Fabulous Friday on Frequently Feline: Meet Boo Boo Baby

It gives me a great deal of pleasure to announce that Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue has been honored with the Adams County SPCA award for making a difference in the life of horses! You go, Angel Acres!

And to help celebrate this much deserved recognition, Frequently Feline is proud to present Boo Boo Baby, one of the many needy horses given a second chance for a wonderful life, as Pet of the Week. Boo Boo Baby, a 17.1 hands chestnut Thoroughbred gelding, is finished with his foster training and is now available for adoption. Boo Boo Baby is our Pet of the Week.

If you are interested in adopting Boo Boo Baby, contact Jo Deibel at: angelacreshorsehaven@yahoo.com

Let's congratulate both Jo and Boo Boo Baby for their awards by leaving a comment for them.

"Never Look a Horse Gift in the Mouth"

There is nothing more healing than a good belly laugh. The expression, "laughter is the best medicine" is so very true.

Now you probably had to be there, to appreciate the humor in this little interchange on the phone that I had the other day with my dear friend, Vicki. But let's give it a try. The two of us were giggling so hard we were doubled over holding our tummies.

Most of the horse folks who hang out here will remember that vicki's albino horse, Casper, came home from the hospital a little over a week ago.

Confined to a small paddock and free access stall, but not able to hang out with this buddies just yet, Vicki was concerned that Casper was getting bored. During our phone call, I suggested that perhaps a toy for his water bucket might just cheer him. My mare loved her rubber froggie in her water bucket and, in fact, would not drink from it if froggie was absent. Her favorite thing was to push the frog to the bottom of the bucket and watch it pop up. It could occupy her for several hours! Vicki rushed me off the phone so she could go shopping! She was psyched!

So off she went to the Walmart to purchase some toys for Casper. As she searched the aisles looking for a rubber ducky or froggie, a little old lady approached her to help.

"May I help you, dear?" she queried. "I am looking for a toy that floats in the water, for a young child."

The sales lady ushered Vicki to the pool toy area showing her several inner tube rubber horsies and ducks. Of course they were far too large for a water bucket. Vicki turned to the sales lady to tell her that those were not exactly what she was looking for. "Well just exactly what do you need?" the helpful lady asked. Vicki thought about it for a few seconds and said, "Well, I am looking for a toy . . . (sales lady blanched a bit). for a horse who is recouperating from an illness and is bored. I was thinking about a rubber duck type toy, to be honest." The sales lady beamed at Vicki and said, " I know JUST the place where you can find these toys . . . Go to Walgreens! They carry lots of toys like that." So I guess "Macy does tell Gimbels" ( Boy am I dating myself).

Off Vicki went to Walgreens and found the most wonderful dunk in a bucket toy for Casper.
And she is now on her way to buy Casper a portable battery operated radio so he can listen to music while he dunks. Perhaps they will play a "horse opera" for him.

Total Cost for Purchases:
Toy: 4.95
Radio: 15.00
Gas: 10.00
Expression on Sales lady's face: Priceless

This is a real expression of love between horse and his owner, don't you agree? Leave a comment please!

Fabulous Friday on Frequently Feline: Kissing Cousins?

This smooch planted Raven's schnozzola which puts Jimmy Durante's to shame, inspired me to feature Kim's beautiful mare. This equine just loves to be kissed and fussed over. Kim, of course totally enjoys the process as well, doting on her as frequently as possible.

So lets congratulate Raven for her "Pet of the Week" award by leaving a comment for Kim. She will be happy to pass the messages on to this charming filly.

Name the Filly: Enter the Contest

One of my favorite things about "blogging" is finding folks who share my love for animals, and of course my passion for horses.

When a "stranger" posts a comment on my blog with a link to theirs, the first thing I do is to check it out! I was thrilled when I discovered the fascinating equine oriented one, "Oh Horsefeathers"  on which the author, MrsMom,  posts almost every day.

