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Solace and Beauty Update

January 3rd, 2013

It was a cold and wet day today.  The morning was going ok until Beauty got to feeling bad.  I had just gone to the office when Marie called me and said Beauty was down and acting strange.  I got back to the barn right away and she appeared to be colicing.  She’s got ouchy front feet right now and that wasn’t helping.  So she had a double whammy.  I called Dr. Ryan – he was coming out anyway to examine the new arrivals and Solace and to do a coggins on Dora (she will be leaving for her new home in a couple of weeks).  Bob and I got Beauty up and into the barn and Dr. Ryan arrived shortly after.  Dr. Ryan examined her and she was a bit gassy.  After some meds set in she was better.  She had me really worried.  She’s never coliced before.

Solace was also examined and ultrasounded today.  His lungs are scared for life but he is doing remarkably well.  He didn’t get this way overnight and I will never understand how anyone can see a horse in this condition and turn their head and do nothing.  This is basically what Ambrosia went through only she didn’t make it to us in time. She runs with the Heavenly Herd.  Hopefully Solace will be with us for a long time to come.  His IV cath is being pulled tomorrow and his antibiotics are being changed.  Just look at the look on his face – bright eyes and always alert and interested in everything going on around him.  He has gained a little weight but being sick hasn’t helped.  He’s really an amazing horse with a huge, and I mean huge, love for life.  He’s tucked in his stall for the night in his warm fleece and he’s eating a warm mash.  Solace is being started on Prasend (Pergolide) which he will likely be on for the rest of his life (cost of about $115/month).  If anyone would like to help with this expense I’m sure he would appreciate it (we would too).  He’s also being started on EquiPride.

Thank you all for your continued support – please keep the prayers flowing.  We will be coming up with some items to auction on Facebook to help raise money for another 2 tons of hay and to help with vetting and related needs.  With the weather as it is we are going through more hay than we’d like to be but it is what it is.  God bless and have a wonderful night everyone.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

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Solace – He’s Totally Exhausted

December 17th, 2012

Solace is in incredibly wonderful and forgiving horse.  Today, for the first time since he arrived, he finally laid down for a bit – I was glad because he looked totally exhausted.  He did get somewhat of a much needed bath.  His legs and backside got washed – it was too windy to give him a whole bath.  He is passing oil and his poops are not quite as loose.  He still has a bit of a nasal discharge.  Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to listen to his lungs again.  When Dr. Tanya was here yesterday his gut sounds prevented her from assessing his lungs very well.

I’m sorry my update is so short tonight but it’s very busy here.  Yesterday afternoon we had a wonderful get together with many of the volunteers which Bob and I enjoyed very much.  And today is pretty much over and I still have much more to get done.  If you have emailed or PM’d me and I haven’t responded, I apologize.  All messages are important to me – I just have not had much needed time in the office.

Thank you to everyone that has helped Solace.  It’s nothing short of a miracle that he is even able to walk.  Some have asked me if I think he will make it and I’m reluctant to answer a question such as that.  Sadly, we’ve been down this road enough to know that things can change quickly and there may be some issues that have not been discovered yet.  It’s something that only time will tell but we will do everything we can to give him everything he needs to improve.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers – we need a miracle.  Believe…

Greg Ambrose has added two new pictures to the Beauty’s Haven gallery that are available for purchase (which the rescue directly benefits from) that can be seen at: http://gra.photoshelter.com/gallery/Beautys-Haven/G0000_f.QHAPkboQ/C0000aComXSozr6I.  Please take a minute to look at them by clicking on the link – the photo that so many loved with Hollie and Starbuck is there too!  One of the new ones is of the Christmas Trio – it would make a beautiful Christmas card and there is a new one there of Solace also!

