The Exceller Fund

02/28/2025

Spring IS coming, we promise!

Spring is almost here! Which means…it's time to schedule your equine companion to receive their spring vaccinations!

If you are wondering what vaccinations your equine friend should receive, the answer is — There are no “one size fits all” vaccine recommendations. A veterinarian who knows your animal and your management system is your best resource to recommend what vaccines your equine should receive and with what frequency!

While vaccination does not prevent disease in all circumstances, a good immunization protocol minimizes the risk of infection and remains an essential component of responsible ownership. A vaccination appointment is also the perfect opportunity for a yearly check-up of your equine friend and a great way to catch any health concerns early.

If you have yet to contact your veterinarian about scheduling vaccinations, we encourage you to do it soon!

02/22/2025

Stunning quilt - last chance because the Special Horses Spring Trash or Treasure Auction ENDS TONIGHT!

https://specialhorsesauctions.org/product/wild-horses/

“Wild Horses in Gold” – 100% cotton quilt was made by Michelle Curry of Wimberley, Texas. The quilt measures 46” x 78.” Simply stunning!!

Starting bid: $80.00 includes shipping.

ThisSpecial Horses auction supports:
TIER - True Innocents Equine Rescue
Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society
Bright Futures Farm
The Exceller Fund
Sunkissed Acres

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today is a day to celebrate love, no matter what form it may come in. We hope you all are spending time with those you hold dearest to you. Our TEF horses always enjoy love and attention, but today we'll be sure to slip them a little extra for good measure.

As always, we advise everyone to use caution and good sense around horses and only do things like what's being shown here with horses you know and have permission to be near. Even with that, always pay attention and listen to them. Never just assume they want your affection, no matter how much you may want to shower them with it. Safety first! ❤🐴

02/01/2025

Firstdowntouchdown (TD) first joined TEF back in 2007. Though he has been with the organization for 18 years, he has had many adventures during that time. Initially, he went to a farm on the east coast where he met an adopter. While the adoption didn't last more than a year, he went to a TEF farm in KY for two years before his final destination in OK. He was among the first four of our horses to join a non-riding psychotherapy program where several of our retirees now participate with teenage boys at a residential treatment program in Tulsa. He has spent the last 11 years being spoiled with attention, doing an engaging job at this beautiful facility.

Sadly, we were devastated to receive a call today to learn that TD had not been feeling well all day and had been off his feed. The vet confirmed the worst-case scenario and we had to say good-bye to a horse that has represented TEF so well. May he fly high and to the greenest of pastures.

We are so grateful to our supporters for helping our beloved boy live the life he (they all) deserve.

Photo: Fall 2024

01/30/2025

All TEF horses are given a dental check at least once a year, but as they age and begin to show signs of dental disease and/or deterioration, some may require dentals bi-annually to keep those chompers in tip-top shape. The cost for the dental exam and float for each horse averages around $250 (this includes the cost of the sedative). Of course, the exam is done to determine whether they require a float at that time and check for disease, which is much easier to treat early on. As we all know, there is nothing more painful than dental pain, and that goes for our equine friends as well, so this is very important to stay on top of. 🐴❤️

01/30/2025

We are honored by the continued support of Pin Oak Stud. They are graciously making a contribution with the proceeds from their online shop for the first half of 2025 to TEF. They have hats, vests, beanies and some really cool jockey shirts (in adult and child sizes). 🏇
https://pinoakstud.com/shop/

Enjoy some fun photos and an unrelated post from them below with some exciting updates!

01/05/2025

Boop my nose for a Happy New Year!

12/31/2024

Life on the farm never stops, no matter what day it is or how much we may want to take off and relax for just a second. As a matter of fact, those very moments are when "farm life" tends to happen. Please keep our sweet "Bill" (Wild Eye Bill) in your thoughts this evening as he's had quite the day. We hope and pray the worst is behind him as he battled a bout of colic this afternoon.

Fortunately, it was caught early, and the vet was able to make it out to administer medications and oil quickly. Let's be honest and frank, sometimes the sound of passing gas can be the best sound in the world for us horse people. Now we just hope that is all it was...

