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!!!

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.

January 10th, 2014

Maltilda’s Special Day

Dr. Julia Simonson worked on Matilda, an older Mammoth Mule, today. Matilda LOVED every minute of it! Matilda got chiropractic, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, and massage today.

After her session was finished, she did not want to move – she was so relaxed and looked so peaceful.

Dr. Julia and I were sitting on the bench at the front of the barn, talking, when Matilda finally did move. She turned around and looked as us and made the cutest little face as if to say “Thank you!”

January 11th

Dr. Julia checking Pistol today with help from Katherine and Elizabeth. He’s doing great. Yes, it took three people. LOL! He lives up to his name!

Bronson was gelded today and was a good patient.  Katherine and Elizabeth assisted Dr. Julia. Katherine wants to be a vet – she truly appreciates all the hands on experience she gets here. Experiences are so valuable, IMO. It’s an honor to have students like Katherine participate and volunteer! Elizabeth and her daughter, Bri, came out to meet CJ and helped out, too, while they were here. Paul and Roxy stayed busy with many other things that needed to be done. Thanks to everyone!

CJ has a home! Elizabeth and Bri spent some time grooming and handling him and they all just clicked! CJ is usually shy of new faces. But not today! He totally enjoyed the time they spent with him. He will be a pasture pal to one other horse they have. A pretty pasture ornament to love on and watch. I’m very happy for him!

January 12th

I lost my cell phone yesterday, but thankfully, found it today. I cannot believe that it survived the storms!

Solace and Barbara today.

January 13th

Betsy Rose getting her hooficure.

Pistol is recovering nicely from his castration.

It was a busy day today and, unfortunately, I’m not feeling well – sore throat, congestion, earache, etc. I’m headed to bed very soon. Tomorrow is another busy day. Dr. Julia will be back to examine Solace and to review his blood work results. Bronson and Pistol are doing very well. Betsy Rose is moving better. Dr. Julia worked on her last week, she got a hooficure today, and tomorrow, Dr. Bess Darrow of Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services will be here to check her and Solace and to do some others. Just wanted to say good night to everyone – I wish you all sweet dreams. We’ll have a new fundraiser starting tomorrow – we need help with these vet, farrier, and dental expenses.

January 15th

My day started out by spending some time with this grand old 34 year old mare – brushing her, giving her treats and hay, just talking to her. She was crippled and was no longer able to get around – she was tired. Dr. Tenant examined her yesterday and it was decided that the kindest, most humane and loving thing to do for the mare was to help her cross Rainbow Bridge. I stayed with her for awhile after she crossed. I bet there were many stories she could have shared. Run pain free, Chancey!

Dr. Bess Darrow of Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services worked on a few of the horses yesterday. This is Santana. He was a good boy – he’s good about everything.

CaryLou, Harvey, Bronson, and Wally after getting full tummies.

Aaleyah Belle got her teeth done too. She was on the list the last time Dr. Bess came but she didn’t want to behave. She was good yesterday though. It’s hard to believe she’s 5 years old now. Here is a link to her diary – we picked up Aaleyah and her Mom on the day she was born – the very day that Eight Belles died. I named her IHO of Eight Belles. Aaleyah and her mom, Momma Sue, were going to be shot because Aaleyah had been born with a wry nose. https://bhfer.org/oldSite/old/aaleyah_diary1.htm

Magnum was a good boy for Dr. Bess too. He’s a bit older than we thought. He’s a little shy with new people. I was very happy that Lindsey was able to come and help Dr. Bess yesterday. Thanks Lindsey!

Have a wonderful Thursday, 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.tb

December 25th – 28th, 2013

HighTower

Santa was very good to the horses – treat stuffed stockings for everyone!

Stockings

Trixie in her cute little “minion” outfit at Christmas. LOL

Ceri and Garan settled in well at their new home – it isn’t the same without them but they have their own human family now – just in time for Christmas!

December 27th

Our son, Joshua, finally made it home for Christmas!

