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GRACE IS AMAZING! She has survived the last two weeks! Grace is our September Bucket Fund Charity!

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

This is Amazing Grace, a very emaciated mare who was rescued 20 days ago by Strawberry Mountain Mustangs.

I pledged that we would make Grace our Bucket Fund Girl if she survived the first two weeks which were critical according to her vet.

And do you know what… Amazing Grace, the horse with hardly any chance of survival, DID IT! She did it!

How can we NOT reward such a huge spirit? How can we not get caught up in the emotion and help a horse who won’t give up? This horse should be dead… yet her tremendously strong will to live keeps her going… She did it! She held on until help arrived and then she pushed through the pain to hang onto life. After all she has been through, let’s pull together and make the rest of her days full of the fruits of her horsey efforts.

I’m thrilled to call Grace our September Bucket Fund Baby! She is a testament to all the horses out there who have been neglected. She is choosing to fight back to health and we’re gonna help her! Let’s start today!

Here is our original story on Grace…, in case you missed it.

HER STORY

Grace was reported to Animal Control in Oregon. Luckily, Animal Control went right out there and seized her immediately. She didn’t have any time to spare…

AC called Darla from Strawberry Mountain Mustangs. They told her they had a horse that was on its way to the Equine Hospital, but most likely she would be put down. Buuuuuut, if she wasn’t put down, they wanted Darla to take her and rehab her. Darla said, YES!

Well, the vet at the equine hospital said that this mare was so skinny that she physical state could not be measured. She was below the lowest grade on the Henneke Scale. However, he also said that she was incredibly alert and she had a huge will to survive. If her blood work indicated that her organs were not compromised, they would release her to Darla.

Lo and behold, her organs were OK! OMG. How could that be? She looks worse than any horse we’ve ever seen, yet she is in better shape on the inside than many in better condition.

Darla said she had never, ever seen such a skeletal horse. It was tough to believe that Grace was alive in there. But, she was. And, she wanted to live. So, Darla fed her, bathed her, trimmed her and loved her for 20 days…(so far). And, this girl is fighting to live. She is fighting to make it.

RE-FEEDING

Darla is loving the UC DAVIS Center for Equine Health re-feeding program. It worked with two of her other horses who were starved and are now 30 and 40 years old respectively. And, it is working with Grace…

Grace after her bath

Since our first story two weeks ago, I have heard that Grace is a little pistol! She follows Darla all around. They say she runs the fence line whenever a car goes up or down the driveway. Darla laughs when she says that Grace is even a little “pushy” at times… Ha!

“She wants to walk fast when I lead her, and she trots behind me for food!”

After 20 days!

THE THING THAT KILLS YOU TO THINK ABOUT…

Since we know that Grace trots up and down the fence line when any person approaches, you know she was just begging her previous owners to feed her. That just kills me. As Darla says: “The heartbreaking thing is the way she follows you along the fence line, nickering. It breaks my heart. I know she did that there too. They just tuned it out I guess.”

It is heartbreaking, but that is all over with. Time to move forward.

Day 1. How could her previous owners not feed her but feed the others??

UPCOMING TREATMENTS

I asked if Grace has any teeth and the answer is YES. She is around 20 years old and her teeth need attention. Dental care is on the list as well as worming when she is stronger. They are starting to give her ulcer medicine to help with the havoc the parasites are creating in her gut – until they can worm her. UGH. She also will need some basic shots like tetanus. Other than that, it will be watching her like a hawk through winter and feeding her often and very carefully, the Davis way.

As you can see, Grace is doing WELL! She has gained some weight and her skin is clearing up thanks to THE BALM! The kind people at Equi-Spa sent Grace some of THE BALM and their natural Fly Spray. Evidently it is working miracles on her skin! Here is what Darla says,

“Now the EquiSpa products?! OMG. LOVEEEEE them. The fly spray is incredible. And it smells so yummy I want to marinate in it. In fact, I did spray my legs the other day. I have the salve all along Grace’s spine where it was cracked and bleeding, and on her hocks where she scuffs herself when she gets up and down. NO flies. It’s awesome.”

Cool! I love it when products work miracles!

Her skin looks so much better!

SHE IS LEAVING FEED IN HER BOWL!

According to Darla, “She actually left a handful of feed in one of her tubs last night. =) She’s getting a full tummy for once! YEAHH!! Grace is finally full!”

Grace is so awake and alert that she is now DEMANDING… ;) Besides Grace’s several wet-mash meals per day, she is asking Darla for more, more, more! Now, Darla has to break apart an alfalfa flake and spread it all around Grace’s pasture so that she will have something to do. Ha! Grace is showing the spirit that has helped her survive!

She's exploring and eating!

SADLY, SHE IS AFRAID OF OTHER HORSES

It appears that Grace cowers around other horses. That leads her caretakers to believe that the other horses in her previous pasture must have run her off of the food. (There were three other, in fine shape, horses at Grace’s previous owner’s house…) Of course, Darla feeds Grace alone and keeps her alone. But, even “through the safety of the fence” visits from other horses has brought Grace to fear.

However, there is a new boy at the rescue named Perry who is a real marshmallow. They are hoping Grace and Perry can become “across the fence” buddies for now.

Grace is tentative about Perry but her likes her!

GRACE IS BECOMING FAMOUS!

Grace has a FaceBook page with over 1500 Fans already! According to FB, her fans reach:

141   United Kingdom
72   Canada
46   Australia
12   South Africa
9   New Zealand
7   Germany
4
2   Netherlands
2   Ireland
1   Nigeria
1   Qatar
1   Romania
1   Japan
1   France
1   Bahrain
1   Switzerland
1   Spain
1   India

GRACE’S VIDEO

Here is a little video showing Grace trucking outside her pasture in a larger field. It is great for her to stretch her muscles and work her body.

Click on image to see Grace move around in her world!

WHAT’S NEXT?

I will keep you posted… but really, it is just a “time will tell” game. She will need her special diet for many, many months and she will need special attention for even longer. This is why Grace is our Bucket Fund Girl for September. Strawberry Mountains Mustangs needs support to carry on this good work…

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

THIS JUST IN FROM READERS WHO DONATED TODAY…

1) A donation of an odd amount ($61) came in this morning, bright and early. In my thank you note, I asked her why the odd amount… Her reply:

Grace really pulled at my heart. I work for a police department and we seized three starving horses in December 2008, the worst was a yearling filly that scored 1.5. All three ended up at my place since the department had no facility for impounded horses. The filly barely made it… but she did :) She has since been adopted out, and is thriving. I’ll have to send you before and after pictures.

So..the $61. Well, I had it in my paypal account, and I have six healthy horses (four are rescues)… $10 from each horse, and $1 to grow on.

2) This just came in a minute ago:

Please accept this donation in the memory of M & S, two sweet boys who didn’t survive their starvation.

Tags: Amazing Grace, Strawberry Mountain Mustangs
Posted in Bucket Fund Stories | 2 Comments »

An Update on Our “Quadruple Whammy” August Bucket Fund BHFER Horses — The Magnificent 16!

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

I guess the first and foremost thought I have while writing this is the obvious… When we started fund raising this month, there were 16 horses in need. So, let’s just put it out there that it is terribly sad and tragic that poor baby Passion didn’t make it. We all know that Theresa and BHFER did their very best. But, she was too far gone before she arrived and although little Passion had much love during her short life, she was not able to stay with us. So, now there are 15.

But, I’m sure Passion would suggest that we continue the fight for all of her friends at BHFER. So, onward with today’s update.

