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Let the Countdown Begin!

Mo is so funny! He always has a look on his face that appears as if he is up to no good and I just haven’t really figured out what that is! Here he is looking like he’s trying to coerce Mishka into who knows what.

Two peas in a pod! Our sweet Pony, Elyza Rose, and our beloved blind Belgian mare, Penny. They make quite the pair.

Jo and Dancer are doing really well and are so appreciative of their new blankets.

If anyone would like to help make one of our Christmas wishes come true, please consider donating toward a bag of ‘Enrich Plus.’ The cost is $31 and donations can be made here our website or via PayPal.Me. Please note that your donation is for ‘Enrich.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Family and Friends,’ no fees will be deducted from your donation. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.

Thank you!

Just a quick reminder to place your calendar order to ensure that it arrives before year’s end! It is a great tool for managing your daily, weekly, and monthly appointments and reminders for both home and barn. Just go to our secure Storefront and place your order: CLICK HERE.

Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Holiday Season!

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New Arrivals Update and Some Exciting News!

Hello Everyone,

The new arrivals are doing well. The oldest mare, Bria, was born in 1990, the dark bay mare, Rascal, was born in 1994 and Zoomer, the chestnut, was born in 2000.

When they arrived on Tuesday, they were curious, but cautious. What seemed most intriguing to Zoomer were the minis – it was like he just couldn’t figure out what they were up to and why they’re so small!

On Wednesday past, Dr. Julia came to do exams (including blood tests) on the new arrivals. Andrew came to do hooficures and Dr. Bess came to do much needed dental work on both Dancer and Bria. We truly have a great care team!

 

I do have some very good news to share, however! Zoomer and Rascal left for their new home yesterday! They are so very blessed to have a loving home just in time for the holidays! We’re very excited for them!

Bria, the senior mare, will likely, live out her life here at the rescue as a special needs sanctuary horse. I know she would be very appreciative to have sponsors to assist with her care, so if anyone would like to make a one time donation or sign up to become a monthly sponsor for this sweet girl, we and she would be forever grateful!

There are many ways in which to donate. You may forward your donation via various means here on our Website or via PayPalMe. Please note that your donation is for “Bria.” If you donate via PayPal, please select the tab “Send Money to Friends or Family,” and no fees will be deducted from your contribution.

Thank you, all, so very much, for your love and support.

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Jo’s Long Awaited Update

I apologize for taking so long to post this update. The daily chores/needs we tackle here each day are many and there is little extra time. Those of you who have been with us for a long time, know I used to post often throughout the days/nights. Now, I try to post at least a couple of times a week when I am able to make time before calling it a day. Hopefully, soon, I’ll be able to post more routinely again.
And now, for Jo’s long awaited update

Jo’s kidneys and liver are stressed and she’s fighting infection. She has a heart murmur, severe muscle atrophy, and is about 300 pounds underweight. She has a poor coat and patches of skin without hair. Her coat, thankfully, is actually looking slightly better already. Her appetite is good and she’s drinking and getting the supplements that she needs. She’s also being treated for ulcers. As I mentioned in my update yesterday, Jo’s feet needed attention, too, but they were taken care of the day after we brought her to the rescue.


Like most horses, Jo walked right into the stall in Dr. Bess’ dental trailer. She was an absolute angel the entire time.

Most of Jo’s issues came about due to the condition of her teeth. Dr. Bess Darrow (Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry) found ulcers in Jo’s cheeks, gums, tongue, and soft palate due to sharp points. One sharp point put the palatine artery at significant risk of being cut which could have caused Jo to bleed out.

There were large ramps and her front teeth are on a slant due to misalignment which physically obstructed the motion she needed to properly chew. Because Jo couldn’t chew, it decreased the ability of her digestive system to extract much needed nutrients from any food she did manage to get down. It also put her at risk for choke and colic.

Most horse owners know this, but for those who don’t, when a horse chews, it is a grinding motion that, over time, wears down the tooth surface. Sharp hooks and points form. Teeth wear unevenly which causes the mouth to close improperly which can lead to chronic colic, weight loss, quidding, bad behavior, and other issues. Quidding is when food gets rolled into balls which fall out of the horses mouth and drop to the ground. Sometimes, rather than chew with a painful mouth, a horse will try to swallow food before chewing is complete which can cause choke, colic, and weight loss. Jo was quidding. Sometimes, a horse will pack food on the side of its mouth (when they are unable to chew on that side) which can cause gum disease and tooth loss.