Sincerely,
Theresa Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization 

 

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Solace – He Has Found It Here

December 16th, 2012

This horse was found wandering down a road in south Florida, very close to death.  He reportedly walked away from an illegal backyard slaughter operation.  He obviously has no meat on his bones that would bring money.  When starved, a body feeds off its fat, then muscle, then its organs which is where this horse is.  By the grace of God, and the help of a few, he found his way to us in the wee hours this morning.  Here, he has found solace just as Hollie and the Christmas Trio (Nevada, Sachet, and Noelle) have.  I don’t know why the name “Solace” came to me the first time that I touched him, but it did, and so it is.  Maybe the events of this past week – I’m sure many of us are seeking solace – I hope we all find it too.  

There are pictures below that some may consider graphic.  If you don’t want to see them then please don’t scroll down.  But I choose to share what these horses go through and what we do to help them – the good, the bad, the ugly.  It’s a roller coaster ride and you are all invited to ride with us.  You can follow his progress and see how your donations are used.  He looks like he just walked out of a concentration camp.  

Dr. Tanya scored Solace a 0.5 on the Henneke Body Condition Score scale.  Horses that get down to a 1 don’t usually survive.  This says something about his will to survive.  His stool is full of sand and he has little energy.  He was very cooperative with when he was oiled.  Dr. Tanya thinks he is still a stud but he is so thin she really couldn’t say for sure.  His rehab will take some time – it must go slow and steady.  Too much, too soon, could kill him.  He needs a miracle and hopefully, it will come.

At some point in his life Solace sustained blunt trauma to his mouth – his top front teeth are on a pretty bad angle and there is a scar in the gum line.  Dr. Tanya couldn’t tell how old he is but he is aged.  His teeth are just so messed up – we will have the dentist out soon.

His temperature was low normal.  Blood tests are being done and a stool sample was taken.

When Solace poops, it flows in the hollow under his anus which is chaffed and irritated (this can cause infection) and then it runs down his legs.  We hope to give him a warm bath very soon.

He got fluids (including vitamins) via IV.  He was a perfect patient and seems content being here.  I think he knows we care.  🙂

As much as I don’t like asking for it – we need help.  Today’s vetting was $490 and the transport cost from to get him here (he was 4 hours away) was a very good price but it wasn’t inexpensive.  

I know Christmas is upon us and pockets are empty but please know that any amount of a donation helps.  One of our volunteers told me a few minutes ago that she collected all of her lose change and it came to almost $40 – she is donating it to help Solace.  If many people do this it will all add up.  If you’d like to call a credit into the vet’s office the number is 352-237-6151 and, again, no amount is too small.

We are still nursing Hollie, Nevada, Sachet (she is better), and Noelle back to health. They were all in bad shape too but they are slowly recovering.  I don’t know why these 5 horses came to us but I’m glad they did.  But again, we need your help.  Tax deductible donations can be made via PayPal to bhfer@earthlink.net or via our “Donate” page at https://bhfer.org/donate.

His body has withered away to bones and I hate to think of his past and the stories he could tell of what he has lived through.  His love for life, and will to live, must be strong for him to have survived and find his way to us.  Most others would euthanize him.  But I see a flicker of light in his beautiful eyes.  Somehow, I think he realizes that his life is beginning again, with people that will love him unconditionally and properly care for him.  Will he recover?  We choose to believe he will.  Please keep Solace in your prayers.  

Today is our Christmas gathering with our wonderful volunteers.  They will get to meet Solace as well as Hollie, Noelle, Nevada, and Sachet.  God bless and I’ll update more when I can.  Thank you all for your support.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://bhfer.org   Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

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Spirit the Blind Mare Has Arrived

