PASSION -- WE NEED A HORSE SLING

This photo of Passion was taken on July 21, 2010. As the photo shows, HRRRF could really use a sling for horses like Passion. We have had a number of older horses who have had difficulty getting up when they lay down, or, worse, fall down. We have had to use a variety of make-shift slings to suit these problems. Our slings may work, but they often take quite a bit of time to set up, causing more stress to the downed horse. Because the fit is not terribly reliable, they are not always comfortable for the horse. A sling costs around $2,000. We invite all of our readers to spread the word to see if we can find an affordable sling or to help us raise money to purchase one.


Passion is an older mare that really worked hard her life as a school horse. She arrived about three years ago with some lameness issues, but she has had other problems to contend with. She foundered in one leg, her fetlock dropped, and she suffered through a bad case of strangles.

Just before this photo, her good leg was being stressed as it bore the weight of the bad leg. We had the vet and farrier out to work on her. Because she was in pain holding one leg up for the farrier to trim, we rigged up a make-shift sling. If anyone needs a sling, we do! We are great at improvising though. Look at our contraption! It worked. We are hoping a brace can be made to support her leg. She has overcome many obstacles. She can do it again. She is a very groggy in this photo because she was sedated by the vet. She was actually enjoying the rest!

Passion is doing well at this time, but there may be a "next time" for her. We'd love to be prepared with a proper sling to help give her appropriate support.

posted August 31, 2010

STRAWBERRY -- AUGUST 29, 2010

Meet Strawberry.

She is a 15-year-old Medicine Hat Paint horse. She was bought by a family who wanted her for their daughter to ride. They left Strawberry at a local farm and never returned for her. The farmer was selling the property and needed to get Strawberry out. A great foster in Milton, FL took her in.

Strawberry had a bad right eye that we were originally told was not cancer, but that the damage was severe enough to remove the eye. During her vet visit, it was discovered that she did have cancer on her vulva, but plans were made to have Dr. Lee remove that along with Strawberry's eye.

After Strawberry recuperates from her surgery on Sept 1, she will be available for adoption. She will need a place where she can be stalled during the hot summer months and cold winter nights, but during nice weather, she can spend some quality time outside. Strawberry is a sweet and willing girl who will provide love and joy to her new family.

Strawberry the day of her surgery

All donations are welcome. Strawberry's surgeries will easily run over $500, not including expenses for her general care. Horse Rescue, Relief and Retirement Fund has been financially stretched lately with so many horses in need, thanks to the economy. We are grateful to all of our donors for any amounts they can give.

Note: Medicine Hat Paint horses have very particular markings, being mostly white with color on the head and ears (like a "bonnet") and were highly prized by certain Native American cultures. If they had a colored "shield" on their chest along with the "bonnet", they were considered invincible in battle.

Silent Art Auction September 4, 2010 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

FOR ADOPTION: LENNY

Lenny was owned by a family who thought it was okay to let baby Lenny grow up in a dog pen. He lived there until he was 18 months old. Lenny is about 20 months now. He never got to run and buck and play. Living in such a small area also stunted Lenny's growth.

He is not going to be over 14 hands. He is a gaited tri-colored gelding. What Lenny needs right now is a green pasture where he can run and play for the next year or two. Lenny loves people and attention. He needs companionship and love to grow into his potential.

August 23 2010

FOR ADOPTION: DEJA VU

Deja Vu is a sweet little Appaloosa pony mare. She is about 24 years old, loving and sweet. She can be ridden and lead around with a child on her back. She loves attention and carrots. Deja Vu only needs a dirt lot without much grass. She doesn't wear shoes so an occasional trimming keeps her feet healthy. Deja Vu is looking for a loving family who wants nothing more than to love and care for a sweet and gentle horse. Only kindhearted horse lovers apply.

August 23, 2010

Hail Mary

We got a frantic call late afternoon on February 18th, 2009. A lady was driving by a pasture where she saw a skinny horse a week before. She called the Dept of Ag last week to report what she saw. The lady was actually a state equine inspector a few years back. Yesterday when she went by, the horse was down (lying down) and the weather was getting bad. Another lady driving by saw the horse down and the distressed looking lady over the horse. She too stopped. They both made phone calls looking for help. Someone called me and the ball started rolling. I called Animal Control, the Marshall and then got a call from the Department of Ag asking if I could help. I told the woman calling we were on our way. She asked if we had a sling. I said 'no' but I have people. My volunteers have made make shift slings with lead ropes, girths, saddle pads or whatever we have around and we, together, are a good team. We have gotten horses that are down up more times then I can count! Some older horses just need a boost, then they can walk. Sometimes it's just old age with wear and tear, sometimes it's injury, sometimes it's weakness, but no matter the reason, we can do it. The very experienced volunteers did what they had to do.

We arrived just before dark. There were several people on the scene: lights flashing, passers-by curiously watching. Someone said they just heard over their police radio that a tornado may be forming in part of Cherokee county. The wind was blowing, hail was coming down and the tornado sirens were blowing right across the road, loud and clear. Someone told us we could leave if we didn't want to get her because the owner was willing to shoot her right there. We were there to save this horse, not let her die like that.

My team was focused on getting the horse, not any weather problems. We were going to get this horse or die trying. We really believe that doing good will come back to us so none of us was worried at all about any tornado or being pelted by hail. We cared about the horse.

We got our ropes and equipment. Then we gathered and put everything in place around the horses body. After a few tries, getting the horse in the right position, we all pulled on 1-2-3! Yea, the horse was up, everyone stayed beside her weak trembling body and slowly walked her toward the gate. It was locked. No one had a key so we hammered the gate chain and opened her way to the trailer. She walked right on and three of the volunteers stayed in the trailer in case she went down. It was about 15 miles and the trip went well. She knew how to back off but she was trembling, mostly from being cold and being down so long. We got a stall ready, put a heat lamp in the stall and towel dryed her. She was a tired but happy mare. She had some warm mash, good hay and then we took care of ourselves. We were soaked and cold from head to toe. It was really funny seeing us all walk like penguins because our pants were so cold and wet. I think we will call this mare, HAIL MARY! She made it on a prayer, many prayers!

PHOTOS
Hail Mary was wet and cold but by morning the sun warmed her malnourished body.

She hung her head and seemed depressed so everyone spent extra time loving on her. She began to eat and enjoy walking around more and more every day. She would still go down and we would have to get her up again. Once up, though, she could stay up for a few days or more.

She was walking down the driveway a bit fast; she was feeling too good. She lost her balance and fell face first. She struggled to get up but couldn't without our help. We gathered out ropes, the tractor and some man and woman power and up she went. We all slowly walked her back to a nice flat area of grass.

It was one step at a time for all of us.

Hail Mary improved and although she still had trouble getting up, she went down much less frequently. She became the favorite of a very lovely couple, Steve and Linda. They planned to move from their home and buy a farm with a nice barn. They adopted Hail Mary, but our dear Hail Mary passed away before they moved, We were so grateful that she died in loving arms. Some people may think it was a waste of time. We know it was a time of love and care, hope and dreams.

Posted by Cheryl Flanagan, HRRRF