To read the original two posts with more information and photos about these horses, click here and here.

STARLA AND PASSION

A very sick Starla and very sick baby Passion

Just to refresh you, Starla was a mare who foaled at her previous owners ranch just as the “Original 7″ horses were being rescued. Starla was not part of that initial rescue but she was also not forgotten. Immediately plans were in the works to get her and her newborn. It took a few days before the previous owner relinquished the pair for Theresa to help. Sadly, during that time, Starla was sick and not able to feed her baby well therefore little Passion became very ill. All the Kings Horses and all the Kings Men couldn’t put her back together. An army tried and the army failed. Little Passion succumbed to septicemia after only 9 days of life. Tragic. And, truth to tell, a bit of Theresa went with her. Passion was dearly loved.

Starla now with her new friend, Armani

The good news is that Starla is gaining weight and has made a friend! After several days of bewilderment, Starla has joined back with the farm and is ready to heal! Hallelujah!

THE ORIGINAL 7 – THE NAPLES HORSES

The story is long. Evidently, there were many, many horses who were starving on a Florida farm. Hoarder? Dunno. But the horses didn’t have food and they drank out of a dank pond. Ugh.

The Original 7

Animal Control seized some of the worst of the worst and called BHFER (and another equine welfare group) to pick up the first herd of mares and babies. As you can see by the photos, it wasn’t pretty.

Their only water source

Alas, the good news is that they are all doing very, very well! All have gained weight and are thriving! The bittersweet news is that 3 of them are pregnant – again. Bummer. But, at least those three will have much better care this time around and those babies will be loved and homed.

One of the 7, an older broodmare and baby, upon arrival

All of these horses have received hooficures, dental exams, shots and wormers if tolerable, baths, love and everything they need to heal their hearts and bodies. As you can see by the photos, all is peaceful to them. They are settled and happy!

Lana, 4 years, on her rescue day

I’m sure they never knew this type of life was available to them.

Lana and another of her group, now...

Wow. It really makes me swell inside to know that they can experience this now.

SHAKER, ASIYA, KANDI (Momma, Granny and Baby)

This trio came in right after the initial 7 mentioned above. They were all skin and bones, filthy, and had skin diseases. Shaker was the young mother who was no longer producing enough milk for her baby. The baby was starting to bond with a 28 year old mare. They moved in a group of 3.

Shaker, Asiya and Kandi upon arrival

BHFER took them all in. All three were bathed for their skin diseases, fed, trimmed, loved and nourished. Momma, now Shaker, is doing very well and gaining weight. Baby, now Kandi, is gaining strength and becoming a little lady. Granny, now Asiya, is also recovering. They all still live in a little huddle of 3 and they all are extremely bonded.

Shaker and Kandi getting a trim.. looks who's watching!

In the photo, you see Shaker and Kandi being trimmed… but look outside the door and you will see Asiya looking in. She is never far away!

BANDIT AND TRISHA

Great news! They may have a forever home! You can be sure Theresa has taken great care in placing them…

Trisha is a very well bred mare who was then bred to a well bred stud. After that, however, for some reason, her owners tossed her out into a field and forgot about her. Forever. She was left alone to forge for food and to foal on her own. The baby was born but immediately received an eye injury. That injury was never tended and the poor guy suffered daily from pain and flies.

Trisha and Bandit arrive

Finally, a neighbor asked the previous owner if she could treat the mare. She was told she could “have the useless mare” since the previous owner could see she the Trisha was in bad shape. The neighbor called BHFER and they immediately brought the foal to hospital. It was too late for the eye, but not too late for Trisha and Bandit. They would both be given a green light to recovery! All they needed was some TLC.

Bandit after surgery (you can see how he got his name...)

Little Bandit had his surgery and is now tearing up the place! When you think about it, he has never had both eyes so he doesn’t know he’s handicapped. He has never run into a fence or anything at all…

Bandit now, making a friend...

Another road paved towards a happy ending at BHFER.

REVA AND FOAL

This was gut wrenching.

Reva was brought in several months before. She had been protecting a colt who was almost starved to death. When BHFER went to rescue the colt, they couldn’t not take her, too. So they did.

Reva helped nurse Evan Almighty through his re-feeding program and has been his protector ever since.

Reva and her newborn, all seemed well...

In a twist of fate, soon after her arrival at BHFER, Reva was shown as pregnant. And, as fate would have it, she foaled right when all of the above stories were happening at BHFER this month! The birth was easy so everyone sighed a sigh of relief. BUT, after 24 hours, Reva, sweet/wonderful/selfless/lovable/kind/gentle/everything you want in a mare Reva was showing signs of major distress. No colic remedies were helping.

The DR came out and said he feared a twisted gut. Oh no. Passion had just been lost and now this! Theresa was beside herself.

Reva was brought to the hospital for an ultrasound. No gut twist but also no relief… What was wrong?

Well, we will never know because she got better. Yay! Probably just a very, very bad case of gas colic, thank goodness.

Little Man, Reva's colt... she is very, very proud of him I'm told...

That is the update of our Magnificent 16 who were all rescued or aided by BHFHR. All of the care, hospital visits, food, transportation, remedies, wraps and whatever else … cost money as you know.

THIS JUST IN TODAY AT 10AM FROM THERESA AT BHFER:

“Oh my goodness, I just got home from physical therapy and read this and cried all over again! Thank you for doing this – very much. I’m so proud of the Naples crew. But I’m very sad about Passion. And OMG should something have happened to Reva, we won’t even go there. This mare is so kind and almost human at times. She seems to be able to read your mind at times. Now, she’s mothering Armani, Kami, and her own bright baby boy. We are so blessed. I just got off the phone with a gentleman that contacted me via the local news station about 30 to 50 horses on a large piece of property that are looking pretty grim. It never ends.

Thanks so much and the Bucket Fund will be of so much help. The expense of caring for 40+ horses is huge. I can’t believe we’re up to this amount or that we took in so many with the Naples group – but I just could not walk away. I keep the faith and with help of others, somehow, we’re able to manage. God bless and hugs to you!!

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.”

GIVING

A huge, sincere thank-you to all for giving so much and helping BHFER as our August Bucket Fund Charity! If you would like to donate to BHFER through our August Bucket Fund Charity drive, please click the Pay Pal donate button below. Obviously, the horses all receive excellent care at BHFER. Money well spent!

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Quadruple Whammy wasn’t enough for Bucket Fund BHFER… They had 3 more Whammies this week! OY.

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Goodness gracious, how many hits can one rescue take?!

First of all, here is the initial Bucket Fund post which tells the Quadruple Whammy story of BHFER from a week ago. That was just a week ago! I’m so happy that BHFER is our Bucket Fund because this has really been a tough month for them – even though the rewards of helping all these fuzzy faces is great — there is a lot of stress here. Let me recap for you the initial 4 Whammies:

1) First Whammy: BHFER takes in 7 malnourished, sick mares and babies.

2) Second Whammy: BHFER takes in a 28 yr old, very skinny mare who is Granny to the other young, skinny mare who is Mom to the 3 month old baby who is getting no milk from her Mamma so she clings to Granny. All are very sick and skinny.

3) Third Whammy: BHFER hears of a mare in poor condition who delivered a baby, alone, and that baby had a very bad eye injury. BHFER takes in the mare and baby. The baby colt’s eye had to be removed.

