Shai is Forever Home!

Shai is a mare who came to us from a Citrus County seizure a few years ago and was adopted out to a really nice family. In early 2024, her adoptive family had some life changes and Shai came back to us. She lived in a paddock with Amira and they got along fine. Once the grass became dormant, however, and we had to put out hay, we sadly, had to separate Shai from Amira. Amira cannot have hay due to chronic choke – she has to have many smaller soft meals a day. We tried placing Shai with different horses but nothing seemed to work – she just wasn’t happy and we want all of our horses to be happy!

We reached out to Paul of Retirement Home for Horses Inc in Alachua and explained the situation. He was happy to welcome Shai into their program. What a blessing! Shai was transported to RHH yesterday and received a warm welcome from everyone. The door is always open, however, for Shai to return to Beauty’s Haven, but we think she will be much happier in her new environment.

Much gratitude to RHH! We hope and pray that Shai will be happy and content in her new home. And we truly appreciate Chris for taking such good care of Shai during her transport.

Pictured Clockwise from Top Right:

  • RHH Team Member, Dakota Bell, takes Shai’s official portrait!
  • RHH Volunteers Ann Carey (L) and Amy Sweeney welcome Shai
  • Chris who safely transported Shai to her “Forever Home”
  • Shai’s new best friends come out to greet her!
  • Ann, along with RHH Team Member, Brad, walk Shai over the creek to the Arrival Paddock
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Critical weeks ahead for severely malnourished rescue Flint

While we were encouraged by new rescue Flint’s excellent demeanor for his vet exam on Monday, being much more alert and vocal, Flint’s body condition was scored just below a 1 on the Body Condition Scoring Scale by the veterinarian. In this scoring system, which ranges from 1 to 9, a lower score indicates a more difficult rehabilitation process. Sadly, beneath Flint’s fluffy coat, there are only bones.

The majority of horses with a BCS of 1 and below usually don’t make it, as starvation takes a toll. We have had several cases of this nature, and while the majority have pulled through, there have been a few that we have sadly lost. The next couple of weeks are critical. We use the UC Davis protocol in our rehabilitation/refeeding process.

Although the vet assessed him to be 25-plus years of age, I truly believe that he wants to be around for many more years. He has a great mental attitude, which is very important in the healing process and his eyes are bright with hope.

During the process of starvation, the body depletes fat and muscle, causing a slowdown in metabolism and resulting in weakness. The horse struggles to regulate its temperature, and the immune system becomes compromised. The body first utilizes fat for energy, and once that is exhausted, it turns to muscle tissue, including the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and heart. This depletion of muscle leads to a loss of electrolytes and proteins, causing a deterioration of the digestive system and reduced nutrient absorption. Flint’s gastrointestinal function has been significantly affected, and restoring his ability to digest and absorb feed will take time.

We are committed to supporting him through this, with patience, a proper refeeding plan, and plenty of tender loving care. He truly deserves it.

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On Tuesday, we received Flint’s bloodwork results, which reflected those commonly seen in a starved horse. While there are some highs and lows, it’s encouraging that there are no signs of infection, but his fecal exam did reveal that he was positive for parasites. Flint’s stool has become more formed, his appetite remains strong as you can see by clicking on the image above, and he is drinking well.

He was slightly less active on Tuesday, and that is okay – we don’t want him burning much needed calories. He remains very vocal and engaged with everything happening around him. We will repeat the blood tests in about a week.

While I can’t guarantee Flint’s recovery, his determination to overcome is apparent. We will do everything we can to improve his chances.

Last night, with the cold temperatures rolling in, we had Flint all tucked in with a cozy blanket which I’m sure he truly appreciated. It’s a bit large on him but we ordered a new one that should be a better fit. Hopefully, it will be here within the next few days.

Lastly, the farrier came out today to take care of Flint’s neglected feet which made him quite happy.

We will schedule our equine dentist once he is stable and gains a bit more weight.

Please keep Flint in your thoughts and prayers. Your positive support is greatly appreciated. Here, we firmly believe in the power of prayer and in miracles.

