Jo loaded like a champion and unloaded just fine too. She’s a 35 years young QH mare that’s likely, a “been there, done that,” type of horse. I don’t know how much longer she would have lasted and yes, reaching out for help should have come sooner, but she’s here now and she has a chance. Please keep Jo in your prayers. She’s truly a very sweet and kind old soul.
Jo’s First Meal
It’s always very gratifying to watch a horse enjoy their first meal here. The look on their face is priceless and it reassures us that we are making a difference. And we are only able to do what we do because of help from others – we operate totally from donations. So, know that all of you are making an incredible difference in Jo’s life. We don’t know if Jo has days, weeks, months, or hopefully, many years left on this earth, but we do know that she will get the best of care in her sunset years.
We have had many calls about horses that need help lately and the cold season isn’t even upon us yet. Hay is expensive here and the calls for help always increase when the grass goes dormant – many people just can’t afford needed hay and the horses suffer. Sadly, we expect the number of calls will only increase over the next couple of months.
Skin on Bones
Jo’s vetting will soon be done (including bloodwork), to identify issues, including if there is damage to her organs. Weight loss can be due to dental issues, chronic infection, parasites, cancer, or other issues or a combination of issues. When a body starves, it feeds off its own fat, then muscle, then organs and once a horse reaches a body condition score (BCS) of 1, its prognosis for recovery is very poor – Jo’s BCS is 1. Other than being skin on bones, her skin is unhealthy with open sores, and she needs to see the dentist and the farrier.
The “Other Two” Horses
We weren’t planning on taking in any horses for awhile, our paddocks are full and resources are very tight, but this mare needed help and it was obvious that time was of the essence. There are two other horses where Jo came from – a mare that is somewhat underweight and a gelding that is slightly underweight. We need to find a good home for the other mare – we’ll be working on that. We’re not 100% sure if this will change, but the gelding isn’t looking for a home at this time. However, in the meantime, we want to take 2 salt blocks and 2 large compressed bales (est. 800 lbs each) of hay to the 2 horses on Monday. They live in separate paddocks and can’t share a bale. This will cost at least $210 but the hay should last at least 2 to 3 weeks. If anyone can help with hay for the other 2 horses, please designate your donation for “The Other 2.”
Also, the farrier is coming on Monday to do several horses and we need help with that as well. If you would like to help any of the horses with their hooficures, please note that your donation is for “hooficures.”
Jo is also in need of sponsors so it you would like to help Jo, please note “Jo” on your donation. You may forward your donation via various means here on our website or via PayPalMe. Donations are tax-deductible and no amount is ever too small.
Many thanks to everyone – you are all amazing and we truly appreciate you!
Mishka, has had a few bumpy weeks between dealing with allergies to no-see-um’s and experiencing front right foot lameness. To help with allergies, he was gifted supplements, a flymask with ears, and a really nice flysheet and neck cover that’s cool, soft, and doesn’t weigh a ton – he’s huge (2000 lbs) and to get one over him is truly, quite a task!
When Mishka became lame a few weeks ago, it was thought to be an abscess. We moved him to a small paddock by the barn and his foot was treated many times to try to draw out an abscess. We weren’t making progress and Mishka wasn’t happy being away from his friends so Dr. Cardona came out and did x-rays. The results were not great, but they could have been worse. Mishka has side-bone in both front feet which is not uncommon in draft horses. There is a slight rotation in both, his sole’s are a bit thin, and there was a suspected gas pocket in the right foot.
