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The mare going to big cats…

Yesterday I was contacted by the owner of a 6 yr old Saddlebred that I was told may be pregnant. The mare is at a trainer’s – they say she is “very dangerous” and “needs to go” and if we don’t take her she will go to big cats. I contacted a vet and made arrangements to meet him today so he could examine the mare. I wanted to observe her and learn as much as I could about her. Jenny said she would go with me so off we went this morning to meet this mare. It was an absolutely beautiful day. When I first saw the mare running today, an incredible feeling innocence came over me.

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She moved beautifully and an old Fleetwood Mac song immediately came to mind (I still can’t get it out of my head!) – Gypsy. I didn’t know what her name was but in my mind it was Gypsy. So, meet Gypsy!

The Mare Going to Big Cats

While she looked anxious and concerned, the vet was very patient with her, she behaved well. She was sedated in order to be palpated – the good news is that she is not pregnant but the vet thinks she will soon be ovulating.

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We were told of inhumane things done to the mare before the current owner took her in about 3 months ago – she has been at a trainers for the last 3 weeks. She had been starved, beaten repeatedly with a 2 x 4, and handled very roughly. I asked question after question. It was explained that she has issue when confined in a stall or small pen – that she is ok until you take off the lead rope at which time she becomes unmanageable. They said that once the lead is off she will try to flee and take you out with her if you’re in her path. When she was in a stall at the owner’s barn someone walked past her stall and she lunged out and hit the human in the head – knocking her over. I was told the mare had also attacked two people – one had to go to the hospital.  Another person got kicked. They decided to send her to a trainer.

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Based on what I was told, and what I observed today, I think this mare is just misunderstood.  I think she has been pushed too hard too quick in trying to get her under saddle – especially after the horrible life she led before her current owner got her. What I saw in her eyes was a beautiful soul behind a look that is shrouded by fear – but a longing for freedom from her past.

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Her past is ugly – humans have molded her into the mare she is today. I’m told she has papers (but the previous owner wouldn’t give them up) and is a Saddlebred but I think there is some Arabian in her too. We’d like to help her but in order to do that we need help from others – she needs sponsors. At this time we are asking for pledges to help her. If anyone would like to help sponsor her please email me and put “GYPSY” in the subject line. Time is of the essence. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small but again, at this time, we are looking for pledges. Once (if) we know we have enough support we will ask that pledges be turned into donations. We’d like to get her here, safe, as soon as possible.

Thank you.
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 Update

January 17th, 2013

I apologize I haven’t gotten any updates out this week – I’ve been sick since Monday with the stomach flu.  Just when I try to get going again I find out my body isn’t ready and it’s been very frustrating.  But I want to give a quick update on Solace while I can.  We’ve had beautiful weather this week, until today, when it took a drastic turn.

In the early afternoon I ventured down to the barn for the first time and peeked in on Solace – he was down in his stall.  He’d been doing so well – the good weather has been helping him, I’m sure.  I wished all week that I could have spent some time outside with him. When I went down this afternoon I noticed something wasn’t right.  I sat and watched him for a few minutes and it was obvious his tummy was bothering him and heart rate respiration were up.  He had been passing poop but he was gassy.  I called Dr. Ryan and gave Solace medications as instructed.

This evening Solace is tucked in his stall and looking better.  The determined look in his eyes always amazes me.  Bob went to the store this afternoon and for the first time in awhile so the humans cupboard isn’t bare.  I can’t eat – just the thought of it is nauseating and the headache won’t go away.  But the chills have stopped, I think.  I wanted to lose weight but maybe this isn’t the right way to do it!  

Hopefully Solace’s blood test results will continue to show improvement. I’ll post when I know more. Have a good night everyone.

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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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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Alyse to Rainbow Bridge, Sunset and TB Mare Arrive, and More

Update: 12/30/12

Last week was tough and losing Alyse was heartbreaking.  On Friday morning I received a call from Dr. Clark – Alyse had taken a turn for the worse.  Her HR went higher – to about 120 and her WBC had gone up.  The meds were not keeping her comfortable.  Dr. Clark had spent days running tests and consulting with others about the ulcerations and other issues – they could not determine what was causing her to be sick but they did feel it was a combination of things.  One being the blisters in her mouth, on her tongue, and in her nose.  They had scoped her earlier in the week and did not see any blisters past the esophagus and believed they likely stopped there (we later learned there was a large ulcer in her colon).  The second issue being an unknown factor at the time that was causing increased HR and temperature.  We agreed from the beginning that should it get to the point where Alyse couldn’t be kept comfortable while trying to maintain her for the blisters to heal, and trying to identify and treat a secondary issue, we would not allow her to suffer.  A necropsy was done and we found that she did have a large ulceration in her colon and her gut was about to rupture – keeping her with us any longer would have been inhumane.  We gave her all the time we could and I am so thankful to the Dr. Clark and everyone at Peterson and Smith for everything they did for her.

