MHR PMU horses

MHR PMU horses

Welcome to MHR's Blog

We hope you'll enjoy seeing frequent updates and photos of the Miracle Horse Rescue and Sanctuary horses you all know and so generously support. We'll also keep you posted on current projects and plans for the future.

Stephanie Pierce
Founder

All Images and Videos are copyright Miracle Horse Rescue, Inc. and cannot be utilized without explicit written permission.

You're welcome to send comments to miraclehorserescue01@gmail.com

Ways you can help:
Fund raisers:


Sponsor a Horse! (any amount will help)
Doc Wilbur's Medicine Cabinet

Your donations to these efforts are tax deductible and you help feed the horses.

Please friend me on Facebook for all the latest updates.

Watch MHR&S live on ustream.tv

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you! Thank you so much for everything that each of you has done for the horses and your continued efforts in fighting for the horses.

Bless You All!

Stephanie and Rob

A special greeting from Colorado

Twas The Day Before XMAS

And All in the Barn

Were Nibbling Their Hay

As they tried to keep warm

---- --

Hope clacked her hooves

Creating a clatter

The horses looked up

And asked "what's the matter"

-- --

AJ just smiled

"We have quite the story

Of a place called Miracle

Where horses find glory"

-- --

"Where equines are rescued

From places so sad

To find love and salvation,

A safe place from the bad."

-- --

They talked of their Gwammie

Of Aunties galore

Who help unloved horses

Find love and much more.

-- --

The horses bowed low

First in shock and dismay

Then in thanks to you all

For all that you gave

-- --

Then they whinnied with joy,

"Goodness makes the world bright!!!

Merry XMAS, dear frens

Much Lub this Great Night!!!"

Merry XMAS to all. The horses love you for all that you do.

Love, Lisa, Hope, AJ and the rest of our four legged family


Friday, December 24, 2010

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 20

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 20, Twas the Night Before

As Steph and Rob drive up to the house, they check the horses in the Lady’s Parlour and the Football Field, all is quiet, Steph turns off the engine, and turns to Rob, "I really enjoyed visiting the grandkids, they were both so excited.", Rob nods, "Yes, I think they will be up many hours before dawn just waiting." They both get out of the Expedition, and slowing walk to the front door, Steph looks around, "Well some of the water is drying up, well at least in some places." Rob steps over a rather large puddle, "Yes, in a couple more days we will just have mud."

As they open the door, most of the dogs look up, Bruno jumps up, as do Truffles, and Moo. Steph says "Were home did you miss us?" Bruno is jumping around to excited to talk and Truffles and Moo, start racing around Stephs feet. "Ok gang time to go to bed." Bruno hearing this lowers his head, and walks over to his bed, mumbling "No Treats", Truffles and Moo, are still running around in circles, "Ok, Everyone to bed." Rob and Steph head to the bedroom. Steph looks out the window, the lights from the tree sends a glow around the area, Justice is eating, Steph opens the window a little bit, and listens, ahhh, nothing, "The sound of peace and quiet."

Just as Steph reaches to turn out the light, Bruno rushes in the bedroom, "You need to come quick, all the horses are at the front door." Both Steph and Rob say "What do you mean all the horses .." just at that moment, there is a knock on the front door. Bruno is wagging his tail so hard, he falls over, "See I told you." Rob grabs his robe and heads to the door, Steph puts on her robe and is looking around for her bunny slippers. Rob opens the door and yells back to Steph, "It’s for you." Steph finally finds her bunny slips and heads up front. "What do you mean it’s for me?" Rob steps to the side revealing, Dublin standing at the door. Steph followed by Bruno, gets to the door and looks out. For the first time in Bruno's life he was right about something, Standing outside were 36 horses, some holding Wal-Mart bags, Spirit was holding the rope attached to the row boat, in which was 'B', Justice had his Red blanket with white trim, his red Santa hat, and a large white beard. Steph turns to Dublin, "If I may ask, what is going on." Dublin leans forward, and hands a Wal-Mart bag to Steph, He stands up, head high, "We have heard a tale about peoples this time of year, and families, and gifts and trees with lights. Then Violette told us about her hold home and what they did on this day." Violette looks around from behind Dublin, she has a small box in her mouth. She walks up to Steph and hands her the box.

Violette begins, "At my old home, on this very night each year, the people family and the horses, and dogs, and cats would gather together and our people mom would read to us. She gave this to me, so I would remember them." Steph looks at the box, rather plain, only a few teeth marks, she slowing opens it and inside is a small framed card, she looks close holding it up to the light. Violette asks "Well you read it to us." Dublin nods.

Rob turns "What is it?" Steph hands it to him, and wipes tears from her eyes. Rob says, "Yes, I think you should read it to them, are entire family is here or close at heart." He hands the small frame card back to Steph. Steph looks over her shoulder, the dogs are sitting down, and looking at her, she looks out around the patio, and each and every horse, and two mules are looking at her. She looks past the horses, toward the chicken coop, the chickens are lined up looking at the house, along with Tootsie from the edge of the coop.