MrsMom is holding a contest and donating a "mystery" prize for the best name suggested for this adorable black and white paint  filly born at Harmony Meadows Equine Rescue, a few days ago.

The date set for the naming party to be held in June has not yet been set, but stay tuned for more information.

You can read more about the happenings at Harmony Meadows Equine Rescue on their blog, as well.

So join in the fun and put on your thinking caps.  You can read more about this filly and add a comment to MrsMom's blog entry with the names that you suggest. There is no limit to the number of creative names you wish to enter.

Time is running out so grab that cup of coffee, put your feet up as you look at these photographs and fall in love.

Feel free to forward the link to my blog entry to your horse loving friends, to invite them to join in the fun!

Isn't this baby just adorable?  Tell us what you think by leaving a comment here, as well.

Silent Sunday: Montage Chevaux

Mattie: My "cyber" sponsored horse rescued from the kill pen.

It makes absolutely no difference which language is our native tongue. All horse lovers can connect  through the deep love we share and the powerful emotions we often feel when we are in the presence of  these magnificent animals.

I would like to share this magical video, "Montage Chevaux",  by juju57 as a gift for enjoyment. I am positive that you will be touched by the beautiful  photographs and enchanting music.

How have you been impacted by your love for horses? Leave a comment and share your experience with us.

Raven's First Shoes: Designer Brand?

My friend Kim truly believes in taking her time to develop a solid partnership and a trusting relationship with her horses.

Her mare, Raven, who is getting her very first set of the equine equivalent of Emilio Pucci's, was allowed to go barefooted as long as possible to allow for her feet to grow in really well.

Kim told me that she began Raven's training between the age of three and four years old. Since Raven was only ridden on ground with few rocks and also in a huge arena, Kim saw no need for rushing the process.

Choosing an excellent farrier is one of the most important aspects of horse care. I just loved this photograph that arrived in my mailbox last night.

But I wonder if horse shoes really carry good luck! What do you think? Leave a comment and let us know.

Special Needs Animals: How They Contribute to Our Lives.

 
Shiloh: A special horse with Moonblindness

Janet Roper, an Animal Communicator with whom I became acquainted through the Internet, is a passionate animal lover and is also a dedicated musician. In addition to sharing her life with several furry beings, she has a lovely 16 year old horse named Shiloh, with whom she has shared her heart for 11 years. Shiloh is blind in  his left eye due to Moonblindness, a condition that can be caused by parasites, bacterial infection, virus or trauma.

Janet describes her relationship with Shiloh as the "love of my life!". She wrote that Shiloh said, "he wanted a blanket with yellow stars on it- You probably can't see the the stars, but they're there."

I have no question that Janet considers Shiloh to be both a pet and part of her family.

Shiloh often is a guest blogger on Janet's site! Please take the opportunity to visit her blog and see what he may have to say.

There is something very special in the relationship that we build with a "special needs" animal. In regard to horses, from my own experience sharing my life with two of them who had medical conditions resulting in lameness which could be controlled by special shoeing and prudent medication, I shorly came to  realize that the bond between us deepened as I provided the day to day care that they needed. Both of these horses may have ended up "down the road" had I not taken the chance to give them a second chance at a more tranquil and less demanding life. Both of these horses enriched my life deeply, as I feel that Shiloh is enriching Janet's.

Have you ever shared your heart with a special needs pet? If so, how has it enriched your life?  Please leave a comment and tell us about it.

Help Rescue Group Buy Hay: Grab A Raffle Ticket!

 
Easter arrivals - Doc and Sundance

"It ain't just hay", is a common expression we frequently use to compare an object of high monetary value to what was, at one time an inexpensive commodity.

As horse lovers and owners know to well, the price of hay has recently risen exponentially. As a result of the high cost of hay, the rescue group, Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue needs our help to defray the cost of feeding their rescued horses.

Thanks to the Fans of Barbaro, Doc and Sundance were rescued from the auction circuit,(where they languished for awhile, showing signs of obvious neglect)by  Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine rescue where they have been given another chance at life. Doc and Sundance were Easter arrivals to the rescue.

