Sunday, February 7, 2010

Well Happy Super Bowl Sunday to All!

This has been a long week to reflect on beginning last Saturday 1/30/10. Our very dear friends and individuals we consider true family members, Jeff and Stacy, were in a plane crash in their Cessna 172. The amazing thing is they walked away without a scratch. This is simply amazing. Jeff is an exellent pilot and Stacy was about to text her daughter to let he know that she loved her, but what was even more surprising she took a picture 10' from impact. Though we could not do anything, we did go out to the crash site to lend our support and hugs of joy! They are here with us today and we are going to watch the game but we are putting together a very large puzzle right now...too soggy to be outdoors but the priority was the horses this AM and they have all been cared for.








We are very grateful!

Stephanie and Rob

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Good Morning All,

Well, we have some drizzling going on, but nothing major. It appears though that many of you have some really harsh weather going on in your areas. Keep warm and safe, if you do not have to go out, don't.

We had some good progress for Katie yesterday. First thing she did was make every attempt to avoid me when giving her bute. She received two grams (per Dr. Hadland), as I have told many of you when they aren't feeling real well they can appear to be just so very calm and sweet. Once, they begin the healing process and are beginning to feel a little better, the real personality begins to reveal itself...LOL She does have a pushy side. :) While soaking her feet yesterday, the abscess on her right foot finally gave way and the Epsom salts and betadine started drawing out the infection. Since we have two different pails to soak in at same time we have been able to watch the changes in the water. The betadine gives the water a light reddish tinge and we watched the water turn darker and darker and other things began to float, so the infection is being drawn out. She stood for a solid 15 minutes in her pails just ground tied. We talked to her and though you could tell she was not thrilled (ears slightly pinned) she went with the program.

Though we knew there abscesses, we are happy that we had the xrays done. This gave us a sense of relief noting that there was very little remodeling of the coffin bones and a good treatment program for her. Dr. Hadland is very pleased with how she looks and has contacted us several times over the last couple of days to check on her. We are very happy that he is on our advisory board, and that he has a true and genuine compassion for these special horses.

We would like to extend our appreciation to our fundraisers for the Valentine Fundraiser! Additionally, our gratitude for your purchasing these wonderful valentines is appreciated as well as your calling in to Shadow Mountain Feed to purchase the much needed hay is truly an expression of love. THANK YOU!!

We do wish all of you a SUPER weekend. I wonder if our Football Team will have their version of the Super Bowl?? We shall see.

Stephanie and Rob

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Katie had her front shoes put on this morning. Everyone who was watching the cam was able to view this. There is no separation at the white line or laminae, which commonly occurs with laminitis due to fever, abscesses etc. She had her front feet soaked and late this afternoon is walking around. She only had two grams of bute this morning at 7:15am. She is not happy with the grass hay, but such as it is this is her new diet plus the rice bran.

We hope everyone had a great day and wishing you a pleasant evening!

Stephanie & Rob

An Apple Serenade

Some things just never change for Apple!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Apple!

Well, here is our sweet Apple! These photos and videos were taken today 2/3/10. She looks absolutely fantastic! She is just as sweet as ever, Apple is Apple with her big plunger lips. Still a love. She has a wonderful home. This is what it is all about, the save, the after care & love and finally a loving home of her very own with a new equine family. BRAVO to all of you who supported and cherished this mare from the beginning and continue to do so. THANK YOU!













Stephanie and Rob

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Hi All,

I wanted to let you know that we ran into Dr. Hadland this afternoon. What was going to be a short a conversation went into a lengthy one.

I asked him today about the putting shoes on Katie. He explained the following to us both.

In December he attended a week long convention with other Equine Vets. He explained yes, her feet are sore, and initally upon putting the shoes on she will be in discomfort but it does not compromise the hoof. He wants her soles up off the ground. He also stated that each vet has his/her own opinions and the study of Laminitis and its effects on the hoof over the last three years has been very helpful in the individual vet's treatment of said issues.

