Tag Archive for: Mishka

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Hurricane Ian Update

We are doing okay. The winds and rains have not been as bad as expected. The barn is a mess but manageable, everyone is good here. Had Ian not changed course, it would have been devastating here. Simply devastating. The horses have their ID bands and breakaway halters on. They are doing pretty well except that Mishka is dealing with a horrible abscess in his front left foot. The abscess blew out of the coronet band yesterday but he’s pretty tender. It’s tough being such a big horse when your foot or feet hurt, I’m sure.

We are very saddened by the impact Ian has had on everyone in its path. We will continue to pray for those that have been impacted.

The winds and rain are starting to get worse. We will update again soon. Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers.

IMPORTANT: The trail ride fundraiser for Saturday, October 1 is POSTPONED, new date TBA.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Look at him move!

This is worth all the days of trying to keep Mishka comfortable while working through abscesses in both front feet. There’s about 2000 lbs of horse on those feet! The stocks helped tremendously.

Our gentle giant made a new friend while he stayed in a different paddock closer to the barn – Valley Girl. Today they were turned out together in one of the larger paddocks. They loved it, and we loved watching them!

Thank you to all who contributed toward the stocks, you truly made a difference!

 

 

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A Special Thank You from Mishka

Mishka, which means “Big Teddy Bear,” arrived at Beauty’s Haven at the end of October, 2014. He was on his way to auction when we intercepted him.

A beautiful black Percheron, Mishka was very thin upon arrival, weighing in at just 1430 pounds. He had very little muscle tone, no mane, a very short, docked tail, and a body covered with numerous sores. His ears had no hair and were swollen and raw. But despite all he had endured, Mishka was, and continues to be, a very sweet and gentle soul.

Mishka has been diagnosed with EPSM (equine polysaccharide storage myopathy) which is being addressed through a special diet and a variety of supplements. Sadly, he recently has also been experiencing some hoof issues with rotation in his front right together with worsening side bones on both feet. Mishka has thankfully been gifted with shoeing stocks which will hopefully make a great difference in addressing his issues.

Mishka, a permanent resident of our Sanctuary herd, brings such an innate amount of joy to all who meet him. Our big teddy bear has a huge personality and when one speaks to him, he vigorously moves his lips as if he is truly engaged in a deep conversation! He is an amazing presence and such a joy to behold.

And it is because of each and every one of you that horses like Mishka have been granted a second chance at life, a life filled with comfort and joy, a life where they will be forever safe and loved.

Thank you.

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Match Game for Mishka

Mishka has been having some worrisome issues. Sometimes his feet get packed after it rains which can cause him to become tender footed. We dread this because when we are able to pick up a front foot, he tends to throw it forward rather abruptly which makes it dangerous for the human tending to his needs. And, if we’re lucky enough to get a foot up, we can’t make him keep it up. Trying to maintain proper balance in his feet has always been quite challenging and proper balance is very important.

After a recent rain storm, we discovered Mishka to be lame the next day – he simply would not cooperate in order for us to examine and clean out his feet. After a couple of days, we moved him into Penny’s paddock with Peaches, which is closer to the barn where we could keep a better eye on him and ensure he was drinking enough water. Because the lameness issue arose suddenly, an abscess was suspected – his pulses were not elevated and there was no heat in his feet.

The day before the farrier was to arrive, as I was trimming hair around Mishka’s coronary band, I poked around above his left coronary band a bit with my fingers to see if I’d get a response from him and suddenly, an abscess opened up at his heel. The smell was horrible! While he may have gotten some relief, he wasn’t close to being much better. Because Mishka had been bearing more weight on his right foot due to the abscess in his left, we placed icepacks around the right foot as a precaution. Bearing most of the weight on the right foot could cause laminitis.

We scheduled the vet to come out to do x-rays and we are quite concerned with the findings. Mishka’s front right does have rotation and his side bone has gotten worse in both feet.

Bloodwork done which indicated he was slightly dehydrated. Results from one blood test will not be ready until next week. The farrier came yesterday and, as always, Andrew did the best he could, but to do the job right, and to provide Mishka with balanced feet and shoes, we need stocks. Using boots isn’t an option because we can’t keep his feet up long enough to put them on. Stocks not only enable the handler to restrain a horse without hurting him, but prevent injury to the handler as well.

