Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc.

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Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc. We are a grassroots 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization located in Florida. Proudly established 2006. At Beauty’s Haven, we believe! came to be!
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Beauty's Haven - Where Life Begins, Again!

How Beauty's Haven came to be....

After surgery to remove a tumor that was nearly severing her spinal cord, Theresa Batchelor was told by her physicians that she had permanent nerve damage and would therefore, never be able to walk again. Theresa isn’t the type of person who gives up without a fight. With the supp

ort of her husband, Bob, daughter, Katie, and son, Joshua, coupled with a large measure of faith and determination, she proved the doctors wrong. After months of grueling physical therapy, she regained the use of her arms and legs. She has no sensation or feeling below her neck however, and she must look directly at her arms and legs to know where they are in relation to her body. She is an incomplete quadriplegic. Even after Theresa was able to walk again, the doctors told her to refrain from any activity that might put her at risk for additional injury and that included horseback riding! Since Theresa had loved horses since she was a small child, she was determined to move forward so she would be able to ride once again. Several weeks later, Theresa received a call informing her that a young Arabian mare had been seized by the county due to severe abuse and neglect. The county was looking for someone who would provide a good home for the mare, a home where she would be safe and could recover from her mental and physical injuries. Theresa knew in her heart that she needed the mare as much as the mare needed her. Theresa lovingly named the mare, Beauty. Soon thereafter, Theresa and Bob leased a four stall barn located on five acres not far from their home. One rescue led to another and before long, more space was needed! They decided to sell their home and purchase property in the country where they could pursue Theresa’s lifelong dream of helping horses. They settled on a 17.5 acre parcel of land near Williston, Florida. Theresa named the farm after her beloved, rescued Arabian mare - and that is how Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc. Beauty’s Haven has quickly become a highly renowned and respected equine rescue facility with supporters from around the world.

I know everyone is likely tired of this weather.  Fortunately, we had enough blankets to fit all of the horses.  I’m sur...
23/01/2025

I know everyone is likely tired of this weather. Fortunately, we had enough blankets to fit all of the horses. I’m sure they all appreciate them!

Yesterday there were terrible rains off and on into the night. While it was still light, we took Mishka and Willow up to a paddock on higher ground because his feet would not do well on wet ground for long. Their paddock does have dry ground but there’s a couple spots that he likes to stand in that were saturated.

BOUIE AND FRODO WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ‘HAPPY FEET, TOO!Hi Everyone,Jazzy here again, to thank two very special aunties for ...
18/01/2025

BOUIE AND FRODO WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ‘HAPPY FEET, TOO!

Hi Everyone,

Jazzy here again, to thank two very special aunties for sponsoring a hooficure for my best friend, JoJo, and me.

Would anyone now like to help Bouie and Frodo have ‘Pretty Feet,’ which would truly make them both so very happy? The average cost per hooficure is $45 so if you would like to help, please click on the ‘Donate’ button below.

Thank you!

Love,

Jazzy ♥️

A NEW ROUND!Hi Everyone,Jazzy here, wondering if anyone would like to help me and my friends, JoJo, Bouie and Frodo, hav...
17/01/2025

A NEW ROUND!

Hi Everyone,

Jazzy here, wondering if anyone would like to help me and my friends, JoJo, Bouie and Frodo, have ‘Pretty Feet’ which would truly make our hearts sing. The average cost per hooficure is $45 so if you would like to help, please click on the ‘Donate’ button below.

Thank you!

Love,

Jazzy ♥️

Shai is a mare that came to us from a Citrus County seizure a few years ago and was adopted out to a really nice family....
17/01/2025

Shai is a mare that came to us from a Citrus County seizure a few years ago and was adopted out to a really nice family. In early 2024 her adoptive family had some life changes and Shai came back to us. She lived in a paddock with Amira and they got along. However, once the grass went dormant and we had to put hay out, we had to separate Shai from Amira. Amira can’t have hay due to chronic choke - she has to have many smaller soft meals a day. We tried putting Shai with different horses and nothing seemed to work - she just wasn’t happy. We want all of our horses to be happy!

We reached out to Paul at Retirement Home for Horses Inc in Alachua and explained the situation. He was happy to welcome Shai into their program. What a blessing! Shai was transported there yesterday was welcomed by many. The door is always open for Shai to come back but we think she will be much happier in her new environment.

Much gratitude to RHH! We hope and pray Shai will be happy. And we appreciate Chris taking good care of Shai on the trip there.

I asked Flint to smile for the camera. 😊
16/01/2025

I asked Flint to smile for the camera. 😊

Dancer standing over her BFF, Jo as she takes her daily after breakfast nap.  Dancer is 34 and Jo is 37.  They have been...
14/01/2025

Dancer standing over her BFF, Jo as she takes her daily after breakfast nap. Dancer is 34 and Jo is 37. They have been friends forever and I just can’t imagine one without the other.

When they came to us in 2019, they were both skin on bones. Their rehab went well and both gained back much needed weight. Jo doesn’t have many to chew chew with and gets fed 5 mushy meals a day.

