Tag Archive for: Bryce

February 18 – 21, 2015

Betsy Rose got her acupuncture/TENS treatment last Saturday. Some of her lab work came back, but not all, and Dr. Julia pulled another test (thyroid) this past Monday but we likely won’t have those results back until next week. From what we do know, Betsy’s glucose is high and her kidneys are a little stressed. But her CBC results were good. Once we get additional test results back, we will know more. She wouldn’t lay down in her stall so we stripped it and switched the shavings to pelleted bedding but she still won’t lay down in there. But in the mornings, she goes right out after breakfast and naps in the sun. She gets a hooficure tomorrow. Please keep her in your prayers.

Athena got an acupuncture treatment last Saturday too.

Athena is so pretty. We’re not sure what breed she is but there’s some draft in there. Her hock boots should be here tomorrow, I hope.

Two beautiful mares – Athena and Serenity.

Athena getting some extra attention on Monday. Wanda brought her 4H Saddlebusters Club to help out and almost all of the horses got a good and much needed grooming.

Ruby getting some extra attention on Monday. I thought she was going to fall asleep and fall over she enjoyed it so much!

Amber and Baby Ray impatiently waiting on their hay to be unloaded from the trailer a few days ago. We have to make another hay run, hopefully, tomorrow. With the cold temps, we are going through a bit more. It’s already below freezing here tonight.

Amber is such a sweet little mare – she really would make someone a very nice horse. She’s a TWH looking for a forever home.

Donovan and Bryce playing gelding games.

Baby Ray being, well, Baby Ray. I wasn’t sure how many blankets I’d find torn to shreds this morning. But I guess everyone realized how much they need them and all were intact.

Matilda proudly wears Gentleman’s blanket. I know he wouldn’t mind. I’ll never stop missing him. Dr. Mangan will be here tomorrow to check out Matilda’s eyes.

Tomorrow is a big day – Dr’s. Mangan and Simonson will be here and two farriers will be coming too. Everyone here is bundled up. We’re so blessed that the the horses all have a blanket. This is Sisco.

Guess who got their tail braided on Monday?

We are so blessed to have a dependable truck. The tractor is in the shop and we sure do miss it. It makes for more work when we don’t have it. But at least we found a local place to repair it. The picked it up last Friday and we are waiting on a cost estimate.

A beautiful sunny, but cold day!

The mare that started it all – my heart horse. Beauty.

February 20th

Aalayeh Belle – when I look at her I see Momma Sue through and through. She came up to have a knee injury checked while Dr. Julia was here.

Matilda seemed so proud of herself today when Dr. Mangan examined both of her eyes and she even allowed him to flush her tear duct without any sedation! The good news is that the issue in her right eye is believed to be Immune-Mediated Keratitis. It is being treated with medication and the cloudiness should improve over the next couple of weeks. The other good news is that her left eye which had tears a lot is fine – it was as suspected – a clogged tear duct. This is something that gets overlooked a lot in horses. When Donovan got here, he had discharge running down both of his eyes that went untreated – there were open sores that flies loved. He has some permanent scars from this. His tear ducts were flushed during his initial exam upon intake and both were clogged. Anyway, Matilda should be fine. Dr. Mangan wants to look at her eyes again in a couple of weeks. The bad news for Matilda, well, there isn’t any!

We are so excited about Daisy’s progress! She’s had two BCG injections now over the past few weeks and we are seeing positive changes around both of her eyes. The tumors have shrunk! She gets oral supplements and a topical applied daily. We are staying positive about her recovery. BELIEVE!

Dr. Mangan also did an examination on Betsy Rose. She’s been blind in her right eye since the day she arrived – it’s totally clouded over. But she’s been startling a bit more lately and we thought having her eyes examined would be a good thing to do. Well, sadly, she is losing vision in her left eye too.

