What’s the Matter with Sabrina?

July 15, 2012 at 11:44 amCategory:general info | Highlighted Rescue | Inspiration

Superheros

Superheros are different from you and me. They take a path that’s both distinct and sometimes even dangerous. Their inner drive is often sparked by what they see as a great injustice and unlike so many of us, rather than feeling helpless – they roll up their sleeves (or get into a symbolicly powerful uniform of one kind or another) and get to work righting wrongs!

The REAL Sabrina Sparklepants

The Epitome of a Horse Rescuer

Here, take a look at a post she made on Facebook recently:

I had quite a bit of time to think on my drive today, thoughts about life, thoughts about purpose, thoughts about how I got to be where I am today. I never would’ve imagined my life this way but I can honestly say I’ve never been happier. I went to college to become successful and as it turns out I never really did anything with my education.

Success is measured many different ways. Someone asked me what I did the other day and the first thing that came to mind is I save horses. That’s what I do. That’s who I am. I would’ve never imagined a life where I lived in dirty jeans and boots, talked to kill buyers on a daily basis as if they were friends, and having my workout consist of shoveling wheelbarrows of manure, but honestly I couldn’t ever think of a more rewarding life.

Life is short and if anything I want to feel like I made a difference. I hope I am and have the strength to continue to do what I do, save lives. It’s not glamorous but it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done and I’m proud to say I am a horse rescuer.

Super Heros

I recently heard a discussion on the radio about the personality portrayed by the Batman character. In fact a psychiatrist has written a whole book about it. The upshot, the difference between the superheros and you and me is that these ordinary folk twist adversity into the power they need to address replications of those feelings as their lives progress. Rather than turn from struggle they approach it face on believing doing so can make a difference.

Here’s the audio:. And here’s the book referenced: “What’s the Matter with Batman?”

We love you Sabrina! Your stepping up has saved so many from suffering and we are all better people because of your efforts. Thank you!

Who’s Who? Sabrina Sure is!

Available on amazon.com. Just $10.95. Be inspired!

Sabrina Sparklpants appears on Page 124 in the volume “Who’s Who in Equine Compassion”. Let her inspire you. Below is her tribe. Join us.

A Most Beautiful and Evocative New Poem for Horse Lovers

March 15, 2012 at 9:06 amCategory:Inspiration

Equine Aubade

Consider how smart

smart people say horses are.

I love waking

to a field of such intelligence, only pigs

more likely to go to M.I.I., only dew

harboring the thoughts of clouds

upon the grass and baptizing

the cuffs of my pants as I walk

among the odes.

Long nose

of a thousand arrows

bound together in a breath, each flank

a continent of speed, this one

quiet as a whisper

into a sock, this one

twitchy as a sleeper

dreaming the kite string

to her shadow has snapped.

Old now

to my ways, they let me touch

their voltage, the bustling waves

of atoms conscripted to their form, this one

even allowing my ear to her side

so I can elope

with her heartbeat.

I often feel

everything is applause, an apparition

of the surprise of existence,

that the substances of life

aren’t copper and lithium, fire

and earth but the grasp

and its equivalents, as when rains falls

on a hot road

and summer sighs.

Or the poem

feels that, it’s hard to tell

my mind from the poem’s, the real

from the lauded horses, there’s always

this dualism, this alienation

of word from word

or time from thrust

or window from greed, I am eager

to ride a horse out of the field, out of language,

out of the country

and to the sea, where whichever of us

is the better swimmer

will take over, in case you see a horse

on the back of a man

from where you are

on your boat, looking at the horizon

in the late and dawdling company

of a small but faithful star.

—Bob Hicok

Their Success is NO Secret!

November 10, 2011 at 8:38 amCategory:Feel Good Stories | Highlighted Rescue

Secret's New Look

Secret is Saved!

Secret was pulled off the slaughter truck on 1/7/11. She was left at the auction after being used as a broodmare for four years. The only information her previous owner left with her was a note reading “She is a baby MACHINE! Just weaned a gorgeous filly off of her…” At the auction Secret showed almost aggressive behavior on the ground and so was passed up for adoption and landed in the kill pen. When Secret arrived at N atural Horse Savvy she was skinny, with horrible feet, and covered in rain rot with a severe case of scratches. (Here’s a Facebook album of her before and after pix)

“We are so happy to announce Secret found her forever home in July with Michelle A.!” A perfect match, fate brought Michelle to NHS where she found Secret – who had been returned from a trial only a few days before!