Flint seems to have a renewed sense of purpose and is carrying himself with greater confidence.  His eyes are brighter a...
10/01/2025

Flint seems to have a renewed sense of purpose and is carrying himself with greater confidence. His eyes are brighter and he’s holding his head higher. He is a precious and kind soul.

We are deeply grateful for the support he has received. He still has a ways to go, but his future is looking more promising!

Dr. Valle came out today to follow-up on Flint and do another round of blood tests.  He was very pleased with Flint’s pr...
08/01/2025

Dr. Valle came out today to follow-up on Flint and do another round of blood tests. He was very pleased with Flint’s progress. We should have the results from the bloodwork back tomorrow.

Mark your calendars now and plan on joining us on March 8th at the Goethe Forest Tidewater Trailhead.  Our annual benefi...
03/01/2025

Mark your calendars now and plan on joining us on March 8th at the Goethe Forest Tidewater Trailhead. Our annual benefit ride is always a lot of fun.

Flint had another calm day.  He got a hooficure and has happy feet now.  He simple adores his hay and his mashes.  So ve...
03/01/2025

Flint had another calm day. He got a hooficure and has happy feet now. He simple adores his hay and his mashes. So very glad that we got him here before this cold be settled in this week.

Flint had a pretty good day and I think some of you may appreciate this - his p**p is finally formed!  It’s been more so...
02/01/2025

Flint had a pretty good day and I think some of you may appreciate this - his p**p is finally formed! It’s been more soft than not - watery at times but now there are f***l balls - this is a good thing! His appetite is good and he is drinking well.

We’re having some cold temps starting tonight so he’s tucked in with a blanket. It’s a bit big on him but we ordered him one that should fit. Hopefully, it will be here in the next couple of days.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update and please keep the good thoughts and prayers coming - they appear to be working!

Flint's bloodwork results reflect those commonly seen in a starved horse. While there are some highs and lows, it's enco...
01/01/2025

Flint's bloodwork results reflect those commonly seen in a starved horse. While there are some highs and lows, it's encouraging that there are no signs of infection but it doesn’t help that his f***l was positive for parasites.

Currently, Flint's body condition score is just below a 1. In this scoring system, which ranges from 1 to 9, a lower score indicates a more difficult rehabilitation process. While I can't guarantee Flint's recovery, his determination to overcome is apparent which certainly helps. We will do everything we can to improve his chances.

Today, we observed that Flint’s stool has become more formed, and his appetite remains strong. He was slightly less active, which is ok - we don't want him burning much needed calories. He is still very vocal and engaged with everything happening around him.

During the process of starvation, the body depletes fat and muscle, causing a slowdown in metabolism and resulting in weakness. The horse struggles to regulate its temperature, and the immune system becomes compromised. The body first utilizes fat for energy, and once that is exhausted, it turns to muscle tissue, including the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and heart. This depletion of muscle leads to a loss of electrolytes and proteins, causing a deterioration of the digestive system and reduced nutrient absorption. Flint's gastrointestinal function has been significantly affected, and restoring his ability to digest and absorb feed will take time. However, with patience, a proper refeeding plan, and plenty of tender loving care, we are committed to supporting him through this – he truly deserves it. We will repeat the blood tests in about a week.

Please keep Flint in your thoughts and prayers; your positive support is greatly appreciated. Here, we firmly believe in the power of prayer and in miracles. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year filled with blessings.

Flint was good for his vet exam today.  The vet scored him at barely a 1 on the body condition scale (1 to 9).  Under Fl...
31/12/2024

Flint was good for his vet exam today. The vet scored him at barely a 1 on the body condition scale (1 to 9). Under Flint’s fluffy coat there’s just bones. We should have f***l and bloodwork results back tomorrow. Our care team will review them, regroup, and make needed adjustments to his care. Oh - he’s up there in years, 25+.

The majority of horses with a BCS of 1 and below usually don’t make it - starvation takes a toll. We have had several cases of this nature, and while the majority have pulled through, there have been a couple that we have lost. The next couple of weeks are critical. We use UC Davis protocol in our rehabilitation / refeeding process. I’m including a link here if anyone wants to learn more about it.

https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk4536/files/local_resources/pdfs/pubs-July2012-bkm-sec.pdf

Flint has been more alert today and pretty talkative. He wants to stick around for many more years. He’s got a great mental attitude, which is very important. His eyes are bright with hope. We believe in him and would appreciate continued good thoughts and prayers for him.

We will update everyone again tomorrow. The farrier will be coming to take care of Flint’s neglected feet. We will have the dentist out once he is stable and puts on a little bit of weight.

Have a good night and thank you for caring about this precious soul.

His name is Flint.  He had a good night and was happy to go out this morning.  He’s such a very sweet and kind horse.  H...
30/12/2024

His name is Flint. He had a good night and was happy to go out this morning. He’s such a very sweet and kind horse. He was so very hungry when we picked him up - it was so sad. He truly appreciates his hay and slurries.

I’ll update today when the vet comes out.