Betsy Rose has polycoria – you can see in the photo it looks like she has two pupils. It’s a very good thing that she’s had time here to get to know her way around. She knows she’s safe here, and loved very much. We’ll put bubble wrap on her if we have to!

“It was a really busy day today – As you know, Dr.’s Mangan and Simonson were here and Laura and Stephanie were here too! They do our hooficures. I’m feeling better but Mommy Theresa’s arm isn’t doing very well. Well, have a good night everyone. Freckles is getting ready to tell Lucy a bedtime story about one of her travel adventures – they do this almost every night. Sweet dreams everyone!” says Betsy Rose.

February 21st

The Bridle Brigade of Levy County came out today – I’m so glad that the weather was better! Lots of horses got some extra attention and some of the chores got done pretty quickly!

The mini “Welcome Committee!”

We really appreciate Misti and her group taking the time to come and we always enjoy sharing the horses.

Doesn’t Matilda look like she is smiling? In my opinion, we should always take every opportunity we can to help educate the horse owners of tomorrow.

The entire Beauty Haven’s herd thanks you all for your continued love and support.

#bhfer #betsyrose #believe

11/30/14

Hooficure Day! Daisy was being a very good girl while getting her feet done!

Betsy Rose was also a very good girl!

December 2nd

Betsy Rose shares her meal with Freckles on GivingTuesday. Little does she know the joy that she gives 24/7/365. What a blessing it is to have her here with us! Betsy Rose Believes!

Daisy waiting at the bottom of the stairs outside of the office. If its not one donk, it’s another. Or two or three!

Guess what broke again? Yep. One of the golf carts. Hauled away to the repair shop. And this is the GOOD golf cart.

Bryce and Serenity are still looking for their forever home. Please spread the word about them. We don’t want to have to split them up – they are mother/son and have been through so much together. We may have to split them up for Bryce to go to a trainer soon. We are turning horses away that need our help. These are two wonderful and healthy horses. More information about them can be found on our Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue Adoptions page.

December 3rd

While on my way home from Physical Therapy this morning, I stopped just in time to see this beautiful mommy giving birth!

December 4th

Ginny changing flymasks on Sisco and Athena yesterday. Both of these very sweet horses are looking for forever homes as well.

JoJo stood there and stared at the new ramp, like he was pouting, for a good 10 minutes. Then he walked away looking totally confused.

December 5th

I still find myself looking out the window each morning to see if Gentleman is ok – it’s just habit (and wishful thinking). Instead, I find Little E and Mishka hanging out together. Little E is the senior horse here now.

Matilda is one of 13 that got hooficures today. She’s such a sweet girl – she just makes you feel good! If anyone would like to help with the expense of this we would greatly appreciate it. The average cost is $35 but the draft horses now cost over double that ($75). The total came to about $500.

We are very happy to report that Ginger will be going to her new adoptive family on Monday! She won’t be very far – it’s a perfect situation!

It was so good to see Lynda yesterday! I took her for a trip around the farm so she could visit with all of the horses. Handsome, like all of the others, enjoyed the extra attention. As soon as Handsome’s front foot issue is resolved he will be ready for a home!

Peaches is always willing to come in to help fix feed. She’s still unsound on her front right. Dr. Julia recently did nerve blocks and the issue is in her foot. X-rays were done and nothing unusual was found. Dr. Specht believes there may be a bone fragment in the navicular area that we just couldn’t see on the x-ray. Dr. Porter will be here next week to address issues with Peaches, Donovan, and Daisy. If anyone would like to help with the upcoming expense of the x-rays and exams it would be greatly appreciated. It’s not going to be inexpensive.

