Thursday morning

Good morning,

After we had problems w/ cam last night, I was unable to chat or even get cam up. However, puter was up in the house but most had left for the evening so I am going to answer some of the questions that I was able to see.

Grace...She has been adopted..Her adopter will have her transported to Houston when he is able. He does provide monthly for Grace's care.

Sinatra..He has been adopted, however the adopters have encountered a family situation which would prevent them from being able to spend the amount of time they want and need to spend with him. Sinatra's care is also being provided for.

They are adopted, they are being cared for by their adopters. Until the time they are able to move to their forever homes they will remain with us. Things happen in individuals' lives which sometimes prevent them from being able to move forward, so as long as they communicate with us and continue to provide for the care of their horse then their adoption contract stands.

Glory had a person who was interested in adopting her, however once again things changed in this individual's life which prevented the adoption from moving forward.

The family that adopted Dancer and Casper were considering adopting Glory. However due to the economy they have opted not to take on a third horse.

Levi: It is very difficult to adopt an older horse as well as to adopt a horse which has sustained an injury and there is a risk of it being reinjured. He is a handful and yes requires an experienced rider, but he needs an adopter who only wants to work him on flat work and who rides in the English Discipline. There is not much call for that in our area.

Individuals in our area are giving away horses and are having a difficult time in doing this. Hope and AJ were very lucky as they were young and healthy. It is an unfortunate situation for many horses and I am sorry we cannot help more.

Stephanie

Tuesday morning

Good Morning Everyone,

It has been a busy morning as always. All of the horses are doing quite well, which is wonderful.

Ruby had her feet done and an attempt was made with poor Sampson. Ruby was very staunch about seeing her Equine Podiatrist but she was more receptive than poor Sampson. It is quite obvious that something and who knows when, but in Sampson's life someone was not kind to him while having this done. He was trembling and did run over Joseph twice, cut his finger open as the lead rope slipped through his hand, and struck out at Rob several times, and actually got loose from them twice as well. They managed to catch him up with zero problems, but it is the fact that he was so scared. When Rob was bending over his front feet you could watch Sampson's skin quiver, ears moving rapidly and his eyes blinking like crazy and pulling his head away.

So in order to end on a good note, Rob took him in his pen, Joe held him and was stroking his neck the whole time. Rob would reach down pick up each front foot several times, and patted him and in a soft voice told him he was a good boy. When he would reach for the rear feet Sampson would lunge forward and spin, however after several attempts and a lot of encouraging strokes of praise he finally gave his hind feet. Though they were not done on this day, they will be on another and hopefully Sampson will understand and find comfort in knowing he will not be hurt. Rob is very impressed with mules and in awe of their memory. He remembers a couple of mules he did a couple of years ago, the family moved away but returned after two yrs. They told Rob that they had problems with their farrier and the mules had given him problems. Rob was sure after two years that he would be encountering the same problems, but he did not. They gave their feet and stood perfectly. He was these mules' farrier until they both crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

With time and patience we are hoping that Sampson will change his mind about getting his feet done and that it is not a bad thing. Just as we hope beyond hope that Jerri will make a complete turn around and begin to trust humans more and will accept all of us and not just one or two.

I wanted to remind everyone that I will not be doing Live Chat on Friday the 31st or Monday the 3rd. We will be very busy this coming weekend and I do not anticipate being able to be on the computer much at all. Just wanted to give a heads up. Also, if time allows I will be chatting beginning between 5 and 5:30pm today. If you have questions, would you please be so kind to email them to me at miraclehorserescue01@gmail with your names and I will be able to answer them and I will also give your name. I will read your name and your question, as the good folks that view the blog and the website do not have the luxury of seeing what is typed by each of you.

I do hope that everyone has a great day, and that something special comes your way and makes you smile or laugh.

Stephanie

Happy 5 month birthday, Hope!

Happy 5 months birthday Hope..You are a special Angel of a Horse....Forever in my heart and an inspiration to all.

Stephanie

Monday morning

Here is the Beautiful Apple..responsible for all the joy brought to many by AJ. This photo was just taken this morning after she was given her breakfast and all her goodies.She still needs a bit more weight to be at her optimum weight but this has to be done gradually in order to avoid other problems that can arise.

AJ, Hope and their new friends in Colorado

Sunday morning

My Dearest Hope and AJ,

I have seen all the wonderful pictures that your Mommy has posted and I know I have not said much. It seems when I look at you both I get this huge lump in my throat and an ache in my heart. I wish that I lived closer to you, because I truly miss you. I thought it would be easier on me, but I guess I broke my own rule...I fell in love with you both but who wouldn't.

You look wonderful and all your new friends..wow. Grammie loves Nemo as he is just fascinating to look at.

Could you do me a favor little ones, would you ask your mom, to wrap her arms around your neck for me, and whisper in your ears, thank you. Thank you for all that you did for me when our family was going through a tough time. That you brought me joy daily with your sweet antics. I Love you two and you have made a difference in my life.

***************************************************

Dear Lisa,

Thank you very much for everything. I have truly enjoyed the pictures just been difficult to respond to them until now. I know it is silly and some people may not understand the connection but that's okay. If they don't then they will never "Get" what a beautiful animal can do for the soul. Thank you again for everything..