We have needed stocks for a long time, but now, it is an absolute necessity as we want to keep Mishka as comfortable as possible so he can be with us for many more years.

This isn’t going to be an inexpensive investment but we have faith that, with help from others, we will be able to procure the needed stocks and raise enough funds to cover Mishka’s present and future vet bills and x-rays. We don’t have the recent vet bill yet but Mishka will need additional x-rays and more “hooficures” to make adjustments over the next several weeks. The stocks are about $2400 which includes shipping – other horses will benefit from them as well.

A very dear friend and supporter is offering a most generous Match Game whereby all donations up to $1000 will be matched dollar for dollar!

If you would like to help Mishka while doubling your donation at the same time, just click on the ‘Donate’ button below. All contributions are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.

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Thank you, all, for your love and support,
Theresa

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HAY! From Mishka & Mo

Mishka and Mo here, letting you all know that it is time for a Hay Run again! The grass is dormant and, for the last couple of nights, it’s been cool enough that a couple of the minis have had to wear light blankets. Sadly, the weekly hay run is going to have to turn into an almost twice-a-week run. If anyone would like to help the current hay need, it would truly make our tummies happy!

Our beloved herd is in need of a ton of orchard hay @ $610, 2 bales of alfalfa @ $38 and $225 for coastal for a total of $873.

If anyone would like to help with this need, please click the DONATE button below and note that your donation is for ‘Hay Match Game.’

Love,
Mishka & Mo

P.S. Mo here. Mishka really eats a lot of hay!

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A Message from Mishka

 

Hey Everyone!

All the humans here at the farm are busy taking care of my horse and donkey friends, Hope the baby cow, and the cats and dogs, so I thought I would try to help raise funds for this week’s Hay and Forage Run. We only have enough hay to last the day, so we hope to raise $610 for a ton of 3 string orchard hay and $154 for 7 bags of Triple Crown Forage. We also need to order vaccines to help keep all of equines here at the rescue healthy and happy. We need two ten-dose vials of 5-way vaccines at a cost of $240 per vial. If anyone would like to help with these needs ($1224), we would be forever grateful!

A wonderful friend and supporter has also come forth to offer a Match Game whereby all donations up to $250 will be matched dollar for dollar so this is a great opportunity to double your donation!

There are many ways in which to donate. You may forward your donation via various means here on our website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Hay/Vaccines Match Game.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no donation is ever too small.

Thank you!

Love,
Mishka

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A DAY WITH ANIMAL WARRIORS

September 10th, 2016

Members from Animal Warriors spent a good part of the day helping out – we got some projects done and some of the horses even got a bath! Animal Warriors is a group of like minded individuals from all walks of life who share a common goal of helping animals with active volunteer groups.  All of the horses really enjoyed the extra attention.
Animal Warriors

Aaleyah Belle – there’s that famous tongue doing what it does best!Aaleyah Belle

I think Aaleyah Belle slimed everyone!
Aaleyah Belle AW

Bouie and Frodo got a much needed bath.
Bouie Frodo Bath AW

JoJo opted to lead the group on a tour. He’s such a big little helper! He even kept his flymask on!

JoJo is always the little charmer!
JoJo Charmer

Mishka got lots of attention – he’s a really big guy.  His name suits him well – it means “teddy bear.”
Mishka AW

Mishka also got a bath which he truly enjoyed!
Mishka Bath AW

Animal Warriors is a non-profit organization – they have a Facebook page and you can visit them on their website.  We truly appreciate their help and hope that they come back again!

Please remember to cast your daily vote today in the Eagle Rare Life contest. It could help to win $5K to $50K for the horses! Just click on this link and cast your vote daily – it takes less than a minute!  Then, share it out and ask family and friends to vote too.  Thank you!
Betsy Rose Present

#horsesareheros #bhfer #believe #eaglerarelife #vote #animalwarriors

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

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Then’s and Now’s AND JoJo in the House?

February 1st, 2013

“Mommy Theresa I know you’re in there! I just want to come in and see you for a little while. We all miss Princess and I know you’re sad but if I can come in I’ll cheer you up some!”