His heart rate is normal, good gut sounds, lungs sounded ok, capillary refill rate about normal, a bit dehydrated but he...
29/12/2024

His heart rate is normal, good gut sounds, lungs sounded ok, capillary refill rate about normal, a bit dehydrated but he is drinking. Temperature is a bit low but he was out in some heavy rain before we picked him up - there’s no fat, and very little muscle, on his body. But he’s under heat lamps now. He taped in at about 600 lbs. There’s quite a bit of sand in his p**p - I could hear sand sounds. We will let him relax and adjust to his new surroundings this evening and the vet will be out tomorrow unless we need have an emergency before then.

He’s not out of the woods by far but he’s now on the right path. We will have a better idea of his health tomorrow after he’s vetted and blood test results come back. Mentally, he certainly is in no frame of mind to give up.

I do believe this kind horse wouldn’t have made it much longer - there was no grass, no hay, nothing for him to eat but perhaps bark off of trees. We are very grateful for everyone’s support which enables us to help him.

Settling in. The weather has not been kind today and the temps are going down.
29/12/2024

Settling in. The weather has not been kind today and the temps are going down.

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Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue Where Life Begins, Again!

Theresa Batchelor, President of Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc. is a courageous and compassionate woman who has had to overcome many obstacles throughout her lifetime. She was an active wife and mother of two children when she began experiencing neurological issues due to the presence of a tumor which nearly severed her spinal cord. The ensuing surgery to remove the tumor resulted in nerve damage which left Theresa quadriplegic and she suddenly had to face the grim reality that she would never again walk. As Theresa embarked upon this very dark period in her life trying to adjust to her physical limitations, she happened upon an abused Arabian filly that was fearful and untrusting of humans, humans who had starved and repeatedly beaten her. A connection was immediately forged and it became abundantly clear that the filly needed Theresa as much as Theresa needed the filly. Miraculously, through sheer will, determination, faith and an arduous physical therapy program, Theresa did regain use of her limbs, albeit she remains an incomplete quadriplegic, with no feeling or awareness below her neck. The unwavering bond between this remarkable woman and an abused Arabian filly, now lovingly called Beauty, coupled with the fruits of their relationship, led to the creation of Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue.

Theresa’s physical challenges have made her stronger - she never gives up but, rather, finds ways to work around her limitations. She truly believes that regaining the use of her limbs was due to the intervention of a higher power which enabled her to fulfill her lifelong dream of helping equines, specifically those that other rescue organizations refuse, due to the time consuming and/or immense costs of rehabilitation. Theresa has devoted her life to the rehabilitation of more than 350 equines with birth defects, broken bones, mutilations, blindness, and a host of other maladies, as well as those who were starved, emaciated and near death. Equines that have been neglected, abused, and/or abandoned, babies as young as two hours old, pregnant mares, senior horses and most recently, a beautiful filly who was brutally shot multiple times while innocently grazing, are each an integral part of the Beauty’s Haven herd. Beauty’s Haven is a safe haven where equines find love, care and protection; it is also a place that provides sanctuary to volunteers and visitors alike, some of whom have special needs and/or PTSD, who find peace and healing through their joyous interaction with the horses.

There are countless stories that can be told about Theresa’s remarkable work, but there is one that particularly, exemplifies true courage, dedication, inspiration, and heroism by both humans and an equine. It is the story of Betsy Rose, a pony who was discovered on the ground, discarded like trash, nearing death. Betsy’s odds for survival were near zero and although the veterinarian recommended that she be euthanized, Theresa sensed that Betsy had strong determination and a powerful will to survive. Theresa opted to give her a chance as she promised to make all of Betsy’s tomorrows everything her past should have been. Betsy was too weak to stand and required 24/7 hands-on care while she lived in a sling that became her lifeline. Her heart rate, temperature, breathing, appetite, waste elimination, and overall demeanor were constantly monitored and her care protocol was adjusted accordingly. Bedsores were treated and when ready, Betsy began an intense physical therapy program to build strength and muscle so she could walk again. It took two months before she could function outside the sling without assistance. Betsy’s determination and love for life inspired people throughout the world to believe and to never give up. She defied all odds and today, this beautiful pony with the flaxen mane has a huge fan club that loves her very much.

Theresa has a natural, unspoken connection with equines. These magnificent, powerful beings intuitively sense that she is fragile and ‘different’ and relate to her on a higher level of understanding. Theresa also has a natural connection to special needs individuals who arrive at Beauty’s Haven seeking peace and healing. She has an innate awareness as to which horse would best serve the needs of the individual and pairs them accordingly; through this interaction between horse and human, Theresa has witnessed many miracles; a young child utter his first words after having never spoken, a veteran with PTSD calmly emerging from his shell and individuals with debilitating illness finding peace and comfort. Just as Beauty has healed Theresa, and Theresa in turn, has healed countless equines that suffered the most horrific abuse, her beloved horses are now, healing others by providing solace and hope to those in need. It is truly, the great Circle of Life. Theresa’s own story is nothing short of a miracle. The depth of her determination to overcome is rare. She is an inspiration and a hero, to those who have met her both personally and through social media. Theresa is truly the embodiment of Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, ‘Where Life Begins, Again!’