When a horse is younger, uneven wear can be corrected. Left unattended, the issue progresses and becomes severe as in Jo’s case. Horses’ teeth erupt and wear over their lifetime. As a horse ages, the eruption rate slows and teeth get shorter. With an older horse, there might not be any tooth left below the gum to keep erupting and teeth may start to fall out. When a horse loses a tooth, the tooth above or below it, doesn’t have anything to grind against. The teeth on each side of the empty space start moving toward each other and feed can get packed there which can cause issues that would need veterinary attention.

As a horse ages, the digestive tract becomes less efficient at absorbing and processing nutrients. Reduction in the ability to mechanically break down food (through grinding of the teeth) lowers digestibility. It’s important to ensure a horse’s diet is tailored to suit their particular needs. Senior horses like Jo, and Little E, need a complete senior feed that is easy to chew and is highly digestible. This feed can be soaked and made into a soupy mash which helps prevent choke. The increased water intake also helps reduce digestive issues. These horses benefit from smaller portioned meals that are offered more frequently throughout the day.

The day after Dr. Bess did Jo’s teeth, it felt good to know Jo could finally use her mouth without the pain and discomfort that she had been feeling for quite some time. And Jo actually looked brighter and happier!

Providing proper dental care for the entire lifetime of a horse is very important to its well-being. Routine dental care can help a horse live a longer and healthy life by preventing issues and unnecessary pain and suffering. Every horse owner has an obligation to provide this to their horse.

Jo’s previous owner said they were feeding her two meals a day, and I do believe them. After Jo arrived, she passed manure and there was grain in it. We were told that Jo’s teeth were floated about 1 1/2 years ago by a farrier. Whoa – red flag! This is a good example of why it’s important to have an equine dentist, or veterinarian skilled in equine dentistry, like Dr. Bess, to properly diagnose, correct, and treat dental problems as well as administer sedation (if needed).

We’re thankful that Jo’s previous owner finally reached out for help before it was too late, allowing us the opportunity to make a significant difference in Jo’s life. She wouldn’t have lasted much longer. Recovery may take awhile – many things happen to a body when it has been deprived of proper nutrition. But Jo has a bright attitude and we have the means (thanks to our supporters) to provide what she needs to help her through this time.

We thank all of you for caring!

Dr. Darrow is a veterinarian and is International Association of Equine Dentistry certified. She specializes in equine dentistry. Her dental trailer is awesome and most horses walk right into the padded stall. She uses a full mouth speculum and bright light, a drencher, power and manual tools, a soft chin rest and/or a head suspension system, mirrors, other instruments, and sedation (when needed). She provides a dental record and chart of the horse’s mouth which describes the work she did and also shows diagrams of the teeth. It’s obvious to us that she understands the whole horse and cares about her patients. She has been treating our horses for years!

Dr. Darrow’s website is Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and she can also be found on Facebook. We truly appreciate everything she does for the horses, not just here, but everywhere! She spearheaded Houses4Horses, a non-profit organization that began with efforts to aid horses following Hurricane Michael in 2018 in Florida’s panhandle. Houses4Horses is also helping to provide vet care, hay and feed for horses and livestock remaining on Grand Bahama Island in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

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Jo, All Settled In!

It was a beautiful day at the rescue last Sunday – the weather was nice and there were no “surprises.” Jo greeted us in the morning with bright eyes and a whinny to start the day. Jenny arrived and gave her a much-needed bath and spa treatment. Jo seemed to hold her head a little higher after her bath so I’m thinking she really enjoyed it. Her sores were treated and her mane and tail were brushed out. She’s very beautiful.


Happy Feet

Jo had a happy hooficure day on Monday – she truly needed it and I am sure she felt much better afterwards!


A Visit with Dr. Julia

The vet also came on Monday to do an exam on Jo, including blood tests. We were told that she is 35 years old but I’m not sure if that is correct. There’s probably a combination of things contributing to her being so thin, but I do believe that with proper care, she has the desire, and ability, to overcome. Jo is very vocal, alert, and interested in everything that goes on around her. She’s a very kind soul.


Hope

After examining Jo, Dr. Julia visited with Hope.


A Visit with Dr. Bess

Dr. Bess came on Wednesday to do Jo’s teeth. She aged Jo to be 28 years young. I will be sharing a comprehensive update with some pretty incredible photos as to the vet and equine dentist’s findings, within the next few days.

We truly appreciate everyone’s support for sweet Jo.

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Welcome Home, Jo!

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!

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Update on Frodo’s Indirect Lightening Strike

It’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to provide an update on Frodo but he’s doing much better after having taken an indirect lightning strike just over a year ago.

