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RVR Horse Rescue is Back on the Road!

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

Campaign to attain truck is successful!

Riverview, FL – When their truck was no longer reliable to rescue abused and neglected horses, RVR Horse Rescue began borrowing trucks of generous neighbors, but quickly realized a dependable vehicle of their own was a necessity.

Truck Fundraiser

A $10K grant from the ASPCA was the catalyst that sparked the full-fledged campaign to their supporters. When those donations were tallied and added to the grant funds, there was a sizable pot to purchase the vehicle needed.

RVR Horse Rescue set the next challenge before the local truck dealerships… Who would provide the best vehicle for the value?

Picking up truck

Without hesitation, Bartow Ford stepped up with a beautiful truck, suitable for towing the precious cargo.

The purchase of the vehicle was an amazing effort between the ASPCA, RVR donors, and Bartow Ford.

This truck is just one more example of how people can change the world when they work together.

Driving truck home

For more information, please visit RVRHorseRescue.org.

About RVR Horse Rescue

RVR was founded in 2004 by Shawn Jayroe and received 501c3 status in 2011. RVR specializes in taking in the worst cases of abuse and neglect. Over 180 horses have come through RVR’s gates suffering from starvation and physical wounds of abuse. At RVR they are rehabilitated and re-homed with loving families. Horses whose age and health status make them less adoptable remain at RVR in the loving care of rescue volunteers. Horses that arrive at RVR too late to be saved or who are terminally ill are comforted by the volunteers during their remaining time. RVR is an entirely volunteer run organization.

To find out more, please visit www.rvrhorserescue.org or www.facebook.com/rvrhorserescue.

https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ASPCA-Grant-Picking-up-Truck.jpg 280 406 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 15:20:322021-09-14 16:44:22RVR Horse Rescue is Back on the Road!

RVR Horse Rescue Earns ASPCA Grant

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

RVR Horse Rescue is one of only twelve grant recipients!

Riverview, Florida— The ASPCA has awarded RVR Horse Rescue a $10,000 grant to help eliminate a significant obstacle in their their rescue efforts.

“Our lifesaving work has been hampered by the lack of a reliable truck,” said RVR Horse Rescue Spokesperson, Kelly Ford. “The ASPCA grant funds will support the purchase of a truck and will positively impact every aspect of the work RVR does. It will allow us to more easily transport horses needing rescue or medical treatment. We will be able to make feed and hay deliveries for the Angels safety net program, our LAR (Large Animal Rescue) team will be able to haul equipment and a trailer for rescue missions, and our CLEAR educational outreach program will be able to bring equine education to the public.”

“It is such an honor to receive recognition from the ASPCA for the work that we do,” said RVR Horse Rescue Founder, Shawn Jayroe. “We have not only benefited from their grant programs, but also from their guidance and partnership. We appreciate that they believe in us. However, the grant was only possible due to the support of our incredible volunteers and donors, who contributed to a successful Help a Horse Day event, one of the key elements that led to the award.”

But their goal of purchasing a desperately needed truck is only partially met with the grant funds. The balance will need to come from generous donors and future fundraising efforts. Tax deductible donations may be made through their website.

For more information, please visit RVRHorseRescue.org.

About RVR Horse Rescue

RVR was founded in 2004 by Shawn Jayroe and received 501c3 status in 2011. RVR specializes in taking in the worst cases of abuse and neglect. Over 180 horses have come through RVR’s gates suffering from starvation and physical wounds of abuse. At RVR they are rehabilitated and re-homed with loving families. Horses whose age and health status make them less adoptable remain at RVR in the loving care of rescue volunteers. Horses that arrive at RVR too late to be saved or who are terminally ill are comforted by the volunteers during their remaining time. RVR is an entirely volunteer run organization.

To find out more, please visit www.rvrhorserescue.org or www.facebook.com/rvrhorserescue.

https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ASPCA-Grant-for-Truck-Thank-you.jpg 280 546 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 15:13:562021-09-14 16:44:54RVR Horse Rescue Earns ASPCA Grant

Into the Arms of Love

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

Let’s face it, the average family looking to adopt a horse (or any animal) doesn’t have the financial means, medical know-how, or time to rehabilitate an injured one. There are many other healthy choices that don’t come with the extra baggage.