So since this is his prescribed treatment, then we are going to follow his directions. Additionally, since this is one of the primary things that was discussed during the convention, Dr. Hadland has gladly accepted the opportunity to allow us to video him discussing laminitis its effects and his methods of treatment dependent upon the severity to share with all of you.

Stephanie and Rob

Katie update, 2/2/10

The average sole depth of a horse should be a 12, Katie only has a 5 . There is very little remodeling of the coffin bone (excellent). The following is the procedures as prescribed by Dr. Hadland that will conducted on Katie for her road to recovery.

1. NO Alfalfa..GRASS HAY ONLY

2. Rice Bran..to maintain her weight

3. 14 days 2 x per day soaking in Epson Salts and Betadyne. This will cause the abcesses she does have to be drawn out. No sole will be removed from her feet.

4. She will have her toes cut back, which will cause a quick breakover, keeping the pressure off her toes.

5. Shoes will be put on, no pads.

She has this in both front feet. She will be given bute in moderation to keep her comfortable, but Dr. Hadland stated that continous use of bute can be a source for other problems. She should recover nicely in a six month period, but he says she must toughen her soles up.

Thank you all for your prayers and support!

KATIE SAYS WILL YOU BE HER VALENTINE?

Stephanie and Rob

Videos of Katie's Vet Visit

The following videos are of the exam that Katie underwent today 2/2/2010 for Chronic Laminitis/Founder. Xrays were taken of her hooves and we are awaiting the results. We should know by this evening what the status of her coffin bones are. This is not Katie's first encounter with this as Dr. Hadland has seen her twice before when she was with her former owner for similar issues as well as weight loss. He did state that she is at optimum weight and wants this maintained.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Good morning to all,

Dr. Hadland is coming today to look at Katie. She has continuing problems with abscesses and we are afraid the coffin bone may be involved. Dr. Hadland will take x-rays.

I just looked outside and Katie is standing, bearing all her weight on the front. I truly hope it is just an abscess. I would love for her to have perfect hooves, but Katie has never been a sound horse according to Dr. H., as he has seen her long before she arrived here as she had been ridden. Sad but true.

Let us hope for the best and then let her live out the remainder of her life with dignity.

We were looking at all of horses yesterday, and let it be known that the horses we have at our facility presently have various issues, from physical to some mental w/physical disabilities combos. The only two actual physically sound horses we have are Charity and Jerri, however they do have mental baggage due to the industry they were subjected to. The aged horses we have that can be considered for adoption, it is their age that makes them undesirable to most individuals. So in a nut shell, all of our horses will live out the remainder of their lives with us. They will receive love & care. The majority of the horses were not born with these disabilities they were created by man and then cast off like an old shoe.

We appreciate everyone who supports MHR in our efforts to provide for the horses here. Unfortunately, due to the financial constraints that we are under as well as the vast majority of other rescues, we can only take in extreme emergency cases. At this time we have not been faced with this. We do receive call from individuals with horses they can no longer care for, but through our network we have been able to find placement for these horses in good homes, as the owners of the horse is able to make personal contact with the placement home and it is their decision at that time.

Again many thanks for your assistance bless you all.

Stephanie and Rob

Thursday, January 28, 2010 - a few more pictures

Who said I was Cranky?????

Charity, getting wider with each passing day
Justice

Thursday, January 28, 2010 - pictures

Katie: "I may be muddy but I sure look better than I did when I arrived."

Feeder who needs a stinking feeder. Hay on the ground after she pulled it all out.

Justice

Crusty Cosmo. He is dirty but he is doing well. He is putting on the weight he needs, but cannot be turned out yet with the others. We hate the mud.
CB
All photos were taken two hours after they were fed at 8am. 1/28/10

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope you enjoyed the pictures. This is what happens when we get rain. We do not get it often, rain that is, and the horses just seem to go a bit bananas so to speak. I watched Dublin several times yesterday looking for the best spot and when he found it he rolled like a wild man creating his own spa treatment.

