Betsy Rose had a pretty big package delivered and it’s almost as big as she is!
”Betsy Rose come and look at a package that came for you!"
"Wait – Mommy Theresa, look! It says there’s an air hole – does that mean there’s something alive in there?? Hurry – let’s open it up!"
"Hello – is there anyone in there? No worries – Mommy Theresa is going to get you out of there, ok?"
"Look – it’s a fuzzy something with ears!"
"HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY BETSY ROSE! I’m your very own "Vermont Teddy Bear" and I’ve come to live with you! Uncle Greg sent me to you as a present! I’m so glad to get out of that box and to be able to stretch! Can you take me for a ride – I’ve always wanted to ride a pony!"
"Mommy Theresa – can he stay? Please? Freckles and the gang are going to love him!"
So Vermont Teddy Bear has joined our family – thank you Uncle Greg (our Webmaster)!
"Dr. Julia – look at my new friend! He wants to go for a ride – can you please help him up?"
"Oh whoopeee! This is kind of fun Betsy Rose! Now let’s goooo!"
"Ok but have you ever been on a horse before?"
"No, but it seems easy enough – let’s goooo!"
"OOOHHHHH NOOOO! I’m so glad you bounce Vermont Teddy Bear! Are you ok? I guess it’s not as easy as it seems. Maybe you should hold on tight to my mane until you get used to keeping your balance."
"Ok, this time I know what to expect. I’ll do better – I promise! No worries – let’s goooo!"
"Here we go – one little step at a time. How you doing up there? You’re pretty light. Someone said that I was too old for anything and needed to be put down before I came to Beauty’s Haven. My needs were neglected and I got to be so weak, I couldn’t get up anymore. I prayed someone would help me and I never gave up. Then, I came here and everyone helped me get better – there were humans that believed in me! That’s one thing we do here, Vermont Teddy Bear – we BELIEVE!"
"Ok Betsy Rose – I BELIEVE I can do this – let’s goooo!"
And off into the sunset they went. A happy little pony and her new friend. But then, well, Betsy Rose remembered something.
"Wait – we can’t leave Oscar! He’s very weak and can’t get up on his own just like I couldn’t for the first few weeks I was here. Only, I couldn’t even stand on my own. I had to live in a sling for many weeks. Oscar lived in the sling for a few days when he first got here but now he can walk on his own – he just can’t get up yet if he’s laying down. I had Freckles to keep me company – she’s in our room in the barn napping now. We have to be careful with her because the dogs like to carry her away. But now, I like to keep Oscar company. I don’t want to leave him for long. Maybe you could be his friend too and sit with him for a bit? I’ll give you another ride tomorrow. Ok?"
Betsy Rose is such a loving and kind soul. It made her day to see Oscar and Vermont Teddy Bear together. Oscar just loves him – he makes a soft pillow. And after a good nap, Oscar did get up with us helping him in his back end only. He managed to use his legs to get his front end up. Slowly, he is getting stronger. His heart rate is still up but that’s expected. His body is so weak – his little heart is working harder. Just like Betsy Rose’s did for quite awhile. All of the many days/nights of helping Betsy Rose around the clock – all those sleepless nights – it all paid off! We’ve given Betsy Rose a new chapter in her life. And she’s given us much more than I can put into words. Thank you all for believing along with us….
We all want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day! We have been very blessed in many ways and are thankful for all of you and your support. And thank you Greg – I heard Betsy Rose say, "He’s a keeper!" so I think she really loves her Vermont Teddy Bear!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
BH March 9, 2014 (Saturday) Update
Lots got done this weekend and the weather was perfect. Julie, Roxy and Paul helped out yesterday at the farm while the very successful Sun Country Trail Blazers Poker Ride took place. I still have more photos to share but I’ll have to do it tomorrow after I get back from appointments in Gainesville in the am.
Lots of horses got groomed today thanks to Melissa and Annemarie!
"Little" Indy and Donovan playing – yes, the earth does shake!
This is a kind and lovable powerhouse named Donovan.
Bronson saying "I’m da baby!"
Bryce and Serenity – each day they grow stronger. Their personalities are really starting to show!
Serenity is never far from Bryce. She’s 19 and a very sweet mare. I’m sure she could tell us some stories of her life experiences. I was told by her previous owner there were many "ups and downs". We’re going to make sure they’re all "ups" for the rest of her life. She’ll never go hungry again.