June 28th, 2012

The blind mare, which I named Spirit, is now likely more comfortable than she has been in a long, long time.  Our daughter, Katie, went with me to pick her up today.  It was a good 3 hour trip getting there due to road closures because of flooding from Tropical Storm Debby but we were determined to get her here.  When we arrived she seemed stoic – her head was down and it was like her mind was in another place and time.  I was worried about her injuries and how bad they looked – worse than they did on Saturday.  And there were new, open injuries.  I whispered to her and rubbed on her a bit.  But when I reached up to put a halter on her for the trip home she turned her head into me and stayed there for a few seconds.  I told her she was going home to where life would be much better and different for her.  She stayed close as we walked to the trailer.  She had never been loaded onto a trailer – she was born on the property (2004) where we picked her up from.  She walked into the trailer in less than a minute – it didn’t take much coaching.  Just patience, a calm hand, and reassurance.  But she wasn’t happy once we got to moving – it had to have been a bit stressful for her but she unloaded really well at the rescue.

While we waited for Dr. Ryan Meeks, we hosed her off which she seemed to like.  Then we waited together – he arrived about 30 minutes later.  I will warn you that the photos after the picture after this one are graphic.  Don’t scroll down if you don’t want to see them.  How does anyone allow this to happen?  How ??

Dr. Ryan examined Spirit and said she wouldn’t have lasted much longer.  Her needs have gone neglected for a long time.  She is malnourished and has obviously been terribly beat up, repeatedly, over time.  She has many old and new wire injuries (that were infected), bites, sunburn, open sores swelling, blisters, etc.  Inside of her upper lip she has a wide cut that runs along her gum line which is likely why she isn’t very interested in hay.  She is finally drinking but we’re encouraging her more with electrolytes.

She has no vision in her right eye.  It’s possible that she sees a very small sliver of light in her left.

The puncture wound at her chest is wide and the open wound goes down deep – all the way to her sternum.  Her scars – they are everywhere.

Not surprisingly her feet haven’t been trimmed in a long, long time.  There are many open injures, new and old, on her legs too.

The injury on her nose goes to the bone. Dr. Ryan says we need to keep an eye on this – there may be sequestered bone.  More cuts and scratches all over her face and lots of swelling all over.

Spirit had been through a lot and will wear scars to prove it for the rest of her life – from nose to tail.  Just think about the many times she’s been bitten, kicked, run into things, and how scary it must have been for her.  I was so worried about her during Tropical Storm Debby.  She was on almost 30 acres with about 20 other horses, including studs.  There were also cows, an area with trees, and a lot of debris including barb wire.  Tomorrow she will get a good bath and these injuries will get all cleaned up.  I didn’t want to do too much more to her today but let her chill – she’s had a tough day.  It truly hurts my heart to see her injuries and to think of how horrible her life has been – a living nightmare, 24/7/365.

There are even bites around and under her tail.

Spirit will be stalled for awhile – her injuries will take quite some time to heal and she should not be in the sun – but she will get hand walked often.  Injuries will get cold hosed, cleaned, and treated.  It is a true blessing that she just stands and allows doctoring.  She could be all over the place, pushy, and untrusting but she isn’t.  She’s calm and seemingly appreciative – she likes me to hum to her.  She is resting now and seems to be enjoying just “being”.  There are no others here near her to pick on her or for her to be afraid of.  We can’t say for sure that she will make it but we can say she wouldn’t have made it much longer where she was.  But she is now on the road to recovery.  She is a diamond in the rough and truly does deserve a chance.

Thank you all for caring about her and for helping.  For those that have pledged a one time donation or a monthly sponsorship – we now ask that you follow through.  Spirit has a chance – thanks to all of you.  God bless and I’ll update tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

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After the Storm – A Blind and Injured Mare

Hopefully the worst is over and those in the path of what is left fares well. We are very happy that all horses and humans here are ok. We had so much rain and some heavy winds that some of the older fence posts snapped at ground line. They need to be replaced as soon as possible. But overall it wasn’t too bad. I will say that generators are a good thing.