Old Man had a great nap, he just does things at his own pace. When he awakened, everyone of course bowed down to him. He is the man in charge of the FB Field. I have really never seen him go after any of the horses, but it is a respect thing. Now he and JD play every morning, JD is the only one that he does this with. This will go on for a good half hour.

Little Bear and Bright are quite the item. Little Bear yesterday evening had his head resting on her back, and of course I did not have my camera with me. When she snoozes, he stands over her.

Yesterday morning when I was out feeding as I approached Spirit and Baby B, there Spirit was on his front knees, hiney waayyy up in the air contemplating a roll in a wet spot, however when he saw me he bounced up and began talking for his feed. They are both such cuties..but I think I have a soft spot for them.

Justice as well loves the mud and water. I caught him staring into a puddle yesterday, and then all of sudden he took his big clod hopper and splashed the puddle. Almost as saying, go away little horse I am the baby.

Muffin and Charity are doing well together. Even though they appear to be avoiding one another, I know that they are comfortable with each other. Charity is doing very well, she has really accomplished her goal of putting on weight. She looks wonderful and appears to be feeling good as well. With each day that passes her little one is growing within and you can see her growing wider and wider.

A special note: We are going to be taking a waiting list for the adoption of her foal when it is weaned. The sire is a grey Percheron/TB cross, and Charity is a Draft Cross. We have been informed that all his foals in the past have liked to jump. But who knows with this little one. We anticipate her foaling between April and June. So when it happens it happens. If you are interested in possibly adopting this little one please do not hesitate to contact us. This foal will have the basics taught to it. Leading, tying, feet being done, etc. prior to adoption.

We wish everyone a good day..be safe!

Stephanie and Rob

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Some pictures taken today

Spirit and Baby B
Old Man
Muddy Misty
Little Bear and Bright
Pahrump Eagle (crow) talking smack to Levi and Jocori
Jerri, Jonah, Whiskey

Football Field


Dirty Dublin
Cranky Candy
Baby B

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Good Tuesday Morning,

Well, this past Sunday was the first trip for me off the ranch since my accident. Rob and I spent a wonderful day together, but then everyday we have together is great. We mixed business and pleasure. Bev actually was on my day trip with me via telephone while Rob was taking care of business. I walked around the facility we were at, and Bev got to hear all the animal sounds as I encountered little cows who were more than happy to lick your hand seeking treats. Our next stop was to look at the little goats which I happen to think are adorable. There were Angora, and Pygmy Goats and then a cross breed of Pygmy and Angora which let me tell you is just too cute. I knelt down and was feeding then scraps of hay and their little mouths were moving so quick to grab at the stems and making lip smacking noises and talking up a storm. All of which Bev heard.

I then encountered two beautiful yearlings, they are the equivalent of Spirit and Baby B. I watched the little colt who found the big water puddle in the arena walk up to it and began splashing the water on himself. The filly was at his right hip, and was tossing her head around as water was being splashed on her. Then all of sudden the colt dropped down and rolled in the water and mud. I laughed so hard, and he thought himself beautimous. It was a very good day.

Monday was very busy around here. Moved horses around, feet done etc. Put Candy in the Ladies Parlour, she gave everyone the stink eye, wringing her tail and snorty. She and Jerri challenged one another, both bowed up and neither would back down. So I guess there is a mutual respect. At feeding time there were no problems, they all went to their feed without incident.

We did get rain last week, so things are still sloppy, however the entire valley is in the same boat. Vegas actually got more rain than we did. Now we have wait for things to dry up, drag out stalls and then construction of shades can begin. Really can't set posts and cement in a muddy mess.

We wish everyone a Safe and Happy week!

Stephanie and Rob

Friday, January 22, 2010

Good Friday Evening to All,

I'm sorry to say that Theresa's mother passed away on Wednesday evening. I am sure when she is able Theresa will thank you herself for all your thoughts and prayers.

