Tag Archive for: Theresa Batchelor

Please click on the image above to view an entertaining video of our
lovely new Catio with all the ensuing kitty shenanigans! 

A nice Catio was found under the Christmas tree for the feral cats and kittens on Christmas morning!  A Catio will help protect them from the elements and predators. And just when we thought we had all of them fixed, a female that disappeared months ago, showed up just the other day, with five precious kittens.  They are, thankfully, old enough now, so we can begin trapping them, getting them neutered, and releasing them.

Thank you, Auntie Marilyn, for this incredible Gift of Love!

Sincerely,
Theresa

If you would like to view a video of Beauty in all her glory, please click on the image above.

More than twenty years ago, a neglected and abused Arabian filly brought light and joy into my life at a time when I needed it the most. In 1997, surgery to remove a tumor within my spinal cord caused nerve damage which resulted in my becoming a quadriplegic, and although my doctors stated that I would never again walk, through sheer will, determination, faith and an intense physical therapy program, I regained use of my limbs. I remain today, an incomplete quadriplegic, however, with no feeling or awareness below my neck (proprioception). In time, I thankfully, was able to return to my government job which I truly loved, but sadly, I had to retire on disability in 2000 due to issues associated with my injury. Thus began a very dark period in my life as I learned to adjust to my physical limitations.

I’ve been riding horses since I was a toddler and truly missed them. In 2002, Bob and I decided that our kids should have the opportunity to experience horses, so we scheduled them for weekly riding lessons. I didn’t tell their trainer that I wasn’t supposed to ride and during part of each lesson, I would venture out on trails on an Arabian gelding that took great care of me. I was nervous at first, I hadn’t been on a horse since before my spinal cord injury, but I was determined. It was wonderful!

One day, I got a call about an Arabian filly that was petrified of humans. She had been seized from an abusive situation and placed in a foster home, but then, she couldn’t be caught. I walked into her paddock with no demands or expectations and after a short time, she walked over and put her head down into my chest. I waited. When she lifted her head, I looked into her beautiful brown eyes and saw fear along with a reflection of hope and a longing to trust. I slowly and gently put my hand on her neck and whispered, “I’m here for you, it’s going to be ok.” She became mine that very day and I named her Beauty.

We found a barn to lease and within a few days, Beauty had settled in. Every day, I spent a lot of time with her, just hanging out. We both had much healing to do. My physical challenges never hindered our connection; rather, they strengthened our relationship. Beauty seemed to understand my struggles and offered a unique form of healing. And I understood her struggles in learning to trust. Being mentally and physically abused is not something one can just move forward from without some level of acceptance, a support system and a leap of faith.

When we were both ready, we moved on to groundwork which proved to be invaluable. Because of my physical challenges and not knowing where my legs are, I taught Beauty to respond to voice commands as my arms, hands, and legs could inadvertently send signals that could confuse any horse. She was very intelligent and caught on quickly. We were both very proud of our accomplishments and it wasn’t long before she was under saddle.

Riding Beauty gave me a sense of freedom and independence. I no longer felt confined by physical challenges, but rather empowered by her strength and devotion. Sometimes, we went to local parks to ride, times I’ll never forget. As every horse needs a companion, we took in a blind Appaloosa gelding that was going to be euthanized. His name was Frosty, and not long after he arrived, we decided we wanted to move to the Ocala area and in 2004, our home in Tampa sold overnight, a sign we were making the right decision. We purchased almost 18 acres in Morriston, took in more horses, and, over time, our little farm morphed into Beauty’s Haven where we have helped over 500 horses and other animals.

Beauty was injured in 2011 because of something very foolish that another human had done. It was a very stressful time. She foundered, rotating quite a bit in both front feet. We were told we might be able to keep her comfortable as a pasture pal, but she’d never be sound enough to be ridden again. In the Spring of 2015, when I went out to ride another horse, Beauty came over and gave me that look – I saddled her up and we took a nice walk around the property! It made us both truly happy. Over the years, she would have founder flare ups, but we worked through them. In late 2015, she was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. In 2018 she was diagnosed with Temporohyoid Osteoarthropathy (THO), and in 2020, Insulin Resistant (IR) / Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). She was a tough and determined mare and her spirit never wavered.