Before we started dealing with Tropical Storm Debby I was asked if we could help some horses that are located in another county. Melissa and I drove to the location on Saturday and were not happy with what we found – over 20 horses on about 30 acres. Studs, mares, mares with babies and a couple of geldings. All mares have been exposed (again). Only one of the horses was ok with human touch. Young ones were curious and some came over, but most were leery of being touched. Well, one young one did tolerate a soft rub on the nose. The babies haven’t been handled and most 2 years old and under haven’t either. Ages range up to about 10 years old.

The most in need of help that I can’t get out of my mind is a blind mare. It’s obvious she’s sustained quite a few injuries over time. The worst injury now is a gaping hole in her chest. As you look at the picture below you can’t see the hole that goes off to the side – deep in towards her right shoulder. I couldn’t tell if there was a foreign object in there or not. The picture is somewhat misleading – it sort of looks like the hide is just skinned off but I assure you that isn’t the case. It is oozing and was full of flies and gnats. She keeps biting at it which is making it worse. The mare is afraid and doesn’t want to be caught and a stud herds her everywhere including away from humans.

She is very thin with scars, hoof prints, open sores, and cuts all over her. She looks so very sad and lost.

Front and back legs with injuries.

Certainly looks like she ran into something. Look at the open sores and scars on her legs and face – I hate to think of what she has endured.

She can’t see – not even shadows from what I could guess. I got close to her by walking slowly next to a little colt that had decided I wasn’t too bad to be next to. When he walked past her I just squatted down – she listened intently. When the herd runs she runs but is all over the map. Oh – and she could be pregnant.

We are, like most other rescues, over capacity but we want to find a way – this mare needs help badly. Can you imagine living like this in a dark, dark world with others, including studs, being so unkind to you?  Running from them while running into trees and other debris scattered around the property?

Right now we are asking for help in two ways:

1. Please share information with others about the horses we have here that are available for adoption in an effort to place some into good homes. This will free up space for others like this mare. I’m happy to report that Buttercup did go to her new home this week and is doing well. We have many more here that are healthy and happy and ready for their own human. Please visit our “Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue Adoption Page” on Facebook and share!!! Our adoption fees are low – it isn’t about money – it’s about finding the right forever home for each horse. We really need help with this.

2. Unless someone else is willing and has the means and experience to help this mare and can take her – we want to help her. At this time we are only seeking pledges – not donations. We need to make sure we can take on the responsibility of her care and needs first. We need pledges to cover at least 6 months of her care and her initial vetting needs. I don’t know how much it’s going to take initially but after the initial month I’m estimating it will be about $275 a month – this is just a quick estimate – I’m in a hurry and need to get out to finish chores.

I don’t know how she will accept to being handled and doctored but we won’t know if we don’t try. I’ve asked the owner to try to get the stud and the mare into a corralled area where the stud can be haltered and separated in order to catch her. The stud supposedly has some time under saddle. The owner has a small stall he can put the mare in until we can pick her up – which I would hope would be shortly after being caught but it’s a good 1+ hour drive to get there. If she can’t safely be caught then we will have to have her darted (sedation). Once here, we will have to put her in the quarantine paddock and see how she will adapt to being handled and doctored. Hopefully, she will settle in and be ok – she is young and deserves a chance.

The alternative is to have the mare put down which may or may not be in her best interest. When I asked the owner how he would put her down if she can’t be caught he said she’d be shot. I asked how that could be done humanely if she couldn’t be caught – a moving horse is not a target for a humane shooting, IMO. I can’t imagine this poor mare suffering any more than she already has. Can we, with help from others, help her? It’s not something we can decide here alone – we know we can’t make a commitment like this without help from others. If you would like to make a pledge to help us to help her please email me at bhfer@earthlink.net and let me know what you would like to pledge. Donations are tax deductible and even small amounts added up can be powerful.

I’m praying she makes it through the storms without further injury and I hope we can get her here soon. But if the owner calls tomorrow and says she has been caught and is waiting we want to be able to hook up the trailer and go get her (provided the weather allows us to). Perhaps there is another rescue or individual that could provide the care she needs? That is another option – please let me know if this is the case.