Bryce is the most outgoing and I think we have worked through his GI and parasite issues. He’s putting on weight nicely.
And here’s our famous Aaleyah Belle. People come from other states just to experience getting "slimed" by her!
Oscar and Pistol ran and played along the fence today – looking forward to the day they can play together!
Have a good night, everyone!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
Saturday pm March 8, 2014 Update
I’ve have lots to update and photos from today, but I just came into the house to grab a bowl of cereal. I’ll post more later but it was a GREAT day! The day started out with a call about Ladybug. She lives just down the road, so I went right over. All of her vital signs and her temperature were normal. She just wasn’t interested in finishing her breakfast which is very unlike Ladybug. Ladybug is a mare that was the victim of a violent attack by another animal in 2010. The attack happened several days before we were able to get her here, and by then, it was too late to save her ear. The dentist will be out to check her mouth this coming week.
The Sun Country Trail Blazers Poker Benefit Ride to benefit the rescue was held today and it was a HUGE success! Many thanks to everyone!
Magic at sunset – beautiful!
Little Cloud Dancer was born here at the rescue in April 2011. His mom (Glory) and dad (Nickers) were part of a herd of horses that we rescued from living in a junkyard in February 2011. Their water source was a man made hole that collected rain water along with anything else that fell to the ground and there was a lot of debris – barb wire, scrap parts, junk cars, etc. Poor Glory was full of lice and had terrible explosive diarrhea. She had two other little ones, Red and Tucker, that also arrived with tummy issues. Fortunately, they all made it and they grew healthy – all the boys were gelded. Red and Tucker were adopted out together. Glory was adopted out with another mini, Shadow, that was one of 14 mini’s we rescued that same year.
This is Cloud Dancer with his mom, Glory, on the day he was born here in April 2011 at the rescue.
This was taken today, 03/08/14, when I visited with Cloud Dancer and his daddy – they look so much alike!
This is Glory and Faith back in February 2011. Both came from the junkyard. Both were very pregnant.
This was Glory the day before we picked them up from the junkyard. All of them had quite a bit of sand in their gut and most had explosive diarrhea.
This is Red and Tucker at their adoptive home.
This is Cloud’s daddy, Nickers, back in February 2011 at the junkyard.
When we count our blessings we count Betsy Rose twice! She’s just the sweetest little mare you could imagine!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer
BH March 4-5, 2014 Update
Here’s an adoptee from BH, Nash. Ex-racer, grandsire is Dash for Cash. His new toy, a horse "kong."
We’ve been very busy here and one of the things we’ve been working on is our FB presence. We will, over the next few days, convert daily ops over to the Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue business page. Until the conversion is complete I’ll try to post updates on both pages. Feel free, at any time, to visit our business page and "Like" it!
Here’s Gentleman getting a treatment from Dr. Julia Simonson yesterday. He’s doing very well and looks forward to his monthly treatments – many thanks to his anonymous sponsor for making these treatments possible!
"But Mommy Theresa – I’ve conquered going up the stairs of the front porch and it’s gotten boring! Why can’t I give this a try?"
Cookie got a hooficure yesterday – so did Santana, Princess, and Oscar.
Oscar was steady enough to get his hooficure done without having to go in the sling yesterday! He’s had a growth spurt!
Romeo is doing well. He’s getting stronger by the day!
Here was Ruby soaking up attention from Katherine and DJ (new volunteer). DJ and her husband, Larry, will be coming once a week!
Magic – he’s still as handsome, sweet, and happy as ever!
Remember Rayo? He’s doing awesome! It really is a good feeling to see our horses make others happy! So proud of all of them!
Betsy Rose and the gang wish everyone a good night!
Aaleyah Belle, Cookie, Oscar and Many More!
February 27th, 2014
This is what is called a “1/2 pasture bale” of hay. We’ve bought many and they have ranged from about 592 lbs up to 915 lbs. They are great – the horses can’t pig out on them. We do have to check for metal rings that hold them together a couple of times a day.
It’s amazing how they share their feed. No arguing at all. They finish one tub then go to the next. This is Serenity, Bryce, and Eliza.
Most people know about Aaleyah Belle and her tongue. She’s loved very much but she’s still a brat! She was born with a wry nose.
Cookie needs prayers. I knew the area would look worse for a bit after the treatment. I just worry.
Princess is looking much better. She does have something potentially going on in her left eye (it was injured a few years ago) and Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to check her out. This is Princess following Roxy for lunch.