4) Fourth Whammy: BHFER knows that another sick mare gave birth back at the ranch where the initial 7 mal-nourished mares were discovered. The newborn baby and mare were very, very sick and weak. So, BHFER rescued them as well.

OK, so, if that wasn’t enough for one week, now here are the next whammies…

New Momma Reva with her baby

While BHFER was dealing with all the sickness, neglect, rain rot, diseases, mares not producting milk, babies not having enough milk/nutrition, eye surgery and the general mayhem of adding 14 new, unhealthy horses — one of the previously rescued mares from a few months ago, gave birth.

The mare’s name is Reva and her baby colt isn’t named yet.

Anyway, here is Whammy 5. Reva’s delivery was fast and everything seemed fine. Yay. All the Auntie’s who were watching on MareStare were thrilled and supportive. But then, things went downhill. Reva was uncomfortable and not letting the baby nurse. After an awful 24 hours where the vet was called out and no amount of colic treatment was helping, the vet feared Reva had a twisted gut.

Here is some background on Reva. When she was rescued a while back, she was abused, neglected, skinny and sick. However, she had adopted an even sicker baby colt who had no mother anymore. Reva was so bonded to this little foal that BHFER, who had come to rescue the foal, took Reva as well. And, to top that, they had to PAY top dollar for both of them. It was disgusting… Anyway, Reva was the strength that kept Evan Almighty (the colt’s new name) alive. According to the vet, EA was as close to death as he could have been and still be standing.

So, now, months after EA has regained his health, Reva was full term and she foaled. Shortly thereafter, Reva is fighting for her life. Teresa at BHFER could not bear losing such a wonderful, sweet, loving mare. She wrote this heartfelt note as they were taking Reva and her new baby to the hospital two days ago:

Colicy Reva trying to avoid nursing...

“I can’t tell you how much Reva means to so many of us. The first time I saw her I knew she had a heart of gold. She mothered Evan Almighty and continues to play a mother role with Kami. Reva’s baby and Kami have become friends. Reva welcomes new arrivals (horses and humans) – she is just a wonderful and sweet mare that had lived a horrible life before finding her way to us. She will always wear scars down her back which prove that she provided a service to man for quite awhile. I love her so much – I cried many tears today at the thought of possibly losing her. I’ve prayed to God, many times, to ease her pain and help her to heal and have asked that if he needs her in heaven to please reconsider – we just aren’t ready to let her go – her baby loves and needs her and she is so very much loved by us humans.

As I cried into her mane before loading her to go to the hospital I promised her we will do all we can for her – I didn’t give her a choice and told her she has to get better and that she will make it through this.

Reva and baby home from the hospital!

Reva’s eyes speak clear through to her soul – she is a strong mare and I have faith in her. She loves her baby and isn’t ready to leave us. Everyone that meets her falls in love with her. She is beautiful inside and out and has a way of making you feel better just by being around her. There is a big void tonight without her and her baby here – I miss them very much.”

The good news is that after a day, Reva turned around! It was gas colic and Reva recovered. Momma and Baby returned to the Rescue and will continue to thrive.

Whammy #6: Today, Theresa found out that 3 of the original 7 horses that were rescued last week, are pregnant. Great. More thoughtless breeding… At least these babies will be brought into a world where they will be safe and loved.

Now for the next stomach punch. Whammy #7:

You know Whammy #4 above… that is the malnourished mare who had a new baby that wasn’t doing very well. Uh huh. After five days of life, the vet thinks that the baby filly, Passion, may have an infection in her hips joints. Passion is having difficulty getting up on her own and she continues to shift her weight once she is up. So, today, they drew blood and here is a note from Theresa of the results:

“I don’t have good news on Passion. Her blood work came back and it isn’t good. She defiantly has an infection going on. It could be an internal infection or something going on in her joints. She has been up more today but hasn’t been able to get up on her own.

Passion

We are going to give her a few more days on the antibiotics, run blood work again on Monday, and go from there. I can’t stress enough how hard this baby is trying – she wants to run and play. She deserves a normal life. When I looked at her blood work this afternoon I saw numbers and a trend that reminded me so much of Legacy. We worked a miracle with him – let’s all pray that this baby too will be ok. The difference between the two is that Legacy likely got the colostrum he needed after birth – Passion likely didn’t. Please pray for Passion. Her momma loves her so much – and so do we. I have to go now to help her up again. I was very proud of her through the night last night – she got up twice without assistance.”

Well, the next two days were a roller coaster. First Passion was treated for an infection in her joints. They flushed her hocks and did everything they could to help her. Unfortunately, the infection had spread. This precious little filly succumbed to septicemia. Theresa and Dr. Ryan and all who were involved did everything possible for this little girl. My heart breaks for everyone at BHFER who worked so hard to save this sweet filly.

Passion passed on Saturday afternoon. Tragic. All because of neglect from the previous owners. At least her short life was filled with love and compassion.

Godspeed Passion, Godspeed.

Please say your prayers for baby Passion.

And, if you understand what it is like to be Sevendoupled Whammied, and have some extra pennies, please donate to our Bucket Fund by clicking the Pay Pal donate button below. BHFER has had enormous vet and hospital bills this month. Thank you in advance. (If you are receiving this post via email, click this link to donate.)

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Tags: BHFER
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QUADRUPLE WHAMMY! BHFER’S 14 NEW EMERGENCY RESCUE HORSES… OUR BUCKET FUND FOR AUGUST

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

And boy, do they need us…!

The original Lucky 7. Skinny, mal-nourished...

BHFER (Beauty’s Haven Farm & Rescue Rescue, Inc.)

I’ve written about BHFER previously. (link to previous post) This is the rescue in Florida which is run by a woman, Theresa, who has great passion but no feeling – which is an awful pun to explain that she literally

Their previous sole water supply... ugh.

CANNOT FEEL due to a spinal injury. So, talk about trust… This woman recovered by taking care of an injured horse, Beauty (hence the rescue’s name), and then went on to devote her life to helping horses in need. BHFER is one of the rescue sites I watch daily although I have never been there or met Theresa personally.

At BHFER, food -- finally.

Skinny Mom grazing at peace

Home, food, security, baths, footcare and fly masks...

Last week is when this all started… Theresa got a call from the local authorities for her to please come help with several starving horses. The details are not available as there will be charges here, but suffice it to say that there were at least 30 horses (stallions, mares, babies) in awful conditions. From what I understand, their only drinking water was this awful pond I have pictured. They were not fed or cared for and I think they were housed together in unhealthy combinations.

Evidently, many of the mares were too skinny to provide adequate milk and the stallions were not helping, if you know what I mean.

BHFER agreed to take 7 on the spot. They took the skinniest mares and babies. However, deciding who to take was the easy part, getting them into the trailer and also making sure they were able to handle a

Life is looking up!

3 hour trailer ride was a different story! You can imagine the loading process… These are horses that were not handled often and not moved, well… ever.

So, the first 7 arrived at the rescue and they were called the “Lucky 7″. Here are photos. As you can see, very skinny and malnourished looking. But, at BHFER they were given wonderful care, easily digestable foods, they had their feet done, a bath and each horse got lots of love and a fly mask. Life was looking good…

BUT THEN, THE NEXT WHAMMY.

The next three... Granny Asiya, Shaker and Baby

As I stated previously, there were many more horses from the neglectful farm. While she was at the farm, Theresa noticed a very old (28 yrs) and

A closer look at very skinny, 28 yr old Granny

very skinny Arab mare who had a baby at her side… but that was basically impossible… and then Theresa noticed a skinny young mare a few feet away. The young mare was the mother whose milk

And the Baby... not looking very well.

had dried up. The older mare was acting like Granny to the baby and all three moved about together. It was tragic to see all three in such bad shape but trying to make it together. Of course, Theresa gathered these three into her nurturing arms.