Bill is pictured here on the far left. He is a part of the three amigos who have been together here at TEF for several years. Bill is a 1998 model (we don't like to name ages around here!) and came to us in 2006.

Wishing everyone a very happy start to the New Year! 🥳

12/30/2024

Niles has been hard at work over at Special Horses Secret Santa for Horse Rescues helping our horses (and other groups) get their wishes seen! It's not too late to help grant a wish. Secret Santa is open until the end of the year! 🦌

12/27/2024

A huge thank you to Brennan Equine Welfare Fund for their continued support and dedication to help horses. Funding received goes towards the care of our "Golden Girls" (Golden Years program).

Brennan Equine Welfare Fund Announces 2024 Grant Distributions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024

Cincinnati, OH – Brennan Equine Welfare Fund (BEWF) is pleased to announce their 2024 grants. Fifteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and placement facilities across the USA have been awarded.

Thoroughbred-focused recipients include Bright Future’s Farm, Exceller Fund, Glen Ellen Vocational Academy and ReRun.

Non-breed-specific organizations granted include Brook Hill Retirement Center, Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Days End Farm, Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Illinois Equine Humane Center, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship, and Square Peg Foundation.

This year’s grants have been provided to assist with sponsorship of a retired therapy horses, medications and supplements for seniors, hay, feed and supplies, farrier care, dental care, farm equipment purchase, and general operating and training expenses.

BEWF reports that their grantee organizations are Accredited or Verified by one or both of the following accrediting organizations: Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) and Global Foundation for Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). These organizations are instrumental as partners with BEWF as they are the “boots on the ground” for visiting and establishing the facilities under their guidance and review are tops in responsibility for the care of the horses as well as being financially responsible. This ensures that donors to BEWF can be confident that their donations are helping those that help the horses in the most reliable and transparent manner. Also, the grantee organizations that specialize in therapeutic riding or equine-assisted therapy are Accredited by PATH International, a governing body that sets standards for equine therapy worldwide.

Brennan Equine Welfare Fund is a fund-raising, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization set up through The Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Grants from Brennan Equine Welfare Fund are used to serve equine rescue shelters across the country that provide dignity to final years of aged, injured, abused, starved and slaughter-bound horses, as well as those used in medical experimentation. This fund supports registered, 501(c)(3) organizations that specialize in retirement and rehabilitation services and offer a peaceful and permanent sanctuary for these beautiful animals. Shelters, which offer carefully scrutinized adoption or re-placement services, are also supported. Established in 2000 by Linda Pavey, Brennan Equine Welfare Fund carries on the memory of her equine companion, Brennan (J.B.'s Hero), an off-the-track Thoroughbred.

12/25/2024

Happy Holidays from your friends at The Exceller Fund! Hope you get outside and enjoy yourself today 🎄🎁

12/25/2024

Wishing everyone all of the magic that the season has to offer now and all year long. Have a safe and joyful holiday. May it bring peace to those who need it most. With love and gratitude, your friends at TEF.

12/22/2024

As most of you have probably already read, we are welcoming Mo to our herd here at the retirement farm in OK. That means, we hope to find a little extra feed under the tree at the farm in our neck of the woods. It's not that I don't like to share, but... well, I'd rather not. Don't forget, Special Horses Secret Santa for Horse Rescues can also make a great gift for fellow horse lovers!

12/16/2024

Mewannarose ("Mo") has been summoned to join our farm in OK because another one of our horses (Nikki's Sandcastle) lost his buddy and has been in desperate (his words, not ours) need of a buddy. Mo and Nikki were once pasture mates back in VA a few years ago, so he is the perfect choice. Mo may be doing the asking, but we're sure it's on behalf of his pal, Nikki.

12/13/2024

Exceller Fund retiree Abraham says happy Day of the Horse!

12/11/2024

Let us assure you, Winter makes that tiara look mighty good!

12/06/2024

We get it, Kid... sometimes you have to take what you can get. I mean I asked Santa for an assistant, and he told me he said what he could do, but not to hold my breath. 🤷‍♀️😅