Donovan has some issues we’ve been working on over the last few months. He stopped sweating in early summer. He had quite a bit of abscessing in his feet and had some rotation in his front left. The “summer sore” he arrived with healed fine. But there are two sores that simply refuse to heal at the coronet band where he blew abscesses – one on the outside front right and the other on the inside back left. I do not believe they are summer sores – I think they are related to sidebone – irregular bony growth he’s had from years of improper foot care. We’ve done a lot to try to get them taken care of but just when we think we’re there he blows another and we start over. Dr. Porter will be checking it out next week. Again, this won’t be inexpensive – x-rays are needed of both front and back feet. Any amount of a donation would be greatly appreciated. This is an issue that must be resolved. We’ve done everything the vets have advised but there is something more to this – there is a reason he keeps abscessing and we need to get to the bottom of it. He’s very good about the hands on treatment of the areas, thankfully.

Mishka always looks like he’s smiling. Always. He’s like a big teddy bear.

Do you remember Spirit? She is a blind mare that we picked up in June 2012. She had endured years of neglect. It was a horrible situation. I’m happy to report that Spirit is doing well in her adoptive home! She lives with another blind mare. Spirit lived in a large herd of horses, including studs, on several acres where there were many trees with low branches, fallen trees, barb wire, debris, etc. I can’t imagine how terrified she must have been on a routine basis. She has got to be one of the bravest horses I’ve ever met. Despite the life she had been living, and her horrid condition, she never lost her spirit. Spirit seemed like the appropriate name for this beautiful but very neglected mare. Here is a link to her story, in more detail, from the beginning.

Lastly, please be sure to check out our latest fundraiser on CrowdRise. There are a few tools we need to help us do our job and to help keep the horses feed healthy.

We are an all volunteer non-profit organization that operates totally off of donations from the public. We are not funded by any local, state, or federal funding. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Donations can be made to PayPal address bhfer or via various ways on our website at www.bhfer.org. We have had quite a few things hit us at once and I know the upcoming visit by Dr. Porter isn’t going to be inexpensive. Peaches and Donovan are going to need x-rays. Also, Cookie goes back to UF next week for a follow-up. The farrier will be back today for several more. Yesterday was at about $500 and today will be another $150 – $175. If you make a donation please note what the funds are to be applied towards. Thank you for your support!

Lastly – we are switching over to a new email service. In order to ensure you continue to get our updates please go to our website homepage and sign up to receive them. www.bhfer.org. On the home page scroll down until you see this graphic on the left side and sign up!

Emails will only be going out in the current format for another week so please sign up today!

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website:

Facebook:

August 18th, 2014

I can’t believe Serenity hasn’t been adopted yet. She’s so sweet. BTW – first time I’ve ridden in awhile.

This little mare is enjoying her Safe Starch forage this morning. Vet appt at 11ish. X-rays around 3 pm. Her name is Attagirl!

We are not pregnant. Whew!

I gave Attagirl a needed bath this morning – she stood like a pro and I think she really enjoyed it. Dr. Ryan Meeks x-rayed her feet and gave us some good news – she has not foundered. She hasn’t got much sole but now she’s got time to grow it – a good diet and some supplements will help. Dr. Julia Simonson examined Attagirl and we got more good news – she is not pregnant! Bloodwork was done. Attagirl is thought to be about 20 years young even though the coggins she came with (issued at auction in GA) states she’s 7 – that’s quite a difference! It was mostly good news for Attagirl today – we are very blessed to have an amazing team of professionals!

Some not so good news is that Attagirl has a bone chip in her back hock – an old injury. It doesn’t seem to be causing any discomfort. She also has some low ringbone in her front right. Now that we have all of today’s info gathered the farrier is the next step – she will be here on Wednesday. Dr. Bess Darrow is going to check her calendar and get Attagirl set up for her dental. It’s rehab time for this little mare. Oh – she taped in at just around 562 lbs.

I can just see JoJo’s mind at work here with Betsy Rose! LOL!

Lucy and CaryLou look to be planning something as Katie rides Serenity this afternoon – these little ones are always up to something!

This is Karol changing out flymasks on Serenity and Bryce today. They are such sweet horses – they need forever homes. Serenity is ready to ride and Bryce is ready to school. Please share their info and help us to find them a home together – they are brother and sister. If we don’t find a home for them soon we may have to separate them to find homes – that would break my heart.