**************************************************

Dear Family,

Yesterday, In chat I told you, Oh I do not miss the kids, but all who know me know that this is not true. This is all good for Hope and AJ, I know this. They did not need to grow up at a rescue, how unfair would that be for them. They need lots of room and more one on one..which is what they have now. They are in a wonderful environment and I told Lisa the day she was here to pick them up, she is the BEST home for them as she knows drafts, their quirks and needs. She will and can give them so much more and I look forward to seeing them all grown up, looking regal, confident and majestic. They were born with dignity, and their lives will continue in a manner that they will always have care and love that they and all other horses so justly deserve.

Stephanie

Saturday morning

This what not to do with Baby Draft Puppies...do NOT leave them in the bathroom by themselves to eat breakfast at 6am. Always remain with them, forget your needs, forget the coffee, just concentrate on them.

Thursday morning

Good Thursday Morning All,

It was a nice brisk 37 degrees this morning. I know it is much colder in other areas of the country but for us this is quite a change. However, it is going to be warmer this weekend.

Well, it sounds like our SPECIAL Little Big Ones are adjusting quite well to their new life. I am very happy for Lisa and I am truly happy for Hope and AJ; however it does not change the fact that they are truly missed by everyone at MHR.

I have been observing Ruby and Sampson, the round pen is really a good place to do this. She reminds me very much of a domineering old housewife and he the henpecked hubby. Last night, I was sitting outside about 10:30 and was watching them. He was standing there trying to nod off, she was standing at his left rear flank. All of a sudden, she reached over and bit the dock of his tail which sent him scurrying away and her in hot pursuit chasing him with her frying pan. We are going to give him some relief though. We moved Dublin and Shania into a large large pen together (which is working great) and Sampson and Ruby will have their own pens but will be next to each other. Hopefully this separation will give him the rest he needs from her "STINK EYE."

All the horses are doing so well, and I am happy for this. Muffin and Acey will be celebrating their 41st Birthdays here very very soon and Rocky will be turning 40. It is truly truly amazing, considering Acey and Rocky came from very poor situations. Muffin had been very well cared for..retired from Team Roping, sent to a Therapeutic Riding facility and then to MHR. In fact Muffin has been very frisky as of late, and his appetite is incredible. The joint supplements that all of you helped purchase has truly made a huge difference in him. His back injury (in his spine) seems to be feeling better as he has been doing some running and stopping rapidly and I actually think I see a smile on his fuzzy little face.

Well, I do have to get rockin' and rollin' this morning as I am by myself this morning. Rob has already left for work and Big Joe had an appointment in Vegas this morning..so there ya go.

Everyone have a great day!!

Stephanie

Tuesday morning

Good Morning Everyone,

Well, I have not said much over the last couple of days...I am having an attack of what is called "Empty Nest Syndrome." I know this may sound silly, but it is true. I am so used to having the little big ones there to greet me every morning, and them there for our late night talks when I could not sleep. I know that it is hard to believe that I would feel this way with so many others in our care. But it has happened.

I sat and reflected over their births, remembering the feel of their wet, warm bodies the mornings they were born. Laughing when they made several attempts to stand and when we had to eventually help them. Then remembering when they would run around staring at all the wonders of their little world here at a rescue...and then I saw the photos of our babies, standing in the surroundings of the Colorado Rockies and all I could say is "AWESOME".. and with that said, I move forward knowing they are safe and will be loved.

I would like to THANK EVERYONE for your continuing support in aiding in the needs of the horses at MHR. When MaryL has started our ABR threads, who would have imagined they would grow and grow but they did. ABR has been a wonderful place to share, educate and support individuals regarding HORSES...which is what it is all about.

We have many wonderful people who read our blog daily and I would like to thank them for their continued support. We are the voices of the HORSE, and we must continue our fight for the end of slaughter, the PMU industry and abuse and neglect.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE BEHIND THE SCENES FOR MHR THAT HELP BUMP OUR THREAD AND FUNDRAISERS AND KEEP THINGS ON TRACK. IT IS A HUGE TASK AND IS TRULY APPRECIATED.

Stephanie

Boo Bakery

Here are the individual Halloween Treat Bags. They are adorable and I wish to thank each of you for your participation in this fundraiser.



Stephanie

For the Babies

Dear Hope and AJ,

Grammie here....well I know that your trailer ride is going well, your in a fantabulous rig and in wonderful hands.

I am sorry it did not seem that I cared about your leaving, but I put my big girl jeans on this morning. I did not want you to feel bad about leaving, cause this is what is for the best. You must grow up, have a job to do and bring joy to everyone you meet. I know this cause you brought many hours of joy into my life.

Your mothers brought a lot of excitement to our lives during a dark time when your human great-grammie was very sick. Your impending births were the sense of Hope that was needed after the loss of your Grammie Nellie, and the loss of Grampie's Mom. Waiting and watching for your arrivals was much needed during such a sad time for many.

Hours spent talking to each of you and rubbing your moms' tummies while you were still safely tucked inside brought peace to my heart.

