June is a very special month for us here at the rescue. Betsy Rose, a very special pony, came to us on June 14th, 2013 and JoJo and Jazzy’s birthdays are in June. We usually have a birthday party each year to honor Betsy Rose as well as to recognize JoJo and Jazzy’s birthday, but this year, we didn’t have time to put it together. For those who do not know Betsy Rose, and her story, there is a link on our website blog where you can learn about the day she arrived as well as the years we had with her. https://bhfer.org/pony-mare-update/

Betsy Rose was much more than that one special horse who comes into your life – she was a friend, teacher, comic, helper, healer and a heroine. Her story about overcoming incredible odds is one that should never be forgotten – she will never be forgotten.

Betsy, literally, helped many people to believe in themselves, to overcome, and to never give up. Sadly, we lost Betsy on December 22nd, 2017, due to her inability to swallow. With tears flowing, I held her tightly as she peacefully transitioned to Rainbow Bridge while I promised her that her legacy would forever live on.

Recently, one of our supporters notified us about a pony mare that desperately needed help. As she viewed the photo of the pony, she immediately thought of Betsy Rose. The pony had been run through multiple auctions as a no-sale and her next stop would have been Mexico where horses are slaughtered for human consumption . When I saw a photo of the mare, my heart skipped a few beats and memories of our Betsy Rose came flooding back. In honor of our Betsy, we quickly made the decision to rescue this precious little pony mare providing she was able to make the trip here. And with that, a new story begins.

We named her Dusti Rose. She arrived thin, her coat was unhealthy, her mane and tail unkept, and her feet had not been trimmed in months. Like Betsy, she has vision loss in her right eye. She had multiple auction stickers and/or glue from old stickers in her mane, on her backside, and in her tail.

Dusti’s personality is so sweet – she’s almost like a younger version of Betsy. She warms the heart and is good for the soul. And like Betsy Rose, she appreciates everything done for her.  She really enjoyed her first bath.

With all of the losses we have had over the past year or so, the toll it has taken on my heart has been great. I’m still trying to accept the loss of my heart horse, Beauty. There are times that the tears flow and nothing takes away the pain. But I do believe that, sometimes, God puts people, and animals, in our lives just when we need them (or they need us) the most. I think we needed little Dusti as much as she needed us. From the moment I met her, she had my heart. We have promised her that we will make all of her tomorrows everything her past should have been.

We have much going on here, 24/7, and it’s challenging to post updates which impacts our presence on social media which in turn, impacts donations. It’s a very stressful time. Grants are hard to come by, but we constantly apply.

However, we do have some good news!  A couple of dear friends and supporters have joined together to offer a $6000 Match Game!  

All donations up to $6000 will be matched dollar for dollar… $5 will morph into $10, $50 will morph into $100, and so on.  These funds are desperately needed and can help us recover from vet, facility, maintenance and equipment repairs, as well as other expenses. We also need assistance with the ongoing expenses for the feral cat colony that lives on the farm.

If you would like to play the Match Game, you can contribute via the ‘Donate’ button below. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. We will be posting a thermometer on our social media pages on a daily basis, and in upcoming emails, that will indicate the total amount of donations received across all platforms (BHFER website, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) as of that day/time. We would also ask that you please share this out to family and friends.

A very special “Thank You” to our dear friends who are making this Match Game possible.

We thank all of you for your continued generosity, love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

I can’t believe it is already that time of the year! While the past year has gone by incredibly fast, my birthday fundraiser this year will, once again, remain the same – to help the horses that comprise our beloved herd.

My Birthday Wishes…

  1. Raise $2500 to help the horses here at the rescue that have little to no sponsorship. Please note that all donations up to $400 will be matched!
  2. Secure at least 20 people to sign up for our “Strive for $5 Club” where you can make an automatic recurring monthly donation of $5 via our website, simply by clicking HERE.
  3. Secure monthly sponsors for Shai (pictured above), a senior Paso Fino mare. Shai came to us in 2021 from a Citrus County seizure. Shai had been “living” in a very small pen with several goats and a steer. Her needs had been neglected for quite some time. She arrived untrusting and afraid of humans – she would literally shake with fear. She found a good home with humans who were patient with her and, with time and patience, gained her trust. Sadly, there was an unexpected life event and Shai had to come back to the rescue this week. Shai has no sponsors but is very deserving. Would anyone like to help with her care costs? If so, you can sign up to make an automatic recurring monthly donation for Shai by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below. One time donations are also very much appreciated and no amount is ever considered as being too small.




If you are unable to donate at this time, we truly understand but you can still help by sharing this fundraiser amongst friends and family in hope that they may consider helping the horses as well.

Thank you in advance for your love and support!

