Valentine’s Day Birthday’s – Nicky and Princess

February 14th, 2013

I wanted to get this prepared and sent out yesterday but I just couldn’t concentrate – I had to walk away and try again today.  Valentine’s Day is always bittersweet.  

On February 14th, 1980 an Arabian was born – his registered name was RC ElDinero.  We called him Nick or Nicky.  He found his way to us on June 1st, 2007.  How he found his way to us was nothing short of a miracle.  He had been starved, he was diabetic and laminitic, he had Cushings Disease, and more – the odds were against him.  Nick’s body condition was about the same as Solace when he first arrive – not quite a 0.5 on the Henneke scale.  You can’t go much lower than that without meeting death.  We had one of the best care giver’s team you could want, including Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD. Nicky’s story is a sad one but he brought so much good and love into our life – he had a huge heart that loved life but what humans had done, or not done, for him proved to be too much for his weak body.  He was only with us for 6 weeks.  But you can bet that in that 6 weeks he knew love from near and far.  

About 3 weeks after Nicky got here, a benefit show was held here at the rescue.  At the spur of the moment during a break in the show, something came over me to take Nick to the arena and let him feel the presence of the people around him.  Once in the arena he stood up proud and tall – he looked around him and let out a forceful but weak whinny.  I was so proud of him – tears ran down my face.  We slowly walked back to the barn and he laid down – he was exhausted but he was a proud and dignified Arabian Prince and he felt it – that meant so much to me.  This was Nicky the day he caught the attention of one of our volunteers that just happened upon the farm where he was living at the end of a road.  He was being boarded.  He had Cushing’s and the owner, who lived a couple of hours away, said she assumed he was getting his needed medication even though she hadn’t been buying it.  She hadn’t seen him in awhile but assumed he was fine.  Well, I don’t believe it.  He didn’t get in such bad condition overnight.  Our time with him will never be forgotten and we will love him, always.  

Nicky

When Solace arrived on December 16th, 2012 thoughts of Nicky came flooding back. Solace was about the same age that Nick was when he came to us.  Solace’s body condition score was about the same.  Looking at the photos below of Nick on the left and Solace on the right – well, I think it will help you to understand why I had been flooded with memories.  The 6 week mark of when we lost Nicky hung in the back of my mind but, thankfully, Solace has passed that mark.  

Nicky on the left – Solace on the right

Solace is quite remarkable and is living proof that miracles do happen.  I believe.

Princess Birthday Surprise

On February 14th, 1988 another beautiful Arabian was born – her name was RL Princes Regala.  The picture on the left was taken the day she arrived at the rescue – September 4th, 2008.  Her human was going off to college but wanted to make sure Princess would be forever taken care of.  Princess was almost adopted on 3 different occasions but each time, as the application was being processed, something happened to her.  The 1st time she had a bout of laminitis.  The 2nd time she had an eye injury.  And the 3rd time another bout of laminitis.  At that point, we determined maybe she just didn’t want to leave.  She is now a sanctuary horse that is loved by many.  She is a very sweet mare.  Yesterday her previous owners drove a long way to wish her a happy birthday!  Unfortunately, the weather was bad but they enjoyed being together again and I enjoyed seeing the reunion.

This was taken of Gentleman and Princess today – they are BFF.  Princess had just had a hooficure and was looking very happy – I’m sure she enjoyed her visitors yesterday.

We have been blessed to have many proud Arabian horses in our herd.  

Have a good night everyone.  We’ll have another busy weekend ahead here at the rescue.  I worked at the barn much of the day until late evening.  It felt good, but I’m beat.

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