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His Name is Flint

Flint, our most recent rescue, successfully made the trip and unloaded just fine. He seemed to be a bit more chipper and he even managed to say ‘Thank you’ which you can hear by clicking on the image above! He had a good night and was happy to go out this morning. He’s such a very sweet and kind horse. He was so hungry when we picked him up, but he now appears to truly love and appreciate his delicious hay and slurries.

Upon his arrival, my initial assessment revealed that Flint’s heart rate was normal, his gut and lungs sounded okay, his capillary refill rate was about normal, albeit he was a bit dehydrated. His temperature was a bit low but he was out in heavy rain before we picked him up so once at the rescue, we placed him under heat lamps to make him feel more comfortable. He taped in at about 600 pounds.

There was quite a bit of sand in his feces – I could even hear sand sounds in his gut.

We let him relax and adjust to his new surroundings last evening and scheduled the vet to come to the farm today in order to perform an examination and run necessary tests.

Although he is not out of the woods yet by far, he is thankfully on the right path now. We will have a better idea of his health once his blood test results come back.

Mentally, he certainly is in no frame of mind to give up. I do believe this sweet horse wouldn’t have made it much longer – there was no grass, no hay, nothing for him to eat except perhaps, bark off of trees.

Thanks to all in advance for allowing us to grant yet another precious soul a second chance at life.

We will update once again when Flint’s test results have been evaluated.





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LAST CHANCE TO DOUBLE YOUR DONATION!

A dear friend and supporter has come forth and has offered to match all donations up to $2000 in order to assist us in procuring our much needed gates.

This is a perfect way in which to apply your year-end contributions while keeping the Beauty’s Haven herd safe at the same time. Just click on the ‘DONATE’ button above if you would like to contribute.

Thank you all for your love and support throughout 2024.

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Amira Update and Post-Hurricane Support

Amira was so ready to come back to the farm following her procedure at the hospital. She couldn’t wait to get down to her paddock where she hangs out with her dear friend, Shai. Amira is officially receiving all soft meals, now, as she is 30 years old and her teeth are quite worn down.

We are so grateful for all of your good thoughts and prayers for Amira – they worked!

We also have some exciting news! A dear friend and supporter has come forth and has offered to match all donations up to $1000 which will greatly assist us in getting caught up with our veterinary and farrier bills as well as help us restock some very important items in our medicine cabinet.

We realize that so many others are in dire need of assistance following hurricanes Helene and Milton, so if you are unable to assist at this time, we truly understand – but you can still help by sharing this newsletter amongst family and friends. If you are in a position to help our little herd, however, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button below. As always, all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you, all, for your love and support!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Amira Hospitalized While We Weather the Hurricane

Please click on the image above to view a most joyful video of Amira and her dear friend, Waylon.

After Dr. Stolsworth arrived yesterday to examine Amira, it was determined that she needed to go to the hospital where there is a camera which will be better able to scope her. Once at the hospital, Amira’s blockage was successfully cleared but she does have pneumonia. She will be staying at the hospital for a few days and she is now officially, on a soft food diet.

Amira was scoped once again today and everything looks good – no ulcers, polyps, etc., and her esophagus is fine. She has been taken off the IV and she has passed poop. The vet confirmed what we already knew – Amira is a mare with much life still left in her. She feels so good that she was actually making eyes at a colt across the aisle from her!

When Amira came to us over a year ago, she was in very bad shape. It was obvious that her needs had been neglected for quite some time. Even though she’s up there in age, we saw a light in her eyes that clearly said she was grateful for a chance to start a new chapter in her life.

Being an elder horse should not be a death sentence – there simply was no justified reason to euthanize her yesterday.

We were concerned that Amira had lost her ability to swallow, just as Betsy Rose did, and that would have changed the outcome. But that wasn’t the case. We are very grateful for our care team members who take everything into consideration, listen to the horse, and don’t call it too soon. Amira may come home tomorrow – depending on the weather and what is going on here.

A Very Long Night

We’re doing okay though we did lose power for a few hours. Thankfully the generators did come on. Jenny is staying with me at the barn tonight, together with the kittens and littles. We sent Bob home to get some sleep – it’s been a very long day. The winds are pretty bad. The horses out in the paddocks who are all sporting their EquestriSafe ID collars, will be checked at daylight.

Please keep our beloved little herd in your prayers.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Facing Another Hurricane with Amira in Distress

Here we go, again.