Oscar was trying to help Paul fill out a form. LOL Oscar has had a growth spurt! I watched him RUN today. It was awesome.
No words needed…
I miss you Solace.
Missing Solace, Another to Rainbow Bridge, Oscar, and More
February 23rd – 25th, 2014
February 23rd, 2014
I’m about to go read comments about Solace – I’ve been putting it off. My heart is still very heavy from losing him – it just isn’t the same. I find myself still looking out into the paddock to see how he’s feeling – but he’s not there.
I hoped to somewhat regroup yesterday but then a call came in – a mare had been down for 3 days – can we help? Of course, I couldn’t say no. I’m not going to get into details but we were, sadly, called too late to try to help this mare. When we got there, I took her vitals and they were not good. Her gum color was not good. She’d dug a 10″ ditch with her front legs. She didn’t respond to any sensation in her back end.
It took awhile to find a vet to respond but he determined that the mare had gone toxic and advised that the most humane thing to do was to help the mare cross. Losing Solace on Friday was still very fresh in my mind and in my heart, and, while I only knew this mare for a couple of hours yesterday, it didn’t matter – I loved her just the same and letting her go was hard. Losing any hurts – it NEVER gets easier. But, as with Solace, there is comfort in knowing that she runs with the Heavenly herd now – she knows no more pain.
Oscar no longer needs assistance to get up! He’s mobile and doing well.
Romeo is doing well also. He’s far from out of the woods but we’re staying positive and he’s brighter each day. He loves to talk!
Wanda and her son, Caleb, did a GREAT job clipping little Harvey today! Thank you both – very much!!!
Harvey looked like a little lamb! He’s going to feel much better!
Last photo for today to end my posts on a good note – Serenity is feeling better. It’s been tough getting through the sand and parasite issues but we’re working on it. She’s a sweet girl.
Februay 24th, 2014
Betsy Rose’s court case is over – the previous owner got probation, has to pay fees/fines, and can’t own large animals for a year. I wish I could change what happened to Betsy Rose before she found her way here, but I can’t. She’s a determined little mare with a huge love for life that has touched the hearts of many – it’s truly a blessing to be part of her life. There are many things Betsy Rose wants to help us with like raising awareness of what to do if you see or suspect abuse/neglect, where to reach out for help, and so much more. She wants to help educate humans about the responsibilities of owning and caring for a horse – it’s not inexpensive and proper care does take time.
February 25th, 2014
Lindsey and Ginny gave Bryce a good bath today – the weather was just beautiful! He’s putting on weight nicely, finally. Ginny’s husband, Mark, fixed fences. Bob made 2 trips to get hay and will make another trip tomorrow! Marie took some office work home with her to accomplish. I thank God for our volunteers and supporters daily – sometimes many times!
Bryce is doing better. He had a huge amount of sand in his gut. He had a high parasite load too.
Look how great Harvey looks! I kept telling people he wasn’t fat – he was just fluffy! LOL
Oscar and Vermont Teddy Bear
IT’S COMING!!!
BH February 18, 2014 Update
It was great to have Jean spend the day here helping out and visiting with the horses! And Sherry surprised us and came this afternoon – we’ve missed her! Ginny and her husband, Mark, and Karol were here today but we missed Marie. A lot got done and we are so appreciative of all of our volunteers! This is Jean and Sherry getting Oscar up.
Romeo loves a warm mash and I feel bad when it’s all gone – he turns his tub over and looks for more. Refeeding a starved horse isn’t as easy as one may think. You can’t just start feeding them – it could kill them. And rehab requires more than just a good refeeding program. There is a lot involved and it can be exhausting. But watching the horse grow stronger and become more animated and happy is so rewarding! We are very blessed to have a wonderful group of professionals as part of our care team to consult with and we also have awesome volunteers (on and off site) that help us. And we have our supporters that make it possible for us to help the horses – we thank you all. It really does take a village.
Dr. Bess Darrow (Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services) worked on Mahogany, Eliza, and Romeo today. Romeo was very cooperative and didn’t need any sedation for Dr. Bess to do what she needed to do but she will have to work on him more once he’s in better condition and stable. He is about 17 years old.
We had more blood work done on Mahogany today – something just isn’t right. I observe the horses as much as possible – herd dynamics has always fascinated me. Mahogany was the alpha mare of the herd and I’m sure the stress of what they have gone through has been especially hard on her (mentally).
Lucy looks like she’s ready to go to a show! She’s beautiful!