Christmas 2013

December 28th

It was a busy day today but we did get to have some fun. The weather wasn’t great though.

Ride

Ride

ADORABLE!

Betsy Rose

Magnum is doing well but still needs to gain weight. We gave him another good bath today. He had many open sores on the sides of his face, chest, legs, and under his tummy when he got here a couple of weeks ago but they have mostly healed. His little buddy Pistol, the mini jack, will be gelded next week.

Magnum

It’s a little dark but this is Molly watching GMan eat from the big bale of hay under the shelter. She’s feeling great and is all over the place. She swings her neck/head around just like an Arabian and is a joy to watch!

Molly and Gentleman

Beauty – it’s because of her that Beauty’s Haven “is”.

Beauty

Cookie chilling in her stall. Paul was at the back of the barn taking inventory of donations of blankets, wraps, etc.

Cookie

CJ ran and played today even though he is permanently lame and needs a home as a pasture pal where, ideally, there is only one or two other horses. Here, there are so many horses and anytime others start running, he wants to join in. He needs calm. It really bothers me when he tries to run – he’s lame and it makes him so uncomfortable. Please help us to find him a suitable home. No adoption fee.

CJ

Don’t forget to buy your Betsy Rose calendar before they are all gone! Just click on the link and it will take you to our store!

Calendar 2013

Have a great Sunday, 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.tb

 

 

 

 

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Mollie today. She got a couple of surprises yesterday!

Mollie

Mollie got two presents!!! Karen sent her a darling little angel pony and Stop Animal Cruelty Worldwide gifted Mollie with a beautiful hand made blanket! Mollie feels very special! Thank you Karen and Stop Animal Cruelty Worldwide! Mollie is trying to think of the perfect name for her new friend – she’ll share it once she decides! Mollie got a present – a cute little pony with angel wings! Thank you Karen!

Mollie

“Look Mommy Theresa! I have my own little pony with angel wings!”

Mollie's Pony with Wings

“What’s this? A blanket – like Betsy Rose’s? Oh my gosh I don’t believe it! I’ll share it with my new friend! Mommy Theresa, will you please show it to Betsy Rose after we try it on?”

Mollie's Blanket

Mollie and her new friend adore each other and the special blanket!

Mollie

Betsy Rose wanted to wear her beautiful Arabian outfit yesterday that is fit for a Queen! It was made and gifted by Nancy Gates of http://www.heirloomhalters.com Of course, we had to comply! She’s adorable!

Betsy Rose

She’s quite the model!

Betsy Rose

“Ok, how do I look Mommy Theresa? It fits me better now! I think I’ve gained some weight! Can we go show Mollie – please?”

Betsy Rose

Betsy Rose – a proud little mare that believes!

Betsy Rose Believe's!

Betsy Rose, Freckles, and all of their friends wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Betsy Rose and Freckles

Freckles is all set with her Christmas suit!

Freckles

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.tb

 

 

 

November 24th – 25th, 2013

We found a blanket for Mollie to wear tonight – the cold snuck up on us! It’s a bit small but her new one should arrive this week. Her eyes look better. Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to examine her again and do more blood work to see how… she’s progressing. Her appetite is good but she’s running a little bit of a temperature. She’s still on IV antibiotics and gets other supplements as well. You can see the Arabian in her – she’s a proud little girl and we’re very proud of her! She’s a fighter! I’m so glad she held on and that she never gave up – she had been on the ground overnight and until we got to her that day. She deserves everything she’s been deprived of, and more. Her stunted growth is some evidence of her past. Like Betsy Rose, we’ll do our best to make sure all of Mollie’s tomorrow’s are what her past should have been. We love you Mollie!

Betsy Rose introducing her new little friend with angel wings to Bronson.

This is Classy. We had to take her to UF a few years ago because she had to have a permanent tracheotomy. She can’t whinny because of it. She’s a very sweet mare.