Thank you all – have a blessed day. Will be back at the computer later. Off to do chores and check on the horses. Hay – a ray of sunshine is peeking through the clouds!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

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Lacey’s Baby – Colt or Filly?

Lacey’s breeding date was on June 11, 2011.  Contributions may be forwarded via Just Give or Network for Good.

https://www.bhfer.org/donate

Good Luck, Everyone!

Lacey

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Rescue Happenings – It’s Quite Busy!

February 2nd, 2012

I’ve been guilty of not posting about horses here at the rescue and I apologize.  The case of 38 abandoned Paso Fino’s is taking a lot of time.  We have many wonderful people helping and more willing to help and I appreciate all of you.  While things may not appear to be moving fast – we are doing the best we can as fast as we can.  These are horses that haven’t been handled in 2+ years including 14 studs.  To give you an idea of how uncomfortable these mares were with people – the first day I was onsite 3 people walked into one of the paddocks where about a dozen mares live as a herd.  The mares ran away and jumped a fence – taking down the top board.  The last thing we want is for human or horse to be injured.  Working with situations like this requires a lot of patience and we don’t want any of the horses having a bad experience.  They appear, with each passing day, to be a little more comfortable with humans.  Some are being hand walked and are learning to trust.  Over the next couple of days coggins will be pulled on some, if not all, of the studs, and some feet will be trimmed.  We’ll be getting mares used to a round pen.

We need to find homes for all of these horses as soon as possible but if we can place the studs we could make use of the barn for the mares which would help.  Studs will be gelded with the exception of one that is 26 years old and mares are not to be bred.  We are busy in the office for this effort as well – we pray that some of our grant applications will be approved.  If anyone would like to offer a home to any of these horses an application can be downloaded from our website.  Donations are needed to help with their care – all donations are tax deductible and no amount it too small. We are making another hay run on Saturday morning.  If anyone would like to help with this expense you can call a credit in to Larson’s at 352-867-8333 or to Quality Hay at 352-529-0888.

Now, for an updates on others…

Buttercup has been in “school” for a couple of weeks.  While she is coming along she has shown herself (that’s our Buttercup!) but she is learning to be more confident and to overcome separation anxiety.  Gary is doing a great job with her and we hope to find Buttercup a home soon where her new human can continue her training.

Baby Ray is doing well and is very happy at his foster home.  He’s learning new things and seems very content.  Baby Ray is looking for his forever home.

Montana is doing great – he’s now looking for a forever home. He’s quite the character and makes us laugh.  Katie got up on him a few days ago – I think he’s likely been a cow horse in his younger days.  Doesn’t like direct reining – gave Katie a buck or two at first.  Neck reins great and doesn’t need or want any leg.

Montana

Harley, the Belgian that was surrendered to us 3 weeks ago, with untreated eye cancer, is doing great.  His surgery went well and the eye looks great – we have an application for his adoption and a very special family is coming to meet him this weekend!

Jessie and Ron visited today and the weather was perfect! All of the horses (and us humans) enjoyed seeing them again.  I think little Indy was smiling – hoping to get more carrots but Jessie split them evenly but Baby Girl and Morning Star were doing their own face making. Morning Star is absolutely gorgeous and is looking for a forever home. Baby Girl has some dapples!

Morning Star loves his ball and has made up many games to play with it.  And he’s learned how to deflate it – I think he finally killed it this week though!

Aaleyah Belle made sure she hogged the carrots.  Jessie got slimed – a few times!

Dr. Bess (Tune-Ups Equine Dentistry) was here this week to do some dental work.

Amadeus, Silver Belle, and Legacy.  Silver Belle and Legacy are really nice horses and are looking for their forever homes.  Amadeus – we have some plans for him with one of our UF volunteers!

Ghost is doing well. It’s like he’s lived here all of his life.

Kami got a bath today – she’s still our little spit fire!  I don’t know who was more wet – Kami or Marie and Katherine!

