Aaleyah Belle

Aaleyah Belle’s motto:  “Life is about determination. Don’t give up because of the obstacles. Regardless of what obstacles face you, just keep going! Go through, go around, jump over, or crawl under – but never give up!”

On May 3rd, 2008 a determined steel-gray 3 year-old Thoroughbred filly named Eight Belles ran in the Kentucky Derby against 19 colts. Against the odds, Eight Belles finished second on the 1 1/4 mile track, following the winner, Big Brown. Sadly, within seconds of crossing the finish line, Eight Belles broke down and had to be euthanized.

On this very same day, a registered Thoroughbred mare named ‘Currently Sue,’ foaled in the early morning hours. Her filly was born with a condition known as wry nose syndrome which prevented the filly from nursing and it impeded her breathing. The mare had obviously, given her baby all the nourishment she could in utero, as she, herself, was merely skin on bones and simply had no milk to offer her baby even if the baby could nurse. The owners were in the process of making plans to shoot them both that afternoon when Theresa received a phone call from someone expressing concern about the mare and filly, as they were in imminent danger of being shot. Theresa immediately, contacted the owner to see if they would release the mare and baby to Beauty’s Haven. The owners were more than happy to oblige – it would save them the time and energy of having to dig a grave. Without delay, Theresa went to pick them up and transport them to the rescue. She knew time was of the essence – the foal had not received vital colostrum needed after birth, thus making her chance of survival slim.

In memory of Eight Belles’s, we named the determined little filly, who would have to overcome immeasurable odds in order to survive, ‘Aaleyah Belle’ and we loving called the mare ‘Momma Sue.’ Upon arrival at the rescue, both were promptly vetted and Aaleyah received plasma and colostrum. Thankfully, Aaleyah could drink from a bottle and Momma Sue was put on a re-feeding program. We witnessed the extreme look of worry and hunger in Momma’s Sue’s eyes morph into a look of gratefulness, comfort, and relief. It was obvious that she had a big heart and adored her baby girl.

A few days later, an orphan Thoroughbred filly that was a product of the nurse mare industry arrived at Beauty’s Haven. She had been born on April 29th so she was only a few days older than Aaleyah. We named her Buttercup. In a very short time, Buttercup and Aaleyah Belle became as sisters. Momma Sue, being the loving, wise, and kind mare that she was, took Buttercup to raise as her own.

Aaleyah Belle grew stronger and went to the University of Florida (UF), along with Momma Sue, to have surgery to correct her wry nose which would greatly improve her quality of life. Buttercup remained behind in the care of an awesome Arabian gelding named Little E.

Surgery took quite some time but went well. However, a few days later, Aaleyah Belle developed a fever and had diarrhea. She was diagnosed with a rotavirus and had to be put into quarantine (QT) along with Momma Sue. A couple of days later Aaleyah managed to get some sutures out and milk was coming out of her nose so the next day she had to go back into surgery. Skin was grafted from inside Aaleyah’s lip to the middle of her soft palate. Aaleyah wasn’t too happy about having to wear a muzzle after this surgery but it was needed. We prayed the sutures would hold because there was no alternative solution. I think Aaleyah somehow sensed this and we continued to see that determined look in her eyes. She wasn’t about to give up.

Aaleyah seemed to improve a bit but a couple of days later, she still tested positive for rotavirus (which was transmittable to other foals) as well as yet another virus (which was transmittable to humans). The UF care team felt it best to send Momma Sue and Aaleyah back to the farm where the possibility of Aaleyah picking up any other bug would be less than staying at the hospital. A vet would come to the farm and periodically to check on Aaleyah Belle and test them. Once they tested negative, they could come out of QT.

Upon arrival at the rescue, as soon as Aaleyah’s long legs hit the ground in the QT paddock, she ran all around while Momma Sue opted to stop, drop, and roll in the sand before running along with her daughter. There were both happy to be back. Buttercup was happy to see them return even though she couldn’t be near them until they were well and out of QT. We were very careful, assigning one person to be responsible for Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle at all times to prevent Buttercup and humans from getting sick.

About 3 weeks later the vet determined that all was well – Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle were permitted to go back into the paddock they and shared with Buttercup. It was quite the reunion! A happy day for all involved.

As Aaleyah Belle grew stronger and her breathing became easier, our sweet little girl started kicking up her heels even more. She loved to show off her very special “Cricket Dance” to the world and all those who loved her. A dancer of joy, a spirited filly with a full life ahead of her. Aaleyah Belle was born with an innate beauty that encompasses the true meaning of grace, happiness, and love. She had been, from the moment we met her, determined to overcome the odds and never give up.   Aaleyah Belle, the determined little filly that never gave up, so enjoys her life at Beauty’s Haven and loves to give sloppy kisses to everyone she meets.  She is yet another, Beauty’s Haven miracle.

There’s just one more thing we want to share here on Aaleyah’s page about how very special Momma Sue was. In October 2008, we picked up another orphaned filly that had been born a week after Aaleyah Belle. Her mother died from neglect and she had somehow been impaled in her chest. She had a huge gaping chest wound as well as a leg wound. We named her Silver Belle. After being treated by the vet, and having time to heal over many weeks, Momma Sue took adopted Silver Belle to raise along with Aaleyah Belle and Buttercup. It was a true blessing to be given the opportunity to watch Momma Sue teach them all the ways of the horse. Momma Sue was the best.

There are so many precious times we could share about Momma Sue, Aaleyah Belle, Silver Belle, and Buttercup – perhaps someday we will write a book!

May 3rd, 2023:  Can you believe it’s been 15 years?  Look at our “Never Give Up” girl now!  https://youtu.be/_4FkgLx3Jio?si=eZunBK_d1T29ShMu