She moved into the barn area as it was very important that we manage her IR which can be quite challenging. Frodo, a mini, that took an indirect lightning strike a few years ago which left him neurologically impaired, became her sidekick. We opened up the birthing stall which enabled Beauty to maneuver better, while Frodo had a stall across from her. Beauty wanted us to think she didn’t care much for Frodo, but the moment he got out of her sight, she’d whinny for him. It went both ways.

On Monday, last week, Beauty didn’t greet me at the gate with her lively morning whinny. She didn’t finish all of her breakfast, which was very odd. Dr. Staples came that day to do some trims and while she was here, she examined Beauty. Beauty didn’t have a temperature, but she did have a lot of gut sounds. She was given Banamine and thankfully, she was better by evening and even ate her meals. However, the next day, Tuesday, she just wasn’t herself, having little desire to eat. I took her temperature and it was 103.1. I called a vet out to examine her once again, and to do bloodwork.

The next morning, Wednesday, the vet called and said bloodwork indicated that she had hyperlipidemia and should go to a hospital. I called EMCO and took her there immediately. Pulling out of the driveway, and all the way down our road, Beauty and Frodo kept calling out for one another which simply, broke my heart.

When we arrived at the hospital, the staff went right to work examining Beauty, performing blood tests etc., as well as an ultrasound, to see if there was a blockage, but there was no clear definition of what was wrong. They put her on an IV drip and got her comfortable in a stall where she laid down to rest. She refused to eat but she did drink water.

The next day, Thursday, more tests were performed and she appeared a bit brighter and her bloodwork had improved. I hung out her with in the morning and Jenny went in the afternoon. Beauty only passed a small amount of manure, but she was nibbling on hay and drinking water. The plan was to give her another day to see if she improved and then regroup.

When we arrived at the hospital on Friday morning (Jenny was with me), we learned Beauty’s bloodwork results were even better. We took her out to a small paddock where she could relax, graze, and walk around. I hugged her, took the lead rope off, and told her she was free to go. Then, she gave me the most beautiful gift – for the first time in two years, she trotted out and did some of her Arabian dance moves and appeared as sound as any horse could be! Jenny said it was the biggest smile she’d seen on me in a long time. Beauty also passed manure a few times which was encouraging. We didn’t let her overdo it and tucked her back into her stall for the evening, but it sure felt good to see her feeling well enough to “dance”. When we left her in her stall, she was munching on hay.

The next morning, Saturday, Beauty was being ultra-sounded again by two veterinarians when we arrived at the hospital. They saw something of concern (tumor, abscess, etc.) but there was no way to know what it was without doing surgery. We talked about options, pros, cons, risks, etc. and really, the only choices we had were to do surgery to remove the tumor or abscess or to euthanize her. We opted for surgery.

We took Beauty for a walk while the staff prepared for surgery. I buried my face into her mane and cried. While looking at video that was taken at that time, I saw that Beauty shed a tear too. When it was time, she walked tall, proud, and steady from her stall to the operating area. I hugged and kissed her and breathed in her smell (she was the best aromatherapy) before she entered the prep room and assured her that we would be there waiting for her. I told her many times what she already knew, that I loved her dearly.

During surgery a large tumor was discovered. It wasn’t attached to any of her organs, but it went from one side of her abdominal cavity to the other. There was simply no way the surgeon could have removed it. Parts of it had gone necrotic – it would have only been a matter of time before Beauty would have gone septic. We went in to be with her and I held her as she went to Rainbow Bridge. I knew the very second that she was gone – my heart skipped a few beats, it was hard to breathe, and the world seemed so very far away.

Life had kind of come full circle – many years ago, surgery to a remove a tumor from inside my spinal cord led me back to horses, which led me to Beauty. And now, a tumor that appeared partially wrapped around her spine has taken her away from me.

Beauty was a once in a lifetime horse and I am beyond blessed to have been given the years that I had with her. The bond we shared transcended words and created a language of love and trust that only we could understand. Her gentle soul, unwavering presence, devotion, and her ability to sense my needs made her truly extraordinary. Together, we embraced challenges with courage and determination – we believed in each other and we never gave up.