Steph hold the small framed card in the light, "Yes, I think our entire family is here." Steph begins to read from the small card.

"Twas the Night before Christmas
by Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

As Steph finishes, tears rolling down her cheeks, Rob reaches over and puts his arm around her. Rob looks at Dublin, "Happy Christmas to you Dublin and to all of you." Steph looks up, "Oh yes, Happy Christmas to all of you and thank you so much." Steph very carefully places the small frame back in the box and hands it back to Violette, She rubs Violette's forehead, "and thank you." Steph looks around, "People have traditions that mark occasions throughout the year, just as horses do. What I read was written many years ago to show the happiness of the season. This time of year is for family and friends, and you all are our family here. The family changes, we have lost some dear friends, and gained a few. But you are all family." She looks around most of the horses are nodding their heads, some with smiles on their faces, except of Justice seems a bit confused. Several of the horse step forward and hand their Wal-Mart bags to Steph.

The horses turn and return to their pens, Spirit pulling the rowboat with 'B' still inside, probably will take longer than normal. Steph turns and steps over the dogs, "and you are our family also and we lub you all." with that the dogs jump up and return to their beds. Before she closes the door, Steph looks over to the coop, and sitting on the ground next to it is Tootsie. "Rob I have one more thing I need to do." Steph places the Wal-Mart bags on the table and goes into the kitchen. She reaches in to a cabinet and pulls out a can of cat food and a small package she bought awhile ago, Steph heads out the door, and walk directly to the coop, with a few sidesteps around puddles. Steph walks up to Tootsie, who does not run away, Steph say, "I don't know if you understood what was going on, but you are family also, and we love you too." She places the cat food next Tootsie, "And a Special Gift for you." Steph places the small package next to the cat food, as she does, she gives it a small squeeze, and it squeaks. Steph smiles turns back to the house.

As she gets to the door she turns and in a very quiet voice "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night." As Steph closes the door and turns the lights off, she hears a squeaking coming from the chicken coop.

To Be Continued.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 19

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 19, Ahoy Matey

"Rob, I know I shouldn't do it, but I am going to look outside." Rob looks up smiling, "Well after last night, anything goes. Good Luck." Steph not sure if she wants to smile or not, grabs her coat, and steps outside. She waits, listens, and waits some more. Nothing going on, rain falling, some wind, but it seems all the horses are quiet. Steph turns back to the door, and starts to smile, "Well maybe all the talking has done some good."

As she reaches for the door knob she hears it, a strange noise, its coming from the front of the property. It sounds like something being dragged on the ground. "What the heck." She turns and starts to walk around the house. She can see down the road a bit from the lights of the house, maybe it’s something out on the road?, As she looks into the distances, she sees some shapes, horse shapes. "Dang, what the heck are they doing?" Steph waits they are heading her way. She figuring it will take awhile for whatever is going to transpire, she steps under the closest tree, "Love pine trees...." Steph is still trying to figure out who is making all the noise. As time passes, the noise gets louder, she does see two shapes now, on following the other. Steph waits, not really concerned about the time, but just really confused as up they are to.

Its Spirit in front, seems like he is really working hard, and its 'B' but she is not walking, she is standing still... "Ok, Ok." Steph steps out from under the tree, and walks toward them. "What are you two up to?" Spirit stops, drops the rope from his mouth and turns back to 'B' Steph follows the rope back, its tied to a row boat, and 'B' is standing in the boat. "Ok, someone tell me what you are up to." 'B' looks at Steph, "Ah, it’s raining." Steph nods "I know it’s raining. What are you doing with a boat." 'B' looks at Spirit, Spirit looks at Steph, "hmmm, well someone said today that if it keeps raining we will need a boat. So we..." Steph say "So you two went and got a boat." Both nod. Steph starts to think, but really can't come up with a good question, so she falls back to the old, "What are you going to do with the boat?" Spirit looks at 'B', 'B' looks back at Spirit, and they both shrug.

Steph looks at them both, "Did you buy it or steal it?" Hoping they bought it. Spirit smiles, "Oh we bought it." Steph has a smile on her face, "What did you pay for it?" 'B' leans forward, "The fellow wanted 10 dollars, but we got it for." Steph raises her hand "Don't tell me, I am sure it was a good price." 'B' says "yes it got it for 25 dollars, but he charged us 15 dollars for the rope, which I thought was high but we were short on money." Steph thinks, 'I wonder if anyone teaches counting to horses.' "Ok, so you paid 15 dollars for 10 foot of rope." 'B' nods, "We wanted to pay 25 dollars, but like I said we were short of money." Steph nods. Steph turns and heads to the house, stops, turns back, "'B' why are in you standing in the boat, it makes it harder for Spirit to pull?" 'B' looks at Steph, "I didn't want to walk in the mud." Steph places her hand on her forehead, turns back to the house.

