We've found a place very nearby that takes plastic bottles for recycling. Therefore - beginning today, July 28, 2010 - no more water, soda, or Gatorade (any #1 or 2) bottles are to go in the trash. For now we'll use feed bags to collect bottles, but will work on setting up more permanent collection containers (heavier bins that won't blow away in a breeze.)
Showing posts with label visit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label visit. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
TREES Volunteer Orientation
Would you like to help maintain a high standard of customized care for the elder equine at Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary in Spotsylvania, VA? TREES' residents, many victims of neglect and abandonment, need your help.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help, we invite you to attend a Volunteer Orientation at the Sanctuary on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 10AM.
We'll tell you what the sanctuary does, outline short- and long-term goals, and explain how volunteers play roles in day-to-day chores, the horses' overall well-being, and future program development.
The morning will end with a brief tour of the farm and introductions to current residents.
If you plan to attend, please email info@equineelders.org or call 540-972-0936 to let us know how many people to expect and for directions.
Current volunteers are encouraged to attend and meet the people you may be working with in the future.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Revised Farm Rules -March 21, 2010
Please look for the *** marking changes
The Farm Rules are intended to make your time at Traveller’s Rest both safe and pleasant and to keep the equine residents happy and healthy. Please respect them.
Previous “horse experience” is not required.
All volunteers must sign a Waiver of Liability before volunteering for Traveller’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary in any capacity at any location. A parent or legal guardian must sign a Waiver of Liability for each minor volunteer between the ages of 12 and 17 years.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. All volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when volunteering for TREES, whether at the farm sanctuary or at off-site events.
Wear appropriate clothing during every visit. This includes safe footwear. No sandals or other open-toed shoes will be allowed. Most of the work at TREES takes place out of doors. Dress for the weather.
No Smoking! If you are on the farm, you are likely standing very near a horse, a pile of hay, a shed full of sawdust, or other fire fodder.
Anyone arriving at the farm “under the influence” will be asked to leave.
Be aware of weather conditions. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated during the summer. Take breaks to warm up in the winter.
If you are unsure of anything at any time, please ask what is appropriate. No question is “dumb.” We would rather you ask the same questions a dozen times than do anything to put yourself or one of the horses at risk.
Please call or email before coming to the farm unless you have a previously scheduled visit. On occasion, there will be no one at the farm. Letting us know before you come also allows us to organize a work schedule for the day based on the number of available volunteers.
Do not bring dogs or other pets to the farm. They will not be allowed on the premises for the safety of the horses and other volunteers. Please leave them at home. It is not fair to ask them to sit in the car while you are here.
Do not climb on, or allow children to climb on, fences or gates, farm machinery, vehicles or trailers. Climbing on fences, then leaning over to pet horses is particularly dangerous.
Please do not sit or kneel on the ground when in any area containing one or more horses. This includes, but is not limited to, fields, stalls, paddocks and sheds.
When grooming, take the horse with which you are working into a stall or private paddock. Never stand among a group of horses at liberty to work. If herd dynamics come into play, remember you are the smallest animal out there.
Do not take food of any kind into the fields where horses are at liberty.
When feeding the horses, do not take a feed bucket or pan into an area where more than one horse is loose. Make sure the horse for which the feed is intended is secured in its stall or paddock before serving a meal.
After a meal, do not allow the horses to eat any other horses’ leftovers. Remove the dishes from the stalls or sheds as the horses are turned out. It is very important that we know who did or did not finish their meals. Additionally, there may be medications in one dish that we don’t want other horses to ingest.
Do not offer the horses treats of any kind without specific permission. Some have very few teeth left and cannot chew well. Others are on special diets for health reasons. In other cases, “hand treats” may not be permitted due to behavior issues.
When approaching any of the horses, make sure they are aware of your presence before making any physical contact. Some have impaired vision, some doze more soundly than others. Talk to them, sing if you like, and watch for them to look at you or otherwise acknowledge your presence. Never approach a horse from the rear.
***Please do not walk up to a horse laying down in the field. If he suddenly decides to rise, you are not in a safe place. Never sit or lay down next to a recumbent horse.
When you go through a closed gate, close and latch it behind you. Even if you will “only be a minute.” Some horses watch very closely for the opportunity to go exploring. If a horse does get loose, notify farm management immediately. Do not try to catch the horse yourself.
Since all of our barns and sheds open to fields and paddocks from at least two sides, please pay careful attention to which gates are closed and which gates are open when you enter those structures and leave them in that configuration. The horses are grouped or separated as they are for specific reasons, primarily for their safety and for yours. If you don’t remember which should be closed, leave everything closed and ask what is appropriate for that barn or shed.
The farm house is a private residence, not a part of the Sanctuary. You are welcome to use the powder room, accessible through the door on the right at the end of the house near the parking area, at any time. There is also a refrigerator available to store drinks and snacks, accessible through the left hand door on the same end of the house. The remainder of the house is private. Please do not enter. In addition, please do not enter the chain-link fenced-area in back of the house. The dogs that may be in there are privately owned and not a part of the sanctuary.
TREES reserves the right to amend the Basic Farm Rules at any time. Updated copies will be provided to all volunteers as necessary.
*** (Rev. – 3/21/2010)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Kids Today......
We'd like to thank Caroline B. and her family for dropping by for a visit today. For her senior project, Caroline chose to do a presentation on senior horses. As part of that project, she built a display which featured some of TREES' residents (Miss Mona in particular) to take to local horse shows, and also collected donations and used tack for Traveller's Rest to use in fundraising efforts. Today TREES was presented with 8 saddles, among other items, that will be used to generate funds for residents' care. Caroline will also be building a PowerPoint presentation as the final phase of her project. We hope she'll send us a copy!
As a side note........Sherman - (formerly) timid, detached Sherman - thoroughly enjoyed Caroline's company and I think would have stayed right next to her as long as she stood in one place.
Thank you, again, Caroline. Hope you enjoy your holiday weekend in DC!
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Universe must love old horses.
In the very early days of Traveller’s Rest, we asked our vet how people would know we were here. How should we go about letting people know we were here to help with elder care issues?
Doc laughed. “If you build it,” she said,” they will come.”
Very funny.
But she was right.
At first those who came were almost entirely people wanting to “donate” their older horses to TREES. (At some later date, we may post about why we don’t consider our residents “donations.”)
Gradually, as the community became aware of “the place that takes old horses,” other people began to visit. One here, one there. Then, a few years ago, a visitor got out of her car and commented “Oh! I’m so glad to see a horse rescue that’s not completely depressing.”