The cost of maintaining  horses is very high. Beauty's Haven Farm and Rescue have given horse lovers a chance to help. They are holding a special raffle with the proceeds earmarked to defray the cost of hay. Each ticket purchased represents one bale of hay for their horses.

The drawing of the raffle will take place on April 26 during Barbaro's Legacy 2008 celebration day.

Each ticket is available for only $15 and offers those who participate the opportunity to win this beautiful prize, valued over $100.00. They are raffling an awesome LUSH “Think Pink” gift box full of natural and handmade goodies (No Animal Testing)

   

 

Tickets can be purchased by contacting their Pay Pal address:theresa@beautysequinerescue.org or you can  mail your donation to P.O. Box 53, Morriston, FL  32668.  Donations are tax deductible - they are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Let's help make this event a huge success!

Things We Learn From Owning a Horse: To Tickle Your Funny Bone

Having been owned by a few horses during my lifetime, when I ran across this little ditty, I nearly fell off my chair laughing. These words of wisdom are absolutely true. I hope they will delight you as much as they did me.

Kim and Raven enjoy a fun moment of bonding.

1. People who don't take care of their own horses will be the first ones to tell you how to care for yours.

2. You should never buy a cheap girth!

3. A handsome horse who's badly behaved will become a lot less attractive in about 15 minutes.

4. People who think they have nothing more to learn about riding, hit the ground the hardest.

5. Children and ponies are natural allies and often have identical dispositions.

6. The richest horse people most often look the poorest.

7. The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world.

8. A solitary ride through the woods is more beneficial then six months with the best psychiatrist.

9. The worse a person rides the more likely they are going to blame it on the horse.

10. The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning is that horses don't care how you look.

11. If a dealer insists a horse is worth twice what he's asking he's usually worth half that much.

12. The best way to appreciate how another person rides is to get on their horse, but it can be a quick way to get hurt.

13. It is not wise to argue with something that outweighs you buy 1,000 pounds

14. I'd rather have a horse with a perfect mind then a perfect head.

15. If you think you have left the water on in the barn you have, if you think you have closed the pasture gate, you haven't.

16. When someone asks you if you like their horse always say 'yes'.

17. The happiest people I know own horses, dogs, cats and at least one deranged goat.

18. If you're looking for the perfect horse you will never own one.

19. Owning a horse can either make a marriage or break it.

20. If someone says that horse has a little buck, it has a BIG buck.

21. If we need rain, schedule a show.

22. A clean stables and a sparkling horse are among life's great pleasures.

23. Even free horses can be too expensive. Especially, free horses.

24. A more expensive horse doesn't make a better one.

25. I will never ever have an empty stable and I have accepted that fact.

26. Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it.

If you can't imagine life without a horse... DON'T

Mini Horses are Marvelous

Miniature Pinto Mare

While Miniature horses may be small in stature, their hearts are huge. Wonderful pets, these little equines are versatile companions. 

They come in a wide variety of colors and coat patterns, but their common denominator is their petite size, which range from 34'' to 38" measured at the withers.

Miniature horses are often kept as pets, as they are friendly and get along well with people, but they still have all the natural traits of horses and need to be treated as equines. They can be housebroken and will let their owners know when it is time to let them out.

They do need access to outdoor areas, and thrive living in a barn environment when they are not interacting with their human caretakers. They make excellent service animals for people with disabilities and are excellent working as guide horses to the blind.

So if you are longing to share your life with a little horse the miniature just may suit your needs. But be forewarned: They generally come with a hefty price tag.

Enjoy this short video of Miniature foals playing, uploaded to You Tube by: selwynjanette

Horse Slaughter: Vs. Humane Euthanasia

Bam- Kim's beloved equine companion

Those of us who love horses and who are involved in the fight to abolish horse slaughter and the transportation of horses outside the United States destined for slaughter plants are painfully aware of the myths that the pro-slaughter group promote. One of them is their frequently used argument that there is no need to ban horse slaughter as it is a form of humane euthanasia. According to Alexbrownracing.com, this is far from the truth.