Well, JoJo did come in and cheered us up. He looked for the Christmas tree and couldn’t understand why it couldn’t live in the house. He kept staring at where it was – his brain was certainly trying to understand.

We have so much to be thankful for – we need to cherish each and every minute. Take time to make memories. Someday, that’s all you will have of those that you love.

February 2nd

Check out Bouie’s beard.

I don’t know who was more fascinated by size – Mishka or the mini’s next door!

February 3rd

Happy Tuesday morning! That’s Peaches munching from one of our slow hay feeder nets. Wonder what Ebony is thinking? Little Lily is so darned cute.

Amber and Baby Ray playing – just beautiful!

Little E is our Senior resident now. Another noble Arabian that is adored by all of us. We had awesome visitors today and I have quite a few pics to post but will have to get caught up tomorrow afternoon.

February 4th

Jessie spent the day here yesterday – Baby Ray enjoyed seeing her again (so did we)! We look forward to her visit at this time each year when she and her husband, Ron, come down from a northern state for a few days.

Jessie has known Baby Ray since he came to us as an orphan baby in August 2009. We brought him home in our mini-van. Baby Ray had cataracts and couldn’t see. Once he grew healthy, we took him to UF where they removed the cataracts. He is visually impaired but he can see.

Aaleyah Belle also enjoyed seeing Jessie again.

We named Aaleyah after Eight Belles. We picked her up only a few hours after she was born – it was the day that Eight Belles died. Aaleyah and her mom, Currently Sue (aka Momma Sue), were going to be shot because Aaleyah was born with a wry nose. Momma Sue was skin on bones – it’s amazing that they survived.

Aaleyah Belle before and after surgery.

Yesterday, Serenity got to personally thank someone that has helped her since the day she arrived. It’s always nice when humans come to meet the horses they help. Thank you Phil!

Serenity arrived at about this time last year – we intercepted her just before she was going to be shot by the local rendering company. She’s a beautiful girl – inside and out.

Handsome (Saddlebred) is still looking for a forever home. Mishka (Percheron) is still in rehab. He’s gained weight but still needs quite a bit more muscling up. Some horses recover quicker than others from EPSM – it could take a few months. Proper diet is key.

Matilda – she’s a very loving long ears. And yes, she is still huge.

Remember Cisco, Tia, and Tess? Cisco came to us in September 2012 – he was 20+ years young. He had been removed from a bad situation – I’ll just say that he came to us known as the “Meth Pony”. Tia and Tess came to us in the Spring of 2013 – Tess was about 3 months old. All three were adopted together by a wonderful couple that volunteered at the time. Cisco takes care of his two girls. Tia, Tess, and Cisco are loved by their humans, very much.

Ginger is doing well with her adoptive family – she has a new BFF.

Daisy doesn’t realize she’s different – she’s full of love and life. She has a large tumor (sarcoid) under her right eye and another over her left eye. Dr.’s Mangan and Porter started her treatments (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)) about …3 weeks ago when she got her first injections. She is also getting a daily supplement and we apply a topical cream to the tumors. Daisy was examined again last Friday and there have been positive changes at both eyes! She is scheduled to receive her 2nd injections this coming Friday. Daisy is only 5 years old and deserves a chance – we hope others will help us give her that chance. If anyone would like to help this darling little long ears with her needed treatments our PayPal address is bhfer@earthlink.net (please note it’s for Daisy). No amount is too small and all donations are tax deductible.

Please keep Daisy in your prayers. Thank you!

Athena is another beautiful mare. She is having lameness issues (its not in her feet) and really needs to be examined but she needs sponsors. She currently does not have enough sponsors to even cover her monthly routine care costs. Would anyone like to help Athena with a one time or monthly donation?

Athena the day I met her.

I’ve put this off but need to ask – would anyone like to help with Princess’ emergency vet, hospital, and burial expenses? We are several hundred dollars short. If you would like to help, our PayPal address is bhfer@earthlink.net – please mark it for “Princess”. Other ways to donate can be found on our website at www.bhfer.org. No amount is too small and all donations are tax deductible. While we wish she were still here with us, we are very thankful for the years we had with her. This was Princess a few years ago. She’s always been a beautiful girl.