That took us by surprise. We’ve never thought of horse rescue in general as “depressing,” and we certainly don’t see TREES as depressing. We started asking all new visitors what they expected to see when they got here. About half answered that they expected to see a bunch of old horses, basically standing around waiting to die.
Whoa! First of all, why would anyone even consider visiting a place he or she expected to be that sad? But more than that, how could we begin to break down that misconception of an Elders Sanctuary?
Simple. Tell the Elders’ stories. These horses are spirited and vivacious. Dynamic, interesting and gregarious. They form friendships and other herd relationships just as younger horses do. They roll in the mud, play in the water, rear, crowhop, prance and scamper. They cuddle, present themselves for scratching, and demand attention on their own schedules. Not at all models of “waiting to die.”
In other words, the Elders speak for themselves. And as they speak, they draw more people to them. When Doc first said “If you build it, they will come,” we assumed she meant that horses would come. Horses have come, obviously, with more always waiting in the wings, but more than that, people are coming. People who are interested in giving elder horses better lives, both in sanctuaries and at their own farms.
Is it just because we tell their stories? Or is something bigger at work? Sometimes it feels as if we – the humans managing the sanctuary – are only here to keep a foot on the gas pedal, but something larger is doing the steering. There seems to be no other explanation for some of the things that happen.
The Universe just seems to love these old horses. And who are we to argue with the Universe?
Doc laughed. “If you build it,” she said,” they will come.”
Very funny.
But she was right.
At first those who came were almost entirely people wanting to “donate” their older horses to TREES. (At some later date, we may post about why we don’t consider our residents “donations.”)
Gradually, as the community became aware of “the place that takes old horses,” other people began to visit. One here, one there. Then, a few years ago, a visitor got out of her car and commented “Oh! I’m so glad to see a horse rescue that’s not completely depressing.”
That took us by surprise. We’ve never thought of horse rescue in general as “depressing,” and we certainly don’t see TREES as depressing. We started asking all new visitors what they expected to see when they got here. About half answered that they expected to see a bunch of old horses, basically standing around waiting to die.
Whoa! First of all, why would anyone even consider visiting a place he or she expected to be that sad? But more than that, how could we begin to break down that misconception of an Elders Sanctuary?
Simple. Tell the Elders’ stories. These horses are spirited and vivacious. Dynamic, interesting and gregarious. They form friendships and other herd relationships just as younger horses do. They roll in the mud, play in the water, rear, crowhop, prance and scamper. They cuddle, present themselves for scratching, and demand attention on their own schedules. Not at all models of “waiting to die.”
In other words, the Elders speak for themselves. And as they speak, they draw more people to them. When Doc first said “If you build it, they will come,” we assumed she meant that horses would come. Horses have come, obviously, with more always waiting in the wings, but more than that, people are coming. People who are interested in giving elder horses better lives, both in sanctuaries and at their own farms.
Is it just because we tell their stories? Or is something bigger at work? Sometimes it feels as if we – the humans managing the sanctuary – are only here to keep a foot on the gas pedal, but something larger is doing the steering. There seems to be no other explanation for some of the things that happen.
The Universe just seems to love these old horses. And who are we to argue with the Universe?
Fitz, 26, and Josh, 38-ish
Freddy, 26
Lucy, 30-ish, and Delphi, 29
Fitz, 26
If you would like to meet TREES' exceptional elders, please shoot us an email at info@equineelders.org !
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Little Things
It doesn't take much to get us excited. Yesterday, Gene & Carol brought two new whisk brooms and that's about all it takes. (We use whisk brooms to sweep up the Toothless Wonders' feeding stations so other horses don't try to vacuum up the leftovers and swallow a lot of dirt or sawdust in the process.)
During the past few weeks, there has been some discussion on several Internet forums about how a specific medical crisis was handled at another horse welfare organization. We're not going to discuss the details or opine on who was "right" or "wrong" but, eventually, the discussion turned to criticism of the farm's appeal for donation of bandaging materials. "If they can't afford bandages, how can they afford feed, hay, vet care, etc etc etc?"
If you've visited the Traveller's Rest web site, you know we also appeal for donations of "little stuff." And here's why:
Not many people are able to donate, say, $1,000 for a load of hay. But most people that want to help can manage a bottle of fly spray, several rolls of vetrap, or a few tubes of antibiotic ointment. Now, if only 100 people donate one $10 item, that's $1,000 not coming out of TREES checking account for "little stuff." $1,000 that can then be spent on hay, vet bills, senior feed, etc etc etc.
In addition to allowing TREES to not spend money on small items, those donations very often cost the donor little to nothing as well. The item might be something they've had sitting on a shelf for months or years. It might be something that was on sale, or even a BOGO deal. Maybe its something that just didn't work for the donor's horse, but is perfect for one of TREES' residents. (We also have to note the benefits of recycling/repurposing in these cases.)
Coming from another angle, we never want visitors to feel their gifts are "too small" or "not much." Every - and I mean every - donation contributes to the overall well-being and happiness of TREES' resident geezers. That includes donation of "stuff," time, services and good old moral support.
Celebrate the "little things." We do!
(PS......we owe quite a few people thank you notes for gifts received during Nate and Mona's rehabs........we acknowledge being very behind in that department. We haven't forgotten your kindness and are grateful for your patience. )
During the past few weeks, there has been some discussion on several Internet forums about how a specific medical crisis was handled at another horse welfare organization. We're not going to discuss the details or opine on who was "right" or "wrong" but, eventually, the discussion turned to criticism of the farm's appeal for donation of bandaging materials. "If they can't afford bandages, how can they afford feed, hay, vet care, etc etc etc?"
If you've visited the Traveller's Rest web site, you know we also appeal for donations of "little stuff." And here's why:
Not many people are able to donate, say, $1,000 for a load of hay. But most people that want to help can manage a bottle of fly spray, several rolls of vetrap, or a few tubes of antibiotic ointment. Now, if only 100 people donate one $10 item, that's $1,000 not coming out of TREES checking account for "little stuff." $1,000 that can then be spent on hay, vet bills, senior feed, etc etc etc.
In addition to allowing TREES to not spend money on small items, those donations very often cost the donor little to nothing as well. The item might be something they've had sitting on a shelf for months or years. It might be something that was on sale, or even a BOGO deal. Maybe its something that just didn't work for the donor's horse, but is perfect for one of TREES' residents. (We also have to note the benefits of recycling/repurposing in these cases.)
Coming from another angle, we never want visitors to feel their gifts are "too small" or "not much." Every - and I mean every - donation contributes to the overall well-being and happiness of TREES' resident geezers. That includes donation of "stuff," time, services and good old moral support.