Donovan blew an abscess in his front right. I’m really glad he cooperates when asked to pick up his feet. We’re still working on the back one but it’s much better. His sweating is still not consistent.

It rained off and on all day which meant flymasks off and then on again. The weather report said the rains were done and then the sky would open up again. Victoria got a treatment by Dr. Julia today and she is finally stable enough to get a hooficure done. Would anyone like to help sponsor this? The farrier is coming on Wednesday. Victoria took an indirect lightening strike some weeks ago. Dr. Ryan was amazed when he saw her today – she has improved a lot but still has a ways to go. But she IS improving and for that we are grateful. Slow and steady.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public. We are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help us to continue what we do – we can’t do it alone. Funds are needed for vetting, farrier needs, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways you can donate if you visit our “Donate” page on our website (bhfer. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer

June 16th, 2014

The lavage was removed from Sisco’s right eye today – finally! This has been one heck of a challenge – he’s got a pretty good scar in his right eye. He’s still confined to a stall for a couple of days with limited and supervised turnout in a small paddock. I hope and pray he doesn’t rub it. He’s still wearing his hard cup mask. Would anyone like to help him – he could use help with the expenses related to this eye injury. Morgan and Victoria had their tear ducts flushed today – they could use sponsors as well.

Dr Ted Specht removing the lavage from Sisco’s eye!!!!

I have to get some paperwork done for my medical appts in the am so I’ll be offline until tomorrow evening. CaryLou – he’s a hoot!

June 17th

Good morning everyone! Busy day here today – I’m headed to Gainesville for an appointment with the neurosurgeon and for my physical therapy. The farrier is here this morning.Here’s Betsy Rose escorting Kiana out to explore around the house with the other little munchkins. She’s feeling better each day. Have a great day everyone and thank you for your support!

June 18th

Guess what just arrived?!?

Come on over girls and help me open the box – it’s a surprise from two of your Aunties! Betsy Rose simply loves it when new boxes arrive. She’s teaching Kiana it’s a good thing. LOL

“LOOK Betsy Rose! It’s one of those things that blows… cool air into our stalls! Oh wait – there’s another box! There’s TWO of them!”

“Oh wow – this means Ruby and Cookie can have one at their own coolers at their stalls! I’m going to tell them! Mommy Theresa – daddy Bob please get them set up soon! Come on Kiana – let’s go tell them the good news!”

The barn is a much cooler place now. These PortaCoolers are great and make such a difference! Many thanks and cyber hugs to our friends that donated them!

June 19th

“Oscar – tell mom we want to sleep in. Our bucket toss game until 2 in the morning wore me out. Just five more minutes, ok?”

Morgan is happy to be back with Santana.

Both kids came home this evening for dinner and short movie for Father’s Day. It was really nice!

Kamachee and Sayan love their new home! Especially the grass and wonderful shade – and their human mom!

Somewhere out there is the perfect home for Serenity and Bryce. I need you all to help us find it. Please share them and let’s find them a good forever home. More info can be found on our Beauty’s Haven Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue Adoptions page.

Even in the shade and under a water hose it’s hot. Shade is scarce here but at least we have a few trees now that we planted a few years ago. It really drives me nuts to see properties that offer no shade or cover whatsoever for their animals. I can’t imagine baking out in this heat/sun with no relief at all.

Giving Gentleman a big hug while Dr. Julia worked on him on Monday. The heat has been really hard on many of them but the older ones are having an extra hard time.

Betsy Rose has something to share – more details can be found at this webpage:

Please consider a contribution to our Youcaring fundraiser to assist us with our outstanding veterinary bills.

http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/medical-emergencies-/188403

Thank you Dawn at Horse and Man for publishing the update on Betsy Rose!

Have a great night everyone!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.