(As a side note, on this visit, Theresa notices a young mare that has just given birth…)

Anyway, back to the new three… Granny, now named Asiya (one who comforts) and the young mare (Shaker) and the little filly have moved into the fine digs of BHFER. The young mare is still not producing milk but the filly is old enough to eat solid food so they should be OK in time.

The Lucky 7 has turned into the Lucky 10…

THIRD WHAMMY

Now, as you can imagine,

DR examines Bandit's very painful eye

BHFER was pretty busy at this point. There were 10 new horses that required extra care as well as 110 degree heat with humidity. Ugh. The poor

Bandit needs immediate surgery.

new horses who were so stressed from the everything thus far started to have trouble breathing in the extreme heat and humidity. Theresa and all of her

Poor, skinny Trisha tries to nurse Bandit

wonderful volunteers were working around the clock keeping all the horses cool and comforted.

So, of course the phone rings… again.

A woman from far away said that she needed Theresa. because she noticed a very sick mare with a very sick baby at a nearby farm. This mare had been bred to an important stud but then just left

Little Bandit's back, full of scabs and rain rot

out in pasture and made to fend for herself. The mare was alone, she delivered the baby alone (a colt) a few months ago and had no support or food. The neighbor asked the owner about the mare and the owner said that the mare was in such bad shape that she really didn’t want the horse any more. Go figure. That’s what happens when you throw them out to fend for themselves…

Anyway, the kindly neighbor offered to take the two. She was told

Bandit is happier but Mom really needs some help...

by the owner that the baby had a runny eye but was OK. But, in reality, the runny eye was much worse. The vet came out and said the eye would need around the clock care. Since this kindly neighbor didn’t have the time for this, she called Theresa…

Well, what are you

Newborn Passion with sick Mama and no milk

going to do if you are Theresa? How can you turn down a baby in pain? So, Theresa had her vet go out there for a second opinion and the vet said that the baby’s eye was terminal. There was no way to save it. From his estimation, the eye had been damaged for a very long time, probably just after his birth, and the poor colt had been suffering for a very,

Newborn Passion, still standing

very long time. Well, that is all Theresa needed to hear. That little baby was going to be helped. And 24 hours later, his eye was out and the little guy, now named Bandit, was on the road to recovery.

His dam, Trisha, was at the hospital,

Passion with Theresa at the hospital, too weak to stand.

too, and the DRs all agreed that she was in bad shape. The poor mare was skinny, had skin diseases, her milk was not sufficient and she was horribly stressed. Hopefully, once she is back at BHFER (which is in process today), both the the Trisha and Bandit will recover.

From the reports about Bandit today,

Passion getting milk but she doesn't want it...

they say he is active and happy. I’m sure having the painful eye removed (can you imagine the flies?!) was the best thing for him.

So, that makes 12 newbies at BHFER…

Passion and Starla receiving excellent care at the hospital but they are both very weak

WHAMMY NUMBER 4

Ugh. So, here is the heartbreaker. This baby may not make it.

Theresa gets yet ANOTHER call. Remember that mare who had just had a baby three days ago from the neglectful farm full of horses? Well, the owner was on the line saying that the mare and baby were not doing well.

Passion gets help to stand and tries to nurse

Gee, y’think? They have no food or water… Well, that’s not true… As soon as the authorities got involved, hay, grain and water were brought in for the remaining horses until they could all be placed. But, still, if you do not feed or water a pregnant mare, the baby will not be very strong, if he makes it through birth.

So, the neglectful

4-day old Passion awake and a bit brighter in the hospital

owner did the right thing and called Theresa. Theresa remembered this baby. Theresa cannot turn her back. So, they arrange for Momma and baby to be transported to the nearby equine hospital. Mama is weak, baby is weaker. They name the mare, Starla, and immediately tend to her and give her nutrition and health to hopefully boost her milk production.

Passion standing at BHFER, "Can you help us?"

The baby, now named Passion, is given milk but she wants her Mama’s milk instead. Oy. The little filly refuses. So, they let Passion nurse from her Mom (what little she has) and then give the filly IV fluids/support. The hard part is that the filly cannot stand on her own. She is so weak, she cannot get up. Humans have to get her up every 2 hours to feed. Hmmmmmm.

This is not looking good. It has been determined that Starla and Passion should leave the hospital and go back to BHFER because there are more people at BHFER to tend to the baby around the clock. So, this is where we are now… We have a very weak baby who is on 24 hour care.

14 NEW AND NEEDY HORSES, and a NEW BABY this very morning!!!…

So, what we have is a rescue that was already full, has now taken on 14 new, needy horses, 4 of which were in the hospital and now a baby that needs 24 hour care. The initial, mal-nourished, rain-rotted, long hooved scallawags that were the Lucky 7 seem like a picture of health (kidding) compared to the next 7 that arrived. Can you imagine if this happened at your farm? The vet bills must be staggering let alone the extra feed, farrier and horse care items. Addendum: There is a new baby this morning! One of the mares that Theresa saved earlier in the year, Reva, just foaled a healthy (thank goodness) baby! Good news in the sea of hardships!

CAN YOU HELP VIA THIS PAY PAL BUTTON BELOW? (If you find this button does not work, click here)

Can you help via the Pay Pal “donate” button below? BEAUTY’S HAVEN FARM & EQUINE RESCUE is our Bucket Fund Equine Charity for August. No amount is too small for the Bucket Fund.

I will try to keep you updated on these horses and babies. I can also tell you that the last horse was removed from the negligent farm on Sunday. So, all are gone to better homes and fosters. Thank goodness.

It has been a very tough week…

Tags: BHFER
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A Sponsor’s Golden Heart.

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Giving to horses in need is a very noble thing… I honor anyone who helps the horses.

For me, I tend to dump my Piggy Bank when I hear of horses in desperate situations. You know the type… THIS HORSE IS GOING TO SLAUGHTER IN AN HOUR or, THIS MARE IS GOING TO FOAL ON THE WAY TO MEXICO or, THIS HORSE WHO WAS A KIDS’ PONY IS GOING TO THE KILL BUYERS TONIGHT!… You know the drill. The ones in immediate peril usually pull on my purse strings.

But, what about all the other horses who need ongoing help? Who helps them? Who are the tortoises in the human group, eh? Who are the people who drop a coin in their horsey bank account day in and day out? The Sponsors. Those who sponsor a horse have decided to put their pennies together for the slow and steady long haul. God bless ‘em!

It is the sponsors who guarantee the rescues. It is the sponsors who pledge to keep the sanctuaries running.

So, today, I’m going to tip my hat towards a couple of wonderful sponsors of THE GOLDEN CARROT, our Bucket Fund Equine Charity for this month. (If you’d like to learn more about THE GOLDEN CARROT, a sanctuary for the old, sick and abandoned horses, please click here.)

Now, onward to these very moving stories of why these women help…

First up, in her own words Shela tells us why she sponsors both Cha Cha and Duke. Cha Cha is a 34 year old Appy mare whose previous owners called her anorexic because she was losing weight in a paddock with three other, younger horses who were stealing her food. Luckily, with the great care at TGC, Cha Cha recovered from her “anorexia” as soon as she was fed alone.

Duke is a 22 year old QH who is very crippled but is thriving at TGC.