While some of Beauty’s ashes will be spread over Beauty’s Haven, some will stay with me forever, but her spirit will forever be beside me. I know she will help guide me as we continue what we started together – helping those that are unable to help themselves. Her legacy will continue to live on in all the horses who enter through our gates seeking a second chance at life, a life that begins, again.

Beauty is gone from this earth and it hurts more than I can say. But as I sat with Frodo one night last week with tears falling, he suddenly perked up and let out a whinny. I could smell Beauty close by as a feeling of peace came over me, and, in my head and heart, I heard a whisper, “I’m here for you, it’s going to be okay.”

Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate them, very much.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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

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

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

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

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Thank you for your continued love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

I truly appreciate everyone’s birthday wishes! I apologize for being so late posting this but we’ve been busy getting settled back in at the farm. This birthday was extra special – for the first time in several years we actually left the farm and flew to Arizona to spend a few days with our daughter and son-in-law! My birthday was March 23rd and Katie’s the 25th. Even though I had a bad cold, I enjoyed every minute of it.

We rode trails in Sedona, bikes in Phoenix, played in the snow, and saw huge elk and the most magnificent sites at the Grand Canyon.

This was only made possible by our awesome volunteers! Jenny stayed at the farm 24/7 and had her hands full with the horses, dogs, and cats. Others were here, off and on, the majority of each day we were gone including Pam, Pat, Linda, Cindy, Avi, and Jessica. We truly appreciate each and everyone of them!

Honoring Theresa

A few days ago, our little herd had a meeting along the fence line and decided that they wanted to do something special in honor of Mommy Theresa’s birthday which is on March 23rd. When three wonderful aunties came forth and offered a trio of Match Games, it was decided right then and there that a Birthday Match Game Fundraiser would be a perfect way in which to celebrate their beloved mommy’s birthday!

Match Game

All donations up to $1500 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, so if you would like to join our ‘Velvet Nosers’ in celebrating Mommy Theresa’s birthday while doubling your contribution at the same time, it would truly make our beloved herd so very happy indeed. Donations may be forwarded in a variety of ways by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below.

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If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Birthday Match Game.’ All donations, as always, will be applied to the care of the horses ~ Peaches medical needs, annual Coggins and vaccines and a special waterer for sweet Mishka.

Thank you all so very much for your love and support.

Warmly,
Jeanne

Little Hope, our new mini mare surrender we took in on December 3 that was presenting with colic, made it out of surgery. Whew! It turns out she had a double whopper – not only a horrible sand issue but also a fecal impaction which would have never resolved without surgery.

Hope will have to stay at the hospital for a few days but I’ll post pictures when I get them. The wonderful people at UF Large Animal Hospital are smitten by her and promise me that she is in good hands. What a relief!

Now we pray for a non-eventful recovery with no issues with infection or other complications. So please keep Hope in your prayers.

Thank you all for your support. It takes a village and I’m so very thankful for all of you!
Theresa

07/06/19

Hi Everyone,

I spoke to Theresa this morning and she is quite overwhelmed to say the least! The horrific lightning and extremely strong winds coupled with driving hail, had a devastating effect on the farm.  The horses, donkeys, dogs, kittens were all quite terrified throughout the ordeal, but thankfully, all seem to have settled down by this morning.

As Theresa mentioned earlier, one of our custom-built shelters was totally destroyed as you can see in the images above, and boards and debris are strewn throughout the farm. Fences and several of the barn’s large motion sensor security lights and cameras are down (non functioning) as well. Theresa believes that the barn must have received a direct lightning strike as Bob had quite a shock yesterday when turning the door knob to the feed room! There is also a new ‘lake’ on the property which the horses do not seem to mind at all!

I would like to start a fundraiser to help Beauty’s Haven with the cost of repairing and replacing all that was lost or damaged, but presently, I do not have an estimate as to the amount needed. Please keep this a secret, though, as we would like to surprise Theresa!

A dear friend and supporter has also come forth to offer a most generous Match Game whereby, all donations up to $500 will be matched dollar for dollar! If you wish to contribute toward this effort, you may do so via various means here on our website. Please note that your contribution is to be designated for ‘Storm Damages/Match Game.’