April 10th, 2014

Dr. Porter examined Cookie’s eye – the cancer has progressed. We will be taking her to UF – it’s highly possible that she will lose her left eye.

Sisco’s front right was x-rayed – he’s been on and off lame. He walked pretty good for Dr. Porter yesterday but we did x-rays anyway. Sisco has navicular. So, to say that yesterday was not a good day is an understatement.

I’m recovering well from my recent injury and have been back at work a bit – careful to not do too much. My nose is healing fine but my neck has been an issue. I had my first ever acupuncture treatment yesterday and found it to be a very positive experience. I’ll be receiving treatments for the next couple of weeks and go from there. But, I will say this, I felt good when I left the acupuncturist’s office yesterday. Better than I have in a long time. Bob said I looked and moved like I felt 10 years younger when I got home. But that was before Dr. Porter’s visit. Now I better understand why Betsy Rose and Gentleman love their treatments by Dr. Julia.

Dr. Porter was out yesterday to look at Cookie’s eye, Sisco, and do some x-rays on Oscar. None of the findings were good. The most upsetting for me was Oscar. A little background for those new to Beauty’s Haven – Oscar was too weak to stand the day I picked him up in our minivan in February. We had been advised by the previous owner that they had been given misinformation on what to feed a donkey and that the had lost weight to the point of being so weak he could not get up. He rated a body condition score of 1. Once at the rescue, a vet immediately examined and treated Oscar. He got IV fluids, vitamins, etc. Blood work was done which indicated anemia and malnutrition – his liver and kidneys were pretty stressed. We really didn’t know if he would make it. But he’s a tough little guy!

Traditional and holistic vets, farriers, and a dentist are all part of our core care team – all work together. But no matter who is on your team one thing you can’t do is turn back time. Poor and improper nutrition can wreak havoc on the body – including the feet. Sometimes effects aren’t immediate. Oscar had been fed sweet feed, oats, and cracked corn by the owner before she was told by a vet tech that “she should only feed him horse quality hay but she could give them sweet feed as a treat now and then”.  This feeding regimen could have caused some real issues.

Oscar’s feet were long when he arrived here – he has had 3 trims here in the last 8 weeks with the farrier doing little bits at a time. He was treated for thrush and white line. Oscar improved and he grew stronger. We moved him to a paddock with Pistol – they would run and play and we enjoyed watching them. A few days ago Oscar popped an abscess and seemed uncomfortable so we had the farrier out again and while the farrier was doing a touch up another abscess resolved. Because of Oscar’s history, and what we were seeing, we opted for x-rays which revealed a rotated coffin bone and deep abscesses which Dr. Porter believes is the result of improper feeding. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again – donkeys can NOT be fed like horses. Donkeys need more fiber and less protein than horses. We feed them Triple Crown Safe Starch forage and good grass hay.

Oscar is just turning 2 years old next week and he’s dealing with a serious issue. Although, I’m not sure he knows it’s serious – he doesn’t appear to be in any pain but he is lame. Dr. Porter drained another abscess yesterday and has prescribed a treatment plan. It’s going to take quite some time for Oscar to recover and he IS going to recover – he just has to. He needs time to grow out a healthy foot and he will need little adjustments often to optimize recovery. There are more abscesses that we are trying to draw out. His foot is cushioned and wrapped. So, for now, he will be staying with Betsy Rose around the barn. He will have another set of x-rays in a month. Please pray for Oscar – we need another miracle. And if anyone would like to help with Oscar’s x-rays and vetting it would be greatly appreciated.

The first photo is Oscar the day after he arrived back in February.  The second is Dr. Porter with Oscar yesterday.

OscarSling5

OscarXrayPorter1

Bo went to his adoptive home today! Thank you Jayne for giving Bo his own human family. Congratulations Bo!

April 11th

Serenity – she’s doing very well!