“I came to TGC about 6 months ago…only at the request of a disabled friend who had heard about it and wanted to see the horses. The person who left the ranch that day was a different person than the one who entered it a couple of hours before. I had no previous experience with horses…I’m a dog person…and a little intimidated by the bigger guys.

Cha Cha, the "anorexic" 34 year old Appy mare...

But, there I was, in the middle of a herd…having a tour…seeing horses that had been worked to the point of injury, used-up and discarded…some would see them as broken-down old nags…I saw beauty, grace, dignity, spirit, love, gratitude, trust. Their stable area, which is more about function than form and Casey jokes about its less than pristine appearance…well, I saw a clean, safe place to have dinner and spend the night out of the weather.

Duke, the old but handsome, crippled gentleman

And the woman with the long strawberry braid down her back…she had so much to teach, I could tell…the way the horses responded to her…her skill with them…the mutual trust. I didn’t want to leave this place. What happens there is something quite extraordinary.

I first thought of sponsoring a TGC horse as a Christmas gift for my grandniece, so it didn’t start out as being about a particular horse. I went to Casey’s website to read about each of the horses…which one needed us the most? I chose ChaCha Native Dancer because she was very old, a little scraggly looking and somewhat aloof…I guess no one else had thought her particularly appealing.

Shela and Duke

She is beautiful to me…and I don’t mind that she doesn’t want to nuzzle…it’s not about me, after all. This old gal has enough spirit and leadership qualities to compensate for her disabilities and oversees the other mares with confidence. I respect and honor her.

Later, as I got to know more of the horses as individuals, I chose Duke because I didn’t want him to leave us without a sponsor. He’s so old and disabled, yet you can see his desire to keep on moving through each day, one at a time. He’s kind and sweet and patient…I’ve spent hours grooming him…and he allows me to hug him. I adore this horse and feel so privileged to know him. I’m very grateful to Casey for watching over him and allowing him to spend whatever time he has left with dignity and knowing he’s loved. When it’s Duke’s time, he will let me know which of his friends he’d like me to sponsor in his place, and I will do it in his memory.”

“I had a horse when I was a kid. But was stupid and let my high school activities come between Bayla and I. My father sold her to someone. Who, I do not know. My horse “bug” was dormant for years. I got back to horses when I was watching the Kentucky Derby when Eight Belles went down. For some reason her death really bothered me. I went online to search for information on her.

Sara, the very sweet BIG older gal...

I found the Alex Brown discussion forum and began to read. What an education I received. I learned for the first time about the horrors of slaughter. I learned about horse rescues and rescurers. I learned about horses who were thrown away when they, for whatever reason, became inconvenient to their owners. One day I read on that forum about a horse that had been abandoned in a California desert and about the rescue that took him in. I found that rescue’s website and started reading. I read about Casey and the residents of The Golden Carrot. Then I saw the picture of Sara. Oh wow! She looks a LOT like my Bayla. I read about her. Oh wow! She crashes through things, just like my Bayla did.

Sara nudging Margaret, the carrot lady...

I contacted Casey to see if Sara was unsponsored. Low and behold, Casey still needed a sponsor for Sara. Unfortunately I do not earn enough money to do a full sponsorship of Sara. But each month I send what I can. I told Casey that I wanted to sponsor her FRONT half! I also have a “Spare Change For Sara AKA Miss Piggy” jar on my desk. I throw my coins in it and when I get to $20, I send it to Casey to use however she needs. I work at a music store and several of my coworkers and customers add their change on occasion.

I had the opportunity to visit TGC last year to meet Casey and Sara. That was the first time I was in the midst of a herd of horses just wandering around. I loved it! I was covered with horsey slobber! What a wonderful experience that was! I am hoping to get back there one day, possibly to actually ride Sara.

Thank you HORSE AND MAN, for picking TGC as your Bucket Fund recipient!”

I know the horses at TGC are already “saved”, but care doesn’t end there… I really want our July Bucket Fund to help shoulder the load for these folks who take in the abondoned horses during their golden years.

Please let’s band together and fill the Bucket with our appreciation. I’m asking you to donate to the Bucket Fund now. Just put a drop in the bucket (anything from $1 to infinity) to hold the hand of those lovely few who carry the weight each month.

Thank you, everyone, for caring about the forgotten ones! It is so appreciated.

Free
thermometers
to track your green
fundraisers

Tags: sponsoring a horse, The Golden Carrot
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Meet Hershey, the deaf and blind horse who, miraculously, was healed!

Monday, July 12th, 2010

The Miracle Worker.

Did you ever see that movie? Anne Bancroft played Annie Sullivan and a very young Patty Duke playing Helen Keller.

This isn’t a story exactly like that, but sort-of. Hershey was deaf and blind.

Meet Hershey.

He is a 15′, 24 year old quarter horse. Gorgeous. Dark brown with a lovely blaze. Hershey spent his younger years as a lesson horse. He is described as incredibly kind and gentle. He even took his previous owner on trail rides up to her 8th month of pregnancy! Hershey got along with every other horse she had. In fact, his previous owner ran all 7 of her horses together and they all loved Hershey.

And then, suddenly, Hershey was struck deaf and blind. All of a sudden, with no preceding illness or upset, Hershey could no longer see or hear. He wouldn’t come in when he was called nor did he respond and come in at feeding time as did all the other horses. Hershey just stood there out in the pasture, not moving. His previous owner was distraught.

So, she contacted The Golden Carrot because she knew that TGC was known for taking in the old, forgotten, dumped aged and otherwise manageable but disabled horses. It was worth a try… After all, Hershey was such a good horse, was up to date on all of his shots and was otherwise a healthy gelding… he deserved a home to live out the rest of his life.

At first, when TGC heard about Hershey, they were reluctant. Yes, they took in many disabled horses, but they had no experience with blind horses let alone blind AND deaf horses. And, donations have been down in this bad economy so taking in another without sponsorship was a risk. After consideration, Casey from TGC declined taking Hershey in, but did offer to help re-home him.

In the ensuing weeks, Casey didn’t have any luck re-homing the deaf and blind Hershey… and she hadn’t heard back from the owner. Hmmmmm.

A month later, Hershey kept popping into Casey’s mind so she contacted the owner to see how Hershey was doing… The owner answered the phone and said that Hershey was the same. She offered to send a photo of Hershey to Casey to help with re-homing him.

Casey got this photo from the owner… Not good.

The photo Casey received about Hershey's condition...

Heartstrings a tuggin’, Casey immediately agreed to take Hershey. She guessed it was time to foray into the world of blind and deaf horses! At least, she thought, with all the older gentle horses at TGC, somebody would hook up with Hershey and be his eyes and ears.

So, Casey met Hershey. Hmmmmmmmm.

Hershey upon arrival gets a trim. Skinny skinny.

He didn’t seem blind. He also didn’t seem deaf. But, he did seem really sickly and really skinny. Hmmmmm. This was all very odd. On a hunch, Casey separated Hershey from the other horses at TGC, which she would anyway with a new horse, and whaddyaknow… he watched her bring his food, had no trouble finding it, and ate every last speck. In fact, he ate like a crazy horse. He ate everything. He ate and ate and ate and ate…

He wasn’t blind or deaf. He was simply the lowest guy on the ladder rung. He wasn’t getting enough to eat and he became weak. He couldn’t fight the other horses for food (and I guess the food wasn’t separated) so he didn’t bother any more. Hershey just gave up. He was resolved to not eat and just wither away. He was deaf and blind to the world around him because it had turned on him.