Steph steps in the house, takes her coat, Rob looks over to Steph, "So what is going on?" "Oh nothing, it’s all quiet." Steph sits down on the couch. Rob nods well that will be a first. They both settle in, and begin to watch ‘Junk Dealers from Alaska’, on History Channel within a couple of minutes, Rob cocks his head to one side, "What is that noise?" Steph without looking away from the TV, "Oh, its Spirit and 'B', they are dragging a boat they bought." Rob stands up, "This I have to see." He walks to the front door, opens the curtain over the window and looks out, "Yes its Spirit pulling a boat and 'B'. Why is 'B' standing in the boat?" Steph looks over, "She didn't want to walk in the mud." Rob turns back and walks back to his chair, sits down. "Do they have I.Q. Tests for horses? We need to check out Spirit for sure, poor thing doesn't have any functioning brain cells."

Rob looks at Steph, "Why do did they get a boat?" Steph says, "They said they heard someone say that if it kept raining, they would need a boat." Rob lowers his head, Steph says, "Did you say that?" Rob nods, "I didn't think anyone would hear that." Steph smiles, "Well it doesn't take much to set them off.", Rob nods, "You are right." Rob thinks to himself, 'Lord, I hope they didn't hear...’ Steph looks at Rob, "What you thinking about?" Rob smiles, "Oh, nothing."

To be continued

Author: Samm

Monday, December 20, 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010

Happy Holidays AJ, Hope and Lisa,

It is so good to hear from you. It is amazing how beautiful you both look. Grammie has decided to have your cousin Justice sent away for training in driving as well when the time is right. However, the main priority will be to have him gelded. We finally found the last fly, and he was none to healthy.

Both of you are just magnificent. Incredible. We love and miss you both!

Lisa, Happy Holidays to you and yours and bless you for the fine home you have provided for AJ and Hope. They would not be here if it were not for everyone on our team, you included. You all gave hope to their mothers when their was none, you gave them life when it could have been taken away. You gave them a chance to love and bond with their foals. Now, you have continued the bond between horse and human...amazing what this can do for a person, you have ALL paid it forward a thousand times over.

Happy Holidays!

Stephanie and Rob

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 18

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 18, You don't know how to count do you?

"Rob, now that the wind has died down a bit, I am going to check on our muddy horses." Rob nods, "I am sure most have been rolling around." Steph heads for the door grabs her heavy coat, turns to the dogs "Do any of you want to come with me to check on the horses?" All eight dogs roll over as if they didn't hear Steph. Steph leaves the house, turns right, and heads to the Lady's Parlour, as she approaches, all seems quiet all of the horses are standing with the rear ends into the wind. She turns to the football Field, gets to the only a couple horses turn to see who it is, they are gathered in a couple of clumps, seemingly not bothered by the wind or rain. Steph turns and walks the back row, the only one that looks like they have rolled in the mud was General, he covered head to hoof in mud. Every one else is quiet and puting up with the rain and wind. Steph gets back toward the house, and Justice is standing under the shade, intent on something on the ground. "Well he may be smarter then he acts." Steph reachs in her pocket and pulls out a key and opens the gate and steps in, being sure to lock the new padlock, which Rob installed this morning. "Justice what you up to?" Steph asks as she walk up to him. On the ground in front of Justice are a pair of skis, before Justice can answer, Steph says "Are those Skis, where did you get those?" Justice looks up "I got them at the swap Meet last weekend. The fellow wanted 10 dollars, but I got them for 25 dollars." Steph nods, "Justice You don't know how to count do you?" Justice looks Steph directly into Stephs eyes, "Nope don't." Steph replies, "Well money, you know the paper kind and coins have different values." Justice nods, "I don't know what you mean." Steph smiles, "I will give you some training on that someday."

Steph continues "Why did you buy the skis?" Justice looks over "I am going to Lake Tahoe, yah know up by Reno for a skiing trip." Steph puts her hand to her forehead, "How are you going to do that?" Justice smiling replies, "Oh at the Retirement Home, I signed up for the trip they are taking up to Reno." Steph still wondering what they heck is going on, "They let you sign up for one of their trips?" Justice replies, "Oh, yes, they like me. And Fred helped with all the paper work." Steph replies, "Oh, yes, I am sure helped you out. Do the people at the retirement home know you are a horse?" "Oh, yes, I went done there and signed the release forms and paid for the trip. They even suggested some activities like snowboarding, and skiing, I don't know what snowboarding is, but I like to ski." Steph shakes her head, "Justice you have never skied, how do you know you like it?" Justice turns a bit and digs in the dirt and pulls out a Victora Secret's bag. "Justice where did you get that?" Justice looks up puzzled, "oh you mean the bag, Bruno got it for me." Steph takes the bag, opens it, and pulls out a copy of brigh yellow copy of "Skiing for Dummies." Steph puts the book back in bag, and hands it back to Justice. Steph in a firm voice, "Justice no skiing, no trips to Reno, and stop going to Swamp Meets. You hear me?" Justice nods, and lowers his head. Steph turns back to the gate, pulls the key out and unlocks the lock, and walks out, turns and locks the gate again. "Ya know this was the best idea Rob has had in awhile." Steph smiles, knowning that Rob has a lot of good ideas, but this one may keep the horses safe and secure.