Excerpted from the site:

"Myth: There is no need for a ban because slaughter is humane euthanasia.

Fact: Horse slaughter is a far cry from humane euthanasia. "Euthanasia" means a gentle, painless death provided in order to prevent suffering. Horse slaughter is a death fraught with terror, pain, and suffering. Horses are shipped for more than 24 hours at a time in crowded double-decker cattle trucks without food, water, or rest.

Pregnant mares, foals, injured horses, and even blind horses must endure the journey. Once they arrive, their suffering intensifies—undercover footage obtained by The Humane Society of the United States demonstrates that fully conscious horses are shackled and hoisted by the rear leg and have their throats slit. Because horses are skittish by nature, it is particularly difficult to align them correctly and ensure the captive bolt stun gun renders them unconscious. Unwanted horses should be humanely euthanized by a licensed veterinarian when no other option exists, rather than placed on a truck, cruelly transported, and then butchered. Most horse owners already use humane euthanasia for their older or ill horses. "

But many people continue to believe that the practice of horse slaughter is a form of humane euthanasia. This nasty form of propaganda continues to be one of the biggest lies surrounding the cruel and heartless practice.There are even equine veterinarians  to continue to perpetuate this myth. Do they really believe it to be an accurate statement? But sadly to say, in my own experience in talking with several equine practitioners, this was the case.  I just don't understand how they can justify this argument. Don't they have eyes?

There is nothing humane about horse slaughter. The humane euthanasia of critically injured or terminally ill horses is done with care and concern by responsible horse owners.

I found an extremely compelling video that graphically dispels the myth that slaughter is a form of humane euthanasia. While it is difficult to view, it serves as further ammunition for those involved in the fight to end the practice of horse slaughter and the transport of horses destined to be slaughtered outside the United States.

dougsgirl63, a self-professed animal caretaker and "house mouse"  made the video and uploaded it to YouTube on February 27, 2008. This is what she wrote about it.

"This video I made today with intentions on it heading to Washington to show my Senators and Reps the truth about what all is involved in horse slaughter.The pro slaughter side will make you believe that horse slaughter is humane euthanasia...It is not.....In this video i have footage of everything that happens to our American horses on their journey to the slaughter house and at the end it will show you what "IS" humane euthanasia."

I highly commend her for making this video and her courage for sharing it. I do hope that folks will take the time to watch it and pass it along to friends who are also involved in the support of the passage of S.311 and HR 503.

For more information about strategies and what you can do to help, visit: Alexbrownracing.com

End Horse Slaughter Now: Please Help!

Kim and Breeze: Happy horse keeping

Horses are one of our most popular companions. We need to put an end to the slaughter of these magnificent animals. We need your help!

Tuesday March 4, and Wednesday, March 5, approximately 80  FOB's (Fans of Barbaro) will be gathering in Washington, D.C. to lobby for the passage of S. 311 and H.R.503. This is a powerful group and one which has done an amazing amount of work to help all horses

These two bills must be passed in order to finally end horse slaughter once- and for- all. The transportation of horses outside the United States destined to be slaughtered for meat for human consumption in foreign countries must be stopped. The doors to the foreign based horse slaughter plants in the United States have finally shut and we also must close the pipeline of horses being shipped outside our country destined for slaughter. We must have these bills finally passed so that our beloved horses will be protected from the acts of cruelty to which they are being subjected in plants outside the U.S. borders.

You can help! All you need to do is pick up your phone and call the Capitol Switchboard at: 1-800-828-0498 and ask to be connected to your Senators and Representative's extensions. This is a toll free number.

If you wish to call your Senators or Representatives directly, here are their contact links.
U.S. Senate:

House Of Representatives:

You just have to say that you are calling about S.311 when you talk with your Senator's aides in their office, or when you are talking with your State Representative, tell them you are asking them to support H.R.503. Let them know that you are strongly against horse slaughter, and leave a message for your Senator or Representative that you want them to support/ co-sponsor these bills.