Unfortunately, the same thing happened to a very special Arabian mare named Victoria, a few years ago, so we had better knowledge and experience of what to expect with Frodo.  Sadly, we did lose Victoria to founder (due to the strike) after many months of her giving it all she had to overcome.  But in the end, she foundered and was a sinker – we loved her enough to let her go.

The two biggest concerns with Frodo were neurological damage and founder.  After the strike, Frodo was in a fog for the first few days and he didn’t want to move about much.  We observed him constantly and took precautionary measures to help prevent founder, but the damage had already been done – both front feet rotated about 4 degrees.  We continued to ice his feet and he received acupuncture.  He had many abscesses in his front feet for quite a while.  The farrier made a special pair of shoes (clogs) for him that helped Frodo quite a bit.

After a few months, the abscessing cleared up and Frodo finally became more mobile.  However, his backend still doesn’t know where it is (a proprioception issue due to neurological damage) and he walks somewhat robotically.  Mentally, he’s doing fine.  He lives around the barn, has his own stall, and loves to help clean the feed tubs each day. We don’t have a paddock in which to put him where he wouldn’t be chased by others, but he has access to a small paddock behind the barn. He seems to be quite content being the ‘King of the Barn’ and all of the humans simply adore him.

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Hope Wheelin’ Right Along!

We know Hope has dwarfism characteristics, contracted tendons, cataracts and neurological deficits.  But, she also has a bright spirit and a determination that we can’t, and won’t, ignore. She’s a precious and wonderful living being who deserves a chance.

We have seen an improvement in her tendons due to the Dynasplints, but she still has not been very active.  Her muscles need to be put to work – she needs to do weight bearing exercises and build stamina.  We had to find a way for her to get moving on her own as part of a good rehabilitation program in order for her to become more self sufficient.

Remember – Hope laid on the ground, almost 24 hours a day, every day for more than a month.  We plan to take one step at a time, through support and physical therapy.  Yes, it will take a great deal of our time, but since I have been in a somewhat similar situation due to a spinal cord injury (I was a quadriplegic), I can attest to the fact, that with the right tools, therapists, tons of determination, a wonderful support system, and much faith, I did overcome the odds and am able to use my limbs again (although I’m an incomplete quad with no feeling or proprioception below my neck).  I am not saying that Hope will do so as well, but unless we give her a chance, we will never know.

We did some research and found a wheelchair from Walkin’ Wheels that is absolutely perfect!  The wheelchair isn’t meant to be a permanent solution, but rather, a tool.

As we pray for a good outcome for Hope, if it turns out it is not meant to be, we will find peace with the knowledge that we gave her the chance that she so justly deserves and she will leave this world knowing that she was very much loved – she will be surrounded by those who love her and she won’t die alone in a field. Miracles do happen and we have borne witness to many.

This VIDEO was taken last night after I removed Hope’s Dynasplints in order to clean them, prior to tucking her in.  Hope’s back legs were not supported in the wheelchair but her front legs were – but she used them to move herself forward which is a very good thing!


As I mentioned in our last update, a majority of our horses are scheduled for hooficures this week so we need to raise $820. In addition, the arthritis in Chloe’s knees has worsened to the point where she needed injections. Dr. Cardona was here this week to take x-rays and administer the injections. We currently need $400 for Chloe’s veterinary fees. We also need to make a Hay Run this weekend, for three large compressed bales of hay at a cost of $330, plus a ton of three string orchard hay bales at cost of $610 for a total of $940.

Any help for these needs would be so greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via various means on our secure DONATION PAGE. Please note in the comments section that your donation is for ‘Happy Feet,’ ‘Chloe’ or ‘Hay.’ All donations are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.

Thank you to our wonderful friends and supporters who have already donated!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

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Velvet needs a home!

This is an urgent matter and we need your help.

We’ve been hit very hard these past few months with horses that were adopted out years ago, but had to come back to us (at no fault of their own). We try hard to match the right horse to the right human in situations where we are assured the horse(s) will become a permanent family member and have a loving forever home. But, as we’ve experienced over the last year or so, people’s priorities change, illness is real, jobs require relocation and they can’t take the horse(s), the adopter’s interests may have moved on to something new in their life, etc.

Two Arabian mares, Nadia and Venus, were returned by their adopter who had been ill. She could no longer care for these beautiful girls and, sadly, she recently, passed away. She found comfort knowing that Nadia and Venus would be forever safe.

We had to reclaim two Arabian geldings, Mo and Derek, that were at high risk due to a breach of contract – it was not a good experience for us, or the horses. We are grateful that both were located and are now safe here at the rescue. They are both undergoing rehabilitation.

We also had another Arabian, Kaliko, come back and Zahara will be returning from training within the next couple of weeks.