Celebrate the "little things." We do!
(PS......we owe quite a few people thank you notes for gifts received during Nate and Mona's rehabs........we acknowledge being very behind in that department. We haven't forgotten your kindness and are grateful for your patience. )
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Feel The Thunder!
Next weekend, the Virginia Draft Horse and Mule Association will host the 31st Annual Old Dominion Draft Horse and Mule Show at Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, VA
We'll be there! How 'bout you?
In a way, this brings TREES "full circle." It was at Draft Horse and Mule show in 1995 that TREES' founders first discovered the Equine Rescue League and learned about equine welfare issues in Virginia.
Almost 15 years later, we hope someone else will be motivated, by our information to booth, to get involved as well.
Meanwhile, some of the things you can enjoy at the show:
Halter classes - see draft horses of all breeds, as well as donkeys and mules!
Braiding
Showmanship
Lead Line
Costume
English Pleasure
Western Pleasure
Coon jumping
Pole Bending
Bareback Pie Eating contest!
And that's just PART of the first day!
Sunday, be sure to come out and see the Driving competitions:
Working Hitch
Log Skidding
Cones & Obstacles
Oh, and stop by the TREES booth to say Hi!
We'll be there! How 'bout you?
In a way, this brings TREES "full circle." It was at Draft Horse and Mule show in 1995 that TREES' founders first discovered the Equine Rescue League and learned about equine welfare issues in Virginia.
Almost 15 years later, we hope someone else will be motivated, by our information to booth, to get involved as well.
Meanwhile, some of the things you can enjoy at the show:
Halter classes - see draft horses of all breeds, as well as donkeys and mules!
Braiding
Showmanship
Lead Line
Costume
English Pleasure
Western Pleasure
Coon jumping
Pole Bending
Bareback Pie Eating contest!
And that's just PART of the first day!
Sunday, be sure to come out and see the Driving competitions:
Working Hitch
Log Skidding
Cones & Obstacles
Oh, and stop by the TREES booth to say Hi!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Visit TREES at Tractor Supply Aug 29!
Ahhhh....
A nice cool, indoor event! On Saturday, August 29, the Tractor Supply Company on Plank Road (Rt 3) in Fredericksburg, VA, is hosting an animal welfare/rescue/adoption event.
Groups representing dogs, cats and horses will be included. The good news is that TREES' booth will be inside the air conditioned store! Golden Geezers will not accompany us to the event due to potential heat and lack of shelter outdoors. How could we ask them to give up their shed fans just to let folks gawk at their beauty? I mean..... Really! Priorities, dontcha know.........
A nice cool, indoor event! On Saturday, August 29, the Tractor Supply Company on Plank Road (Rt 3) in Fredericksburg, VA, is hosting an animal welfare/rescue/adoption event.
Groups representing dogs, cats and horses will be included. The good news is that TREES' booth will be inside the air conditioned store! Golden Geezers will not accompany us to the event due to potential heat and lack of shelter outdoors. How could we ask them to give up their shed fans just to let folks gawk at their beauty? I mean..... Really! Priorities, dontcha know.........
Sonny, at age 36
But I digress.......
As of now, our table will be inside, toward the rear of the store, near the horse supply section. Please be sure to seek us out and say "Hi." The Fredericksburg Tractor Supply is at 4179 Plank Road (Rt 3) just west of the Salem Church Road intersection.
And while you are there, please thank the store management for supporting animal welfare organizations! We all need all the support we can get these days!
Oh, and if you're really more interested in meeting the Elders than you are in saying hi to their human caretakers, please just give us a holler to schedule a tour. 540-972-0936 or info@equineelders.org
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thank You’s and other Tidbits
We have a lot of short updates and want to thank a lot of people today, so we’ll try to do it all in one post and hope we don’t leave anyone out.
We’d like to remind local Reiki practitioners that the first Shelter Animal Reiki Association orientation for the TREES program will be this weekend, Saturday, June 20, 10AM – noon. To participate, or for more information, please contact Janet Dobbs
The next Reiki workshop will be Reiki I, for both humans and animals, July 11-12. Saturday will be in McLean, VA, Sunday at Traveller’s Rest in Spotsylvania. For more information.
Our first resident update concerns Jubal. He’s back out with his “herd” (Fitz, Emma and Josh) and seems to be doing just fine. The wound on his fetlock is almost completely healed and almost all of the puffiness gone. Whew!
Lizzie is still gaining weight and doing well. She has settled in to the group including Sonny, Rienzi, Val, Marye and Wade. We’ve discovered she prefers to be called just Liz (not to be confused with “Just Jack” for Will and Grace fans.) Call “LIZ!” and she comes at a trot, but call “LIZZIE,” and she barely acknowledges your presence.
Josh is moving up in the pecking order in his field. Yesterday we noted that Fitz, who towers over Josh and outweighs him by several hundred pounds, was waiting in line behind Josh for a turn at the water tank. (The two boys and Emma all go for a drink immediately after eating a meal.)
Marye is still doing well and has not needed another Aeromask treatment yet this spring. Fingers crossed!
Now, the thank you’s!
First, thank you to Rennie, Gene, Carol, Michaele and Jim for coming to the sanctuary last weekend to help dry the place out after our freakish rainfall. It’s rained a few more times since, but nothing like the approximately 9 inches we got in about 24 hours that week.)
Thank you, too, to Gene and Carol for dropping off a new Wet Vac in case the weird wet weather continues.
Thank you to our neighbor, Patty, for arriving with a smorgasbord of seeds and grains about ten minutes after learning of Elmer’s arrival.
Thank you to COTH’s “Oldenburg Mom” for the gift of ~ 900 pounds of luscious smelling hay and to Samantha for coming along to help unload. Thank you, COTH’s “Nootka” for posting TREES’ contact information, making this donation possible.
Thank you, “Janet’s Dad” for a roll of quilt batting to use as leg wraps.
Thank you to Janet Dobbs’ students all, both Reiki and Animal Communication, who participate in workshops at TREES. It’s always fun to watch people’s faces as they come to understand that all things in nature are connected.
Thank you to everyone who sent prayers and support when Forrest arrived then departed in too short a time. Special thanks to Dr. Amanda Blanton who spent a good portion of her holiday weekend here. Thank you, again, to Gene and Carol for taking over the farm chores so we could focus on Forrest. Thank you Sam for transporting this determined old gentleman. Thank you, Janet, for being with Forrest as he crossed, and to Nelson, for bringing your backhoe out on Memorial Day, then returning a few days later with a donation. It seems Forrest touched a lot of hearts in the few days he was here.