Sincerely,
Theresa

End of the Year Campaign

As #GivingTuesday 2023 is now behind us, our fundraiser has morphed into our End of the Year Campaign. We continue to pray for your support to assist us with the numerous ongoing expenses involved in running an equine rescue organization, expenses that are necessary to ensure the overall safety, health, comfort and well-being of each and every member of our beloved herd, many with special needs. Broken gates and fence boards need to be replaced, repairs to shelters and equipment are needed, the supplement and medication cabinets must be restocked – the list is seemingly, endless. Some horses sadly, are without sponsors to even cover their daily expenses.

As Beauty’s Haven is also actively engaged in TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), the most effective and humane method for managing and subsequently, reducing the population of the numerous feral and stray cats that frequently find their way to our farm, your donation will also assist greatly with the veterinary and overall care expenses of these precious cats and kittens, who, sadly, find themselves alone and unwanted through no fault of their own. As some of you may know, Midnight, one of our released TNR kittens, was severely injured recently and has transitioned to Rainbow Bridge. I am most certain he is once again  happy and pain free as he lovingly plays with all the precious kitties who have gone before him.

Our $500 Match Game is still ongoing, so hopefully, it will soon be met. All donations are tax-deductible, so this is a wonderful opportunity in which to forward your 2023 end of the year contributions while, at the same time, honoring each and every member of the Beauty’s Haven herd, both past and present. Contributions may be forwarded by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below, or, if you prefer to donate directly to our End of the Year Campaign, you may do so by clicking on the image above.

Thank you, in advance, for honoring the legacy of all the precious members of our beloved little herd, especially those who we have sadly, lost this year – Beauty, Ruby, Oasis, Nadia, Venus, Minnie and little Midnight. May they forever remain in each of our hearts.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Aaleyah Belle continues to recover nicely albeit a bit too much at times, as she frequently tries to do her ‘Cricket Dance!’ She was one happy girl on Saturday when she was turned out in a small paddock next to her best friend, Chloe.

Aaleyah is as determined as ever to overcome any obstacle that she encounters. She’s been a strong girl since the day she was born. Against all odds, Aaleyah Belle never gave up!

Aaleyah’s hospital bill was a bit more costly than we had originally anticipated but with the help of our wonderful little village, I am confident that we can get this done.

If you are in a position to help Aaleyah, donations may be called in directly to PetersonSmith Equine Hospital at 352-861-1251 or 352-237-6151, account #95501, or you can simply click on the ‘DONATE’ button below where you can contribute in a variety of ways. We also have yet another Match Game on the table and once again, all donations up to $1000 will be matched dollar for dollar! This is a wonderful opportunity for those of you who missed our last Match Game! Please note that your contribution is for ‘Aaleyah’s Match Game.’

Thank you, all, for your continued love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Aaleyah Belle is clearly demonstrating that she is tired of stall rest. Just another week to go. Oh joy! She will then spend two weeks in a small turn out area which I am sure, she will like much better! If you click on the image of Aaleyah, above, you can see our ‘wild child’ in action!

We are truly excited to announce that a dear friend and supporter has most generously offered a Match Game to assist with Aaleyah’s surgery, hospitalization and veterianary fees, whereby, all donations up to $1000 will be matched dollar for dollar!

This could not have come at a better time as we still have a very long way to go. If you wish to participate in the Match Game, you can do so by visiting our Facebook Business Page (CLICK HERE) or you could simply contribute directly to Beauty’s Haven by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below. Please note that your contribution is for ‘Aaleyah’s Match Game.’

Thank you, all, for your continued love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Thank you to everyone who has donated a fence board(s) thus far, but we do have a way to go with 31 boards still needed at a cost of $14.50 per board. The good news is that we are almost halfway there!

We are also truly pleased to announce that a dear friend and supporter has come forth and has offered to match all donations up to $450 designated for the fence boards. Any overage will be applied to filling the in-ground Propane tank that feeds two generators so they will be ready for potential hurricanes.

If you are in a position to help with this need, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button below where there are many options in which to forward your contribution. Please be assured that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small! Please note that your contribution is for ‘Fence Board Match Game.’

Thank you, all, for your love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Walker and Waylen got to spend some time around the barn today in order to get acclimated before Dr. Mangan’s visit to examine their eyes. Walker’s favorite spot is right outside the feed room door. These very sweet boys are feeling so much better. They have gained weight and are much more animated each and every day. Please enjoy the short video of my little ‘discussion’ with Walker, a ‘very good boy.’

Match Game!

Lastly, just when we had given up all hope in regard to our farrier fundraiser, a dear friend and supporter has come forth and has offered to match all donations up to $200! If you would like to participate, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below where you can contribute in a variety of ways. All donations are so greatly appreciated by horses and humans alike and no amount is ever too small! If forwarding your donation via PayPal, please note that your contribution is for ‘Happy Feet.’