Oy. None of that! “We will make you well!” was Casey’s battle cry! No wonderful old school horse who has given his life to teaching kids and giving rides to pregnant ladies is going to die such a miserable and lonely starvation death! Here is a direct quote from Casey:

Rear View after just one month at TGC!

Hershey has no vision or hearing problems – when it’s time for his bucket, he could find me if I was in Afghanistan. He has blossomed with 4-5 buckets a day, spread out over the day. After 5 days, he was looking to join the herd, although still freaked at the numbers facing him. He is slow to heal the little booboos he gets but is tolerant of being treated; he had a little fungus going on in his coat so has had a nice medicinal bath and a soaking with anti-fungal solution has stopped his tail rubbing. He did get some fly eggs laid in his right eye, and under the influence of some mighty drugs, he stood quietly while Dr. Zadick cleaned them out and injected his eye tissue with antibios and steroids. After a few days, he started to be impatient with the daily application of antibio ointment in his eye, so now I have to enlist the help of my neighbor. Once caught, he stands resignedly…. Dr. Z also had me give him another dose of Ivermectin to prevent fly eggs laid in his booboos from burrowing in ….. at this stage, he’s just too frail to fight off the usual stuff.

And, look at Hershey now!

Hershey now! Fit, happy and working his new job!

No longer deaf and blind… Hershey has filled out and is just getting better and stronger with each day! The herd has assimilated him easily and he eats well with them. And, he has fallen in love with Savannah. Wow! Nothing like good food and a new love to give one a fresh start in life!

Oh, and Hershey has a job! As a school horse, he reigns SUPREME! As the number one academic at TGC, Hershey truly is a lovely older gentleman that has lots of life left to bring to the children. In fact, Casey has used Hershey to help a young girl who was shattered by a horrific horse accident. Riding Hershey has rebuilt her confidence. Atta Boy, Hershey, Atta Boy!

I tell this story because I would love for you to support THE GOLDEN CARROT this month. As you know, TGC is our Bucket Fund Charity for the month of July.

Hershey, the misunderstood horse, saving another little girl from dispair.

Any amount (from $1 to infinity) helps and will be added to the bucket to create a combined donation at the end of the month. To read more about THE GOLDEN CARROT, here is their website. And, here is the story we wrote about them previously.

Please click the DONATE button and help the wonderful owners and volunteers at The Golden Carrot who take in the old and forgotten horses. Many of their sweet and forgotten 35 horses need support and sponsorship. Please consider sponsoring (here is the link to TGC page for all the horses who need sponsoring) or donating here. Bless The Golden Carrot for doing what most would rather not…

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

Tags: The Golden Carrot
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IRON MAN’S Receipt and Things I Couldn’t do Without!

Monday, July 5th, 2010

IRON MAN’S RECEIPT FOR THE JUNE BUCKET FUND

Here is the receipt or the June Bucket Fund from us to Iron Man, the rescued mustang foal and his buddies. Yay! We sent $175!! They were THRILLED. I mean it! Shirley said that donations have been down and this money would really help with Foal Lac pellets. So, THANK YOU ALL!!

Thank you for supporting the Bucket Fund! For the month of July, we are supporting THE GOLDEN CARROT. Here is a link to their story.

THANKS, AGAIN!

GUILTY!

But first, I have a photo of my very guilty 2 year-old. I left him in the barn while I went to get something to drink and when I came back, he had destroyed or knocked over every single thing in there. When I asked him the obvious, “DID YOU DO THIS?!” he gave me this priceless expression! He will never win at poker with that face…

THINGS I COULDN’T DO WITHOUT

I’ve spoken about some of these before, but I wanted to talk about them again because I was thinking to myself about how much they help! I thought you might like to know, as well, in case any of you had missed this.

1) Garlic:

I use garlic to help keep the flying insects away from my horses. It really, really works. If I don’t use it, I can absolutely see the difference… When I use it, they might have a few flies on their fly masks and a few on their bodies. If I do not use the garlic, they will have a carpet of flies on their faces and all over their bodies.

I get it from Springtime, Inc. (no affiliation). For me, it has been the least expensive and effective garlic that I’ve tried. I did have a friend go to a local Health Food Store to see if their powdered garlic was less expensive, but it ended up being almost double the price (even including shipping). So, I think Springtime is the best option that I know about.

2) Predators:

I use fly predators. Yes, they work, too! In combination with the garlic and fly spray, I don’t have a very irritating fly problem and that is saying a lot since I have cows all around the ranch.

I have found that the predators from Spalding are the best (again, no affiliation). They arrive on time, they take a few days to hatch and they are packed well. If you get a dud pack (rare), they will replace it. So, I totally believe in Predators.

3) Cheap and good fly mask:

I found this fly mask early in the year. It was on sale and I thought it might not be any good because who puts a fly mask on sale in the beginning of the season? But, it is a really good one.

The eyes have darts. It had double velcro. The netting is strong. The ear holes make sense.

The downsides are that they are kinda short on the nose and there is no forelock hole. But, for the price, I think they are great! You can get them at Valley Vet. Super Mesh Fly Mask by Brookside.

4) The Easy Catch Halter:

I love this thing!

I am one of those people that uses a lead rope around the neck to bring my horses in… not that smart. So far, no accidents but plenty of close calls. I should know better… and I do. So, last year I purchased one of these at the Horse Expo.

It is great! It is so easy, the horse doesn’t even know he’s been “got”. I swear. And, it looks really comfortable for the horse. I highly recommend this for easy, lightweight catching and easy moving.

5) EQUION:

This is a supplement that I use for coats and hooves.

I will never not use it. It works so well, my trainer even uses it now. (We all know how difficult it is to convince a trainer!) He says that my horses always come in with the best coats and hooves. This is why. Equion.

I do have all my horses out on pasture and they all move around often and eat variable grass hays (no alfalfa). Equion seems to fill in all the nutritional blanks. I’m very pleased.

6) Davis Boot:

This is a great all-around, inexpensive boot! I use it to soak as well as keep a wrapped foot protected.

I have put this boot into service continuously on my mare and it still looks great! The Davis boot lets the air in but still makes sure all is clean and together when it is time to change the wrapping. This is so easy, I nearly kissed it the first time I used it…

Oh, and if it is too big, you can vet wrap the top closure (within reason). I love this boot and have over-used my welcome with it since I’m borrowing my friends and haven’t given it back yet. Bonnie, I owe you!

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
If you want an update on THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY July Bucket Fund or to donate, please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

Tags: bug-off garlic, Davis boot, equion, spalding labs
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“Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me…” July’s Bucket Fund

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Although the above Statue of Liberty inscription was not written for the arrival of weary, homeless and forgotten horses, it totally fits for what I’m writing today…

One of my pet peeves is the forgotten horse. You know the ones. The old, the sick, the weary, the malcontent, the crippled… Where do they go when their jobs are done? We don’t want to think about that… These horses are often dumped, sadly.

THE OLDER, ABANDONED HORSE

Having a few oldies but goodies around here, it especially pains me to think of them being left for no good. Having been fine and wonderful companions for all of their lives and then to be cast asunder when they are no longer valuable for their work ability seems cold and heartless to me.

Who cares for these horses? Who takes them in when their family has thrown them away? Who is willing to tend to their special needs? Who?

Well, there are a few Equine Welfare Organizations that do… I think they are wonderful. So, today, I’m shining a light on one in particular, THE GOLDEN CARROT.