We are continually (and gratefully) overwhelmed by the people who want to help offer retirement/hospice care to special needs elder equine. The horses, though, always feel there should be more visitors (more admirers.) If you’d like to visit and meet our special residents, please email us at info@equineelders.org or call 540-972-0936 (but remember that we’re somewhat telephonically challenged until Verizon comes June 24.)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Update on Elmer the Pigeon
This post obviously isn't about horses, elder or otherwise, but it is about recognizing, once again, the wonders of Mother Natures' creations. Granted, man's had a hand in developing domestic pigeons, but he had to start with Mom N's groundwork.
Let me begin by saying we've named our guest "Elmer," in honor of the great Elmer Bandit, the competitive trail horse that recently broke the existing total mileage record at age 37.
Let me begin by saying we've named our guest "Elmer," in honor of the great Elmer Bandit, the competitive trail horse that recently broke the existing total mileage record at age 37.
When Elmer, the pigeon, arrived yesterday, he was quite weak. When we approached him, he tried to fly away, but could not get more than a few inches off the ground. We scooped him up and placed him in a dog crate with a little water, then searched the Internet for more information. We found a wonderful source of information on the American Racing Pigeon Union's site, in their article "How to Care for Lost Pigeons."
After reading Elmer's leg band, we found he was registered with the International Federation, an American Homing Pigeon Fancier's organization that's been around since 1881. Researching the band lists on the IF site, we discovered that Elmer is a "member" of the Toms River Triangle club in New Jersey! We were also able to reach his owner.
It turns out that Elmer was a little off course when he reached Traveller's Rest, not surprising considering the ridiculous weather in the region over the last few weeks. His race began in Zanesville, OH and was to end back in New Jersey. Spotsylvania, VA isn't exactly on the way. To make matters worse, poor Elmer was still headed in the wrong direction. The day before he arrived at the sanctuary, his owner had received a call saying he was in Hartwood, about 30 miles north of us.
After talking with Elmer's owner, we found these birds more fascinating than ever. The fact the Mother Nature programmed them with such a keen homing instinct is awe-inspiring, regardless of Elmer's little detour. For the most part, these birds can find their way to their home roosts from hundreds of miles away.
Its not a non-stop flight, though. Naturally, a trip of this length burns up a lot of energy and the birds stop along the way for water, food and rest. As it turns out, that is why many horse farm owners are blessed with pigeon visits. Apparently, experienced racers learn that there is often grain to be found in proximity to horses so, as they fly along and become a little hungry, they learn that horses point to good prospective rest stops.
Many times after a little food, water and shut eye, the pigeons will go on their way. This time, Elmer needed a little assistance. We fixed up a small apartment for him in a large dog crate with grain, water, and a branch to roost on, and he seems much perkier and more alert this morning. As a matter of fact, we get the distinct impression he wants OUT!
His owner, however, asked us to keep Elmer right here until he can come to retrieve him later this week. We hope Elmer won't hold his confinement against us, but we learned that he has been missing for about a week and his owner is anxious to return him to the flock.
Meanwhile, we are grateful to Elmer for showing us yet another wonder of Mother Earth's inhabitants. Seems they're all around us if we only look.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Quick Jubal Update
We hoped Jubal would be back out with Fitz, Emma and Josh by now, but nooooooooo.........
The initial fever, swelling, and pain resolved quickly but, as always, there's more to the story.
Even though last weekend's ultrasound showed nothing of concern, there was a small pocket of infection under Jubal's innocent looking scrape. The wound opened up Monday evening, draining pus and blood. Tuesday morning we hosted yet another visit by the vet, who re-evaluated both the wound and the joint. Good news.......there still did not appear to be any injury to or infection in the joint capsule or the tendon sheath. Bad news, of course, was infection where we didn't expect to see infection.
The open wound was thoroughly cleaned, then flushed with a dilute betadine/saline solution. We were to continue as before, anitbiotics, clean wound and change wrap at least once a day, more often if needed. As of Thursday evening, there didn't appear to be much improvement, but things weren't getting worse, either.
Friday morning, however, at wound check we found more puffiness around the fetlock than there had been for several days. Another call to the clinic and a third vet visit followed. (Thank you, Jubal, for not waiting until Sunday again, which would have meant an "after hours" call.)
Ok. One more evaluation. Still no apparent involvment of the joint or tendon. Open wound again flushed. This time the vet added an antibiotic ointment to the regimen. This particular ointment is made for treating mastitis in cows, so comes in a plunger-type tube with a dispenser small enough to fit into the wound's opening itself. Now we can apply antibiotic directly to the source of the problem. The clinic is also now culturing the bacteria involved to see if it is something that won't respond to the current antibiotic treatment. A "sensitivity" test will also be performed to see just which antibiotic will be most effective. Treatment will be adjusted accordingly.
So......for now, Jubal is "maintaining." Not getting worse. but not healing as quickly as we had hoped either.
Fortunately, even though he is extremely bored while "in the hospital," Jubal has been a model patient.
If you have some free time and would like to visit the patient during his confinement, please email us at info@equineelders.org and schedule a visit!
The initial fever, swelling, and pain resolved quickly but, as always, there's more to the story.
Even though last weekend's ultrasound showed nothing of concern, there was a small pocket of infection under Jubal's innocent looking scrape. The wound opened up Monday evening, draining pus and blood. Tuesday morning we hosted yet another visit by the vet, who re-evaluated both the wound and the joint. Good news.......there still did not appear to be any injury to or infection in the joint capsule or the tendon sheath. Bad news, of course, was infection where we didn't expect to see infection.
The open wound was thoroughly cleaned, then flushed with a dilute betadine/saline solution. We were to continue as before, anitbiotics, clean wound and change wrap at least once a day, more often if needed. As of Thursday evening, there didn't appear to be much improvement, but things weren't getting worse, either.
Friday morning, however, at wound check we found more puffiness around the fetlock than there had been for several days. Another call to the clinic and a third vet visit followed. (Thank you, Jubal, for not waiting until Sunday again, which would have meant an "after hours" call.)
Ok. One more evaluation. Still no apparent involvment of the joint or tendon. Open wound again flushed. This time the vet added an antibiotic ointment to the regimen. This particular ointment is made for treating mastitis in cows, so comes in a plunger-type tube with a dispenser small enough to fit into the wound's opening itself. Now we can apply antibiotic directly to the source of the problem. The clinic is also now culturing the bacteria involved to see if it is something that won't respond to the current antibiotic treatment. A "sensitivity" test will also be performed to see just which antibiotic will be most effective. Treatment will be adjusted accordingly.
So......for now, Jubal is "maintaining." Not getting worse. but not healing as quickly as we had hoped either.