Hannah Morse, a journalism student from UF, visited yesterday for an interview and to take some video and photos. She got to meet most of the horses. Bryce was very interested in what she may have had in her back pack – he’s quite the character! “Got treats?”

I do believe that Bryce has a bit of a belly on him! LOL They are all doing great. Eliza, Bryce, Mahogany, Serenity. We are now taking adoption applications for Serenity and Bryce. They have lived their entire lives together and, ideally, we’d love to place them together. Please visit our Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue Adoption Page where you can read about some of our adoption requirements.

This is Judy washing feed tubs after breakfast. And that’s a lot of feed tubs. LOL

April 12th

Lots going on here today!! I love it!

Victoria is absolutely stunning. A very sweet Arabian mare that is looking for a forever home.

April 13th

Photographing the photographer. Matilda loves to pose!

This was a really nice way to end the evening. Serenity is just a sweet, very sweet girl.

SerenityRide

April 15th

Cookie needs your help. She is battling cancer under her left eye. She needs surgery AT UF which is scheduled for late this week. We have posted a fundraiser on YouCaring to assist with the cost of Cookie’s forthcoming eye surgery. Please, help us to help Cookie. Thank you, in advance, for your love and support.

April 16th

It’s dental day!! Betsy Rose asked her friends to help entertain the boys while Dr. Bess checked them out. Cloud is growing up! She had to take out two baby teeth. They were both very good.

I’m so happy for Bella. She is happy at her new foster home. Thank you Jody and Lesley Osborn! From Lesley: “It was a glorious day today and I spent the afternoon with Bella grooming and simply enjoying being with her while slowly building a trusting and loving bond with her. She loved all the attention that I gave her today and she looks beautiful…”

Many thanks to Rosemary Meredith, Terri, Vicki, and Lorilie for spending this past Saturday here clipping some of the horses!

Oscar and Pistol going at each other through the gate at the barn. It’s hard to not let Oscar go out to play. But we don’t want him being too active with his front foot issues.

Beauty’s Haven advertising found in North Carolina! I love it!

Laura Brasile visited for a couple of days last week! It’s really nice to be able to meet people that we meet on social media – we love sharing the horses and telling their stories! We miss you Laura! Romeo is doing very well!

This is Sayan. He’s a darling little Arabian gelding that recently came back. He is just as sweet as ever!

BEAUTIFUL Greg!!! This little Arabian mare grabbed my heart when she had just turned 3 years old. She is the reason Beauty’s Haven came to be! To say she’s my heart horse would be an understatement. Thank you for this lovely artwork Greg – I have a special spot for it on my desk. Greg does beautiful work – check out more on his Greg Ambrose’s Art Page on Facebook.

“Beauty Kicks Up Her Heels”
14 year old Beauty, the mare that started it all at Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, shows off her energy. Join in the rescue’s Celebration of Life on April 26th.

Our “Celebration of Life” is on April 26th! Our focus this year is education – what it takes to rescue and rehab horses such as Betsy Rose, Solace, etc. There will be guest speakers, music, games, a Q&A period, silent auction, and much more! We are holding this in conjunction with the ASPCA’s Help a Horse Day. We stand to win a $10K grant – we need your help to do that by attending our Celebration!

We are in need of some supplies if anyone would like to help – EquiSpot, Endure flyspray, Equyss Micro-Tek Shampoo and Medicated Spray, sponsors for Prescend and Previcox (both are Rx’s), and some double Velcro flymasks for mini’s. We also need a load of shavings.

We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public. We are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help us to continue what we do – we can’t do it alone. Funds are needed for hay, grain, vetting, farrier needs, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways you can donate if you visit our “Donate” page on our website (theresa. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.

February 27th, 2014

This is what is called a “1/2 pasture bale” of hay. We’ve bought many and they have ranged from about 592 lbs up to 915 lbs. They are great – the horses can’t pig out on them. We do have to check for metal rings that hold them together a couple of times a day.