This is Derek – another one of our rescues with his adoptive mom, Meagan. Meagan adores him and he adores her!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
Solace – Not Good News
02/20/14
I was praying I would have good news about Solace but I don’t. He made a remarkable recovery from death’s door after arriving here in December 2012. He grew strong, put on 250+ lbs, and he was happy and doing well but a few months ago that changed. All sorts of tests were run, x-rays, ultrasounds, more tests were accomplished, we tried various treatments – we have a great professional care team. But he has continued to get worse and, despite all of our efforts, over the past several weeks, he has grown tired and more uncomfortable. Our care team believes that he likely has cancer. We love him enough to let go to Rainbow Bridge. This has not been a quick or easy decision – it’s been a very heartbreaking one.
Solace is grateful for his time with us, for the love he’s been showered with, and for the fact that he was able to grow strong and stand tall and proud gain. I know that he will be grateful for the release we are giving him – he will know no more pain. Death is a part of life. We are born in this world with no option but to face death at some point. And I believe that death isn’t the end – it’s another birth in a much better place where hunger, pain, and sorrow do not exist.
We ask that everyone think of Solace tomorrow at 1 pm when our elderly but proud stallion will go to Rainbow Bridge where he will become a young steed again. He won’t be alone – I’ll be right there with him until well after he leaves this earth.
Tomorrow will be very difficult so please understand if I’m absent for a couple of days. Thank you.
Sincerely, Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Bryce, Serenity, Romeo, Solace, Oscar
February 15th
Bryce and Serenity
Seeing contentment in their eyes is one of the greatest gifts ever.
Solace had a so-so day today. The weather was a little cool, but nice.
February 16th
Although he is in better spirits, please keep the new gelding, Romeo, in your prayers – his blood work results came back. His liver and kidneys are struggling.
Oscar can get his front end up on his own now. We still have to help him get his back end up.
Look what our “discarded” pony named Starlight and her young lady, Jordan, accomplished in 2013! A message from Jordan…
Can I brag about how good my pony is?
All these ribbons in her very first show year.
My end of 2013 division placings!
RESERVE CHAMP: In – Hand Trail Class.
Fourth: Beginner Western Rider
Eighth: Western Pleasure…
Eighth: Model Western
Ninth: Stock Seat
I’m oh so proud of my pony! ♡
Jordan
How’s It Going at the Farm?
February 17th, 2014
Romeo had a fairly good day today, although this morning, he had a little trouble getting up. His body is depleted of everything – his liver and kidneys are struggling. But this is not unusual in cases such as this. Our rehab program moves slowly but steady. One of the most important first steps in recovery, IMO, is knowing and feeling in the heart that you’re loved – the worried and far off look in Romeo’s face is already softening. Dr. Bess Darrow (Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services) will be here tomorrow – I’m not sure how much she’ll be able to do with him. He isn’t well enough for sedation. Romeo is such a love – please keep him in your prayers.
This is a little of Romeo’s poop in a glove. We do this (twice) to see how much sand settles – it’s an indicator of how much is in the GI tract. We did this on the day he arrived. There’s always going to be some sand found – horses pick it up here (FL) when they graze or even eat hay off the ground (hay racks are a good investment). But this is way too much. Sand can cause havoc on the GI system. Giving psyllium for one week each month will help sand to pass through and out the gut. Poor Romeo.
Oscar wasn’t as active today as he has been. We think he has an abscess in his front right.
Bronson still loves to take long naps. Actually, I would have loved to have taken a nap with him.
Serenity, Eliza, and Mahogany eating breakfast. Bryce was behind me. They are slowly improving.
Matilda loves it when we have visitors! And everyone LOVES Matilda! Matilda needs sponsors! Her rehab is complete – she’s gained 200+ lbs and is doing great. She’s a big girl looking for a forever home but until that home comes along she would appreciate support in her routine expenses. If anyone would like to help, donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small!
This is Mary on the right getting a hooficure today. Her BFF, Kamanchee, is on the left.
Oscar and Betsy Rose
Another beautiful Arabian mare looking for a forever home – Victoria! She got a much needed bath today!
Mary was on the list for a bath today but there wasn’t enough time. I crawled up on her yesterday to see if she’d mind – she hasn’t been ridden in many, many years. She did great – she got a little excited being away from her best friend, Kamanchee. But we headed that way and she was fine. She still needs a bath. Mary is a 27 year young Arabian mare that is looking for a home. Kamanchee is also looking for a home – he is a little paint pony. It would be really awesome if they found a forever home together.