Fortunately, even though he is extremely bored while "in the hospital," Jubal has been a model patient.
If you have some free time and would like to visit the patient during his confinement, please email us at info@equineelders.org and schedule a visit!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
New Arrival - Meet Lizzie!
Lizzie arrived the evening of May 6, 2009. We don't know much about her yet, but we can say there is not a thing wrong with her appetite! We'll start out feeding Lizzie small, frequent meals and limiting her turnout to avoid "refeeding syndrome"
Even a small donation will help TREES provide Lizzie and other horses like her the senior diet, and the dental, farrier, and veterinary care necessary to restore good health and offer happy, healthy Golden Years. If you would like to meet Lizzie and her herdmates at TREES, please give us a call at 540-972-0936, or email info@equineelders.org
Friday, April 24, 2009
FAQ's about Traveller's Rest
Why do you focus on old horses when there are so many "ridable" horses in need?
It is our belief that horses are no less deserving of lives free from hunger or pain merely because their physical abilities are not what they used to be. Some shelter facilities will not accept "special needs" elders because they cannot provide the specialized care required or because they do not have the ability to keep horses that may be permanent residents. Though TREES has limited space, we provide a safe haven for horses who have nowhere else to go.
Does the sanctuary's name have anything to do with General Lee's horse in the Civil War?
You bet! Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary's current home is on Robert E Lee Drive. In fact, in 1864, the very fields in which our residents graze saw combat during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, as Federal troops tried to push across the Po River (our northern boundary) and on to Richmond. As far as we know, the General himself was not actually on our humble farm, having established his command post several miles to the west. Read more (Note: What was then called Shady Grove Church Road is now Robert E Lee Drive.)
How much does it cost to take care of a senior horse at TREES?
TREES spend an average of $1800 per horse per year. Some of the "easy keepers" cost a little less, some of those that require more senior feed or medications cost a little more.
Does the sanctuary receive government funding?
No. Traveller's Rest is in no way affiliated with any government agency. The sanctuary is a non-profit organization supported entirely by private donations and grants provided by other charitable organizations. How you can help
Can I volunteer if I haven't worked with horses in the past?
Absolutely! You are welcome to help the senior horses in whatever ways are comfortable for you. You can begin your volunteer efforts doing chores that do not deal directly with the horses, such as cleaning stalls or maintaining water tanks. If you like, you can then begin learning to work with the horses themselves, grooming, feeding, or helping during vet visits, for example. You can also help with jobs, like fundraising or writing educational handouts, that don't require a visit to the farm. You will never be asked to do anything you are uncomfortable doing. TREES strives to maintain a stress-free environment for our equine residents and our human volunteers and visitors. Volunteer
As a volunteer, will I be asked to commit to a certain number of hours?
No. How often you volunteer, and for how long, is entirely up to you. Some volunteers come regularly once a week, twice a week, or every other weekend. Some can help only during special events. Others are available to help with sporadic needs like trailering horses to the vet clinic. All we ask is that you let us know before you come so we have someone here to get you started and so we can schedule the day's work based on the number of people available. Of course, if you are doing a job you can do from your own home, your time is your own, as long as we are not on a deadline (one example of a job with a deadline might be to meet a closing date for filing a grant proposal.)
What are your business hours?
We do not have formal "business hours." TREES welcomes visitors by appointment as work schedules and weather allow.
How far is Traveller's Rest from {{fill in your city here}} ?
Unless you live in the immediate area, we probably can't answer that question. You can enter our zip code, 22553, into MapQuest or Google Maps to find that information.
What types of horses do you have?
In terms of breeds, we've hosted several Thoroughbreds (one a grandson of Secretariat,) a few Quarter Horses (to include Impressive and Poco Bueno descendants,) a Standardbred, two or three Arabians, a Friesian mare (Els B, the first mare to grace the cover of the Stud Book,) two Tennessee Walkers, a mule, two Shetland Pony crosses, a couple of draft crosses, and a plethora of wonderful grade horses (in other words, we don't know their breeding and don't care!) We've cared for an eventer, a "big lick" Walker, a steeplechaser, several (former) brood mares, Western Pleasure mounts, dressage horses, a cow "pony," camp horses, trail horses, a harness racer, an endurance horse, a barrel racer, and some horses whose pasts are complete mysteries.The conclusion seems to be that there is no "average" TREES resident. By the same token, no resident in more "special" than the others, regardless of pedigree or accomplishment. Retirement is the great equalizer in the world of equine elders. A Kentucky Derby winner is no more deserving of comfortable Golden Years than a camp horse who toted dozens (hundreds?) of squirming children up and down Blue Ridge trails. Whatever their backgrounds, all of our residents are "golden" oldies. If you are in Virginia, whether you live here or are passing through, stop by and meet these wonderful old veterans. Forget the stereotype of "old nags." Our residents may surprise you.
It is our belief that horses are no less deserving of lives free from hunger or pain merely because their physical abilities are not what they used to be. Some shelter facilities will not accept "special needs" elders because they cannot provide the specialized care required or because they do not have the ability to keep horses that may be permanent residents. Though TREES has limited space, we provide a safe haven for horses who have nowhere else to go.
Does the sanctuary's name have anything to do with General Lee's horse in the Civil War?
You bet! Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary's current home is on Robert E Lee Drive. In fact, in 1864, the very fields in which our residents graze saw combat during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, as Federal troops tried to push across the Po River (our northern boundary) and on to Richmond. As far as we know, the General himself was not actually on our humble farm, having established his command post several miles to the west. Read more (Note: What was then called Shady Grove Church Road is now Robert E Lee Drive.)
How much does it cost to take care of a senior horse at TREES?
TREES spend an average of $1800 per horse per year. Some of the "easy keepers" cost a little less, some of those that require more senior feed or medications cost a little more.
Does the sanctuary receive government funding?
No. Traveller's Rest is in no way affiliated with any government agency. The sanctuary is a non-profit organization supported entirely by private donations and grants provided by other charitable organizations. How you can help
Can I volunteer if I haven't worked with horses in the past?
Absolutely! You are welcome to help the senior horses in whatever ways are comfortable for you. You can begin your volunteer efforts doing chores that do not deal directly with the horses, such as cleaning stalls or maintaining water tanks. If you like, you can then begin learning to work with the horses themselves, grooming, feeding, or helping during vet visits, for example. You can also help with jobs, like fundraising or writing educational handouts, that don't require a visit to the farm. You will never be asked to do anything you are uncomfortable doing. TREES strives to maintain a stress-free environment for our equine residents and our human volunteers and visitors. Volunteer
As a volunteer, will I be asked to commit to a certain number of hours?