It’s amazing how they share their feed. No arguing at all. They finish one tub then go to the next. This is Serenity, Bryce, and Eliza.

Most people know about Aaleyah Belle and her tongue. She’s loved very much but she’s still a brat! She was born with a wry nose.

Cookie needs prayers. I knew the area would look worse for a bit after the treatment. I just worry.

Princess is looking much better. She does have something potentially going on in her left eye (it was injured a few years ago) and Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to check her out. This is Princess following Roxy for lunch.

Oscar was trying to help Paul fill out a form. LOL Oscar has had a growth spurt! I watched him RUN today. It was awesome.

No words needed…

I miss you Solace.

February 23rd – 25th, 2014

February 23rd, 2014

I’m about to go read comments about Solace – I’ve been putting it off. My heart is still very heavy from losing him – it just isn’t the same. I find myself still looking out into the paddock to see how he’s feeling – but he’s not there.

I hoped to somewhat regroup yesterday but then a call came in – a mare had been down for 3 days – can we help? Of course, I couldn’t say no. I’m not going to get into details but we were, sadly, called too late to try to help this mare. When we got there, I took her vitals and they were not good. Her gum color was not good. She’d dug a 10″ ditch with her front legs. She didn’t respond to any sensation in her back end.

It took awhile to find a vet to respond but he determined that the mare had gone toxic and advised that the most humane thing to do was to help the mare cross. Losing Solace on Friday was still very fresh in my mind and in my heart, and, while I only knew this mare for a couple of hours yesterday, it didn’t matter – I loved her just the same and letting her go was hard. Losing any hurts – it NEVER gets easier. But, as with Solace, there is comfort in knowing that she runs with the Heavenly herd now – she knows no more pain.

Oscar no longer needs assistance to get up! He’s mobile and doing well.

Romeo is doing well also. He’s far from out of the woods but we’re staying positive and he’s brighter each day. He loves to talk!

Wanda and her son, Caleb, did a GREAT job clipping little Harvey today! Thank you both – very much!!!

Harvey looked like a little lamb! He’s going to feel much better!

Last photo for today to end my posts on a good note – Serenity is feeling better. It’s been tough getting through the sand and parasite issues but we’re working on it. She’s a sweet girl.

Februay 24th, 2014

Betsy Rose’s court case is over – the previous owner got probation, has to pay fees/fines, and can’t own large animals for a year. I wish I could change what happened to Betsy Rose before she found her way here, but I can’t. She’s a determined little mare with a huge love for life that has touched the hearts of many – it’s truly a blessing to be part of her life. There are many things Betsy Rose wants to help us with like raising awareness of what to do if you see or suspect abuse/neglect, where to reach out for help, and so much more. She wants to help educate humans about the responsibilities of owning and caring for a horse – it’s not inexpensive and proper care does take time.

February 25th, 2014

Lindsey and Ginny gave Bryce a good bath today – the weather was just beautiful! He’s putting on weight nicely, finally. Ginny’s husband, Mark, fixed fences. Bob made 2 trips to get hay and will make another trip tomorrow! Marie took some office work home with her to accomplish. I thank God for our volunteers and supporters daily – sometimes many times!

Bryce is doing better. He had a huge amount of sand in his gut. He had a high parasite load too.

Look how great Harvey looks! I kept telling people he wasn’t fat – he was just fluffy! LOL

Oscar and Vermont Teddy Bear

IT’S COMING!!!

February 15th

Bryce and Serenity

Seeing contentment in their eyes is one of the greatest gifts ever.

Solace had a so-so day today.  The weather was a little cool, but nice.

February 16th

Although he is in better spirits, please keep the new gelding, Romeo, in your prayers – his blood work results came back.  His liver and kidneys are struggling.

Oscar can get his front end up on his own now.  We still have to help him get his back end up.