Steph walks over to the house, opens the door steps inside, takes her coat off. Rob looks up, "So how are the horses?" Steph smiles, "Only a few have rolled around in the mud, General appears to have taken pride in getting all muddy." Rob says "He was always one for mud." Steph sits down on the couch, slips on her bunny slippers and lays back. "Rob did you know that Justice bought a pair of skis at the Swap Meet last weekend?" Rob sits up, "He what?" Steph nods, "Yep, bought a pair of skis, Justice says the fellow wanted 10 dollars, but he paid 25 dollars." Rob puts his hand to his forehead, a move that Steph has perfected over the last few weeks. "I am beginning to wonder about that boy." Steph nods, "You haven't heard the best part. He signed up for a trip to Reno to go skiing." Rob stands up, "He What?" Steph motions for Rob to sit back down. "Yeah, the retirement home is taking a trip up there and they let him sign up for it. Since you have meet some of the folks down there you might want to stop by there and talk to them." Rob shakes his head, "How could someone sign up a horse for a skiing trip. What are those people thinking?" Steph nods, "Justice says they like him, so maybe they have adopted him as a mascot or something." Rob looks over, "Why do they need a horse, they got that silly goat."

Rob looks over, "Do you want to go to bed early tonight?" Steph turns, "Yes long day yesterday and today." Steph grabs her blanky, sits up, Rob stands up, and heads to the bed room. Then comes the hoof falls out side the front, both Steph and Rob turn to the door. As they wait, they hear a knocking on the door. They each look at each other, they both start to say, 'Who could that be.' then think better of it. Steph walks to the door opens the curtain over the window. Its Justice standing there. "Its Justice." Rob walks up, "Of course who else would it be." steph opens the door. Justice looks up, "Sorry to bother you, but do you have any wax. I need to wax my skis." Before Steph can answer, Rob starts "Justice, we don't have any wax, and you can't go skiing." Justice looks from Rob to Steph hoping for a different answer. Steph shakes her head, "No skiing." Justice lowers his head and turns to walk away, Steph closes the door, and walks back to the bedroom. Rob says, "How did he get out, there are only two keys to all the locks. Darn horses." Steph turns to Rob, "I have no idea."

Rob shakes his head, "Darn horses will drive us both nuts. And Justice is so dumb, he doesn't know he will need four skis." Just as they sit down on the bed, and just as Steph takes off the bunny slippers there is another knock on the door. Both Steph and Rob stand up and make the trip to the front door. Again it is Justice, they open the door. Justice says "Oh the FEDEX delivery tomorrow is my second set of skis." He turns and walks back to his pen.


To be continued.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 17

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 17, And where do you think you are going?

Steph sits up, her blanky drops to her feet, "Well I guess its time to go to bed." She looks around the dogs are all asleep in their beds. Steph smiles and walks to the front door, pulls the curtain back and looks out, listening carefully, she hears nothing, again she smiles "All seems quiet." Out of the shadows to the left comes Justice, walking very carefully, looking to the left and right, he continues around the patio, and heads toward the Lady's Parlour. Steph turns and walks toward the bedroom. Steph frowns to herself, "Oh, dang. Was that Justice? He better have a good reason to be wondering this late at night." Steph grabs her robe, and heads back to the front door. She opens the door and walks out toward Justice, he is actually walking on his toes, still looking to either side, Steph notices that he has a Wal-Mart bag in his mouth. As she gets closer, she says "Justice" Justice stops lowers his head and turns to face Steph. "Where do you think you are going?" Justice replies, "hvvvv tube sandy clods." Steph replies, "Why do you guys insist on talking with your mouths full." Steph reaches over and takes the Wal-Mart bag out of Justice's mouth. "I have to be Santa Claus." Steph replies, "Justice I told you, that Santa Claus is a people thing not a horse thing." Justice shakes his head, "Santa Claus will be at Shadow Mountain Feed Store tomorrow, I have to be there to give out gifts and get my picture taken." Steph can't think of anything to say, so looks in the Wal-Mart bag, its full of carrots. "Where did you get the carrots?" Justice smiles, "Albertson’s, they have them on sale." Again, Steph can't think of anything to say. "Ahh, let’s go talk to Dublin to see what he thinks about you wondering around." Justice nods, Steph asks "Why were you walking the way you were?" Justice replies, "I was told we need to be quiet when we walk around or if we are on a mission. So I was being very quiet." Steph still not sure what is going on, as they get closer to the Lady's Parlour, Dublin raises his head, and when he see who is approaching, he shakes his head and walks up to the rail. Steph stops a bit short of the rail, "Dublin did you know that Justice was going to Shadow Mountain Feed?" Dublin looks at Justice then back to Steph, "He isn't much for keeping secrets is he. Yes I knew he wanted to go there." Steph looks at Dublin, "Dublin you know that the horses can't leave the ranch it's dangerous, in fact they shouldn't be out of their pens." Dublin nods but says "He had a mission." Steph starts to say something then rethinks a bit. She looks at Justice, "What your mission?" Justice raises his head "to be Santa Claus." nods his head "Yes Santa Claus." Steph replies, you can't be Santa Claus, you are a horse." Justice looks up at Dublin, Dublin turns and walks to the middle of the Ladies Parlour, digs around in the dirt, and picks up a huge War-Mart back and walks back. He reaches over the top rail and hands the bag to Steph.