Sadly, injured thoroughbreds are no longer useful to their owners, once they can no longer race, but their injuries also make them unadoptable. These ex-racers are too often left in a black hole.

RVR Horse Rescue has come to the aid of these horses in need. Through their association with Tampa Bay Downs, RVR has been rehabilitating and rehoming injured or retired racers for several years. In 2016, they received accreditation from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), allowing them to help even more.

The thoroughbreds’ stunning looks and grand stature make them fan favorites at RVR. Silver Knight is one example of an ex-racer who recovered at RVR Horse Rescue and awaited a new life.

Silver Knight

Chantel Miller’s teenage fantasy of owning a large dapple grey horse, named Lancelot, was inspired by the movie First Knight. It was a dream that stayed locked in her heart for years, until one day shortly before Christmas. She joked with her husband, saying “I sure would like Santa to bring me a horse next year.” To her surprise, he replied, “This summer I will build you a stall and we can get you a horse next Christmas.”

Later, after seeing horses for adoption at a local flea market, the dream sparked back to life. The older horses at the flea market weren’t a match for the young family, but Chantel realized she wanted to adopt a rescue horse, rather than purchase one.

After her friend referred her to RVR Horse Rescue, Chantel spoke with the adoption coordinator and learned Silver Knight had just become available for adoption. She rushed over to meet him and fell in love. Her knight in shining armor, Lancelot, had come to life in Silver Knight.

Silver and boy

After the adoption, Silver settled in with his new farm family that includes an eclectic mixture of a dog, a cat, two alpacas, a mini donkey, a mini horse, and a comedic turkey. His human family loves their new addition, but the most special surprise is the instinctive and profound connection between Silver Knight and his new little brother. Seeing Silver enjoy a snooze while wrapped in the warm embrace of little, loving arms conveys a depth deeper than words can reach.

Silver and boy

The incredible folks at RVR Horse Rescue have worked their magic yet again by giving Silver Knight a new chance at life. But these happy endings are only possible with the help of caring families, like the Miller’s, who open their hearts and homes to rescue horses who need a forever family.

Photos: Chantel Miller Photography

https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/RVR-Rescue-horse-Silver-Knight-and-his-new-brother-photo-credit-Chantel-Miller-Photography-e1491593117186.jpg 467 350 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 15:11:222021-09-14 16:45:31Into the Arms of Love

Warrior Lives On

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

One of the most trying cases we’ve faced at RVR Horse Rescue was of tiny Warrior, one of four mini’s rescued in 2012. Warrior was starved by his owner, as we’ve unfortunately seen before, but his story went public and resulted in serious political backlash for RVR.

The case dumped an enormous amount of stress on our devoted team, but we overcame the adversity, banded together stronger than ever, and continue our relentless fight for equines in need.

Nearly four years later, Warrior’s spirit is still alive to those he inspired in his final days.

Warrior’s Namesake is Born

An RVR fan, Charles, proudly announced the recent birth of his new foal, named Warrior. Charles stated, “Name is in honor and memory of a precious foal in 2012. Shawn Jayroe, this is for you and RVR, horse angels.”

 

Our original Warrior was too far gone to be saved, but now his name will live on in another beautiful mini!

New little Warrior

The Original Warrior

The following excerpt from “A Healing Haven – Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” describes the details of our original Warrior’s story.

 

“One of our most significant cases began when a local veterinarian was called to euthanize a horse in Plant City that had supposedly fallen off a porch. He immediately became suspicious about the claim when he arrived at the property. Of the four miniature horses there, all were in various stages of starvation and neglect, but two were far worse than the others. The vet refused to put down the horse, but called us instead.

Little Warrior hovered at death’s door. The horse that had supposedly “fallen off the porch” had actually been starved to the point of collapse. He simply lay motionless on the ground.

I’ve been rescuing horses for so long that I think I’ve seen it all, but sometimes the human capacity for evil still astounds me. Every case of clear neglect and abuse angers me, but I was enraged when I came on this horrific scene. Warrior had been tied on a patch of sand where he’d crumpled. No food, water, or even grass were within his reach. He was tiny. Miniature horses are normally fat little butterballs at 350 to 400 pounds. Warrior weighed half that. His dark drab coat draped over his bones, showing every contour. It was tragic.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many cases of this type of abuse. What made this one even more detestable was this baby was losing his life only steps away from the owner’s porch. She literally had a front-row seat to watch him waste away to a slow, cruel death.