Lucy was a good girl today – she got clipped and is ready for the warmer weather.
Magnum started our day out with an upset stomach but was feeling better after spending a little while at the barn.
Betsy Rose was one of many that got a hooficure today. Her strength and balance are so much better – we are SO proud of this little miracle girl!
Jenny came up this weekend and visited with Penny and Penelope – they are doing great!
IT’S COMING!!!! Don’t miss it!
Calling it a day very soon – still need to get Oscar up once more and planning another big day tomorrow. Dr. Bess will be here and so will Dr. Julia. We have a great care team! I know I owe responses to PM’s and emails – I have not had time in the office. Hopefully, Wednesday if not tomorrow evening, I will get to them. I’m sorry – just spread thin. Hopefully Romeo will be feeling better tomorrow – Oscar too.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
Betsy Rose’s Valentine Surprise!
Betsy Rose had a pretty big package delivered and it’s almost as big as she is!
”Betsy Rose come and look at a package that came for you!"
"Wait – Mommy Theresa, look! It says there’s an air hole – does that mean there’s something alive in there?? Hurry – let’s open it up!"
"Hello – is there anyone in there? No worries – Mommy Theresa is going to get you out of there, ok?"
"Look – it’s a fuzzy something with ears!"
"HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY BETSY ROSE! I’m your very own "Vermont Teddy Bear" and I’ve come to live with you! Uncle Greg sent me to you as a present! I’m so glad to get out of that box and to be able to stretch! Can you take me for a ride – I’ve always wanted to ride a pony!"
"Mommy Theresa – can he stay? Please? Freckles and the gang are going to love him!"
So Vermont Teddy Bear has joined our family – thank you Uncle Greg (our Webmaster)!
"Dr. Julia – look at my new friend! He wants to go for a ride – can you please help him up?"
"Oh whoopeee! This is kind of fun Betsy Rose! Now let’s goooo!"
"Ok but have you ever been on a horse before?"
"No, but it seems easy enough – let’s goooo!"
"OOOHHHHH NOOOO! I’m so glad you bounce Vermont Teddy Bear! Are you ok? I guess it’s not as easy as it seems. Maybe you should hold on tight to my mane until you get used to keeping your balance."
"Ok, this time I know what to expect. I’ll do better – I promise! No worries – let’s goooo!"
"Here we go – one little step at a time. How you doing up there? You’re pretty light. Someone said that I was too old for anything and needed to be put down before I came to Beauty’s Haven. My needs were neglected and I got to be so weak, I couldn’t get up anymore. I prayed someone would help me and I never gave up. Then, I came here and everyone helped me get better – there were humans that believed in me! That’s one thing we do here, Vermont Teddy Bear – we BELIEVE!"
"Ok Betsy Rose – I BELIEVE I can do this – let’s goooo!"
And off into the sunset they went. A happy little pony and her new friend. But then, well, Betsy Rose remembered something.
"Wait – we can’t leave Oscar! He’s very weak and can’t get up on his own just like I couldn’t for the first few weeks I was here. Only, I couldn’t even stand on my own. I had to live in a sling for many weeks. Oscar lived in the sling for a few days when he first got here but now he can walk on his own – he just can’t get up yet if he’s laying down. I had Freckles to keep me company – she’s in our room in the barn napping now. We have to be careful with her because the dogs like to carry her away. But now, I like to keep Oscar company. I don’t want to leave him for long. Maybe you could be his friend too and sit with him for a bit? I’ll give you another ride tomorrow. Ok?"
Betsy Rose is such a loving and kind soul. It made her day to see Oscar and Vermont Teddy Bear together. Oscar just loves him – he makes a soft pillow. And after a good nap, Oscar did get up with us helping him in his back end only. He managed to use his legs to get his front end up. Slowly, he is getting stronger. His heart rate is still up but that’s expected. His body is so weak – his little heart is working harder. Just like Betsy Rose’s did for quite awhile. All of the many days/nights of helping Betsy Rose around the clock – all those sleepless nights – it all paid off! We’ve given Betsy Rose a new chapter in her life. And she’s given us much more than I can put into words. Thank you all for believing along with us….
We all want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day! We have been very blessed in many ways and are thankful for all of you and your support. And thank you Greg – I heard Betsy Rose say, "He’s a keeper!" so I think she really loves her Vermont Teddy Bear!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.