Peggy Sue – she’s so cute! She can’t bend her back left leg. Her pelvis was fractured in 3 places when her breeder/owner pulled a baby from her years ago. Peggy Sue is adorable! She’s lost a few lbs which is a good thing!

Gentleman – he’s an icon here that is simply a treasure. He’s an older Percheron that we pray is with us for many more years to come. He’s loved so much!

CJ is doing very well. He will be looking for a home as a pasture pal. He’s beautiful.

Garan is still looking for a home! He’s handsome, funny, and loving!

It would be really nice if Ceri and Garan found a forever home together! They are both really nice registered Arabians.

This is Indy’s Rising Son. We call him Indy. He’s had a good year of training under him and is looking for a home. He’s not going to be a big boy even though his mom was a Percheron cross. His past is a sad one even though he was born here.

Can’t forget Little E! He’s an elderly Arabian – another that everyone adores!

Almost forgot Solace!

It was a very exciting day here this past Friday! Dr. Julia Simonson arranged for Janek Vluggen (from Germany) to come to Beauty’s Haven to work with Betsy Rose and Bella! Janek Vluggen D.O., MRO-EU, EDO® is recognized as the leading expert in the field of modern Equine Osteopathy. To say that I was amazed, would be an understatement! I’ll share more tomorrow – I’m crashing on a project and need to finish up some things. Have a great night all!

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.tb

September 23rd – 25th, 2013

Lake Beauty’s Haven!  The sand bags that were put down last week – washed away yesterday.  I have never seen so much rain accumulate so quickly!  We were under generator power and had all the babies tucked in with Betsy Rose and Lucy.  The lightning was horrible.  Erosion?  I don’t want to talk about it. Not complaining, it could be worse.  Everyone is safe.

Gentleman is doing very well considering he’s 30+ years young.  Some days, he moves better than others, but don’t we all? He’s a happy horse. And he is loved so very much!

Solace is also doing very well.  This was taken yesterday before the horrible storms.  That’s Gentleman’s big butt on the left – they have become very good friends.

Over a year ago, we took on a case of 30+ Paso Fino’s that had pretty much been living feral for almost 3 years. This is Laila – one of the mares. When we rescued her, she was an emotional wreck that was full of nervous energy. When she’d swish her tail, she would move forward as though something was spooking her. Well, at the time, we didn’t know that inside of the mess of a tail was about 12″ of barb wire. The poor mare – she’d swish her tail and the barb would poke her. Melissa and George have done a great job with her – look at her now!

Dr. Julia examined Betsy Rose last evening as she’s been having an issue with her back left hip/leg/stifle. Sometimes, she doesn’t want to put weight on it. Dr. Julia thinks she’s strained the muscles and may want to do an ultrasound if she is no better in a couple of weeks. She does not think Betsy Rose fractured anything which was her initial concern. She recommends Betsy Rose stay on stall rest, with some hand walking, and acupuncture/massage – she was back this morning to do acupuncture. Since Betsy Rose is still very fragile in many ways, please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Many of you may know who Schoep and John are, but you may not be aware of the organization, Stop Animal Cruelty Worldwide. They help animals in need and they have a Facebook page and a website – . They made a beautiful blanket especially for Betsy Rose in honor of Schoep. I call it her “comfort blanket”. It’s one of a kind and very special, just like Betsy Rose. I will post more photos of it in an album tomorrow – Betsy Rose has some things to say about it and she wants to share. Many thanks to Pamela Thompson and everyone at SACW!

Tiffany Redmon did a beautiful drawing of Betsy Rose. “Mommy Theresa that looks like ME!” Betsy is so proud of it! It is hanging on her wall along with a picture of Cloud the Stallion.

And now a long awaited story that I have wanted to share about Betsy’s introduction to Beanie Barbaro:

“Betsy Rose and Freckles, we have a new visitor who would like to meet you.”

“Who is it, Mommy Theresa?”

“Hello Betsy Rose! And this must be your best friend, Freckles. I have heard so much about you. My name is Beanie Barbaro and I have been traveling throughout the United States meeting very special horses like you.”