Steph takes the bag, it is stuffed full. She opens the bag, and looks inside. She reaches in, and pulls out a red Santa hat, next a very large white beard, and finally a red blanket with white fur around the edges. Steph asks Dublin, "Where did you get these things?" Dublin looks at Steph, "It is a secret. We had to hurry to get it, Justice didn't decide that he wanted to be Santa Claus until last week, and we didn't find out that he needed to be at Shadow Mountain until yesterday." Steph nods, knowing this is going to be a long story. Steph asks Dublin, "How did you find out about Santa Clause being at Shadow Mountain?" Steph turns to Justice "And how did you plan to get there?" Dublin does a "Pffft," and walks to the middle of the pen again, and again digs around a bit in the dirt, reaches down and picks up another Wal-Mart bag, this one not as bit as the other. He returns to the rail, and again offers the bag to Steph. Steph reaches out and takes the bag and looks inside. "Oh, my word." She pulls out a screen capture of a face book page, she reaches in her pocket, and pulls out a flashlight, "From some reason, I figured I would need this, lets see Santa will be at Shadow Mountain feed Saturday, from 9 to 1, come get a picture with your pet. hmmm, lets see what else we got, a Conoco Road Map of Nevada dated from the early 1960's, a bottle of water, and parts of two cookies." Steph looks at Justice, "Do you know where Shadow Mountain Feed is?" Justice starts to nod his head, then shakes his head, "Nope".

Steph turns to Dublin, "Where this you get this page?" holding up the screen print of the face book page. Dublin says, "Ahhh, its a secret." Steph nods, "Figures, did you expect Justice to find Shadow Mountain with this road map." Dublin nods, "ahhhh, sure there are signs along the road." Steph shrugs, Dublin you need to tell Justice he can't go to Shadow Mountain and that he can't be Santa Claus." and very firmly continues, "And I mean it." Dublin nods, he looks at Justice, he says something in horse, Justice lowers his head. Steph not sure what was said but seems Justice understood it. "Justice go back to your pen." Justice turns and heads back to the back row. As Justice leaves, Steph turns back to Dublin, "Dublin, ahh, you need to stop these horses from getting hurt or lost, you need to stop them from going out, and and doing these mission things." Dublin nods, "It’s hard to tell a horse they can't do a mission, when a horse is determined, ahhh, a horse is determined." Steph, not sure if he understood, "Dublin, I come by here two times a day, sometimes three or four times, you need to tell me about these things." Dublin doesn't reply, Steph continues "You know of all the horse's that I am here to take care of all of you, to keep you safe and happy. We can't have the horses running around doing missions that can get them hurt." Dublin nods. Steph turns to return to the house, stops and turns back. "Who read this page," holding up the screen print of the face book page, "and don't tell me its a secret" Dublin replies, "We horses can't read, we just look at the pictures." Steph nods, "Well how did you find out what was going on at Shadow Mountain?" Dublin smiles, "Oh, I said horse's can't read, the mules can." He starts to laugh, "You didn't know that, yes, the mules can read, well actually Ruby, Sampson has some problems with bigger words." Steph raises her hand up to her forehead. "Thanks Dublin has a good night." She turns and starts to walk back to the house, she stops, turns and picks up all the bags.

Rob wakes up early and goes to the front room, "Hey Steph, what are all these Wal-Mart bags?" Steph rolls over, "What are you talking about?" Rob yells back, "Wal-Mart bags on the table." Steph sits up. "Dang, I wish some of these things were a dream." She gets up, walks up front, "I need a cup of coffee, Rob do you think you can get the trailer hooked up this morning and take Justice over to Shadow Mountain." Rob starts to ask why as he is going through the contents of the bags. "Are these things yours?" Steph looks down at the table, "They are now, last night they were Justice's." Rob replies, "I guess he does want to be Santa Claus. But I don't think he will wear these things, a beard no less." Steph smiles, "Well he said he would." Rob moves the things around on the table, "Where did he get the Carrots?" Steph nods her head, "He says he got them at Albertson’s, you know they were on sale." Rob smiles, "well he had a good plan, all though even with the water and food, don't think he would have found Shadow Mountain with this map...." Steph smiles, "I didn't tell him it was only two roads away, otherwise he would be over there all the time." Rob smiles, "I will get the trailer ready, you get him dressed up. I think it would be worth the laugh if nothing else."

Bruno looks up "Can I go with you?" Steph turns to him and says "No." as if crushed by the weight of the world he lays back down. Mama dog looks up, "See I told you, horse business is horse business, dumb dog." Steph turns to Rob, "Did you know that mules can read?" Rob looks up, "They can what?"



To be continued.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Season's Greetings from Hope and AJ

Hi Gwammie,Aunties and Unkles!