Once we had the x-rays, coupled with recommendations from Dr. Cardona, we called Jason Wayne Hunter (Back to Basics Equine Podiatry) to help Mishka. When Jason started on Mishka’s right foot, an abscess at the toe opened up and when Jason began working on the left foot, another abscess at that toe opened up! Mishka experienced immediate relief! Jason put wraps on both feet and Mishka felt so much better now that he was able to go back out with his friends! This made us all very happy! We’re very appreciative of Jason, his work, and his patience with Mishka. And it was great to see Kyra (she used to be a vet tech with Dr. Ted) again – we appreciate her patience and kindness to Mishka too! Many thanks to both Jason and Kyra! Jason’s Facebook page is 
Whenever one issue is resolved, however, another seems to pop up as in the case of Warrior. Dr. Julia was here earlier in the week to treat our precious little guy’s ears which are covered with oozing blisters and nodules due to his constantly being bitten by flies and gnats. I now spend a great deal of time daily, cleaning and treating his ears while trying to discourage him from rubbing on anything in sight to relieve his ‘itchies.’ I have not as yet received a bill from Dr. Julia but that is yet another forthcoming expense.
In addition, the farrier will be at Beauty’s Haven today as well as on Monday, for another round of hooficures and once again, Bob will be making our weekly hay run this afternoon which, like last week, will cost another $900. As donations have been down considerably, I am beside myself with worry but thankfully, two wonderful friends and supporters have joined forces and are offering a MATCH GAME to assist with our many needs! All donations up to 
We are thrilled to announce that a wonderful friend and supporter has come forth to offer a MATCH GAME to assist with Farrier Week as well as with procurement of the much needed and necessary supplement, Prascend. All donations up to $500 will be matched dollar for dollar. If you would like to participate in the Match Game, there are many ways in which to contribute. You may forward your contribution via our PayPal address: 
Almost all of the horses are scheduled for their hooficure this week which means they will be needing sponsors. The cost varies from $25 to $65. In all, $755 is needed. Would anyone like to help our herd?There are many ways in which to contribute. You may forward your contribution via our PayPal address: 
LadyBug is feeling much better and is back out in her paddock – she’s much happier. I think our prayers have been answered!
“Happy Sunday everyone! Guess what??? I’m better! Enough so that I want to run and play with Joie – she’s a cute little filly! But my feet still hurt a bit. Aunties Laura and Judy came yesterday to do some hooficures and they also think my feet are better. Auntie Sharon came to help too.
“I’ve got vet and farrier bills and I needed supplements and boots.
“I want to remind all of you that the light that shoots down from the sky when we have storms is very dangerous! I was lucky but sometimes humans and animals aren’t lucky and we care about all of you and want you to stay safe. So please don’t go out in storms! A few weeks after it got me, it got some other things here too – I’ll ask Mommy Theresa to tell you about it.
Elyza is about 16 years old.
Elyza needs her eyes examined by Dr. Mangan – there’s something going on in her right eye which is the same eye that Betsy Rose had issue with.
Her teeth are a mess and I’m going to bet she puts on weight nicely once her teeth are taken care of by Dr. Bess.
She’s pretty thin (a 2 on the BCS) but she has a great appetite.
Elyza’s feet needed to be tended to and Stephanie trimmed them today.
When I hugged Elyza Rose for the first time, I felt an overwhelming and much needed sense of peace.
We are currently in first place in the SunState Federal Credit Union Charity of the Month Contest. A vote per day through the month of February, could help us win $1000 which will greatly assist the rescue with the purchase of hay and/or other needs. Just 
The barn just isn’t the same without Cookie and Betsy Rose. Ruby gets more attention now but I’ll bet she, too, wishes her four legged friends were still with us.
SeAnna has found her loving, forever home! She is a pasture pal to a blind gelding. The first time they met they clicked! Both appear to be very happy!
Kiana is another beautiful girl that is looking for a forever home as a trail horse. She’s getting some training sessions in with Dan Rexroad!
Penny, a 30+ year old blind Belgian, looks gorgeous in her cold weather blanket. And believe me, it’s been really cold!
I miss her so much.
We always look forward to when 
Please also remember to cast your daily vote for Theresa in the Eagle Rare Life contest and please share amongst family and friends as well. Just click on this link and cast your vote.