No. How often you volunteer, and for how long, is entirely up to you. Some volunteers come regularly once a week, twice a week, or every other weekend. Some can help only during special events. Others are available to help with sporadic needs like trailering horses to the vet clinic. All we ask is that you let us know before you come so we have someone here to get you started and so we can schedule the day's work based on the number of people available. Of course, if you are doing a job you can do from your own home, your time is your own, as long as we are not on a deadline (one example of a job with a deadline might be to meet a closing date for filing a grant proposal.)
What are your business hours?
We do not have formal "business hours." TREES welcomes visitors by appointment as work schedules and weather allow.
How far is Traveller's Rest from {{fill in your city here}} ?
Unless you live in the immediate area, we probably can't answer that question. You can enter our zip code, 22553, into MapQuest or Google Maps to find that information.
What types of horses do you have?
In terms of breeds, we've hosted several Thoroughbreds (one a grandson of Secretariat,) a few Quarter Horses (to include Impressive and Poco Bueno descendants,) a Standardbred, two or three Arabians, a Friesian mare (Els B, the first mare to grace the cover of the Stud Book,) two Tennessee Walkers, a mule, two Shetland Pony crosses, a couple of draft crosses, and a plethora of wonderful grade horses (in other words, we don't know their breeding and don't care!) We've cared for an eventer, a "big lick" Walker, a steeplechaser, several (former) brood mares, Western Pleasure mounts, dressage horses, a cow "pony," camp horses, trail horses, a harness racer, an endurance horse, a barrel racer, and some horses whose pasts are complete mysteries.The conclusion seems to be that there is no "average" TREES resident. By the same token, no resident in more "special" than the others, regardless of pedigree or accomplishment. Retirement is the great equalizer in the world of equine elders. A Kentucky Derby winner is no more deserving of comfortable Golden Years than a camp horse who toted dozens (hundreds?) of squirming children up and down Blue Ridge trails. Whatever their backgrounds, all of our residents are "golden" oldies. If you are in Virginia, whether you live here or are passing through, stop by and meet these wonderful old veterans. Forget the stereotype of "old nags." Our residents may surprise you.
Where do the horses at the sanctuary come from?
Several of the residents at TREES were abandoned at boarding stables. A few were left behind when owners sold property and moved away. Some were brought to the sanctuary by owners who realized they could not provide the special care required. On occasion, if space and resources are available, the sanctuary accepts horses due to owner hardships such as a change in financial situation or physical capability. For the most part, the criteria used to accept horses focus on whether or not that horse will suffer pain or hunger if left where it is at the time of the call. If, at that time, TREES cannot accept another horse, efforts will be made to place the horse in a new home or with another equine welfare organization as quickly as possible.
Do you buy horses from auctions?
No. With so many horses in need of shelter, whether they've been abandoned or are still with owners who can no longer care for them, it would be a very inefficient use of donated funds to buy horses. In addition, TREES does not spend funds on having horses hauled to VA from great distances when there are so many in need in the immediate region.
Does the sanctuary have horses available for adoption?
All of our residents are available for adoption. Take note, however, that almost all of our horses have special needs to some degree. Potential adopters will be screened thoroughly to determine their ability to provide specialized care when needed, and post-adoption follow-ups will be performed to ensure proper care is being given. For those reasons, adopters must live with in a three hour drive of Spotsylvania, VA, 22553.
How much do you charge for boarding retirees?
TREES is not a boarding facility.
Do you need any barn cats?
Thank you, but no. There is a feral colony in the community.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Meet Chamberlain!
New Arrival!
Chamberlain arrived at Traveller's Rest Saturday, April 11, 2009. We don't know exact age, but his owner believed him to be in his late 30's. While appearances can be deceiving where age is concerned, late 30's is probably a pretty good estimate.
"Josh" will begin his life at TREES in a private paddock where we will get to know him and his unique needs. Later, he will be introduced to the group of horses that seems best suited to his temperament and care requirements.
If you'd like to meet Josh in person, or can volunteer some time helping him (and other TREES residents) shed winter woolies, send us an email, or call 540-972-0936 to make an appointment.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thank you Piedmont Horse Expo staff, visitors and TREES volunteers!
Thank you to everyone who made yesterday's Piedmont Horse Expo, in Culpeper, Virginia, a terrific day.
Traveller's Rest, in particular, is more than a little excited to have met so many wonderful Expo visitors and fellow vendors. If you haven't been to this new annual event in the last two years, be sure to watch for the 2010 Expo and mark your calendar early.
There were speakers addressing everything from equine nutrition to training to animal identification. Vendors covered every imaginable aspect of horsedom as well: equine "spinology," boarding, feed dealers, vet clinics, leather care and repair, blanket cleaning, farriery, and of course, equine welfare.
At the risk of leaving someone out.....and please feel free to send me a nastygram if I do......I'd like to try and thank everyone who made our booth one of the busiest in our area of the barn.
We couldn't have pulled this off without:
Gene and Carol Craigo who helped haul every thing to the site, set up, staff the booth all day Saturday, then packed up and hauled everything home. The Craigo's also came to the farm Sunday to man the muck forks for two days worth of cleanup.
Traveller's Rest, in particular, is more than a little excited to have met so many wonderful Expo visitors and fellow vendors. If you haven't been to this new annual event in the last two years, be sure to watch for the 2010 Expo and mark your calendar early.
There were speakers addressing everything from equine nutrition to training to animal identification. Vendors covered every imaginable aspect of horsedom as well: equine "spinology," boarding, feed dealers, vet clinics, leather care and repair, blanket cleaning, farriery, and of course, equine welfare.
At the risk of leaving someone out.....and please feel free to send me a nastygram if I do......I'd like to try and thank everyone who made our booth one of the busiest in our area of the barn.
We couldn't have pulled this off without:
Gene and Carol Craigo who helped haul every thing to the site, set up, staff the booth all day Saturday, then packed up and hauled everything home. The Craigo's also came to the farm Sunday to man the muck forks for two days worth of cleanup.
Deborah Caprio, candy artiste extraordinaire, got very creative with these horse lollipops. Very popular, we sold out by the end of the day. That buys seven 50-pound bags of senior feed. Deborah also took care of having many of our brochures printed in time for the Expo.
Valerie St Romain and her entire family derusted, primed and painted "Golden Horseshoes," also very popular!
Thank you , too, to Jill Deming of Integrated Animal Therapies for offering gift certificates to sell.