Natural Horse Savv started as a rescue, and quickly learned the problem was education. “But our heart is still in rescue. Each of our lesson horses has a story to tell.” Since opening their doors in 2004 NHS has given over a hundred horses a second chance at life.

Find these awesome horse stewards on their Facebook page too! You’ll love their posts. They’re all about saving horses, retraining them and finding them for-real homes.

Two Very Happy Friends

Contact Them:

Natural Horse Savvy
Monica Meyette
Trainer & Dynamite Distributer
(206) 384-6121
cowgirl77m@yahoo.com

Currently training at:

Eden Farms Stables
9225 72nd St. SE
Snohomish, WA 98290-1627

Their current wish list includes:

- Safe Choice feed
- Grass pellets
- Hay
- Volunteers
- First aid supplies

They do not have our non-profit status.

Ranchlands Horse Sanctuary – Chico Basin Ranch

October 7, 2011 at 8:21 amCategory:Featured Organization

Just got this press release. What an awesome idea! Let’s say you don’t have the space to retire your horse on your own property – these folks can! Doesn’t cost a lot and your horse has earned a proper retirement, right?

Roundup, MT, October 2011 — Top50’s Chico Basin Ranch in Colorado, USA, has opened the gates of Ranchlands Horse Sanctuary, offering homes to retired or injured horses.

Ranchlands Horse Sanctuary (RHS) is a new program launched by working guest ranch Chico Basin, in Colorado Springs. Specializing in providing homes for retired or injured horses, RHS offers owners somewhere to place their horse, safe in the knowledge their animal will spend the rest of its days happy and healthy on open range pastures.

Says Chico Basin’s David Leach: “Our goal is to provide horses a home in their natural environment, where they can live free to run, sleep and eat to their fill. We welcome horses that are physically able to live in open range conditions, as their ancestors did, centuries ago. We run over 150 horses that are used on the cattle and bison ranches that we run, so we understand horses and all the details pertaining to their care and welfare.”

For horses coming from small, contained environments, moving to the expanse and freedom of Chico Basin’s open range can be a dramatic change. The RHS program places special attention on monitoring all horses within the herd, and ensuring each animal requiring special attention is cared for appropriately. Where necessary this includes supplemental feed, hoof trimming, medical treatment and care of injuries.

Owners contribute an annual fee to place their horse under the care of RHS, plus costs for special care items not already covered by the program.
Do you have a horse who would love to spend the rest of his days in his natural environment, receiving first class care and medical attention? To discover how you can take part in the program, contact Ranchlands Horse Sanctuary on (719) 683.7960.

For more information, full program Terms and Conditions, and to learn about a special discount for ACTHA members, visit www.chicobasinranch.com.

A Broken Heart Heals

September 13, 2011 at 7:59 amCategory:Featured Organization

People rescue horses, but horses also rescue people

Lynne Ferguson's Tears to Gold cd

In the world of equine rescue one encounters a plethora of beautiful souls. I find these people to be inspirational and their work uplifts me in my darker moments. Lynne Ferguson is one such person. She is an amazing force of optimism! Drawing significantly from her Native American roots she shares the gentle joys of horses and horsemanship with kids. Increasingly people are coming to understand the almost magical abilities animals have to get through psychological barriers people develop and connect deeply with their essence. This is especially true in children.

Ms. Ferguson noticed the bonds that can form between troubled kids and her small herd of horses and strives to optimize this healing connection through her Native Horsemanship youth program in Washington state.

She relies heavily upon the gentle willingness of several partner horses; one who is a very special stallion!

Let her tell it:

I started Native Horsemanship Youth Program (NHYP) in 1998, with my good AQHA mare Maggie and my kid’s horse Joker and my stallion who was a yearling. I noticed that, besides my own children, other children who lived with me seemed to settle down and be happier when working with the horses . I used methods my grandma and great grandpa knew about, Comanche ways of riding bridleless. I didn’t do too well, until I stopped using any artificial means and just did what my grandparents said. Now my stallion is 14 and is teaching a second generation about horsemanship.

