The Before and Afters
The Now and Then, and how is life now
Many animals have come and gone through our loving hands.
We have been able to help so many animals, and humans, throughout the years. Some have been due to very unfortunate life events, some have been neglect, some honest lack of knowledge, some violence or other cruelty, some just had no place else to go, and for some there was nothing left for us to do for, no matter how we tried.
We wanted to share some of these stories with you.
Below, please read about just some of the animals that have come to us, and since gone to their new forever homes.
We wish you all the best in life! For the animals, and their new human companions!
Thank you!
Raisin' The Barr
Raisin is a 2010 Premarin rescue gelding. He came to us with a group of other PMU babies. This little guy was one of the shiest ones of his group. During their first week of life with us, all the babies went through a Colt Handling clinic with Anna Twinney and her students. Raisin was the baby that would stand in the corner of his stall, and hide his face in the furthest crack in the wall he could find. As far away from people as he could be, maybe thinking maybe if he hid his face, no one could see him? We still saw him.
Over time, with kind handling, Raising came out of his shell. And what a character he turned out to be!! He liked to pick up things with his mouth; brooms, whips, gloves, tarps, bags, brushes, really anything he could fit in his mouth he found to be a good toy.
Raisin was started under saddle here with us. The goal was to have him be a part of our lesson program, but someone special came to visit the farm and changed Raisin's life forever. This someone, was Chynna. I think it was love at first sight for her, the first time she saw Raisin. There was such a spark in her eye, as she listened to stories about Raisin and his personality. And it's been history ever since. Raisin was quickly adopted, and Chynna took him home.
This is what Chynna writes about Raisin's current life:
"Okay so let me explain Raisins current life.
As you know, he has EPM, so most of our time is spent "retired" because his balance isn't the best for us to be riding. The occasional bareback walk around the paddock does happen. Otherwise he has a very rigid schedule: He eats his grain as slow as he wants, regardless if we have to be to work at a certain time. He naps religiously in his favorite spot EVERY day between 11-11:30. Raisin and his 2 buddies all nap together most days. His favorite things are running around the paddock with his buddy Tucker, another rescue horse (a Haflinger). Tucker and Raisin are similar in age. All while Minnie the Percheron, another rescue, referees them. Oh, and eating grass in the giant grass paddocks too, although he loves our hay so much, some days he prefers that over grass.... So silly.
At our last show, when we could still have these adventures, we won the costume class with a Raisinette costume I made. We like to take cute photos for the holidays. Otherwise he LOVES peppermints and candy canes, and taking funny selfies. Like the one after we got caught in the rain He loves Lilly. She is now 6, and he is beyond gentle and kind with her.
When I arrive and he is M.I.A., I whistle and go "Ray Ray" and he comes booking it so fast, he makes dust clouds. He loves me and I love him. He helps me greatly with my mental health and daily life. I love him and am so grateful we found each other. Even if we cannot ride like we planned, we are truly best friends and we make each other happy."
Ocho
Ocho is Raisin's brother, also a 2010 Premarin rescue gelding. These two boys were thick as thieves growing up! Very much alike, yet so different. Ocho got his name because of the number "8" that was shaved onto his side. That is how all the PMU babies are identified, they get a number shaved to their sides. Ocho = Number Eight.
Ocho also turned out to be a very lucky boy. Long time ago, Patty fell in love with him. For Patty, there was no turning back!
This is the story of Patty & Ocho.
"I met Ocho when he was about a year and a half old. It was clear to Ocho and I, as well as everyone else that it was a match. But a match that needed a lot of work, as I never even ridden a horse, let alone owned a horse. And Ocho was not the best pick for a person who had no experience in horses. He was a bit fiery and just a baby. But I loved him and he had chosen me. That meant many hours of training, reading, studying, trips to Montana to learn to ride. It was a long journey. Lots of tears, but more smiles and laughs! I adopted Ocho in January 2016. He was 6 years old.
Well, Ocho is now 10, and over these 4 years we have learned to ride together. We have done 3 clinics with Buck Brannaman in Maine; we have done a few Cow clinics in New Hampshire. We have learned to split the herd and pen cows. We have attended versatility clinics which include western ranch obstacles. We trail ride, and even have the occasional swim in the river. The world is our oyster as there are so many things we can accomplish with a little work. Lastly Ocho and I are the "stars" for Middlesex Hospital joint replacement division and are in a video for them, in their newsletter, and we are planning a photo shoot this summer for them.
Like I mentioned, Ocho is now 10 years old...I so wonder where the time has gone? Ocho has changed my whole life. He has taken me on such a journey. One I never imagined. Ocho saved my life by helping me find out I had cancer. Without him, my chances of survival would of been bleak. So did I save him, or did he save me????
I love him so and cannot imagine life without him! And I know he feels the same....a perfect match and a perfect life!!!
Thank you Ray of Light for making this possible. Dreams do come true!"
Spitfire - now known as Princess Ariel
Spitfire is a little fiery red filly born here on the farm on 8/12/2011. Spitfire's mother, Rosie, was an owner surrender. She was a beautiful, gentle, chestnut off-the-track Thoroughbred. Rosie was purchased by a wonderful family, to enjoy as a trail horse and a best friend. To the family's surprise, Rosie kept gaining weight. They tried several diets, but Rosie's belly just kept getting bigger and bigger. Vet was called, and surprise, Rosie was very heavily in foal, ready to give birth in the very near future. Rosie's family was not ready for a baby, as they had not had previous experience with a foal. Let alone, foaling out a mare. They did the responsible thing and contacted us for help. We went to see Rosie, and she came home with us the same day. Few weeks later, Spitfire was born. And she was named Spitfire for a reason. She turned out to be such a spirited girl, just full of life!
Spitfire grew up with us here at the farm. She was adopted by a lovely young woman named Diane. Their initial meeting also seemed to be love at first sight! These two girls have turned out to be a wonderful pair, and we look forward to hearing many more stories of Spitfire, who now goes by the name of Princess Ariel, mainly just Ariel. But anyone that knew this red headed mare, knows well that the "Princess" tile is quite fitting.
