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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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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