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Thank you!

Sincerely,
Theresa

My Birthday Wish this year is for equine weight scales which are essential in monitoring an animal’s weight during their initial rehabilitation as well as for their ongoing care. The second part of my Birthday Wish is to get caught up with our outstanding veterinary bills (3K). To help make my wish come true, a dear friend and supporter has offered a Match Game whereby, all donations up to $1500, will be matched dollar for dollar.

As I reflect upon Beauty’s Haven, a lovely testimonial written on 5 May 2018, by a treasured member of our BHFER family comes to mind. Her lovely words describe her first visit to the rescue and meeting the horses, words which truly exemplify the ‘Magic’ of Beauty’s Haven, ‘A Place Where Life Begins, Again!’

“When a friend told me, she was going to volunteer at a horse rescue, I rolled my eyes. As a horse person, I’d seen plenty of so-called ‘rescues’ (we all know the type), and I didn’t have any reason to expect BHFER would be any different. But, from the moment I set foot on the place in July of 2013, a few weeks after Betsy Rose’s arrival, I knew this place was different. Not only was it maintained physically and the horses given the very best in care, BHFER had a healing spirit that enveloped everyone who came there. My friend hasn’t been but a couple times, yet I’ve spent every bit of time I could there. I was struggling with PTSD myself, and being a part of that energy with all the horses and meeting Magic, I believe with all my heart, literally saved my life. Beauty’s Haven is my place of peace, and I consider it home.” ~B.B

I truly hope you’ll consider contributing to my Birthday Wish Fundraiser as a way to celebrate with me while helping the horses at the very same time. You may forward your contribution, simply by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below or by clicking on the image above. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to ‘Theresa’s Birthday Wish.’

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Thank you for your continued love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Venus is a champ! After a very long day on Wednesday, I am happy to report that her colon is back where it belongs! She is bright eyed and talkative but she needs to have a normal poop. We are so very thankful that Nadia, Venus’s best friend, is right across the aisle there to provide love and support.

They will likely be there until at least Monday. I know if Venus needs anything, she’s in great hands at EMCO (Equine Medical Center of Orlando). They’ve been very good to the girls.

In the meantime, a dear friend and supporter has offered to match all donations up to $1000 for our brave and beautiful girl.

You can contribute toward Venus’s care on our Facebook fundraiser, or here on our website, just click the appropriate button below. If donating on our website, please make sure to note it’s for Venus.

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Please continue to pray for Venus. Nadia would be lost without her, as we all would be.

Gratefully,
Theresa

Fans of our beloved Beauty’s Haven herd of rescued equines, felines and canines, you’re going to LOVE this FUNdraiser! Starting immediately, for each suggested donation of $5, you will get the opportunity to become the recipient of a beautiful original art print featuring members of our rescue family.

What could be better? Well, a Match Game! A generous supporter has offered to match all donations up to $500. This is a perfect way to double your impact while making an incredible difference in the life of each and every animal here at the rescue.

The fine art print, produced from an original painting by Bruno Belesso, was very kindly donated by a friend of the rescue. Reminiscent of the folk-art style of Grandma Moses, it features Betsy Rose, Hope, Little E, Gentleman, Jake, Max, Cookie, Duke, Solace, Penny, Kitty Cat, Mila and Sisco in  the clouds, and Beauty, JoJo, Jazzy, Sassy, Shadow, Peggy Sue, Lucy, Aaleyah Belle, Peaches, Chloe, Magic, Frodo, Ace, Mishka, Oreo and Ruby on the grass.

What will we do with your donation?

  • Pay $435 for our last round of farrier visits, which commence again this week at a cost of $1080
  • Apply it toward the remaining bales of alfalfa needed for Gabe, Jo and Dancer, coupled with this week’s hay run for their current need as well as one ton of Coastal for the other members of our beloved herd at $705
  • Pay our equine dentist, with whom we have an outstanding balance
  • Use $510 to repair our UTV, critically important to the day-to-day work at the rescue

Yes, running a successful equine rescue is a very costly enterprise which we simply could not do without your invaluable assistance. Contributions have been rapidly dwindling whilst the price of hay and other daily needs continues to rise.

How to enter

You may make a donation here on our website or on Facebook*, simply click the appropriate button below and note or comment “For the Art Print” on the form. (If there is no space in which to designate your contribution, please send an email with your name and the amount of your donation to events.bhfer@gmail.com. In addition, anyone who donates $125 or more will be eligible to receive one of the four available prints.

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*Facebook takes care of the donation processing with no fees.

The winner will be selected in a drawing at Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc., located in Morriston, FL, on 17 September 2022, at 2:00pm.

Thank you all for your love and support, and GOOD LUCK!

Sincerely,
Theresa