We want to encourage everyone to contribute to cookies and hay - YUM!!!!

We are doing well and are in the XMAS spirit as you can see from the above!!! We have been keeping our mom sane with our good looks, sense of humor, generous spirits and love....As you might also notice, we have been working on growing fur of late to stay warm and fuzzy for a white XMAS in Colorado!!!

We wish everyone HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Lub, Hope and AJ

Monday, December 13, 2010

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 16

Horse's Tale, Chapter 16, A Beacon of Light in the Desert.

Steph yawns, looks round, "Well it was a busy day, horses cared for, house cleaned, Emails taken care of." She smiles and looks around dogs are all asleep on their beds, Rob's asleep in his chair, but wait, Bruno isn't in his bed. Steph stands up, looks around, and finally see Bruno, or at least his rear end at the doggy door. She watches for a minute or two, he is half way out the doggy door laying down, tail wagging once in awhile. "What is he doing?" Steph gets up, walks over to the door, "Bruno what are you doing?" Bruno's tail wags even more, "I am watching the plot." Steph starts to bend down and look out the doggy door, then realizes that, that is a dumb idea, she stands up, and parts the small curtain over the window in the door. She doesn't see anything, "Bruno what are you looking at?" Bruno backs out of the doggy door, "The plot." Steph looks at him, "What Plot?" Bruno, continues, "Well the horses in the Lady's Parlour have been plotting all day."

Steph reaches down and rubs Bruno's head, "Bruno, what is a plot and how do you know about it?" Steph is close to garbing him by the nap of the neck to get a straight answer. Bruno, moves his head around under Stephs hand to find just the right spot, not knowing that Steph is about to teach him a lesson. "Well according to the History Channel, a plot is when two or more peoples get together to plan something, and plotting according to the Dictionary Channel..." Steph starts to yell, but looks over to Rob who is still asleep. Bruno says "Come look outside." Steph says "Wait I need my slippers and my robe." Bruno heads out the doggy door, Steph gets ready and heads for the door, Steph starts to bend down to use the doggy door, stops, and says "whoa, I shouldn't have watched Alice in Wonderland the other night. Opens the door and steps out, the calm cold night cold air hits her, she looks around no noises, actually no sounds at all, she looks to her left, everything is in order... "Wait, who has been playing with the lights on the tree?" Bruno looks up, "See I told ya." Steph sternly looks down at Bruno, "Have you dogs been playing with the lights." Bruno shakes his head. Steph looks at the tree a string of lights is laid out to the left, "Wait its moving." Bruno nods again "A plot." Steph steps out to the edge of the patio, and looks, there is a string of lights heading off toward the right and the Ladies Parlour.

All of a sudden a horse runs by, back toward the tree. Its skids to a stop at the tree and reaches into the branches of the tree and unwraps a portion of the lights from the tree, then turns and runs back to toward the Lady's Parlour. As it passed this time, Steph recognized him as Spirit. Bruno looks up, "They are going to be Electra Fried, aren't they?" Steph looks down, "Bruno what are you talking about?" "Well on the Discovery Channel they were explaining about Electrification, and that the ropes carry Electron's ..." "Ok, Ok, got it. Lets go see what is going on."

Steph walks to the end of the patio, and starts to follow the string of lights. As she gets closer to the end she see that there is another horse involved in the felony, "ahh, its Jonah, I think." Bruno stops and looks over, "Yes Yes, a plotter, one who participates in a plot..." Steph goes "Shhh. I got it." As Steph approaches the end of the sting of lights, Spirit heads back to the tree, "Jonah, you need to stop." She reaches over and touches him on the shoulder. He turns, and mumbles "hmmsoe caiont stuuup." Steph reaches over and removes the string of lights from Jonahs mouth. "Hmmm Can't Stop." Steph lays the string of lights down, just as Spirit returns and says, "ok more rope." Steph says "Both of you listen, you can't be taking lights off the tree, it ruins the tree and you can get hurt. Do you both understand?" Both horses look at Steph and shake their heads. "Who told you, you needed the lights?" Both horses look to the Lady's Parlour and both say in unison "Dublin." Bruno starts jumping up and down, "Is it a plot, its it a plot?" Steph reaches down very gently and whacks Bruno, "Go back to the house." She shakes her head, "You two stay here. I will get to the bottom of this." Steph walks up to the railing of the Lady's Parlour, looks inside, seven horses all asleep on their feet. "Dublin" Steph says quietly, knowing that horses sleep very lightly, and Dublin knows his name. Dublin raises his head looks around and begins to walk towards Steph. As he gets closer Steph asks, "Dublin are you guys up to something tonight?" Dublin approaches within inches of Steph bends down a bit to be at eye level and says, "Yes." Steph standing nose to nose to 1400 lbs of gods creature, says, "And what is that?" Durbin raises his massive head and smiles, "We wanted a light also." Steph nods "So you sent out Jonah and Spirit to steal the lights from the Holliday tree." Dublin lowers his head, looks Steph straight in the eye, and says "Yes. We are locked in here, and we don't have a light." Steph turns around and looks back at Jonah, and Spirit, "Well most of you are locked in." She turns back to Dublin, "You can't be doing destructive things, taking the lights off the tree is not good and can be dangerous, Jonah and Spirit could be Electra Fried, I mean Electrocuted. Which is not good." Dublin opens his eyes wide, "We wouldn't want that, whatever it is. We only wanted one light." Steph nods, pats Dublin on the head, "Well they are all tied together. But why did you want a single light from the tree?" Dublin presses his head into Stephs shoulder, "I am not sure, Jerri asked and what Jerri asks we do." Steph pats Dublin on the head, "I know." Steph looks around the pen Jerri is off to one side as is the norm, but is looking at Steph and Dublin, Steph raises her hand and with a small signal to Jerri motions to Jerri to come over. Jerri raises her head and heads directly for Steph and Durbin.