THE GOLDEN CARROT

The Golden Carrot is a 501c3 Public Benefit Charity. It is a forever home for older and manageable disabled horses. They are not available for adoption. But, as a sponsor, you can help these deserving old horses live a graceful retirement to the end.

How wonderful is that?

Right now, there are 35 horses at the Golden Carrot, all getting the love and support they need. 11 are NOT SPONSORED by anyone at all –nothing. 9 are partially sponsored. It would be great to help them out with all of these non-sponsored horses. I know how hard it is to feed my own herd; I cannot imagine feeding and caring for the ones that need special attention without the much needed financial help of sponsorship. So, for the July Bucket Fund, HORSE AND MAN is collecting for The Golden Carrot.

I’d like to tell a few stories of some of these non-sponsored horses. Maybe one of you readers would like to help in your own way. You could go to the website and look at all of the 35 stories and sponsor a horse you especially like. Or, you can make a one time donation. Or, you could drop an amount into our Bucket Fund and watch it grow throughout the month. In any event, just knowing about wonderful places like this makes me feel better about the geriatric horses. And, I want to help. The Bucket Fund takes any amount ($1 – infinity) and applies it to one consolidated donation at the end of the month.

(I cannot even think about how heartsick I would be if one of my old horses was to be left or forgotten…)

THE UNSPONSORED HORSES

Here is a list of all of the unsponsored horses, plus a little story about them. Their much longer stories are written on their individual pages which I’ve linked to their names. Please read about any and all of the horses at TGC. But these few really need sponsors so I’m highlighting them here.

BUCK: (28 yrs Tennessee Walking Horse)

Buck likes to give rides to little girls

Buck is a 17′ TWH that looks like a Fresian. He was left without anyone to care for him because as an ex-show horse, he was a little high strung. However, after years of settling, this champ has decided that his favorite thing is to give little girls rides on his back. Buck adores kids!

Buck also adores Hava. Well, adored Hava. She died recently and he has no buddy yet. Now, more than ever, Buck needs the attention from volunteers, the girl scouts that come by and ride him, and from a sponsor. He needs a helping hand…

HAPPY: (ancient Appendix QH)

Very old and ancient Happy is very happy...

No one knows how old he is because his teeth are so far protruded and worn… he could be ancient. And although his tongue hangs out and he drools, the boy is very happy! Happy is self-possessed and spends his time exploring all the areas of the Golden Carrot’s horse areas. He hangs with the other geldings, saying Hi and introduces himself. He was deeply in love with Star, and keeping up with that young mare kept him young!

However, as time went on, Star became enamored of Swing’s Lew and left Happy – to his obvious distress. However, he’s now dividing his time between Sara and Duke, his stall mates, and seems to be doing fine.

STAR: (7 yrs OTTB – tattoo)

Beautiful, young star was dumped...

Star is the young miss… She was abandoned at an Animal Shelter for over a year. As far as TGC can surmise, she is sound, has no injuries, is very willing, broke to ride and very sweet. This is the one horse that could possibly be adopted out to the right home. But, many of the older horses love her so we will see…

Star and Song are very bonded. The girls are always together. It is as if Song is the mother Star always wanted…

SONG: (23 yrs, Arab x Welsh pony) Song was abandoned because her family

Song, the pony with lots of motor!

was done with her. She has no real ailments other than old age. This girl is trained really well. Put a saddle on her and she is good to go! Song is a little work pony and takes the kids for rides around the ranch. She is little but a powerhouse. She and Star are best buds.

Song has no sponsors. Doesn’t she have a great face?

SURELY:

Surely's faboo moustache!

(16 yrs QH) Surely was left by her family to end up in a feedlot in Nevada. She was terrified. By the time she was rescued and brought to TGC, Surely was a wreck. Within 10 days, she was down with an intense amount of severe, stress related ailments. The worst being respiratory problems and drylands distemper. You should see the horrible ailment photos on her page. Eek. She was perfectly healthy until she went through the feedlot trauma. So sad…

But, she survived. And, she is a good girl with lots of love. What I think is great is her one-sided moustache. She doesn’t care and I think it is endearing. This lovely girl needs a sponsor.

PEANUT: (24 yr Appy)

Peanut, gorgeous Appy with ringbone

This mare is gorgeous and very fit for her age… She has ringbone and very sensitive skin. But, she loves to take easy trailrides with the little girl scouts that come around. Peanut is sweet and easy!

Peanut was adopted by Anna (horse) and her swain Dion. The three were very happy, until August of 2009 when Anna passed away. Dion is still attached to Peanut, who could care less! Lucifer wants to be her man, but he simply can’t keep up with her, so Peanut stands alone …… Peanut needs a sponsor.

SHAWNEE:

Poor Shawnee, her friends keep leaving.

(25 yr TB mare) Shawnee has a sad story. She was very argumentative and hard to be around… So, she was dumped. After much work, the folks at TGC are now able to use her for lessons! She will walk, trot and canter around the ring like the best of them!

Shawnee is still argumentative in the herd. She will fight with the mares. However, she loved Domino. When Domino died, Shawnee began to follow Josh (horse) around and Josh adopted her. Then Josh died. Oy. Her life is tough… her buddies keep leaving her… But now Shawnee has Beau and things are good. This girl needs a sponsor.

DEBBIE:

(26 yr QH) Debbie came into the sanctuary with her three goat buddies, Arnold, Jamie Lee and Angie.

It seemed that Debbie’s whole left side was not working correctly. Trauma? After extensive work on her, Debbie seems to get around just fine. She is a very sweet girl.

Sadly, one of her goat friends died. So, now Debbie spends her time with Mary another horse.

THIS JUST IN…

OK, if you have any question about the level of love shown to these horses by TGC, please read this… They lost one of their loved ones on Monday and here is the very moving tribute. I’m crying right now… He was very loved in his last 15 months… Read here.

DONATIONS

Thank you for sharing this with me! Please go to the website and look at all of the older horses in need. If you’d like to help, please Click on the Bucket Fund and we’ll collect any amount you give and add it to all the donations for our July Horse And Man Group donation to THE GOLDEN CARROT.

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

Tags: The Golden Carrot
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IRON MAN’S Final Bucket Day and some photos I really liked…

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

A FEW PHOTOS

Sometimes a photo just strikes me… I saw this photo today and I really liked it. I thought the depth of field was very nice as well as the combination of colors. The Photog is new to me. Her name is Kathy Higgins and here is her website.

I also like these two. They are both from Ron McGinnis and I’ve shown his work before.

I like the “Dry Dock” because the colors are so peaceful to me. It reminds me of when I lived in Oregon on the Willamette River. So lovely in the summertime. The evenings were the best.

This photo of the horses made me laugh. I know that sounds wrong because they look like they are fighting. But, actually, they were playing. I thought his caption, “Its all fun and games until someone looses and eye” was perfect and it brought me back to thoughts of my grandmother.

I hope you enjoy these candid shots…

IRON MAN

Well, today is the last day to donate to Iron Man as our Bucket Fund Boy for this month. I’m actually sad to let go because I love these survivor Wild Mustang babies and I love seeing them progress.

In the last week, the babies have all been halter trained and started to lead. Shirley sent several more photos that I have attached.