We are currently in the midst of battening down the hatches once again for Hurricane Milton, and repairing the fences damaged by Hurricane Helene. Bob made a run to the feed store this morning, made possible by the most thoughtful generosity of our wonderful little village of supporters, so, thankfully, we now have enough hay to last until Friday. We still have many additional hurricane related needs – we do need to get grain and forage as well as fill up the truck and gas cans now that we have found a source for gas.

Amira, however, could use some good thoughts and prayers. She had issues at breakfast this morning and was treated for choke. Although she seemed somewhat better following a bit of stall rest, I felt it would be in her best interest to call the vet who is en route to the farm as we speak.

If you would like to contribute to our hurricane fundraiser which includes Amira’s emergency vet visit, you may do so by clicking on the “Donate” button below.

Thank you, all, for your love and support!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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A Bit of a Chess Game!

Photo collage of Gabe

Click on the photo above to view video!

Last Thursday, I took Gabe to stay with Rissie, a volunteer and friend, who adopted Waylon and Rio several months ago. Gabe has asthma, and while we have tried to keep him as comfortable as possible during the course of the summer months, it simply wasn’t enough. As Beauty’s Haven lies parallel to a lime rock road, lime rock dust constantly blows across the farm which greatly affects Gabe’s breathing and overall well-being. As there is little dust at Rissie’s farm, and with temperatures getting cooler, we are hoping and praying that Gabe’s asthma will improve and he regains some much-needed weight.

By Saturday, Gabe had settled nicely into his foster home. He’s so happy to be reunited with his old friends, Rio and Waylon. As Willow, Gabe’s best friend, was now alone, we immediately granted her access to Mishka and Valley Girl’s paddock. As the girls chose to remain together in one paddock, Mishka was now left alone in the paddock next to them. So, we took Walker down to meet Mishka and the boys, thankfully, hit it off! And, while it was a bit of a chess game, as you can see by clicking on the image above, everyone is happy and content!

Happy Feet Match Game

A wonderful friend and supporter has come forth and is offering a Match Game for Happy Feet whereby all donations up to $200 will be matched dollar for dollar! Since the average cost per hooficure is $45, we would be so very appreciative of any donation to assist with this need. So, if you wish to help our beloved little herd, while doubling your donation at the same time, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below to contribute. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Luigi Needs Prayers, Match Game Nears End

Luigi could use some good thoughts and prayers. He’s fighting the very same upper respiratory infection from which Warrior is recovering. Warrior, in addition to asthma, also does not sweat so both boys are currently remaining in a barn stall with a Portacooler. Thankfully, both continue to have a hearty appetite and are drinking well. And some really good news – Cracker is sweating again, finally!

Tobias is, well, he’s like a kid who runs around all day talking and just having a grand old time. He’s absolutely hilarious! Gabe and Willow, on the other hand, simply love to calmly hang out together.

Lastly, there are only a few days remaining in our Match Game and we are quite concerned that the Match will not be met, so, please, if you are able to do so, help us reach our goal which would so greatly help feed and care for our beloved little herd. I know that they all would be forever grateful.

Thank you, all, for your continued love and support which means so very much to all of us here at Beauty’s Haven.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Match Game Update

Once we receive $6K in donations, the funds will be matched and morph into $12K. We still have $2,898 to go. Please share this out – we can do this, but only with your help. You can contribute in a variety of ways via the ‘DONATE’ button below or via our Facebook fundraiser by clicking on the thermometer image.

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Shai Needs Help

Shai needs help. She has no sponsors – not one. When it comes to providing proper care to the horses here, nothing is inexpensive. Grain, hay, farrier work, vetting, deworming, fly spray, fly masks, etc. – it’s all costly. Please, if anyone can help provide for Shai’s needs, it would be so greatly appreciated.

Contributions are tax deductible and please be assured that no amount is ever too small. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below. We cannot do what we do without your help.

Thank you in advance for your love and support!

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Elka’s New Adventure

Elka is doing well. She had a high parasite load which we were aggressively treating and which is now, thankfully, resolved. She was absolutely thrilled when I let her out of quarantine a few days ago and she had a blast meeting some of our other ‘Velvet Nosers.’ She is truly, a very sweet girl.

Thank you, all, for your love and support for this precious girl.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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