Karen Souder....hugemongous, delicioso chocolate chip cookies, home baked by Karen, appealed to those not quite up for solid chocolate horses. Karen, while manning her own real estate booth (anyone looking for a home in the Culpeper area? Please call Karen!) also sold animal puppets, donating a portion of the proceeds to TREES, and directed visitors to our information table.
Michaele and Jim Babcock, between the two of them, also helped staff the booth the entire day, provided hot coffee and pastries for volunteers and visitors and helped break down and pack up when it was all over.
Trish Hallier took over for Jim when he had to leave for the afternoon, greeting visitors and packing up at the end of the day. Trish has been helping out at TREES booths for a couple of years now and its always a great pleasure to see her again!
Amanda Blanton, DVM, of Rappahannock Equine Veterinary Clinic, wrote some of TREES' brochures, allowing us to pass along professional information on managing elder equine. You will also be able to see Dr. Blanton's articles on TREES' new web site, to launch soon.
To the Orange Madison Farmer's Cooperative, thank you for the bags of feed. Every mouthful is deeply and gratefully appreciated.
Thank you to Sherrie Minkes, the Expos' Vendor Coordinator organizing a smoothly run event for all involved.
And finally, a whopper Thank You to everyone who stopped by the Traveller's Rest table. Its always fun to talk with others who care for Equine Elders, and those who offer services that may help our residents remain healthy and happy. We hope to speak with you again in the very near future. We also look forward to talking more with those who are interested in volunteering with TREES, in having their clubs and 4H groups organize service projects, and in starting equine welfare organizations in other areas of Virginia. Please let us know how we can help.
Whew!
Readers that might like to help, but may not be able to participate in booth staffing or prep, can help enormously by letting us know of other events in the area where our information on Elders would be of interest. We'd love to get out and meet more VA Horse Lovers. (If you know of a potential event, please email Traveller's Rest as info@equineelders.org. Maybe we'll see you there!)
Karen Souder....hugemongous, delicioso chocolate chip cookies, home baked by Karen, appealed to those not quite up for solid chocolate horses. Karen, while manning her own real estate booth (anyone looking for a home in the Culpeper area? Please call Karen!) also sold animal puppets, donating a portion of the proceeds to TREES, and directed visitors to our information table.
Michaele and Jim Babcock, between the two of them, also helped staff the booth the entire day, provided hot coffee and pastries for volunteers and visitors and helped break down and pack up when it was all over.
Trish Hallier took over for Jim when he had to leave for the afternoon, greeting visitors and packing up at the end of the day. Trish has been helping out at TREES booths for a couple of years now and its always a great pleasure to see her again!
Amanda Blanton, DVM, of Rappahannock Equine Veterinary Clinic, wrote some of TREES' brochures, allowing us to pass along professional information on managing elder equine. You will also be able to see Dr. Blanton's articles on TREES' new web site, to launch soon.
To the Orange Madison Farmer's Cooperative, thank you for the bags of feed. Every mouthful is deeply and gratefully appreciated.
Thank you to Sherrie Minkes, the Expos' Vendor Coordinator organizing a smoothly run event for all involved.
And finally, a whopper Thank You to everyone who stopped by the Traveller's Rest table. Its always fun to talk with others who care for Equine Elders, and those who offer services that may help our residents remain healthy and happy. We hope to speak with you again in the very near future. We also look forward to talking more with those who are interested in volunteering with TREES, in having their clubs and 4H groups organize service projects, and in starting equine welfare organizations in other areas of Virginia. Please let us know how we can help.
Whew!
Readers that might like to help, but may not be able to participate in booth staffing or prep, can help enormously by letting us know of other events in the area where our information on Elders would be of interest. We'd love to get out and meet more VA Horse Lovers. (If you know of a potential event, please email Traveller's Rest as info@equineelders.org. Maybe we'll see you there!)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Basic Sanctuary Rules
As Spring begins, Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary always experiences an increase in visitors and new volunteers. In anticipation of new friends this year, we'd like to post our Basic Farm Rules, so you will be familiar with them ahead of time. While many of these rules apply to volunteers, many also apply to one-time visitors and tour groups.
The Farm Rules are intended to make your time at Traveller’s Rest both safe and pleasant and to keep the equine residents happy and healthy.
The Farm Rules are intended to make your time at Traveller’s Rest both safe and pleasant and to keep the equine residents happy and healthy.
Previous “horse experience” is not required.
All volunteers must sign a Waiver of Liability before volunteering for Traveller’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary in any capacity at any location. A parent or legal guardian must sign a Waiver of Liability for each minor volunteer between the ages of 12 and 17 years.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. All volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when volunteering for TREES, whether at the farm sanctuary or at off-site events.
Wear appropriate clothing during every visit. This includes safe footwear. No sandals or other open-toed shoes will be allowed. Most of the work at TREES takes place out of doors. Dress for the weather.
No Smoking! If you are on the farm, you are likely standing very near a horse, a pile of hay, a shed full of sawdust, or other fire fodder.
Be aware of weather conditions. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated during the summer. Take breaks to warm up in the winter.
If you are unsure of anything at any time, please ask what is appropriate. No question is “dumb.” We would rather you ask the same questions a dozen times than do anything to put yourself or one of the horses at risk.
Please call or email before coming to the farm unless you have a previously scheduled visit. On occasion, there will be no one at the farm. Letting us know before you come also allows us to organize a work schedule for the day based on the number of available volunteers.
Do not bring dogs or other pets to the farm. They will not be allowed on the premises for the safety of the horses and other volunteers. Please leave them at home. It is not fair to ask them to sit in the car while you are here.
Do not climb on, or allow children to climb on, fences or gates, farm machinery, vehicles or trailers. Climbing on fences, then leaning over to pet horses is particularly dangerous.
Please do not sit or kneel on the ground when in any area containing one or more horses. This includes, but is not limited to, fields, stalls, paddocks and sheds.
When grooming, take the horse with which you are working into a stall or private paddock. Never stand among a group of horses at liberty to work. If herd dynamics come into play, remember you are the smallest animal out there.
Do not take food of any kind into the fields where horses are at liberty.
When feeding the horses, do not take a feed bucket or pan into an area where more than one horse is loose. Make sure the horse for which the feed is intended is secured in its stall or paddock before serving a meal.
Do not offer the horses treats of any kind without specific permission. Some have very few teeth left and cannot chew well. Others are on special diets for health reasons. In other cases, “hand treats” may not be permitted due to behavior issues.
When approaching any of the horses, make sure they are aware of your presence before making any physical contact. Some have impaired vision, some doze more soundly than others. Talk to them, sing if you like, and watch for them to look at you or otherwise acknowledge your presence. Never approach a horse from the rear.