Look what our “discarded” pony named Starlight and her young lady, Jordan, accomplished in 2013!  A message from Jordan…

Can I brag about how good my pony is?
All these ribbons in her very first show year.
My end of 2013 division placings!
RESERVE CHAMP: In – Hand Trail Class.
Fourth: Beginner Western Rider
Eighth: Western Pleasure…
Eighth: Model Western
Ninth: Stock Seat
I’m oh so proud of my pony! ♡
Jordan

February 7th, 2014

I spent part of the day yesterday with AC discussing the case involving Serenity, Bryce, Persuasion, and Dodger. There were six other horses remaining at the same farm – I met AC there and ended up bringing the two worst remaining mares here (very depressed, tummy ache, very emaciated) and the other four horses were taken by AC but will be available for adoption in a couple of weeks. AC determined the horses were abandoned.

I know the look Bryce had when he was experiencing painful sand colic – these two mares wore the same look. I was so worried about them – we just had to help them. Dr. Julia vetted them both as soon as I got them to the rescue. They are in about the same shape that Bryce and Serenity were in when they arrived.  I named the older Mahogany and the younger, Eliza.  Mahogany is Eliza’s mom – they seem quite close.  Like Bryce, both have a lot of sand in their poop which is not good.  Bryce is still dealing with sand colic and parasites – he’s been having quite a time but is slowly improving.  Mahogany’s temp was pretty low (95.5).  Both had tummy aches and looked so depressed.  We are awaiting the results of their blood work.  I’m sorry the photos are not great – the weather was lousy.  I want to thank everyone who made it possible for us to get another used truck – it’s saved many lives in the short time we’ve had it.

I feel badly for the entire herd but at least they are all safe now. If anyone would like to help these two mares, it would be a blessing. We brought them in with a lot of faith that help would come. If you would like to donate to help them, please mark your donation for “The 2 Mares”. They both need sponsors.

Eliza was working through some tummy discomfort last evening. I’ve been worried about this herd and am so glad they are all now safe. It’s frustrating at times, to have to follow the “rules” but laws, like them or not, are to be respected.

This is Serenity getting a treatment by Dr. Julia Simonson yesterday. Dr. Julia couldn’t believe how much better Serenity looks. While she was here, we reviewed our refeeding program for each of our new arrivals and Dr. Julia said she is very impressed with our progress with all of them – including Oscar (donkeys are a bit different then horses).

Dr. Julia visited with Bronson to make sure he forgave her for his castration. He’s looking for a home – he’s likely going to be small pony size.

Bryce enjoyed his treatment by Dr. Julia – the photo speaks for itself! He’s got a long way to go. Sand colic can wreak havoc on a body and be deadly. More tests need to be run next week.

Gentleman got a treatment as well – he has a sponsor for one treatment a month and they really make a difference. He is elderly, has high ringbone in his front right, and some issues in his back end. He is of good weight – anymore weight may work against him. He is happy and comfortable. We adore him – he is loved, very much.

Solace is still not doing well. Based on blood tests, symptoms, treatments to date, etc. it is possible he has lymphoma. Please keep him in your prayers. He’s had a good year with us and I hope he has many more. We will do our best to keep him comfortable – quality of life is always important in making decisions for these precious horses.

Oscar is so cute! I was trying to explain to him how much easier it would be for us humans if he could get up on his own. He is staying up longer when he is up though. Time – it will just take some time to build those muscles. Baby steps…

Morgan’s eye is better. There is still some swelling and the lavage is still in – she’s getting meds every four hours now and will be checked again next week.

This is a beautiful blanket that was donated to Betsy Rose several months ago which swallowed her up. It now fits!!! She loves modeling new clothing!

Oscar getting his fluids this morning. Teaching the youth of our today will only help the horses of our tomorrow’s! Roxy is a quick learner!

We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public – we are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or automatic monthly do…nation to help us to help the horses. Funds are needed for vetting, farrier needs, hay, grain, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways to donate – visit our “Donate” page on our website at theresa. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/bhfer