We have specific methods of teaching therapy horses to accept situations they may encounter with students with disabilities. Most any kind well-mannered horse can be used as a therapy horse, but I find that, of course , the horse must be well-prepared and have a bond with his handler to do equine-assisted learning/therapy. I also noticed that when I ride after my horse teaches a class, he is soft and willing and warmed-up.

Hugs happen!

All our classes are free. We accept donations, and I have written many grants for the program. I have recently retired from playing music full time and released my 14th cd as a fund raiser for the program. I became ill in Nashville in 2009 and had to cut back on my physical activity, but we are back to having several classes a week. We will release a new fund raiser cd next year.

Her “Tears to Gold” cd is available at CD Universe here as well as at indy artist music site CD Baby here. This is her most recent compilation and all proceeds benefit NHYP.

Lynne lives pretty much off the energy grid so building a website for her program is a bit of a low process. You can bookmark her site for future reference. It’s http://www.nativehorse.com. You can find a little more information about it right now here.

Native Horsemanship Youth Program
Lynne Ferguson, President
21727 Orca Lane Northeast
Poulsbo, Washington 98370
360-440-5975

Humanity4Horses Video

September 1, 2011 at 4:55 pmCategory:Featured Organization

Profile in Compassion

How much have horses done for us? More than we ever tend to remember let alone acknowledge. This video from Humanity for Horses is a solid and beautiful reminder of what we owe these friends who give so very much. If you like what you see – Like their Facebook page!

Angels Who Fly Too Close to the Ground

August 19, 2011 at 6:19 pmCategory:Meaningful Stuff

Compassion Can Hurt

My friend Sabrina has had a very tough tough run with luck and her rescue horses. Yesterday from out of the blue she had to make that decision every horse steward hates making. Her Fjord rescue boy, Sven, was colicing. Bad. He was going septic. Her vet was called in and he was gently allowed to go where fate had pointed him in a much unkinder process. Spared his pain, he slipped away. Leaving behind a searing new sort of pain transferred straight into and through Sabrina’s heart.

She grieves today not just because she lost Sven, but because several weeks ago she had to endure a similar situation with another of her rescues, Dennis, and this after only a couple of months after the passing of her dear little mini Duke. You’ll see in the tribute video she just posted that these rescues came to her as ruined spent shells that blossomed under her conscientious care. Watch for the IVs, the new blankets, the hugs – and see the horses transform; Dennis especially.

Why do I do what I do? Why do I blog, and post good news and help connect people who care? Because I can’t do what Sabrina does. I can’t physically take in the rescues. I can’t attend the slaughter auctions and try to buy the neediest horses. Sabrina can. And does. Today her pain is deep. Maybe you’ve experienced a similar loss. Maybe you understand the strength she draws from that allows her to carry on with her mission. Maybe you’ll shed a tear watching her video as you understand like me she’s working through such a powerful sadness. You probably have some stories you can share. Maybe you have some helpful words of comfort.

Angels Who Fly Too Close to the Ground

Some of us believe we humans owe a debt of gratitude to equines. Some of us act on that like Sabrina does. Each of us acts in the ways we’re best at. And sooner or later all of us will run right into a wall of sadness because we will lay ourselves open to grief and loss like Sabrina’s. But today it’s her turn and I for one want to tell her thank you. Thank you for making these old boys’ last days among the happiest any horse has ever had on earth. These guys knew warmth, cookies, mash and proper care. They knew comfort and comradeship. They knew love. Eventually love costs alot. Sabrina is paying its price again today. We love you SparklePants. We are crying with you as we are envisioning these boys in their rainbow meadows dancing and singing a song about you for all time.

Gentle Words for Weary Rescuers

August 8, 2011 at 7:57 amCategory:Inspiration

red cartoon horse, fanciful horse, red pony, imaginary horse

Rescuers offer an island of compassion

Circulating recently has been one of the poems below. In case you missed it, here it is in its entirety. Also included is another beautifully written piece, both of which I hope give you some hope in your difficult work as a compassionate soul in harsh environments.

The Horse Rescuer’s Prayer

As I walk through the muck and mire of the slaughter lines, seeing the starved, abused, neglected and throw away horses, as I deal with those arrogant, abusive and ignorant people, who have a million excuses why their horses are dying ~ I pray:

Grant me the strength to look upon the abused, starved and mistreated knowing I can save them only one at a time.

