July 15th, 2018
The only lasting beauty is the beauty of the heart. ~ Rumi
Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc., a 501(c)(3) grassroots Non-Profit Organization is currently experiencing a ‘rough patch’ due to unforeseen circumstances. Theresa’s husband, Bob, the co-founder of Beauty’s Haven, is scheduled to undergo aortic aneurysm repair surgery on Friday, July 20th. Although this procedure could have been performed at a later date, both Theresa and Bob believe that it is in their best interest to have the surgery as soon as possible in order to alleviate additional stress. On a positive note, the doctor expects Bob to make a full recovery and after six to eight weeks of recuperation, he will, once again, be able to perform his daily tasks. As most supporters are aware, Theresa simply does not like to ask for assistance, so on her behalf, I am seeking your support during this most challenging time.
Returned Horses and Forever Homes
Beauty’s Haven recently rescued Rosie, a mini who may be in foal, and Joie, a mini filly. Both came from a feral herd. About a month ago, we also rescued a pair of hours old, orphaned baby goats, Ginger and Snap. Bottle babies require around the clock care but it has been worth every second as both are now flourishing and were just yesterday, delivered to their adoptive home where they will be forever treasured. Theresa will truly miss these precious babies for they were such a joy to behold and their antics always made her smile.
Sadly, however, three horses recently returned from their adopters, which put a strain on already strained resources – financially, physically, and mentally. ‘Rescue’ means much more than helping a horse in dire need by bringing them to safety. Rescue is a commitment to each horse for the rest of his or her life; a commitment that they will receive routine care which is quite costly. Routine care includes vetting, de-wormers, dental and farrier care, vaccines, hay and grain, special diets and supplements. And there are also unexpected emergencies. Sponsoring a horse to assist with his or her daily care is a most helpful way in which to make a difference in the life of a precious equine. There is no set dollar amount required to help sponsor a horse – any amount helps.
A number of beautiful horses are currently available for adoption and are patiently awaiting their loving forever homes. Many equines with special needs comprise the Beauty’s Haven Sanctuary Program where they will forever remain safe.
Training
Horses are much more attractive to potential adopters once they have been trained and we are truly grateful to Dan who has done a fantastic job working with Kiana. Kiana now accepts being ridden and will one day, be a wonderful trail horse for a potential adopter. Kiana’s training has been made possible by Lynda and her family’s most generous sponsorship.
Zahara, the rescue’s very own, ‘Black Beauty,’ is a stunning, healthy Thoroughbred mare. She is presently eligible to receive much needed training at an off-site facility, but she needs sponsors in order for this to occur. The cost of this training is $700/month for a minimum of two months which includes training and full care. The training spot is open as of August 1st and we don’t want Zahara to miss this amazing opportunity. If anyone would like to assist with the cost of Zahara’s training, we would be forever grateful.
Manpower
Beauty’s Haven has a wonderful, albeit small, group of hands-on volunteers who come on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9 am until approximately, 3 pm, as well as a volunteer who works with a special needs volunteer on Friday mornings. Another volunteer works for three hours on Friday mornings cleaning paddocks, and on occasion, other individuals stop by to assist. Beauty’s Haven’s volunteers are absolutely priceless and each and every moment that they spend at the rescue is so greatly appreciated.
Most unfortunately, since the rescue is experiencing a major shortage of volunteers, Theresa and Bob have been tirelessly working, on average, sixteen plus hours per day caring for their beloved herd and attending to the routine tasks of maintaining the farm. Theresa will do her best during this most challenging time but she simply will be unable to perform her duties while taking on Bob’s tasks as well. We therefore, need to hire someone temporarily who will assist Theresa and perform many of Bob’s daily chores, starting immediately.
The major impetus in procuring an adequate number of individuals to assist with the thirty plus horses that comprise the Beauty’s Haven herd, is the distance one must travel as the rescue is located in a rural area, approximately thirty-five miles from Ocala and Gainesville. This is the primary reason why Beauty’s Haven needs to relocate closer to Gainesville, once the perfect property is found that would best serve the needs of the rescue. If anyone knows of a property, or can help in any way, please contact us at bhfer_admin@gmail.com.
The rescue also has other needs which need to be addressed – repairs to fencing and manure spreaders, replacement of tires on the rescue’s vehicle, repairs to the flatbed trailer that is used to transport hay in addition to many other farm related needs.
Beauty’s Haven has a wonderful village of supporters who always rise to the occasion whenever a need occurs. Please consider making a onetime donation or creating a monthly recurring donation of any amount to help the rescue at this critical time. If you would like to donate to our ‘Beauty of the Heart’ gofundme campaign, please click here. Contributions may also be submitted via PayPal: bhfer@earthlink.net, via various means on our website or via PayPal.me/bhfer. Please make certain to mark your donation, ‘Beauty of the Heart’ when donating via PayPal. Please note that all donations will be reflected on our gofundme page. If you are unable to assist financially, we truly understand, but perhaps you would be willing to assist us by spreading the word about our wonderful rescue. This could lead to new supporters, donations, homes for horses, and even new volunteers. Lastly, a dear friend and supporter has most generously offered to match the first $1000 in donations to our ‘Beauty of the Heart’ campaign which would specifically be designated to hiring someone to assist with chores during Bob’s period of rehabilitation. This would also be a wonderful opportunity in which to double your contribution!
Beauty’s Haven is the fulfillment of Theresa’s lifelong dream, a dream of helping our beloved equines, especially those in dire need, with the promise that all of their tomorrows, will be everything that their past should have been. And Bob has remained by Theresa’s side throughout the years, supporting her all the way. They have truly made a significant difference in the lives of countless horses as well as humans, and they are eagerly looking forward to helping many more.
In the words of Theresa…
“Don’t give up just because of the obstacles. Regardless of what obstacles face you, just keep going! Go through, go around, or go over or under – but never give up!”
Please keep Bob, Theresa, Katie and Joshua in your prayers.
Warmly,
Jeanne Bartsch
Board of Directors
Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit
It’s been awhile since I’ve provided an update on Joie and Rosie, the little feral girls that arrived at Beauty’s Haven in early June. They’re doing extremely well and with much patience and love, they have learned to trust. Rosie’s “baby bump” is a bit larger and both she and Joie are absolutely beautiful and happy little horses. Please click here to view their remarkable transformation.