Miniature horses don’t require much food to keep their compact bodies healthy. A measly cup of food a day, or about $10 a week, is all it takes. Knowing how long Warrior endured the starvation just infuriated me. I can’t understand or accept the mentality of someone who can treat a supposed pet that way.

We had to threaten the owner with a criminal investigation before she agreed to surrender all the minis. There was no way we were leaving with any of them still in her care.

It was out of the question for Warrior to walk to the trailer, but four of us were easily able to lift him using a sling. He barely budged with the movement. His head perked up out of curiosity, but he was otherwise a pile of dead weight. Fear and confusion clouded his eyes, although he settled into the back of the truck quickly.

He warmly accepted the love and compassion we showered on him. I guessed that the attention and affection he received in those minutes once he was in our care were the most he’d seen in years.

We carted his buddies Spirit, Sandy, and Sandy’s colt, Lily back to RVR for their recovery as well, although none were as desolate as Warrior.

At the ranch, we dove right into Warrior’s treatment. His neglected hoofs had overgrown to the point of being ridiculous. They’d grown four inches longer than they should have been, making it nearly impossible for him to stand until the farrier clipped them.

He gobbled up the bits of hay we offered during his exam—probably the first food he’d eaten in a very long time. Our compassionate volunteers rubbed his back, kissed his nose, ran fingers through his black mane, and willed him to live.

His dim eyes were glazed over and he could barely move, but Warrior licked our outstretched hands and nudged them with his nose. He accepted the love we gave and reciprocated in kind. His previous owner had nearly killed him, but Warrior still continued to love.

The pathetic little guy was barely present. His abuse had gone so far beyond tolerable that he mostly just laid still. We worked in shifts, turning Warrior over manually every couple of hours. It took several of us to hoist him up and steady him on his feet. He could stand for only fifteen minutes at a time before he’d collapse from exhaustion.

After two days, we found another horse rescue, Beauty’s Haven, near Ocala, who had a sling small enough for Warrior. The sling would allow us to suspend him, but it meant we’d have to commute nearly two hours to maintain his care. But, as I’ve always seen, people stepped up to the challenge. After we transported Warrior to Beauty’s Haven, we spent another two days nursing him in his new upright position.

But it wasn’t enough. Fourteen-year-old Warrior lost his remaining shred of life only four days after his rescue. We had given our all despite the towering odds stacked against the poor boy.”

Shawn holding Warrior's head
Shawn holding Warrior’s head

Click here to read more about A Healing Haven – Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue.

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https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Shawn-kissing-Warrior.jpg 722 721 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 15:02:162021-09-14 16:46:03Warrior Lives On

5 Amazing Horse Rescue Recoveries

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

Thanks to Shawn Jayroe and her incredible group of volunteer Horse Angels at RVR Horse Rescue in Riverview, Florida, hundreds of equines have been saved from abuse and neglect. Not every animal can be restored to good health, but any horse willing to fight for a fresh chance at life is fully supported by a dedicated team.

Following are five of the most amazing recoveries.

1 – GINGER

Ginger upon arrival RVR

Ginger is a recent rescue who arrived at RVR in May 2016 with her friend, Sugar. Ginger was literally skin draped over bone. Her condition was rated worse than “extreme starvation” on the Henneke scale that categorizes the horses’ physique.   Our dentist corrected problems with Ginger’s teeth, then a body clip and mane and forelock shave helped resolve her lice infestation.  Next was good food on a strict regimen, and lots of love.

Three short months later, Ginger is a stunning beauty. Her healthy glow and full belly are just the way it should be.

Ginger after recovery

2 – ROMEO

Romeo upon arrival at RVR

Romeo was rescued in August 2013. His body score was pathetically low, like Ginger’s was, but his condition was so dire that his recovery seemed beyond hope. In addition to dental infections and many serious injuries, his anus drooped open and was oozing pus.