“I am so happy to meet you, Beanie Barbaro. What a very pretty name.”

“I was named after one of the greatest racehorses ever! His name was Barbaro – he won the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, 2006. He was so very fast and ran like the wind.”

“Wow, Beanie Barbaro, he sounds like such a special horse!”

“Barbaro was indeed very special, Betsy Rose. Sadly, he broke his leg in his next race and spent many months in the hospital. Barbaro had a wonderful doctor who cared for him. His name was Dr. Richardson.”

“Is Barbaro all better now, Beanie Barbaro?”

“No Betsy Rose, Barbaro got a very bad disease called Laminitis which caused him much pain. He is at Rainbow Bridge now, watching down upon you and all of the other horses throughout the world. Although, he is on the other side of Rainbow Bridge, he is still helping horses everywhere. More research is being done to help prevent and treat laminitis so other horses don’t suffer.”

“That is so sad, Beanie Barbaro. I would have loved to meet Barbaro.”

“Barbaro is here in spirit, Betsy Rose. He is all around you, and together with your Mommy Theresa, maybe he has something to do with making you all better.”

“I am so happy, that you have decided to visit Beauty’s Haven, Beanie Barbaro. I can’t wait to introduce you to all the other horses that live here!”

“I am happy to be here, Betsy Rose. I have heard that this is, indeed, a very special place…

Betsy Rose and friends spending some time with Beanie Barbaro who visited for a few days. Oh the stories they told!!!

Betsy Rose helps us to believe!

God bless and thank you! Have a great evening, 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.tb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 21st, 2013

Betsy Rose visiting with Jane and Steve yesterday.  Betsy Rose is loved by everyone! And she loves the attention!

CaryLou, Harvey, and Wally enjoy visitors too. They look like little powder puffs with their fuzzy coats.

Penny isn’t a baby anymore! She won’t be as big as her momma. She was singing this am to a donkey at the neighbors. It was so cute. Her bray has gotten so much stronger and louder!

Penny demanding all of the attention yesterday. That’s her mom, Penelope, trying to take a siesta. Penny loves to take the humans water bottles, cell phones, etc.

Nadia is getting quite a tummy on her. I think we’re going to have her palpated. We don’t know about her history other than she had a baby pulled from her a couple of months before she came to us. She’s a really nice 16 yr old Warmblood.

Gracie smiles for the camera.

Bouie makes faces. LOL

Nevada has the kindest eyes. He looks great in pink too.

Nevada will be leaving for his new home tomorrow. He will be less than 15 minutes away. It’s always bittersweet when they leave but this is what we do. They all deserve a good forever home.

Have a great Sunday, 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.tb

August 29th, 2012

Our top models today for the photo shoot! Betsy Rose and Freckles will be in Ocala Magazine!

Betsy Rose and Freckles grazing as horses should. They are happy girls. #BFF

Betsy Rose can’t see very well but she has great hearing and she loves to talk! I mean, you can literally hold a conversation with 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.tb

Tuesday, August 27th, 2013

“Good morning everybody! Guess what – guess what – guess what????? Me and Freckles slept in my stall last night – no sling!! I fell asleep listening to Freckles tell stories to the cute little baby donkey. It felt so good to lay all the way down and I slept really good! I still need a good brushing to get the shavings off of me. But now I’m hungry – here comes Mommy Theresa serving breakfast so I gotta go! Have a great day everyone!”
Betsy Rose

Our little Betsy Rose has crossed another milestone. She did well through the night. She laid down on her right side and got up fine (she’s blind in that eye). However, this morning around 5:15, she laid down on her left side (blind side up) and couldn’t get up on her own. She didn’t panic – just waited for us to help her. So, we’ll be doing some exercises for flexibility and teaching Betsy Rose to roll over on the right side which will allow her to get up. Oh, Freckles is still sleeping – I think she told stories most of the night to Baby Donk.

Sincerely,
Theresa & Betsy Rose
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.