My niece, Amanda, is doing well after having a scare with her pregnancy. She is home. Though they thought they were going to have to take the little one at first, they managed to stop labor after Amanda's fall on a wet sidewalk.

I am doing okay, I have began feeding again, it is a slow process but at least things feel they are getting to be normal again. Still very tender, early morning air causes a tingle in the right lung so I just take it slow.

The horses are doing well. We had rain last night, but we are not bad as some of the areas throughout the valley. The southside is really underwater, and the only thing that can be done is wait it out, and have it dry up. Then we can begin our minor clean up, and it is minor.

We hope that everyone has a great safe weekend. Take care of yourselves and we will speak soon.

Always,
Stephanie and Rob

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

THANKS TO YOU, OLD MAN AND JUSTICE HAVE ACHIEVED THEIR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION OF HAY IN EVERY FEED BUCKET. Thank you very very much!

All is good here this morning, everything is quiet which is just the way we like it. Drama requires too much energy that can best be utilized best elsewhere.

We have a few puddles but zero flooding which is a good thing. Yes, we do have some muddy horses, but fortunately not all of them feel it necessary to look beautimous with mud baths.

Charity is doing well. The cam is covered up until this week passes. The weather can change in the desert at the blink of an eye and we could be running back and forth covering it up. So for this week it will stay covered as it is not waterproof.

Well, we do hope everyone has a great day. Be safe!

Rob and Stephanie

Monday, January 18, 20`0

Good Monday to All,


AJ and Hope look absolutely, incredible, beautimous, fabulous so on and so forth and HUGE! Thank you Lisa for caring and loving them so.

Well, it was one week ago today that my accident occurred and with each passing day, I know that we are making progress but a slow one. Rob has been doing a phenomenal job of taking care of the horses and their needs. Our friends, Gail and Crystal, were out three days in a row from Vegas helping, and I cannot thank them enough as well. It has been difficult sitting, lying down and not being able to pick anything up over four lbs. But from what I have been told I will wake up one morning and will say hey it does not hurt.

I just am looking forward to getting back outdoors cause there are a few things I personally want to accomplish. I would also like to thank my parents and daughter for all their help as well they have been so supportive and mom says I am just so stubborn, but you know what the APPLE DOES NOT FALL FAR FROM THE TREE.

Thank you to our volunteers for doing all they do to keep things going. Thank you to Sheriff and Lucy for promoting the Hay Buckets fundraiser.

Well, I am going to go rest a bit, everyone take care, have a great week and stay safe, warm and happy.

Rob and Stephanie

Saturday, June 16, 2010

Good Saturday Morning to All,

Had my follow up Doctor's visit yesterday. I am healing nicely and all is well with the lung. The horses are all fine and doing well. Thanks so much to FAMILY and FRIENDS who have stepped up to help in the daily care of the horses. Rob and I appreciate this very much, as he is on a tight schedule with his job. Yesterday, he worked on horses here as he got finished with his clients early. We also appreciate the moral support we have received from all of you; it has been encouraging in the daily healing process.

We wanted to let you know that the ranch is always going to be a work in progress. Our next goal is putting the shades up. It is not hot, the weather has been mild, and plus everyday-life is there as well. Everything is subject to change at the drop of a hat. So plans are being made to accomplish another job. Some may think we have not moved and done things as quickly as they feel we should have, but I must reiterate that though the horses are very important, we have a normal life as well ie., family commitments, Rob's job, illnesses, my parents, children and grandchildren and other people's schedules and jobs that we must work around. We do not have employees and the vast majority of our help can only come on the weekends. In the case of my accident though they have been here daily during various times of the day to ensure the horses have their needs tended to and to check on me. At this time we are doing the best that we can under the circumstances. Friends will be coming out again today from Vegas to help in anyway they can, as they did yesterday. Again, many many thanks to family and friends who have been there for us and the moral support that each of you has generously given.