Grant me a heart that withstands the anguish of losing an animal with all its’ heart, against impossible odds.

Grant me the serenity to hold a dying animal, lovingly in my arms, as it crosses the Rainbow Bridge.

Grant me the hope that one day humanity will understand that animals are not disposable garbage at their whim.

Grant me the courage to survive the nightmares of the abused I couldn¹t save, so I can to continue to save others.

Grant me acceptance that I cannot change every ones perception, but if I can change just one at a time, it is well worth the effort.

Grant me peace in knowing I am doing all I can and more people join me everyday and that I am not alone in loving and saving these magnificent creatures.

Grant me the ability to keep my mouth shut until I have the animal safely in hand, and only then can I truly speak my mind.

Grant me everlasting joy in experiencing the renewal of hope and life in an animal destined for death with once listless eyes now filled with love.

Grant me the words to express the outrage, wrongness and inhumanity to the next generation, for they are our light.

Grant me my dreams that one day humanity will accept the other beings of this planet, as fellow beings, and just as deserving of life.

Valerie Hinderlider – 2005

Rescue Me

The sparkle of life has long since left my tired eyes

Years of neglect have brought me here

A steel hand is all that I have felt

The bang of an auction gavel sealed my fate

But a golden ray of sunshine comes upon me

A soft voice whispers in my drooping ears

A gentle hand touches my tired withers

Although I flinch, I do not feel the sting of a whip

Calming words and soothing voice ease my fears

A halter & lead rope are gently placed on me

Another trailer stands before me now, I am urged to go inside

I struggle with fear and pull back hard on the rope

Awaiting harsh words and whip lashes, I pull harder

But no harsh words hurt my ears

I only hear more gentle soothing words

With fear and trepidation, I step into the trailer

My entire body quivers in fear

A huge mound of fresh green hay awaits me

At my destination, I am gently led into an enormous stall

with deep, soft bedding.

A trough of clear, cool water to drink from

A feed tub with fresh grain awaits me

I peek out of my stall door to a pasture of lush green grass

I wonder to myself “Is this the Rainbow Bridge?”

The horse in the stall next to mine nickers, “No, it’s an equine rescue.”

Author unknown

Brilliant Fundraiser Art Item

July 13, 2011 at 8:49 pmCategory:Great Fundraising Ideas

Lucky Horse Hair Talismans

The folks at Frog Pond Draft Rescue are totally on the mark when it comes to organizing and inspiring people to step up. Their latest idea is, in the words of one of their Facebook fans, a real “breath taker”.

Apparently they had a much loved horse who had a health condition that ultimately caused them to have to have him euthanized. They saved his mane and tail and now an artist has turned those precious physical bits into tangible memories of a beloved horse named Lotto.

What Their Fans Think

“Wow those are nice.”

“These are very beautiful and a sweet memorial.”

Ohhhh my I am so sorry to hear about Lotto. He seemed to be doing so well. Thank you for taking such great care of the animals you come into contact with! You are truly an angel of mercy! I am sure that Lotto was happy right up to the end.These are beautiful. I hope it’s a fantastic success as a fundraiser!What a beautiful way to remember such a beautiful horse, he will continue to bring joy to those around him even in death. Hope he and Titan are running and playing through the lush meadows @ the Rainbow Bridge ♥

If you have any left I would like 3 or 2 or 1 but 3 if you can please these will go to friends and family

“How much are you going to charge? i would like to buy one with a full picture of lotto.”

“These are just beautiful in every way♥Absolutely gorgeous…and very touching. ♥”

“when and where can we can by them??How gorgeous! What a great idea. He’ll always be remembered”
“Wow…That is breather (sic) taking….Wish I was old enough to buy one XD only 11…Mom won’t let me…I wouldn’t mind having one of them tho….Wow…..There beAutiful”

“How pretty!those are AWESOME!!”

“What a great idea! I hope you are able to make more with other horses who have specific fundraising needs.”

What Do Other Rescues Think?

“This is such a great idea for any fundraising”

“Those are really nice, especially love the picture of the horse attached, what a special touch.”