I was with Alyse when she crossed – her head across my knees in my lap – she knows she was loved.  Dr. Clark said Alyse was a strong willed mare and had given it her best.  And her care givers had done their best.  Alyse was a beautiful and proud Arabian mare that was loved by many but God needed her more than we did and we must accept that.

Alyce in the Hospital

Letting them go takes a lot out of me – out of all of us here that are hands on at the rescue.  And I’m sure it hurts others that love and care for the horses here from a distance too – the horses are truly blessed to have so many that care for them.  I am so very sorry we could not save Alyse.  Alyse and I had shared many spontaneous rides together which I’ll never forget.  Those rides helped me put worries aside for a few minutes – they were very refreshing for the mind and body. After I left the hospital Friday I found I needed to stop in a parking lot and let the tears flow and try to regroup.  Then I went to Burger King drive through to get a drink.  I had left home without breakfast or anything to drink after Dr. Clark called to tell me Alyse was worse – I wanted to get to the hospital ASAP.  After getting a soda I stopped by the feed store to buy a few things.  While at the feed store I decided that while on my way back to the rescue I’d go by the location where the 3 Thoroughbred horses were that we had taken hay to last Wednesday night.  I tried to go there on Thursday but on my way there that evening I got a phone call that one of the horses here looked to be trying to colic so I turned around and came back.  By the time I checked on the horse it was dark and I didn’t want to go the location of the 3 horses by myself.  So, after leaving the feed store on Friday, I did go there and I found one bay mare down and looking at her tummy.  She went sternum and stretched out – she looked very uncomfortable.  I tried to get her up and she did get up with some prompting but then she went down again.  I called Dr. Ryan and he suggested we get her to the rescue since he would be on his way there as soon as he could to assess the incoming Percheron mare.  I called Bob and had him hook up the trailer and come meet me to load the mare and we went back to the rescue.  

The Percheron mare arrived shortly after we got the sick OTTB mare to the rescue.  Dr. Ryan arrived and examined both mares.  We named the OTTB mare PrimaBelle and she was treated for a gas colic.  She is Momma Sue’s daughter – she was born a year before Aaleyah Belle.  Prima means first and Belle means beautiful = “born first and beautiful”.  PrimaBelle was born a year before Aaleyah Belle and they are full sisters. Aaleyah Belle’s name means “beautiful gift from God”.  Like her momma and sister, PrimaBelle is a very nice girl with a pleasant disposition.  She raced and won about $12,000.  She had a very gassy tummy on Friday which made her very uncomfortable. She felt better after receiving medications and has been feeling ok since.  We had a family come to meet PrimaBelle today – a family that has adopted Mia from us this past year that lives not far from the rescue.  PrimaBelle still needs to get her teeth done, vaccinations need to be done, etc.  She will be up to date on everything and she needs to put some weight on before leaving for a new home.  There are still 2 horses where we picked her up from that we are providing hay for that need homes.

I named the 25 year old Percheron mare “Sunset”.  She arrived during a beautiful sunset and it came to mind that she is in her sunset years.  She’ll be able to live them without worry and with a full tummy and much deserved TLC.  She is underweight and has skin issues.  She has large lumps in her left ear described by Dr. Ryan as “cauliflower ears” likely caused from trauma which causes fluid to collect and separates cartilage causing it to die which causes fibrous tissue.  She has the number “33” branded on her left hip – the number of her stall from her PMU years.  She is a smaller Percheron – not quite as tall as Gentleman.  It will be a few weeks before she is ready to leave here but we are expecting an adoption application for her to be received by tomorrow.  If approved, Sunset will have a home not far from the rescue.  Before she leaves, her wounds will have healed, she will have had her dental work done, she will be up to date on vaccines, etc.  It will take awhile to get to that point but her road to a happy and healthy retirement has begun.  She has the sweetest face and very kind eyes.  Her ears don’t stand up but that’s ok – she is still beautiful!