As Jerri nears, Steph asks, "Did you tell Dublin to get a light off the holyday tree?" "Oh, no, I would never say that, I just suggested that if would be nice if we had a light." Dublin nods, "Yep that is what she said." Steph rubs both of their heads, "Well you can't be stealing lights from the Holliday tree, if you want a light I will get you one." Jerri replies, "A single light is all we need." Steph nods, "Why do you need a light?" Jerri looks at Steph, "Don't you know, on the ..." Jerri then proceed to start pawing the ground, every ten or so hits, she nudges Dublin who paws the ground. "Well on the 21st of December of your time, its the shortest day of the year, as horses see it, so we try and ward off the darkness with a light, and you have all sorts of lights this year." Steph nods, "What would you do if we didn't have the lights?" Jerri smiles "We look to the sky’s, about this time of year the stars sparkle and shoot across the sky (1), tis enough for us to celebrate, ya know for us to have a beacon of light in the desert"

"I will get you a light, but you have to put back the lights on the Holiday tree." both Jerri and Dublin nod. Dublin yells out something to Jonah and Spirit, and both turn around and start dragging the lights back to the tree.

As Steph walks past both Jonah and Spirit as they drag the lights back to the tree, both are mumbling under their breath, "what now, are we in trouble, who’s idea was this..." Steph pats each as she passes, "you are not in trouble."

Bruno is sitting by the door, "Was it a plot, was it a plot?" Steph looks down, "No it was horses do, this time of year, but you should have told me sooner." Bruno wags his tail so happy that he, well just cause he is happy.

Steph closes the door, takes off her bunny slippers and looks around, "Ahh there it is..." she reaches for the remote for the TV, and heads off to bed.

In the morning, Steph turns drops her arm across where Rob should be, but he is up already, "Rob are you up?", another dumb question in married life, Rob yells back from the front room, "Have you seen the remote, I want to check the weather before I head out?" Steph still half asleep, "Ahh, let me think here a second.... Ahh its in the toilet tank in a plastic bag." Rob starts to answer back, but knowing it wouldn't work, "Ok Thanks."

To be continued.


Author: Samm

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 15

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 15, Ya know I want to be a Reindeer

"Hey Rob, I am going out to feed, you need anything?" Rob smiles, "Well a new back and better knees." Steph glances over to him, "You sure you don't need me to help grab horses?", Rob replies, "No, the owners will be there, should be under control.", "Well if I don't get back before you leave have a good day." Rob replies "Thanks Stephanie, say hello to all the horses." Steph turns and grabs her coat, even with a bit warmer weather its still cold outside. "Ok gang, lets go feed the horses." at which at least five dogs jump, the ones with more common sense, decide to stay inside.

Following the standard routine, Ladies Parlour, then the Football Field, as she stands at the rail and tosses hay over the rail, each horse comes up, Steph touches each and talks to each. She continues to the back row, each horse is feed and talked to, some just asked how they are, other just a loving touch. As she passes Justice in the Round Pen she decides to skip him for now she he is laying down and intent on reading the magazine in front of him, Steph finishes up with Sampson and Ruby, Violette, then Electra, she turns back to Justice and goes into the pen.

Justice looks up, "Good Morning", Steph replies, "Good Morning, didn't mean to bypass you, but you were so interested in the magazine.", Justice nods and looks back at the pictures, "I want to be a Reindeer." Steph kneels down and looks at the pictures, a bright holiday screen with Reindeer pulling a sleigh through the sky. "Justice you can't be a Reindeer. you are a horse." Justice cocks his head to one side, and asks "You said I could be anything I wanted to be." Steph reaches over his neck and hugs him. "Justice you are a Horse, and are going to grow up to be a big horse, just like your mom." Justice starts to get up, but decides to continue to lay down where he and Steph are eye to eye. "Tell me about my mom."

Steph gasps, and reaches for her mouth, and dabs tears from her face. Steph reaches over and hugs Justice, and very close to Justice's ear, "Justice, you mom was a very strong and beautiful horse." Despite the temp, Steph sits down on the ground, and proceed to tell Justice about his mom. Justice nods once in awhile, sometimes looks at Steph with puzzled looks. But Steph continues. Steph finished up with Justice being weaned, she didn't want to continue any farther.

