As I write this, I am stunned and astounded that within 24 hours, horse lovers across the world have participated in helping to save the 31 Orphaned foals and 8 nursing mares (with babies) who are sitting in a killpen in Nevada.
The goal was $39,000 to save them all and to house them for a year.
It seemed insurmountable.
Faces from the slaughter pen...
But, in less than 24 hours, all $39,000 has been raised from all around the globe!! Our Bucket Fund (which was started late Saturday night) has raised $1020 in just 24 hours. Two of those donations came from the UK and Australia!! Incredible!
(And, because we singly donated $1000 or more, we get to name a mare or baby on top of it all! She will send us a photos of our mare or baby when they all arrive at the rescue next week…)
You all are GREAT!
If you would like to read all about this intense and huge rescue, click here.
TALK ABOUT MOVING MOUNTAINS!! Wowsa!
Everyone should be really proud of the power of humanity (and the Internet)!
Our Bucket Fund donation to the 31 Orphan Foals and 8 Mares with babies.
Thank you... (This is one of the babies in the kill pen)
JULY BUCKET FUND – ACCOMPLISHED GOAL!
Well, we did it here, too!! All you readers who donated, and those of you who sent caring thoughts, we reached our goal of $1500 for Itsuko and Admiralty.
Our donation receipt for Itsuko and Admiralty!
Also, I need to acknowledge that your purchases from Equi-Spa accounted for $150 in shipping donations! Yup, Equi-Spa offered to donate all shipping fees from H&M readers in July into our Bucket Fund.
I love Equi-Spa products (Peppermint Summer Protection Spray and THE BALM are my favs!) and I love their generosity.
ITSUKO: WHY THE BUCKET FUND STARTED FOR HER…
Itsuko is the TB mare who had 99 starts, $100K in wins and several babies, only to be left starving in a lonely paddock. You can read her story here.
Itsuko upon arrival at BHFER
ADMIRALTY: HIS SAD STORY
Admiralty is the TB gelding who had refused to get into his last trailer ride (ahem) so his owner used a wench to make him go inside. Needless to say, police were called and Admiralty was saved, although battered, bruised and in horrible shape. You can read his story here.
Here is skinny Admiralty upon his arrival at BHFER. He has multiple wounds and bruises externally and internally.
UPDATES FROM BHFER
From Theresa, the Director of Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue:
Hi Dawn – wow!!!! This is awesome! Thank you soooo much!
Admiral is recovering but has a long way to go. His feet, as are Itsuko’s,
had been neglected for a long time. We’re treating infection and they are
getting little trims every 3 to 4 weeks. Admiral is moving better, he’s
stronger, but his body still creaks. He is best friends to Little E and
little Pebbles has attached herself to him. Admiral, as big as he is,
shares his food with Pebbles. They are quite a trio!
Itsuko is doing well. She’s gained over 125 lbs. She is a sweet girl that
is also getting stronger by the day. Itsuko is living in a paddock with
Baby Ray and Legacy. Her feet need some time to recover but overall she is
much better.
They both have some skin issues, Itsuko’s being the worst but both are
getting better. Their eyes are bright and you can just tell how much they
are enjoying life. They show their appreciation in many ways.
God bless and thank you and your donors!
PS: This helps so much – Admiral got very little support when he came and has no sponsors.
**If you would like to support Admiralty or sponsor him for any length of time, please contact BHFER: bhfer@earthlink.net
Admiralty, still skinny but doing much better. Here he is graciously holding his hoof for the farrier.
This is Admiralty and Pebbles.
UPDATES FROM A HANDS-ON VOLUNTEER AT BHFER
“Dawn this is wonderful!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you and all your bloggers for helping Admiral. He is such a sweetheart! He and Little E are the best of buddies, who would have ever imagined it. Little E is a 33 yr old Arabian and he has never taken so well with another horse. Guess he likes being his own “man”. But wit Admiral it is if they had known each iother for always. Little E hides behind him and follows him. Admiral always keeps a close watch on E. If I lead E somewhere Admiral is sure to follow…LOL. On Friday we gave Admiral a good bathing and tea tree oil mosturizer for his coat. Well he would not walk up to the barn unless his buddy came with him. He is also very taken with the mini mare Pebbles. She can actually “steal” some of his food. We are so happy to see his true [personality starting to shine through and I personally can not wait to see him and Itsukoin their normal weight.
Itsuko is also a darling of a girl. She loves being with Legacy and Baby Ray. She is very sweet and gentle. Thank fully they both are since they are both very tall horsies LOL. They have certainly taken my heart and made it theirs. I call her “sweetie” , “mama”. and Him…well he is “my big hershey bar”. You should see him lip smakc his gums when I ask him if he wants “yum-yums”. They are doing great!..
Thank you Dawn for your comnstant support and pray your kids are all doing well.”
Itsuko is on the left. She has gained 125lbs! Baby Legend (he's tall) is on the right.
FROM ME TO YOU
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and generous donations. Two derserving TBs have benefited from your donations as well as 47 horses who have gone from dire straights to a bright, new future because of all of you.
It takes a village to move a mountain… but it takes courage and commitment to actually put yourself into the game! Bravo.
HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
Copyright
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FANTASTIC !!! Thanks so much, Dawn, and thanks to all who donated! I’ll report this amazing news (and a link!) back to those I contacted.
It’s wonderful that horse lovers are recognizing the value of the Internet and social networking, not only for raising money, but also in promoting awareness. Increasingly, wild horse, horse welfare, and anti-slaughter blogs all over the world are getting comments FROM all over the world!
And I appreciate that you always include copies of Bucket Fund receipts, and comments from those who’ve received them. Many people question whether their donations have actually gone to causes they’ve supported. The proof you provide underscores your credibility.
Dawn, I admire you so much for taking time from what I know is a busy life to keep “Horse and Man” going. You inform us, make us laugh, and make us cry. You’re a true advocate for horses … and an angel for horses in need!
Dawn, your eloquence on behalf of these horses is inspiring — I had to donate for the orphans and nursing mares!
As for BHFER, I have supported them for years, and I cannot think of a more deserving rescue. Thanks to all your readers who contributed — maybe some people will join me in contributing on a regular basis. Also, there is a BHFER Yahoo email list where Theresa provides regular informative updates, with photos — almost like being there LOL!
Dawn, if it wasn’t for you, most of us would not be aware of these poor horses who desperately need help, so thank YOU very much for making it easy for us to feel like we have been part of this effort to save lives in any way that we can!!!