Yesterday both mares had hooficures.  PrimaBelle was a good girl.  This was her front right before her hooficure.  We had Dr. Ryan x-ray it on Friday to make sure her coffin bone wasn’t affected and it wasn’t, thankfully.  Sunset was a little challenging – she didn’t want to stand still but she’s in a new place with new faces.

It was going to go into the 20’s last night so we blanketed both mares.  PrimaBelle was an angel for her blanket to be put on – she stood perfectly still and seemed to truly adore it. Sunset was a little hesitant – I don’t think she’d likely ever had one.  She moved away at first but with a little time and introduction she stood still.  And after it was on she still there for quite awhile – at least 30 minutes!  The blanket is short on her sides and left about 6” of her butt exposed but she loves it.  I am ordering one to fit her tomorrow.  She will also be getting a new fly mask.

Solace is about the same – he still has congestion in his lungs and is still coughing.  Dr. Ryan examined him again on Friday.  He will be out again late in the week to assess him again and to see if we need to modify his treatment plan.  HIs appetite remains good.  Solace really is an amazing horse.  Let’s continue to pray that he recovers.  Believe…

Holly is doing very well – what a sweet mare she is!

The Christmas trio are all doing well.  Gentleman and some others had their teeth done last week.  I’ll include those pictures in my next update – I’m really tired and have much to do.  To everyone that has sent a message or email regarding the loss of Alyse – thank you.  I appreciate your good thoughts and prayers.  I am behind on emails and PM’s but hope to get caught up on some this coming week.  

Tomorrow will be very busy – more hooficures are being done in the morning.  God bless and thank you all for your continued 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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Solace – A Little Setback

December 21st, 2012

I called Dr. Ryan back out to examine Solace again today and to do another CBC.  Solace’s snotty nose was worse this am and he did cough now and then.  He has not had a temperature and his appetite has been great.  He’s drinking ok and his diarrhea cleared up.  He is more animated each day.  But something wasn’t right.  Dr. Ryan scoped him and learned that mucus was not coming from the guttural pouches.  But he did find that Solace’s trachea is surrounded by mucus – a lot of it.  An ultrasound was also done which revealed mucus on the lungs but, thankfully, no abscesses were indicated.  Dr. Ryan advised that Solace has chronic pneumonia.  Based on his symptoms and the ultrasound findings this isn’t a recent illness – he’s been sick for some time.

An IV catheter was placed so we can administer medications – Solace has been started on antibiotics.  He was a good boy – he just stood and let Dr. Ryan do what needed to be done – he was so good that Dr. Ryan gave him a couple of peppermints.

Dr. Ryan said that for a horse that is a 0.5 on the Henneke scale to be standing and doing as well as Solace is, not considering the pneumonia issue, is more than amazing.  Solace has a lot of will – there is no question about that.  For the rest of his story – which makes me believe even more that there is a reason he found his way to us – he reportedly came from a farm that slaughters horses and illegally sells horsemeat.  How would a horse in this shape get in that predicament?  One example… there are a lot of free horses on Craigslist.  I get calls from people asking for help placing more than one horse quite a bit – just today I was asked to help a family that has 4 horses that they can no longer keep. So let’s say the owner puts them on Craigslist for free – a kill buyer may contact the person running the ad and offer to take the horses – he just happened to be looking for a horse for each of his family members.  Well, when he gets there to pick up the horses, 1 out of 3 of the horses may be in bad shape, but he will take the thin one anyway just to get the other two that are of good weight. And the thin and sickly ones, like Solace, that have no fat or muscle – they are not desired by kill buyers so they get dumped.  And horses are often found wandering – just like Ambrosia.  It’s sad and sickening – but it is reality.

Solace is tucked into a stall with some heat lamps and a warm blanket.  He adores his mash.  And we adore him.  His recovery is going to take awhile.  More tests may be needed but at this time Dr. Ryan didn’t want to stress Solaces’ body anymore than it already is.  We’ll give him some time on the antibiotics – time for him to get stronger. Thank you for caring about him – please keep him in your prayers.

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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Solace – Something Isn’t Right

December 20th, 2012

Why can’t the weather be more cooperative? Near 80 today and now it looks like it is going to pour but it’s not supposed to for another couple of hours.  Temps going to a “feels like” of about 38 degrees tonight.  Dr. Ryan is going to come tomorrow – Solace still has a runny nose and I’ve heard him cough a few times today.  But no temperature and he’s eating and drinking.  His poop actually looks about normal.

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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Solace Update Tuesday AM

December 18th, 2012

Dr. Bess is coming late today to look at Solace’s mouth – it’s a train wreck in there.  His temp is a little low this morning and he has a snotty nose.