Also, Shirley is taking adoption applications. (Oh, I wish! I would looooove to adopt IM!) Here is what she says:

“We are in Dayton, Nevada Sort of in between Tahoe and Reno and a little east. If folks would like to fill out applications, the forms are located at:

http://www.whmentors.org/forms/adoptindex.html

I like to do phone interviews first so I can get acquainted with the family that’s applying and get a handle on their expectations and answer any questions they may have. Our phone is 775-246-7636. Folks that are applying for babies need to have at least one other horse on property that would be accepting of a small one.

So there you have it… Our Little Man will turn over the donation baton to another Equine Welfare Organization tomorrow and relinquish his Bucket Fund hold on my heart.

I just wanted to ask you to donate today, if you haven’t already. The care for these foals comes straight out of their keepers pockets and everyone would greatly appreciate any help you can provide. Please give if you can. $1 is fine. Any other amount is fine, too. And, from me to you, THANK YOU for all the Bucket Fund donations thus far. I love this Fund and am thrilled to be able to gift these babies with all of the final donations tomorrow! Click the donate button and thank you. (More pictures below…)

Austin taking Bella for a walk...

Lunch!

Ring of Napping Babies School Days: Picking up feet Austin and Iron Man playing: Babies visiting with the donkeys on Halter Day

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Iron Man and his Foallowers… An Update, a Donation Request and a Wink ;)

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Get it? Foal – lowers? Followers who are foals?… I know, if you have to explain a joke, it isn’t funny. But, I still keep chuckling when I write this so I guess I’m just amusing myself and making you all groan!

OK, well today is an update on our Bucket Fund Baby, Iron Man.

As an aside, THANK YOU, to all of you who wrote and told me how to be more effective when asking for donations. You know who you are… ;)

So, of the many suggestions, there were three ideas that I am going to try today. The first is to formally ask you all to please help these babies, ANY amount from $1 to $whatever, the button is bigger and below.

OK, now I want to repeat the goal of the Bucket Fund. The Bucket Fund is a monthly donation collection that allows us individuals to just add a drop ($1 – $whatever) into it and then as a group, we put all of the donations together to gift to that particular month’s selected Equine Charity. Sometimes, as individual donator, a small donation doesn’t feel right or seem like enough so we don’t do it. But, this way, any amount is greatly appreciated and added to the other donations to make one big bucket full of help.

So, please donate to the Bucket Fund this month for Iron Man and his Foallowers (I did it again). Here is the link to read about his story. The button is right here and you can put in any amount from $1 to infinity. Every penny is greatly appreciated! Clickaway!

Iron Man and his cronies are doing wonderfully! He now has two male buddies (Austin and Drew Boy) plus his two gal pals (Ellie and Bella).

Dad and babies painting

I received a very enthusiastic email from Foster Mama Shirley at LRTC (Least Resistance Training Center). She said the little ones are doing very well! In fact, they were all helping Dad paint the Taj MaHorse last week.

I guess the storms and rain had kept the finishing touches from getting finished so last week was the painting event! How fun to have 5 noses trying to help… Shirley said that after they tried to grab Dad’s brush about a million times, they got bored with that game and went back to eating. Figures. Thank goodness!

She describes all of them:
1) Iron Man: So smart and such a love! He started it all when he was rescued and has since paved the way for all

Ellie, Austin and Iron Man

of his new buddies who were born in the BLM holding pens (Moms were either too ill or not able to nurse them). Iron Man acts as “greeter” to all new arrivals. Shirley says he is just a joy of a horse.

2) Austin: He wants to play all the time! Austin is constantly egging IM on and trying to get him into mischief. The two are always together like Mutt n Jeff. Austin is fast and sweet and in your pocket. He loves to be busy.

Drew Boy and Iron Man playing

3) Drew Boy: Drew is the more quiet of the boys. He is a thinker. He doesn’t get pushed around. He is the strong, silent type. As with all of the babies, he is very sweet.

4) Bella:

Bella

Bella is beautiful hence the name. She is very sweet, very tall and very loving. Bella already knows how to pick up her feet!

5) Ellie: Ellie is the newest and the “skinny minny” of the group. Shirley feeds her

Ellie, Iron Man and Austin

separately although she is pretty sure that Ellie could fend for herself! Ellie has bursts of energy in the mornings and evening. Soon, she will be at the same health level as the others and will blossom physically. Already, Ellie shows signs of being most wonderful and angelic with devotion

Shirley feels that these babies are now strong enough to start halter training and hoof protocol. We’ll see how that goes this week! I’m looking forward to updates and pictures of all 5 learning at once!

That is the update. Remember, just because they are safe doesn’t mean they don’t need help. Shirley and her household take care of these babies out of the kindness of their hearts. So, I’m going to ask clearly again for a donation to help these babies with their excellent care! Any amount from $1 – infinity for the Bucket Fund. You can read about the Bucket Fund here. So, please click today! Thank you all very much! Remember $1 is just fine…

“I’ve had to wait a little while to write this news but needed to let folks know that we lost little Drew yesterday. As some of you might remember he came in with a sublingual hernia. He was too young to operate on right at first so we had to wait for him to gain a little weight and get older. Yesterday morning our Vet came so we could try to fix this. What was a pretty bad hernia on one side turned out to be a fatal birth defect in his abdomen and had large hernias on both sides. When we were able to see the entirety of the situation there was not going to be any way for Drew to survive much longer without terrible and painful complications. Our wonderful Doc tried so hard and worked so hard to fix it but Drew had been born without the abdominal wall muscle and there was nothing to hold his intestines in place. Doc tried many times to make things work but there was no way stitches to close the hernia would hold. We had to make the horrible and heartbreaking decision to let him go. Little Drew was our weakest and most frail from day one but we always hope and pray that we can get them through and fix any thing that Mother Nature forgot. The reality of this defect for Drew was that he would not make it very much longer without developing major intestinal problems and would be in tremendous pain trying to live with this until it finally took him as he grew. We are missing him terribly right now but hanging on and loving the little foursome. They are doing very well and Iron Man has buddied up with Ellie to keep her in the fold. She was laying by herself yesterday afternoon and he actually came out of the little house where the 3 of them had settled down for a nap and called her. She looked up but didn’t get up so he marched himself down the hill, went to her, nuzzled and nickered and she got up and followed him into the house with all the other kids. I can never understand people that think animals do not think or have compassion and caring in that regard. I’ve seen it time and time again of how much caring and heart they have for each other and us too.

I’m so sorry to deliver such bad news but I know that everyone loves them and needed to let folks know.

Love and take care from us all. At least our little angel will not be in any pain and will be held in God’s arms.

Bruce, Shirl and Critter Kids Too”

Tags: Iron Man, Iron Mountain rescue foal
Posted in Bucket Fund Stories | 3 Comments »

Horse and Man

Archive for the ‘Bucket Fund Stories’ Category

GRACE IS AMAZING! She has survived the last two weeks! Grace is our September Bucket Fund Charity!

An Update on Our “Quadruple Whammy” August Bucket Fund BHFER Horses — The Magnificent 16!

Quadruple Whammy wasn’t enough for Bucket Fund BHFER… They had 3 more Whammies this week! OY.

QUADRUPLE WHAMMY! BHFER’S 14 NEW EMERGENCY RESCUE HORSES… OUR BUCKET FUND FOR AUGUST

A Sponsor’s Golden Heart.

Meet Hershey, the deaf and blind horse who, miraculously, was healed!

IRON MAN’S Receipt and Things I Couldn’t do Without!

“Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me…” July’s Bucket Fund

IRON MAN’S Final Bucket Day and some photos I really liked…

Iron Man and his Foallowers… An Update, a Donation Request and a Wink ;)

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