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BH December 31, 2013 – January 3, 2014

New Years Eve 2013

The vet was called out this evening as Betsy Rose was experiencing an episode of Choke. The choke was cleared and Betsy Rose is now on antibiotics but she is ok – although, she’s not happy that she won’t get her midnight mash. Betsy has a history of choke and gets a soft watery mash, but unless we muzzle her, she will pick at the grass. I’ll never forget the first time, 2 months after her arrival here in June 2013,when she was able to finally stand on her own and graze (she had to live in a sling – it truly is a miracle that she survived) – it was glorious to watch! Dr. Bess ( Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services) checks Betsy often and works on her as needed – she’ll be back again in a week or so to work on others and Betsy is on the list.

Betsy Rose is the strongest little mare I know – yet she is still so fragile. She always will be. For those that don’t know her story here is her beginning with us: and here is a video – she’s the little mare that believes… .

Please keep Betsy Rose in your prayers. Thank you.

January 1st

Betsy Rose is recovering from her choke. She’s still getting soup for meals but hopefully, by tomorrow, she will be able to get a mash vs soup.

As we welcomed in the New Year, little Betsy Rose welcomed in a new friend. A distant relative of Freckles arrived – a cute little donkey named Mani! Freckles and Mani hung out in Betsy’s food dish quite a bit to try to keep her mind off of not being able to eat much yet. Betsy Rose enjoyed listening to them catch up on family stories. Freckles had quite a few stories to tell Mani about life with Betsy Rose too!

Betsy Rose is not allowed to graze but we took turns taking her for walks today.

We have two farriers coming tomorrow so we’re calling it a day here soon. We’ll be setting up the sling in the morning for Peggy Sue’s hooficure. Have a good night everyone and, again, thank you for your continued support!  Thank you Eva!

JoJo – my loyal little helper…

Donovan playing with his drum this morning. He started before daylight. LOL

We are so blessed to have wonderful friends and volunteers – including ones with 4 legs! The donkeys were all trying to help with am chores while Duke oversaw everything.

Handsome really is handsome.

Please click on the link below to view our Beauty’s Haven 2014 Smilebox slideshow.

 

January 2nd

Thank you all so much for voting for me! This is a wonderful way to start the New Year! Sponsored by http://www.alltech.com/equine

“Congratulations to our November Equine Hero Theresa Batchelor!” Alltech

Lizanne Quinn from the United States of America, has nominated Theresa Batchelor as her Equine Hero! Lizanne explains that “I have been a horse owner for my entire life and I have never met anyone like Theresa. Her tireless dedication to the horses starved, abused left for dead has truly amazed me. Theresa is a true equine hero!”

Lizanne goes on to say that “I see a lot of people who say that they rescue horses, but Theresa’s rescue is actually a Heaven on Earth and a last stop for many. For the ones that survive, it is only because of her intervention, love and prayers.” Theresa makes sure that every horse that comes through her door is completely rehabilitated and adoptable or else she won’t let them go.

Sadly, Theresa’s rescue is the last stop for a lot of horses that arrive there. However as upsetting as it is to see the horses arrive so broken, Theresa gives them hope and they know on their last days that they are truly loved. Sometimes it’s too late, but the horses have beautiful surroundings, the best care that can be found and a beautiful heart by their side until they pass away or pull through.

Theresa is truly amazing. I can only imagine what the other horses say to the new ones on their way in. Perhaps they say “don’t worry” or “you are safe now” or “thank goodness you made it here in time” or “we love you and we will see you on the other side”.

Lizanne finishes by saying “thank you Theresa Batchelor and Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue. I nominate you to as my Equine Hero!”

Memories warm the heart…

January 3rd

The year is starting out absolutely wonderful for Attagirl – she left today for her forever home! She’s not far from the rescue and she will be totally loved and spoiled at Heaven Can Wait Farm! Congratulations Attagirl and Suzy!

Love the view from my desk.

“Mommy Theresa no worries about those big horses next door coming over here. I’ve told them I’m boss over here and they would have to get my permission. So no worries, ok? I got this!” CaryLou is a hoot!

Mishka really is a big teddy bear.

Simply stunning.

Wishing everyone a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website:
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November 30th – December 5th 2014 Update

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:

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