I share this story each year at Christmastime. Some know it as “Only for Love” and some call it “The Old One.” We have several ‘old ones’ living out their sunset years at Beauty’s Haven and we are truly privileged to be able to share our lives with these incredible ‘Wise Old Souls.’ Our ‘old ones’ who are twenty years old and older, include Amira, Bouie, Dancer, Ebony, Frodo, Jo, Luiji, Magic, Mishka, Mo, Peaches, Shai, Warrior and Valley Girl.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the ‘old ones’ is their wisdom. They have lived through countless experiences and have developed a deep understanding of the world around them. Their interactions with humans and other horses, have shaped their perspectives and given them a unique insight into life. It is through their wisdom that they teach us valuable lessons about patience, trust, and resilience.

Many ‘old ones’ have special needs, but that does not diminish their worth or the love and care they deserve. In fact, their special needs often deepen the bond between them and their caregivers, as we work together to ensure their comfort and well-being. Their longevity is a testament to their resilience.

These ‘old ones’ are not just horses who have lived a long time; they are living testaments to the profound impact that animals can have on our lives. They remind us to cherish every moment and appreciate the wisdom that comes with age. We are truly blessed to have them in our lives, and they continue to inspire and enrich us with their presence.

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“The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.

Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. “Why do you not at least dispose of “The Old One.” She is no longer of use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?” The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, “We keep her because of love. Only because of love.”

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the “Old One.”

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s fury.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, “We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared.”

And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the “Old One” close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the “Old One” as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift- because of love. Only because of love.”

“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” – Benjamin Franklin

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Photo of bay horse with a Memorial Day frame and theme.

Photo of bay horse with a Memorial Day frame and theme.

Valor

“Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.”
~Michel de Montaigne

Memorial Day . . . This is the day that’s set aside . . . To remember with gratitude and pride . . .
All those who served and died . . . for our country and our freedom.
May your day be filled with memories and peace.

(Please click on the image above.)

With Gratitude

Thank you for being a blessing in our lives, not only at Easter time, but all the year through.

Sincerely,
Theresa, Bob, and the Beauty’s Haven Family

A Valentine’s Day Wish

The ‘Velvet Nosers’ here at Beauty’s Haven are eagerly awaiting Valentine’s Day and they truly hope that each of their ‘Aunties’ and ‘Uncles’ will send them a ‘Virtual Valentine!’

All you have to do is forward a $5 donation and indicate the name of the equine, dog or cat who you would very much love to be your Valentine. Of course, you may send a Valentine to more than one member of our beloved herd and if you would like to forward a donation greater than $5, that would be so very much appreciated as well.

Our little herd is comprised of: Aaleyah Belle, Amira, Bouie, CaryLou, Chloe, Dancer, Ebony, Elka, Frodo, Jazzy, JoJo. Jo, Komanchee, Lily, Lucy, Luiji, Magic, Mishka, Mo, Peaches, Rio, Valley Girl, Warrior, Waylon, Walker, Willow, Benjamin, Shadow, Allie, Neo, Gio, Oreo and Pearle.

So, if you would like to make one of our ‘Velvet Nosers’ truly happy this Valentine’s Day, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below and please include the name of your very special Valentine.

Thank you everyone!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Please click on the image above to view an entertaining video of our
lovely new Catio with all the ensuing kitty shenanigans! 

A nice Catio was found under the Christmas tree for the feral cats and kittens on Christmas morning!  A Catio will help protect them from the elements and predators. And just when we thought we had all of them fixed, a female that disappeared months ago, showed up just the other day, with five precious kittens.  They are, thankfully, old enough now, so we can begin trapping them, getting them neutered, and releasing them.

Thank you, Auntie Marilyn, for this incredible Gift of Love!

Sincerely,
Theresa

As we reflect upon 2023, we want to take a moment to thank you, our wonderful village of supporters, for helping us continue our mission of providing care and support, not only to our beloved little herd, but to other sentient beings in dire need, as well.

Because of your unwavering support, we were able to grant a second chance at life to Elka, our precious Molly Mule who was about to be shipped to slaughter, Waylon, a wise old soul, who needed sanctuary where he could live out his remaining years, Amira and Maggie, two beautiful mares, both of whom were discovered starved abandoned and neglected, sweet Walker, who. too, simply needed a safe place to land, and of course, Benjamin, discovered wandering about, lost and alone. We also welcomed Willow back to our herd.

And when it was time to say tearful goodbyes to Beauty, Ruby, Nadia, Venus, Oasis, Peggy Sue, Minnie and precious Rosie, you were there for us, once again, providing unending prayers and beautiful words of comfort, for which we will forever remain grateful.

Your support also helped us with the feral cat population. We are so truly grateful for a much needed Catio which was recently donated and just received! A Catio will help these sweet cats, together with their kittens, stay warm and safe. We will be trapping, fixing and releasing at least one more adult cat and her five kittens as soon as the kittens attain the proper age. Sadly, Midnight, one of our released feral cats, sustained life-threatening injuries and had to be humanely euthanized after seemingly, being run over by four wheelers that were illegally racing in a large field next to the rescue. Despite his significant injuries, he somehow, made it back to the rescue, and had we not found him, he would have suffered immensely for at least, another day or two.

Lastly, we are so very grateful for your most generous support to our End of the Year Campaign which has allowed us to become just $2881 within reach of our $15,000 goal. With only one day remaining in 2023, we ask that you please share this newsletter amongst family and friends, in hope that they, too, may wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc. And to our twenty-one recurring automatic donors, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your monthly donation is constant and makes a significant impact on each and every member of our precious herd.

Wishing you all, a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,
Theresa

As you all know, we didn’t have a Thanksgiving save this year which I felt absolutely terrible about, especially since we had many calls from others wanting to surrender their horses. At the time, however, we were focused upon Beauty who was very sick and in the hospital. I am still adjusting to her being gone and I miss her so very much.

In honor of Beauty, we took in an aged mule that needed help as our Christmas save. Her name is Elka.

Just because one is old, doesn’t mean they should be neglected or sent to slaughter – every life is precious and every life matters. Elka will now only know love and proper care – this is our promise to her as it is to every sentient being that enters through our gates.

Elka would very much love to have sponsors to assist with her daily expenses, so if anyone would like to sign up to do so, it would be so greatly appreciated. Just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below, where you may sign up to become a monthly recurring sponsor, or if you prefer to make a one-time donation, there are a variety of ways in which to do so. All donations are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Lucy and CaryLou have asked that I share their Christmas Wish List with Santa! They are asking for items that they really need, so if anyone wishes to be their ‘Secret Santa,’ it would truly make their hearts sing on Christmas day! You may forward a donation toward an item simply by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below, or, if you would prefer to purchase an item and have it sent directly to Beauty’s Haven, our address is: P.O. Box 53, Morriston, FL 32668. Thank you for always ‘being there’ for our beloved little herd.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Sincerely,
Theresa