Thank you all, so very much for your kind words and prayers as well as to everyone who has contributed thus far. Now, lets ‘rock on’ to help Theresa, Bob and the ‘Velvet Nosers’ recover from the ‘Wrath of Mother Nature.’

Warmly,
Jeanne

A Match Game in Honor of Theresa’s Birthday!

In honor of Theresa’s birthday, two very dear friends and supporters have joined together to offer a Match Game whereby all donations up to $700 will be matched dollar for dollar!

Theresa’s wish this year, is, once again, to benefit the horses at Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc. Many are sanctuary horses with special needs and their care is more costly than that of an average, healthy horse. The items at the top of Theresa’s wish list include Prascend (227 mg, 180 ct), Previcox (160 ct), APF-Pro (946 ml) and Equishield SA (two 2 lb. containers) at a total cost of $1375. All donations toward these needs will be so greatly appreciated by both horses and humans alike.

If you would like to make Theresa’s birthday wish come true, while doubling your donation at the same time, you may do so by forwarding your contribution via our secure Donations Page. You can also donate via PAYPAL and if you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please note that your contribution is for the’Birthday Match Game.’ Please be assured that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. If you’re not in a position to donate at this time, we truly understand, but you can still help by sharing this message via social media!

Thank you to our very special Match Game sponsors and to each and every one of you for your continued love and support.


Hi everybody – it’s me, JoJo! Me and my friends were worried when Mommy Theresa had to go to the doctor last week – she got sick from food poisoning. She feels better but we still want to do something to help her to help us! Caring for us is a BIG responsibility!

We brainstormed to come up with a way to raise money on a regular basis that will help provide for our hay, grain, supplements, and other things we need. If we can build a base of consistent support, it would help a lot! Mommy Theresa stays super busy all day and into the night – that’s why she doesn’t send out many updates anymore even though she wants to. We think that because of this, donations are down and that’s not good at all.

So guess what we came up with? We created a club in memory of Betsy Rose to help! So won’t you join our “Strive for Five Club?” It’s super easy! Just go to the link below and sign up to give a recurring monthly donation of $5 (or more). If you can’t join at this time, it’s okay, but will you please share this out so maybe others can help us? Our goal is to get at least 2500 recurring monthly subscribers of at least $5! That sounds like a big goal, I know, but Mommy Theresa has 5000 “Friends” on her Facebook Page and we have over 8000 “Likes” on our Facebook Business Page. If we all try really hard, I believe we can do it! So just click on STRIVE FOR FIVE to become part of our club!

Thanks everyone! And thank you Aunties Karen and Sandra for visiting us and for all of your help and ideas!

Hi Everyone,

Theresa was at the doctor most of the afternoon as she is experiencing some issues and she will most undoubtedly, be ‘off the grid’ for several days. She asked that I post a fundraiser on her behalf for our weekly hay and farrier needs, so hopefully, funds can be raised quickly, which will truly ease her mind.

In order to get through the week, we need four bales of peanut hay ($64) for Mo who is doing wonderfully and has already gained sixty pounds! The minis will need five bales of coastal hay ($40), a number of the big horses need three big compressed bales of orchard hay ($300), and the remainder of the herd need a ton of three string orchard bales ($610), for a total of $1,014. In addition, several horses are scheduled for their hooficures next week which will cost an additional $125, so the combined amount for both hay and farrier needs is $1,139.

We do have some good news, however, as a wonderful friend and supporter has just come forth to offer a MATCH GAME, whereby, all donations up to $400 will be matched!

If you would like to participate in the Match Game, you may do so by making a one-time tax-deductible donation, or sign up to make an automatic monthly recurring donation (which you can cancel at any time) via our secure WEBPAGE. You also have the option of dedicating your donation in Honor or Memory of someone. Another way to donate is via Network for Good or JustGiving – links which can be found on our ‘DONATE’ page together with our snail mail address. You can also donate via PAYPAL and if you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please note that your contribution is for the ‘Match Game.’ Please be assured that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. If you’re not in a position to donate at this time, we truly understand, but you can still help by sharing out this message via social media!

Please keep Theresa in your prayers and thank you all, for your love and support!

Warmly,
Jeanne