When you go through a closed gate, close and latch it behind you. Even if you will “only be a minute.” Some horses watch very closely for the opportunity to go exploring. If a horse does get loose, notify farm management immediately. Do not try to catch the horse yourself.
The farm house is a private residence, not a part of the Sanctuary. You are welcome to use the powder room, accessible through the door on the right at the end of the house near the parking area, at any time. There is also a refrigerator available to store drinks and snacks, accessible through the left hand door on the same end of the house. The remainder of the house is private. Please do not enter. In addition, please do not enter the chain-link fenced-area in back of the house. The dogs that may be in there are privately owned and not a part of the sanctuary.
TREES reserves the right to amend the Basic Farm Rules at any time. Updated copies will be provided to all volunteers as necessary.
Our intent in compiling these rules is not to make your visit overly structured or restricted, but to make every visit as safe and enjoyable as possible. The horses enjoy visitors and we want you to have fun and to return often!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
MJM Photography Gives Back
This weekend, TREES welcomed Molly Peterson, a Culpeper photographer recently arrived from Colorado. Welcome to Virginia, Molly!
Molly and MJM Photography have committed to donate a portion of each sitting fee to a charity of her clients' choosing. If you don't have a favorite cause, Molly lists a few of her favorites from which to choose. Traveller's Rest is honored to be among those causes.
Please visit MJM Photography and the Giving Back page (in the This 'n That section) for more information on The Beauty of Giving.
See some of the photos Molly took at TREES here.
Molly and MJM Photography have committed to donate a portion of each sitting fee to a charity of her clients' choosing. If you don't have a favorite cause, Molly lists a few of her favorites from which to choose. Traveller's Rest is honored to be among those causes.
Please visit MJM Photography and the Giving Back page (in the This 'n That section) for more information on The Beauty of Giving.
See some of the photos Molly took at TREES here.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Emma's Feeling Neglected
Its come to our attention that Emma has not appeared in this blog much unless she happened to be in the background of another picture.
So here she is!
Emma, to the best of our knowledge, is approximately 30 years old. Pretty good for an ol' Thoroughbred mare, eh? She doesn't have much left in the way of teeth, so eats four mush meals a day. She can't eat hay at all, but loves making quids and showing them to all who visit.
She carries her quids with her, waggles them up and down, twirls them in circles, sometimes finally launching one at a passerby. She thinks she's quite the comedienne.
Lest you think Emma is only known for her Quid Art, think again. Emma is the farm Sweetheart, appealing to visitors and resident geldings alike.
If you'll be in the Spotsylvania area, give us a call. Emma would love to meet you and introduce you to her herdmates. 540-972-0936 or info@equineelders.org
Lest you think Emma is only known for her Quid Art, think again. Emma is the farm Sweetheart, appealing to visitors and resident geldings alike.
If you'll be in the Spotsylvania area, give us a call. Emma would love to meet you and introduce you to her herdmates. 540-972-0936 or info@equineelders.org
Sunday, February 1, 2009
What is with this weather??
In several recent posts, we whined about the colder than normal temperatures. Today, though, we hit 60 degrees! What's up with that? One confused honeybee even showed up at afternoon feeds to investigate the feast. We thought the horses might feel a little Spring Fever, but most took advantage of the sun and dozed most of the day. We also learned that even a 60-degree afternoon is not enough to thaw manure piles hard-frozen to the ground in spots that don't get much sun.
Some of our Golden Muck Fork winners (Gene and Carol,) though, got the rest of the farm cleaned up and helped prepare for the next winter storm, forecast to arrive tomorrow night. Stalls and sheds are ready to go, fields and paddocks are clean, a new load of hay was brought in, extra feed will arrive tomorrow and water tanks will be filled to the brim in case of power outages (when you're on a well, no electricity = no pump = no water.)
On another note, a young horse we placed in a wonderful home several years ago had to return to TREES a few days ago. Once we let her settle in, we'll re-evaluate her and see about additional training before making her available for adoption. Crea will be 6 years old this spring. We don't know her breeding. Coming from a "nurse mare farm," she could be almost any combination of breeds. She has been started under saddle according to her last family, but is very green and needs some confidence building.
Thank you to Jorg and Tom, the powerhouse behind White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue, for trailering Crea to her current foster home. Many thanks, too, for the clippers (small clippers much appreciated for small jobs. We're still in search of something for full body Cushings coat clips - maybe something comparable to a Clipmaster 610.)
We're were also happy to have Mary Beth stop in and drop off some senior feed on Friday. Please come again when the weather is a little more conducive to a tour and introductions to the residents.
Some of our Golden Muck Fork winners (Gene and Carol,) though, got the rest of the farm cleaned up and helped prepare for the next winter storm, forecast to arrive tomorrow night. Stalls and sheds are ready to go, fields and paddocks are clean, a new load of hay was brought in, extra feed will arrive tomorrow and water tanks will be filled to the brim in case of power outages (when you're on a well, no electricity = no pump = no water.)
On another note, a young horse we placed in a wonderful home several years ago had to return to TREES a few days ago. Once we let her settle in, we'll re-evaluate her and see about additional training before making her available for adoption. Crea will be 6 years old this spring. We don't know her breeding. Coming from a "nurse mare farm," she could be almost any combination of breeds. She has been started under saddle according to her last family, but is very green and needs some confidence building.Thank you to Jorg and Tom, the powerhouse behind White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue, for trailering Crea to her current foster home. Many thanks, too, for the clippers (small clippers much appreciated for small jobs. We're still in search of something for full body Cushings coat clips - maybe something comparable to a Clipmaster 610.)
We're were also happy to have Mary Beth stop in and drop off some senior feed on Friday. Please come again when the weather is a little more conducive to a tour and introductions to the residents.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Weekend Visitors
Over the weekend, Traveller's Rest met several wonderful people.
Thank you to Tabitha and her whole family for stopping by to meet the Elders and drop off some senior feed. As a cold front came through Spotsylvania, we were treated to quite a show by the Goofy Geezers. Rienzi bucked and crowhopped his way along the driveway fence, Emma began to relive former dreams of Thoroughbred glory, while Fitz scampered (if you can say a 17 hand Thoroughbred "scampers") in circles in his unique way, head waggling, tail in the air. Who says "old" horses don't enjoy retirement?
Thank you, too, to Jean for bringing more blankets, as well as coolers, pads and leg wraps. Please come again when you can stay longer.
TREES welcomes visitors by appointment Monday-Sunday, between 10AM and 2PM. (Evening hours will be available during summer.) If you would like to meet our residents and learn more about the sanctuary, please email info@equineelders.org or call 540-972-0936. Wade will be watching for you!
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