Justice looks up as Steph finishes the story, "Thank you, it was a fine story." Steph reaches over and hugs Justice again. Justice looks Steph in the eye, "Well then I want to be Santa Claus." Steph smiles, and feels a hand on her shoulder, Rob asks "He is ok." Steph replies "Oh thank god yes." Rob continues, "You have been in here over an hour, I thought there were problems." Steph replies, "No, he asked to hear about Faith. I guess I spent a long time telling him." Rob rubs Steph's shoulder, must have been a good story, he has moved in a long time.", Steph looks at Rob, "I think it was, he wants to be Santa Claus." Rob bends down and rubs Justice on the neck, "I think he would do a good job at that. If everything is ok, then I am off to work." Steph looks up to Rob, "I am sorry, I didn't mean to worry you and make you late." Rob replies, "Oh, I was more worried about you and Justice, and I am not late yet. Oh, and Justice thanks." Justice looks up. "I really wanted to be a Reindeer, but Stephanie says I can't be because I am a horse like my mom." Rob reaches down and rubs Justice's nose, "Ya know she is right."

Rob walks back to the house, Steph stands up, Rob about halfway back to the house, turns and yells back. "Take that dang Catalog from him, he is getting to many ideas for a young horse." Steph smiles but leaves the Montgomery Ward’s Wish Book, dated Winter 1978 with Justice. As Steph starts to leave the pen, Justice looks up, "Who is Santa Claus?"

To Be Continued

Author: Samm

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

This is Rocky, who has been fostered by my parents since he was 36. He will be 41 in Jan and he is OTTB.



Stephanie

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Good Morning to All,

On Saturday Great Grandma and Great Grandpa took Amelia to see Santa Claus. Amelia asked for an Electric Train...sigh Santa gave Amelia a talking Hannah Montana doll. On their way home Amelia, said to them "This is the most beautiful Christmas." The innocence of a child and the little things that make them so precious.


Stephanie and Rob

Friday, December 3, 2010

Friday evening, December 3, 2010

Happy to say that Electra is home and is feeling fine. It's very nice to have her home again.

Sophie was 35 plus yrs old, came to MHR with many strikes against her. She was with us for three years this past Thanksgiving. She WAS diagnosed by a Qualified, Certified, Licensed Veterinarian Sophie was under vet care during this time. Dr. Hadland explained the effects of Cushing's Disease and the havoc it wreaks on a horse and any other animal it touches.

We knew it was a matter of time, however Sophie was still being maintained on the Chasteberry, as well as a diet which was prescribed by the Veterinarian...we seek professional help for our horses (veterinarian) and we provide the care that is required, whether it be special diet, xraying their feet, surgery when needed. Colts that are born at our facility are gelded, once again by a veterinarian. We DO NOT diagnose nor treat a horse without it being seen by a vet and we follow through with vets advice.

Cushing's is not a kind disease, and the only way I can explain it, is that it reminds me of cancer. With Cushing's the end can come from the horse having laminitis or internal organs begin to shut down. Sophie did not have laminitis, Wednesday when we left Sophie was eating breakfast. During the day when Theresa came by to check on everyone, Sophie was eating (as she was free fed), Wednesday evening when Theresa came to feed dinner, Sophie was lying down but did get up to have dinner. She ate a bit, and went and laid down again, Theresa called me and said she could not get her up, so I called Dr. Hadland and he was on his way. We were 40 miles from home. I had arranged all this and approximately five minutes after calling Dr. Hadland, Theresa called back and said Sophie had passed. I then called Dr. Hadland back to cancel his coming over. We do plan for their demise to happen, but we knew we were fighting a battle we could not win as once again for those who do not understand Cushings it is NOT curable. It can be stabilized but not cured and Sophie received everything that was prescribed by our Veterinarian.

For those of you who donated towards Sophie's removal, I will gladly send you a copy of the invoice for your review and we do appreciate your help. THANK YOU.

We were not expecting her passing, nor do we plan their passings they let us know in their own way, and she showed none of this.

Thank you everyone for understanding and the moral support you give.

Stephanie and Rob


Sophie

During our drive home from Desert Pines Wednesday evening we received a call from Theresa who was taking care of the gang while we were with Electra. She said there was a problem with Sophie. We contacted Dr. Hadland and he was on his way to the ranch. We were still 40 miles from home. Five minutes after our call to Dr. Hadland, Sophie passed away. Theresa was right there with her, head on her lap stroking her face. Dr. Hadland was called back and canceled.

As most of you know, Sophie had Cushings, and Dr. Hadland had stated upon his initial exam of Sophie that there is no cure for Cushings, she was on Chasteberry daily to stabilize the Cushings. He also said when it takes a turn for the worse, it could cause laminitis, or the vital organs would begin shutting down. She did not show any signs of Laminitis.

Sophie will be missed by all.

Thank you ever so much to Sophie's sponsors, you made a huge difference in her life.

Lil Bear has been placed with General and it is working perfectly.

Stephanie and Rob