Lucy, thank you for the cyber cakes whether they be for someone's birthday or just to brighten the day and bring a smile to someone. Everyone has something positive to contribute in every aspect of life and Rob and I appreciate all that each of you do.

Well, I am going to go and rest for now but we will chat later I am sure.

Rob and Stephanie

Thursday, January 14, 2010

I would like to tell you all that Rob is my HERO!!! He has been so attentive through all of this. We have always been a great team together, and under the circumstances of my injury he has been amazing, simply amazing. He takes care of the horses, makes sure that I have everything I need, and then goes off to work. While he is away, he calls numerous times throughout the day, which he has always done but more so now.

Then there are all of you, who are just as amazing. Do not hesitate to call if you want to chat, if it goes to VM I will call you back. Thank you for everything!

Rob and Stephanie

Wednesday evening, 1/13/10

Good Evening All,

First I would like to say thank you for your continued support of the horses of Miracle Horse Rescue. We would also like to extend our gratitude for your moral support during my recovery.

Yes, I do hurt but this will pass with time, but the thought of your support will always be with us. Okay, I am going to say this as this was a life changing event for me. I have never worn a helmet, I am an adult and that was my choice and my choice alone. Since this incident with my Candy, I am going to purchase myself a helmet (hmmm, maybe some body armor as well) I have childrens helmets here as I would never allow my grandbabies to ride without...so now grammy is going to wear one. Lesson learned!!!!

The broken rib stinks, the punctured lung stinks, but again I am grateful they did not have to tube the lung. I have seen this done and I had no desire to have that done to me. I underwent CATSCAN AND MRI with contrast. Me being claustrophobic I thought great, but you know loopy meds make you not care.

There was a huge screw up at the pharmacy yesterday, so I went without pain meds last night...OY (one of my fav words) I did get up at 12:15 and tried the couch and even the recliner but there was no getting around it. Oh well, on the road to recovery and that is what counts. BUT..the lesson for all of us here that no matter how gentle the horse, no matter how good a rider you are, GOOD THINGS can and do go BAD in an instant. Please let me be a lesson to you all, as I have learned.

At this time I would like to thank Gina and Crystal for being here and being thrown into running the ranch. They did an excellent job. I do feel very badly that their trip was not as planned due to my oops, but having them here eased my mind (even in its altered state). I know that it was quite an education for them, but I would trust these ladies with our horses anytime. I do give them a standing ovation for their outstanding care!

Well, that is the gist of it all, and today all is normal. The dogs stayed with me all day, especially Abby and Ewtie. Gotta love them.

Again, thank you everyone!


Stephanie and Rob

Great News!

Stephanie is being released from the hospital this afternoon and will recuperate at home. She promises to behave herself!

Update from MHR, 1/12/10

Yesterday, Stephanie was riding Candy as she has done so many times before. Candy bucked and Stephanie was thrown five feet in the air and over Candy's head. She hit the ground very, very hard. The ambulance was called and she was taken to the hospital.

Stephanie has a broken rib and punctured lung. No head injuries or other internal injuries.

She wants everyone to know how quickly a fun riding experience can turn into a nightmare experience. Things can happen very quickly even with an experienced rider and horse.

Stephanie remains in the hospital this morning for more tests. She requests that you do not send flowers, but she would certainly welcome your good thoughts and prayers.

Thanks everyone.

Breakfast at MHR, 01/06/10

Monday, January 4, 2010

Charity and her tummy


CJ and Blackie, together forever. The brass plaque has been ordered with the names of all who donated in CJ's Honor

Baby B
Spirit
Jerri and Whiskey
Dublin and Jonah

Happy New Year!

HAPPY 2010 TO ALL!!

WHOOHOO

ALSO A HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SWEET

MUFFIN

WHO IS 42 TODAY!

Stephanie and Rob