Solace in his little sheet.  The weather is nuts here but it’s supposed to feel like 40 degrees here tonight.  The winds on our property are horrible in the cold season but a blessing in the hot months. Dr. Ryan will also be coming today.  I will update more later.

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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Update on The Christmas Trio, Hollie, Blackie and Donks!

December 12th, 2012

All of the Christmas Trio horses have names now. They have all settled in well and seem to just adore humans and appreciate every little thing done for them.

Nevada (means covered in snow).

Sachet.

Noelle.

Nevada’s right front foot is the one that had the roofing nail in it. The vet said Nevada was very lucky – it was embedded at an angle and location that missed everything it could have done some nasty damage to.

Sachet’s feet were not much better but no nail. Noelle’s back right has obviously sustained some sort of damage in the past. All three were good for Fabio and they seemed very pleased to have had their hooficures.

Dr. Bess did their teeth. The worst was Nevada’s – he’s youngest (5 yrs)! He had huge hooks and ramps. Dr. Bess was amazed at how bad his teeth were at his age. Sachet is about 13 years young and Noelle is about 15. I was told by the previous owner that Noelle was a real head tosser. With, or without, a bit in her mouth it would be easy to understand possibly why. She had lose teeth! Dr. Bess pulled one and will be checking the other the next time she comes or sooner if we notice any issues.

Blackie had visitors on Saturday – he has an angel! Thank you Melissa for helping him and for his gifts – he really feels special and sends a big “Thank you!” and says he wants you to come back soon to groom him and just spend time with him.

How sweet of a face is this? VERY sweet! Hollie visits with the young ones every morning. Dora and Starbuck are in the background. Hollie is doing very well. She is moving better and she’s gained some much needed weight and muscle. We do believe she has Cushing’s disease.

I had to share this. Here is Penelope taking a roll in the sand followed by Penny taking a roll in the sand! Baby donkey see – baby donkey do!

This is Beauty wanting to know where her treat is and when Santa is coming. LOL!

Hopefully tomorrow each of the horses is going to share with me what they want for Christmas and I’ll share with all of you! It’s hard to believe another year is coming to an end soon – it seems each year goes by faster. God bless and have a great night. Hopefully I’ll be able to post again tomorrow!

PS – current bids: Christmas Decorative Runner is at $70. The necklace is at $70. The Zenyatta and Baby plushie is at $40.

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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Racking mare exam

11/26/12
Ok, so the Racking mare is a senior – we’re not at all surprised. Dr. Ryan ages her around 20. She does seem to be walking a bit better after her shoes were removed this morning and her trim was done. She has evidence of being worked too hard or too fast in her legs (tendon, ligament damage) or both. She is a 1 on the Henneke scale.

Dr. Ryan couldn’t hear any sounds in her lungs. He said it could be that she most likely had a lung infection and, if so, she would likely have had it for some time. I noticed in the first picture of her how her nostril was flared. It is not uncommon for horses that are driven or worked hard to contract something – sometimes they are worked hard and then left to stand unprotected from cold winds. Could also have been caused by stress – from working, neglect, starvation, etc. We’ll never know. But Dr. Ryan doesn’t think it’s a new condition. He thinks an ultrasound may be needed. We’ll know more this evening after the blood work comes back.

She’s a wooly girl. I wanted to give her a bath but I don’t think the weather is good enough. Terri brought a huge bag of carrots this morning – and apples. This mare adores both! We need to boost her immune system. She does have a positive attitude and that helps a great deal.

There was just something about this mare that drew me in – when someone sent me the picture of her hitched up I just felt an emergent need to help her. She was in North Carolina. Pam was on her way back from hauling horses up north and was coming back empty. The timing worked out just right – I know God has his hands in this case. Had Pam not had been up there coming back I don’t know what would have happened. I just know I could not get this mare off of my mind. Pam said when she went to pick up the mare the owner offered to hitch the mare up to show Pam how she drives and/or to saddle her up for a ride. Those are painful thoughts. I will never understand the mentality of some.

She needs a few things – Senior Horse Formula (from The Healing Barn), APF, and Cocosoya oil. If anyone would like to help with these it would be greatly appreciated.

The mare is grateful to be here – I can feel it. Having a condition of the lungs brings back painful memories of Ambrosia. Let’s pray this mare found her way to us in time and we can help her get healthy and that she can live a long and happy life. A name will come for her, soon. Thank you all for caring about her. Please keep her in your prayers.

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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