These horses are not at the rescue but we are working with AC to place.  Mustang with ear tips that were frozen off when she was out west – est. 13 yrs old.  Six year old Appaloosa and a 9 year old QH. I’m told all are ridden by experienced children.

And these two are urgent – they are at AC and their time is very limited.  If we can’t find homes for them they will be euthanized.  Rogue is a Mustang that appears to have not been handled much, if at all.  He’s not mean – has not offered to kick or do anything of the sort – he just departs the area where a human may be approaching and will hide behind Bucky.  Rogue is a beautiful mover and just needs to learn to trust.  He has very kind eyes and demonstrates that he wants to interact with humans – it will just take some time and patience.  Bucky, well, he’s a sweetheart.

Here are some items we are in need of:

· Micro-Tek Spray and Shampoo
· Breakaway halters – Arabian/Cob size
· Breakaway halters – Average horse size.
· Breakaway halters – miniature horse size.
· Long AND short nose Cashel flymasks in sizes Arab and Horse.
· Three play balls (size large)
· Miniature lightweight blanket for Haley – I’ll have to check her size tomorrow.

Please don’t forget that we’ve got a new Daily Blog at http://bhfer.wordpress.com/.  I won’t be able to post updates Daily but I’ll do my best to get at least 3 out a week.  Previous months and years are still on the website.  We hope to have our “Available Horses” page updated soon – we have many that are not on the website that ready for forever homes.

We do hope everyone is having a great week.  I don’t know where time is going but it’s going by too fast!  At least the weather has been good to us and I wish it would stay like this all year around.  God bless – take care and I’ll update again as soon as I can.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

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Paso Case Update

01/29/12

Below are a few pictures from today. Carla went out to feed this afternoon and Jacky and Tres helped – it was a pleasure to meet more people that are willing to help. I went out with hubby to take more hay and I wanted to spend a little time with the horses while hubby did a few minor repairs.

The structures in the back of the horses are not on the property.

The group with the gray mare was much calmer this afternoon.

These two mares stick together much of the time. They are both starting to enjoy touch – at least on their noses and sides of their face. I really enjoy just sitting with them and getting to know them – the time goes by too quickly!

Here are some of the horses a few days ago – the hay they were eating looked like cow hay.

Yesterday they got some very nice hay which they love!

And today we took more hay. The temps are going into the 30’s tonight – I think they will appreciate the hay very much.

Carla has graciously accepted the task of compiling a list of people that would like one or more of the horses – as well as to coordinate volunteers to cover morning and afternoon feed shifts.  Our priority over the weekend was to get hay/grain to the horses, get the studs out of their stalls for awhile so they could get some fresh air and graze while their stalls could be cleaned, to clean waterers, and to make minor repairs to fencing, gates, to put together a core team of volunteers to help to manage the many tasks, etc. Horses will be catalogued over the next few days – please be patient because it won’t be an easy task. These mares out in the paddocks have not been handled in a long, long time.

It’s really a wonderful thing – people coming together to help those that can’t help themselves. These horses appreciate everything done for them and we appreciate everyone helping us to help them – we couldn’t do it without help from others. Where there was little light in many of their eyes only a few days ago – the light is getting brighter each day and it’s such a great feeling and rewarding thing to experience! They will come around and enjoy human touch again. They will find wonderful forever homes. It may take time, patience, and resources – but with help from others we’ll do our best to make it happen. Thank you all!

God bless and we hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

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“I AM Zaynah” Match Game Almost Over!

Two for One! 24 Hours Remaining

Hi Everyone,

I will happily match the next FOUR ticket purchases for the
‘I AM Zaynah’ portrait fundraiser.
For every ticket purchased, you will receive an additional chance to win this

beautiful portrait of our beloved Zaynah!

Please note that this Fundraiser ends in just 24 Hours!

Thank you all for your love and support.

Jeanne

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