the barn now. They’ve come to some sort of mutual understanding which is very good. Beauty senses that Betsy Rose is fragile, I’m sure. Anyone else and she’d pin her ears to warn them away or just simply run them off. Beauty stands in front of Cookie’s stall door a good part of the day and makes faces at Cookie.
What is the first thing the girls do after a bath? That’s Aaleyah Belle standing and Baby Girl rolling.
Can anyone guess whose nose was peeking around at me in the golf cart? It’s a give away! LOL
Two simply stunning horses – Donovan and Athena.
Yesterday was a perfect day for laying sod – it was overcast with a nice breeze. We had a lot of help for this project and it got done in record time! Now, we just need a few more pallets to try to fix erosion issues around the barn and at the smaller paddocks.
Betsy Rose, Freckles, and Vermont Bear checking out their Easter basket! So cute! Betsy Rose is always so thankful for every little thing.
The boys sure enjoyed their Easter Day!
"Jazzy do you think we look like bunny rabbits? We have whiskers, a cotton tail, and long ears! Do you think mommy Theresa is going to make us wear our masks today? I don’t think bunny rabbits wear masks. Maybe we’ll get out of it today! Let’s go try to hop on down the bunny trail! I know we don’t have a bunny trail, but we can make one up as we go along!"
The boys most certainly, loved being bunnies for Easter…..
"Vermont Bear do you think me and Jazzy look like bunny rabbits? I think the bow tie thing on the head looks a little silly. Bunnies don’t wear bow ties, do they?"
JoJo practiced his hopping skills – he hopped up on the porch when Elizabeth and I started to put things away. Oh my gosh these boys don’t realize they are not humans at times!
Daisy seemed to really understand how it important it was to the boys that they look like bunny rabbits for awhile. And they did – by the stretch of our imagination.
I think Daisy enjoyed watching the boys get their wish of being bunnies for a day! She’s like a big sister to them. They all got an Easter basket.
How often can you see the sun and the moon in the same photo? It was beautiful! The moon is off to the right – little white dot in the middle of the sky.
I told Willow she’s coming to the rescue tomorrow! Her response was simply priceless! Her coggins came back and she’s all set. If anyone would like to help with her monthly care costs, donations can be made via various ways through the "Donate" page of our website at bhfer. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.
Today Willow begins a new chapter in her life.
Willow looks much better without her fuzzy coat. I think she’s even gained some weight over the last week. Everything is so new to her. She’s talking up a storm!
Willow will be getting her teeth done on Thursday by Dr. Bess Darrow and her Hooficure later in the week – maybe Saturday.
March 31st – April 5th Update
March 31st
Beauty getting her acupuncture treatment today. She’s no worse. We are still icing her feet.
I said I’d never ride a horse again with an English saddle but I couldn’t resist. I’m an incomplete quadriplegic and can’t feel anything below my neck – I’m just not comfortable in an English saddle. Well, yesterday Kylie had just finished riding Romeo and the saddle was calling me – I couldn’t resist! And I needed a little break – it was wonderful.
We do have someone coming to meet Romeo tomorrow – he’s so sweet. Please pray that she will be the right one for him – he deserves his own home where he’ll get lots of one on one attention!
April 3rd
I should have known when I got to the barn this am and found one of Betsy Rose’s friends floating in her water bucket that the day may not be a normal one. Freckles stayed with her until help arrived.
Amber Cream looks a little silly in this mask – it’s too big for her. But I wanted to show you all how beautiful she is – look at those dapples!
Amber is a Tennessee Walking Horse looking for a forever home. She’s young, smart, and willing.
Beauty gave us quite a scare today when she experienced choke for the very first time in her life. Thankfully, we were able to clear the choke before the vet arrived.
Her choke, coupled with her feet issues, really shook us up here today. I’m waiting for the vet to get back to me upon reading the x-rays but there is more rotation. Please continue to keep Beauty in your prayers.
April 4th
Beauty today. Makes me feel better.
Willow is the mare whose owner recently passed away. This sweet girl is our Easter save and I can’t wait to get her to the rescue – she needs a total makeover, but she’s a diamond in the rough!
We have enough funds to cover her initial vetting, dental, and farrier needs but she needs sponsors to help with her monthly care. You can sign up for a recurring monthly donation through our website, over the phone, etc. Or, snail mail works too! Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.