It only takes but a few minutes to make these calls.  Your voice does count! You can help our horses be safe and protected.

Please share this crucial information with your horse loving friends. Collectively we are a powerful group.Together we can make a difference!

Silent Sunday: Breathtaking Horsemanship

It is hard for me to remain silent about this amazing video posted on YouTube by ImproperUsername. The description of this video says it all, however.

"I collected this video from her website and am posting it here to garner it even more admiration. I'd like to see the 'gurus' match the beauty and artistry of the horsemanship shown here by Ms Westfall"

You can visit Stacey's website at Westfallhorsemanship.com for more information about this incredible team.

The Magic of Horses: A Special Relationship

Kim and Breeze take a walk 

Even though years have elapsed since I was owned by horses, I still miss being around them. Their magic has indelibly touched my heart. It is painful to be without them, so when I meet horse lovers through the Internet who are blessed to have them in their lives, I can  live through them vicariously and am able to share stories and photographs of their magnificent animals.

Building a relationship with a horse is  process that requires love, patience and commitment. Emotional and intelligent animals, horses  have an amazing ability to remember what we might consider to be the most insignificant event. It takes skill and knowledge about the way  horses think to  become fluent in  their "language"  to effectively communicate with them. But once that solid partnership is established, which includes mutual trust and respect, sprinkled  gently with a sense of  adventure, the rewards in sharing one's life with a horse, in my opinion cannot be equaled.

Kim, a devoted horse owner  who lives out West, spends lots of quality time with her gorgeous Quarter Horse filly, Breeze. She takes her for walks, for rides in her trailer exposing her to new things gradually. This slow and steady ground work builds Breeze's confidence in her as a leader and  cements their special bond. She feels that the more that the more experiences that she and Breeze share before the first time she gets on her back, the more solid their partnership will become. Kim is indeed a very lucky lady, as are all the horses who share her life.

Kim and Raven explore the countryside

Have you ever fallen in love with a horse? Leave a comment and tell us about it.

Little Horse Has a Large Sweet Tooth!

Kasodi's miniature horse, Pagan, is a fanatic for peppermint candies. Whenever Kasodi's uncle pays a Pagan a visit, he is always armed with a huge assortment of her favorite treats.

Pagan's peppermint passion sure is obvious when she raises her lip in approval, giving him a rather "toothy" grin.

What are some of your horse's favorite goodies? How do they communicate their delight upon receiving a treat? Let us know all about it. I am sure Pagan would appreciate some suggestions as well!

Horses, Horses, Horses

It is a lot easier to share one's home with kitties of course.

This being said, horses continue to remain one of my deepest passions. There is something magical about a horse . . . something that is so different and so unique. Some folks don't consider them to be pets. Some folks think that horses are not capable of becoming emotionally involved with with humans to the same degree as cats, dogs and other small animals with whom we share our homes.

I have always considered my horses to be very special companions. I always thought of her as a very unique pet. When I was sad, or upset, I often found myself in her stall, with my arms wrapped around her neck, which many times became dampened with my tears.

She loved and protected the many children who rode her while she was active as an equine volunteer in the Pegasus Therapeutic Horseback Riding program, which met weekly at the barn where she was boarded. One of the favorite members of that team, the children always took the time to give her an apple or carrot and to bestow kisses upon her nose. She was considered to be their special "pet".

When I lost her in her seventh month of pregnancy from a twisted gut, her death was so devastating that it took me many years to be able to arrive at a peaceful acceptance of that loss. But I am left with many wonderful memories of her sweet disposition and of the time we shared together.

Many of my friends own horses, or, rather are owned by them. They all agree that their horses are very special to them and consider them to be part of their family. While you can't snuggle with a horse easily, those who have developed trust and affection for their human "partner" reach out for that loving touch and contact on which most pets thrive.

Have you ever had the joy of sharing that deep emotional connection with a horse? I would love to hear what others have experienced.