Hope, the morning you arrived was so awesome, the sun just coming up over the mountains. There was such a calm that morning, and I was and still in awe of the miracle of life. As you struggled to your feet, the others on the ranch whinnying their welcome to you was totally awesome. It was just incredible, and to watch you grow into what you are today as you loaded onto the trailer made me proud and honored to be a part of your formative first few months of your life. I wish you nothing but the best, and if ever you look to the west know that I am thinking of you little girl and that I love you.

Apple Jack, or as you were lovingly known here as AJ Forest Bubba Goober Gump. Wow, what a guy you are. The first day you stuck your head in my chest and wanted me to scratch your ears, you stole my heart. We had something special little big man, can't explain it but it is a bond that does not come often, but one that I will treasure the rest of my life. Looking into your soft brown eyes, I often wondered what you were thinking. Your easy going attitude was pure as the day is long. You will always be an honest boy, willing to please and giving your best. I remember the morning you were born, as I saw you lying there and I saw those big ears, I was wondering, goodness what was he bred to?? I still laugh when I think of that thought. Eventually I know you will grow into them.

You two babies have come into this world for a purpose and a mission. I am not sure what that will be, but I know what you have done for me and the rest of the MHR family and for this I am eternally grateful.

I will miss you, but I will love you always!

Grammie Stephanie

Congratulations to our winners!

The winner of the Silent Bid Auction for the Hope/Jerri blanket: JeriC27

The winner of the AJ/Apple Plaque: Linda R in Nevada.

Congratulations to both of you and thanks to all who participated!

AJ and Hope

Our good friends, Linda and Roger, came to say good bye to the babies today


These are our neighbors, Sheree and Duke. They have watched the babies grow up, and they are MHR Bloggers. They came to say their Good-byes

Ruby and Sampson

Ruby on the left and Sampson on the right. This is their position for driving


Ruby closest to camera







All pictures taken on 10/18/08

Friday afternoon

In January 2008, we awaited the arrival of three beautiful PMU Draft Mares in foal, all the way to us from Canada.

They arrived and showed up on the scene with much gusto. We all agonized over the death of Nellie and Lil Angel in March 2008 and were beside ourselves with this loss despite our efforts.

We began working more with Jerri as we knew the importance of being able to handle her before and after foaling. The hours of waiting were fun but nerve wracking as well. In the dawn hours, with the desert sun beginning to peek over the Eastern Mountains at 5:20am on May 29th, Nellie's Hope decided to enter the world in all her glory. We were in awe. She was and still is beautiful.

Over the next two weeks we watched as she grew, but we also began watching and anticipating Apple's impending birth. In the wee morning hours of June 16th at 3:30am, Apple Jack graced us with his presence. He has the most wonderful personality.

Well, here we are 4.5 and 4 months later. Hope and AJ have been a huge source and comfort to many as we watched their antics together. They came into this world with so many loving them from afar and those who were able to loved them up close and personal.

In the next 48 hours they will be leaving for the next trek of their lives...I want to say thank you to everyone for helping bring their mothers to MHR, for helping raise them during this short period of time and for loving them no matter how far or near you are. It has been a grand journey, but their next journey is much more grand as Lisa will be showing us how they grow and what they learn and do. This is and always was what it is for MHR, finding the perfect "FOREVER" homes for our horses, and if they cannot leave then we will love and care for them the remainder of their days.

Stephanie

Friday morning

Good Friday Morning/Afternoon to Everyone,

We hope that this will find everyone doing well. Everything at the ranch is doing great. We have made all preparations for the departure of Hope and AJ to their new home in Colorado. They willbe departing Sunday Morning early.

Please remember the beautiful blanket of "Hope's First Day of Life" and the beautiful plaque of "Apple and AJ" only have a few hours left.

Sampson and Ruby have adjusted very well to their new environment and we will be sharing them with all of you via ustream once Hope and AJ have departed MHR. Sampson and Ruby are with us due to some sad extentuating circumstances and that is all I am able to share at this time.

Bruno and Adrian are doing great and will be taken to the vet this afternoon for their first visit, to establish records and to ensure there are no health issues. I will say they are a rowdy pair and keep us on our toes.

All else is well, horses are fine and the day has been quiet thus far....which is the way we like it.

Thank you to everyone for all that you do.

Stephanie

Happy trails to our Little Big Ones

As I write this to all of you, I must admit that I have tears in my eyes. The realization of Hope and AJ has hit me full force today as I got their Final Traveling papers, the "Health Certificate," today from Dr. Henesler. They have all proper documentation for their new life w/ mommy Lisa in Colorado. I would like to share this with as I thought to myself "Happy Trails" Little Big Ones, may the Lord keep you safe and may your lives be filled with love and new adventures and of course lots of songs sung to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcYsO890YJY

Love Grammie, Grampie and all your Aunties and Uncles

We dub thee...

The names have been selected for your mules

They are

Sampson and Ruby

Ruby was submitted by Sheree who watches the cam via our Blog

and

Lynn Stewart for Sampson

Congratulations Ladies

Coffee Mugs on the way!

The mules when they first arrived