Project Details

From The folks at Frog Pond: We are only doing 48 of these so they are limited edition. We will send them with a certificate of authenticity and a numbered. They will be selling for $50 each. We also hope to do bracelets for $100. Those will be posted later. I have to get these and the sponsorship items done first…and Amanda has a life. LOL I will post them as a sale item with a countdown so people will know when they are sold out.

Here’s the photo on Facebook. Here‘s Frog Pond’s main Facebook page. And their main web site is: http://www.frogpondfarmdrafts.com/

PonyUp for These Diamonds in the Rough!

June 22, 2011 at 7:54 amCategory:Featured Organization

Rosemary and her horse "Ollie"

Diamonds in the Rough

Olalla, Washington, USA, Rosemary Collins has been helping horses since she was a teenager. PonyUp Rescue For Equines is the registered non-profit she set up to help her help more horses in 2009. Inspired by her friend Joe, she specializes in Thoroughbreds. She believes “If you love horses – you care.”. Her organization’s Mission:

(We’re a) small scale hands-on rescue of horses in need that have competitive potential for hunt seat, dressage, eventing and related activities. We take in horses that are “diamonds in the rough.” We seek to turn their lives around with proper nutrition, veterinary care, training and competition. And turn their lives around she does.

Storm Cat Cow Chaser

How Ms. Collins acquires horses is as varied as the individual equines themselves. Let her tell you about a particularly interesting ‘acquisition’:

“We were called about a horse who needed a place to go…..so we took the trailer….horse was “purchased at auction”, but wasn’t “working out”….off we went.

We followed directions to a residential area….no horse fencing…..no barns. …turned in at the address…..hmmm? wrong place? Knocked on door…..ummm….right place. The lady came out, opened the garage and there was a horse….standing next to a trampoline. She said he was 12, a saddle horse…they had been riding him next to the highway in a western saddle. Oh…I said…he must be very broke. “Yes, she said, “he is.”
I could see the horse was a little depressed…..and also more than a little Thoroughbred. I flipped his lip back…yep, he was tattoed…and his tattoo said he was six. He felt feverish…looked lethargic. I said we would take him. He, of course, loaded right up…dove into his hay bag and stood quietly. Off we went back to the farm. That night I found his tattoo and then some brief history.”

His life transformed - Rio under new management.

This was a grandson of Storm Cat on one side and Alydar on the other. WOW…expensive bloodlines. Further investigation brought the information that he had raced up until a few months before and been gelded about the same time. Saddle horse? Highway? Why the people weren’t killed? Fever…plain and simple. We got him well, fed him up and man what a mover! He has since been adopted and now he chases cows, trail rides and is adored by Tanna P.

Zero Luck

Rio……was originally a show horse, sent to live at a rescue which turned out to be a hoarder, where he was then starved and eventually abandoned. We took him in, patched him up, got him going and then adopted…….he now competes at low level eventing…..well loved, well cared for…….he was a horse that had zero luck in his prior life.

Full-On Compassion

Through no fault of their own, and not for lack of trying there are Thoroughbred horses needing homes all over the United States and beyond these days. How does Rosemary keep from becoming overwhelmed by their plight? Rosemary says she knows “I can make a difference, (even) if only for a few horses”. Will she change the horse racing industry? Nope. Has she changed these horses’ lives? You bet! How does she do it? She “stays focused, resourceful and asks for help!”.

I asked “What do you get out of this work?”. She says “Sore muscles, lol.”. Ha! I’m sure that’s true. She goes on: (I also get) “emotional satisfaction that I have given back something to someone.”. In this case the horses lucky enough in life, if not racing, to bump into Pony Up Rescue for Equines. Thank you Ms. Collins, for all you do. You’re making the world a better place.

If you’re a fan of horse racing and have ever wondered where the spent racers go – in the case of some that are ‘diamonds in the rough’ out west, now you know. Ponyup Rescue for Equines relies heavily on Ms. Collins’ own salary at her regular 9-5 job, her efforts, the work of her amazing volunteers and the kindness of compassionate others. If you can spare a buck or two for the relentless upkeep of the horses she can’t adopt out drop her a line at: Rosemary@ponyuprescue.com. “Like” them on Facebook and get in the loop! If you’re in the market for an excellent equine companion get in touch – something tells me Rosemary Collins knows a good horse when she sees one.

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