THE URGENCY: In 2010, we adopted out three horses, Anastasia, Jack, and Velvet, to the same home. The adopter just sold their home and notified us that the horses must be off the property by April 30th. We are simply full and have no paddocks in which to put another horse, and, even if we did, we don’t have the needed manpower or resources to care for them. We have never before been in this position and it’s truly disconcerting, to say the least. We have been working diligently on finding homes for these horses and thankfully, we found homes for Jack and Anastasia. Jack settled into his new home this past week and we are trying to keep Anastasia with Velvet until a home can also be found for Velvet. We will then schedule the two mares to leave for their respective homes at the same time.

Velvet is a 15 year old Warmblood that stands 15 hh and she is currently located in Morriston, FL. She’s very sweet and takes after her sire, a Swedish Warmblood named Donnermeyer. Here is an excerpt from the breeder’s page about her sire which sounds like Velvet through and through:

“Donnermeyer’s best trait is his beautiful mind. He is a very easy going stallion, who is regularly complimented for his sweet nature. He is gentle and kind, truly wants to please, and loves people. He is like a puppy-dog, filled with personality, and a pleasure to be around. He also passes this onto his offspring.”

Velvet has an old knee injury as a result of being kicked as a foal and she therefore, cannot be ridden but she would make a wonderful pasture pal. She loves people and kids. She is a huge help with other horses – she will work side by side with her human to help catch another horse, letting them know its okay. Velvet loves attention and being groomed and scratched – she will stand by your side all day long. She does not like to be cross tied but she does well being ground tied. She is up to date on her Coggins, vaccinations, and feet.

Please spread the word, we don’t have much time left. April 30th will be here in no time.

Thank you, all so very much!

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Penny

Penny, a blind 30+ year old Belgian mare, has been dropping in weight and just hasn’t been herself lately, so we had Dr. Julia examine her and do some blood tests. There were a few highs and lows in her bloodwork. Penny has allergies and she may have ulcers. Dr. Julia recommends Succeed for two months as well as Forefront, and she suggests that we add Renew Gold to her diet. She was lame on her front right for a few days, but after having blown an abscess, she is now, much happier and comfortable. Penny is also due to have annual dental work done.

Penny needs help for two months of Succeed ($220), Forefront ($140), and Renew Gold ($90) which adds up to $450. She will also need help with her dental care but we can tackle that once we have an appointment scheduled.

If you’d like to help this grand old girl, you can make a one time tax deductible donation, or sign up to make an automatic monthly recurring donation, via our secure WEBPAGE. There, you have the option of making your donation in honor/memory of someone and you can cancel a recurring donation at any time. Or, you can donate through Network For Good or JustGiving. These links can also be found on our donate page along with our snail mail address. You can also donate via PAYPAL and if you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please note that your contribution is for ‘Penny.’ Please be assured that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. If you’re not in a position to donate at this time, we truly understand, but you can still help by sharing this post!

Thank you all, so very much, for your continued love and support!

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Mo Shahtef’s Prize

This is Mo Shahtef’s Prize – Mo for short! Mo is a 20-year-old registered Arabian recovered from an “adoption gone bad.” It was truly a relief when we learned that Mo was okay and where he was located, thanks to social media, prayers, and good-hearted people willing to do the right thing.

Mo was given or sold to someone by the adopter and then went to a number of other homes. Thankfully, he landed with someone who reached out to us when they learned of the situation. This person has a huge heart and has dedicated her life to helping animals and we’re so very grateful that she and her family opened up their home to Mo when he was in need. And, contrary to the assumptions of some, the person was offered the opportunity to adopt Mo but since she has other horses and animals that she has rescued and wishes to continue to help others, Mo’s departure opened up a space for yet another precious animal in need.

When we reached out for help to find Derek and Mo, many of you took precious time to share our posts, make calls, etc. Your support was a reminder to us that we weren’t alone and that there are still good people in this world. You all set an example for what can happen when people work together to do the right thing. The light from our village of supporters shines brightly and I’m so very proud of each and every one of you! As our village grows, so does the light and as long as we stay in the light, we’ll never be alone. And all of the time we were searching for the boys, Betsy Rose was always in my head and heart reminding me to never give up and to believe.

Mo and Derek both need sponsors as soon as possible to cover vetting, dentals, hooficures, supplements, feed/hay, etc. If you can help with a one time, or recurring monthly donation, there are many ways in which to do so. Donations can be made via our WEBSITE, via PAYPAL, or via PAYPALME. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to “Derek/Mo”. If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no contribution is ever too small. God bless you all and thank you so very much!

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