With the care of his horse angels at RVR and against all odds, Romeo recovered and flourished in the following months, becoming known as The Miracle Boy. His astounding transformation was featured on the front cover of RVR’s novel, A Healing Haven – Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue.

Romeo after recovery

3 – GRACIE

Gracie upon arrival at RVR

Gracie came to RVR in March 2013. The poor mare was brutalized for two years by a stallion in her pasture. He also ran her off the food, leading to her malnourishment. The injuries she sustained from the abuse went untreated and by the time she arrived at RVR, gaping wounds filled with broken bones covered her withers. The unchecked infected injuries dripped vile pus and the horrific holes were packed with her mane hair.

Teams of caregivers at RVR Horse Rescue nursed Gracie’s injuries and they tweezed as many bone fragments from her wounds as possible. Still, it wasn’t enough and Gracie would lose her fight without more extensive help.

Local veterinary angels from Brandon Equine Medical Center stepped in and performed several surgeries that finally resolved the root of the infection.

Gracie’s surgery

Gracie’s amazing recovery was only possible due to an incredible team effort and Gracie’s remarkable determination.

Gracie after recovery

4 – MONA LISA

Mona Lisa upon arrival at RVR

Mona Lisa arrived at RVR in November 2014. Her story is especially touching because her original rescuer was a fifteen-year-old Good Samaritan who risked his own life to save hers.

When the boy met Mona Lisa, her owner had his gun ready to end the mare’s life. Her legs were severely injured, supposedly from entanglement in barbed wire, and the man said her recovery was beyond hope.

The boy pleaded with the man to let him help the mare and with assistance from his family, the young man took the wounded girl from her abusers. He treated her gaping injuries with biozene gel and wonderdust, but her care proved to be too much for him to handle. He finally called RVR in desperation.

When Mona Lisa arrived at RVR, teams of volunteers took over her care, scraping her proud flesh wound and tending to the others. Their hard work paid off and Mona Lisa made a full recovery, followed by a visit from her teenage rescuer.

Mona Lisa after recovery

5 – LUCA

Luca upon arrival at RVR

Gypsy and her two-week old colt, Luca, were rescued in September 2015. The pair was living in an open field, without proper shelter or shade, during an especially rainy period. Between the relentless Florida sun and the particularly soggy weather, the baby developed a severe case of rain rot and sunburn.

A concerned neighbor called a local vet, who contacted RVR after speaking with the horses’ owner. Thankfully, the owner relinquished the horses willingly.

Pathetic Luca stole the hearts of anyone who saw him. The horse angels at RVR worked in shifts around the clock to tube-feed him every two hours until his momma recovered enough to feed him herself. With excellent care, Luca’s skin condition healed and he grew into a spunky little character in a few short weeks.  Make sure to read to the end to see his video. It will melt your heart!

Lucas after recovery

The need for horse rescue is real, as these heartbreaking and heartwarming stories show. Follow the example of the Good Samaritans and speak out if you see a horse in need.

Join RVR Horse Rescue on Facebook to follow the current horses in recovery or visit rvrhorserescue.org to see the many ways you can help. Our inspiring novel, A Healing Haven – Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue includes stories of Romeo, Gracie, Mona Lisa, and many more.

Inspired? Please SHARE!

https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/5-Amazing-Horse-Rescue-Recoveries.jpg 533 911 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 14:58:182021-09-14 16:46:455 Amazing Horse Rescue Recoveries

Life Lesson from Rose

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

This photo of River Rose and our recently rescued colt, Moon, has adorable charm but is like a million other cute animal shots. Except the story behind the photo is anything but ordinary. The life lesson that Rose is demonstrating is, in fact, quite extraordinary.

Rose’s story was featured in our book, “A Healing Haven – Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue”. The following excerpt describes the plight of our precious girl…

“The South Florida SPCA needed to place twelve horses saved from slaughter. We agreed to take two Thoroughbred mares, River Rose and Flattering Irene. The day after their arrival we learned that River Rose had a three-year-old son, Fury, who had been delivered directly from the slaughterhouse to an adoptive home in Ocala.

Rose upon arrival at RVR Horse Rescue

After the separation from her son, Rose showed signs of distress. Her anxiety presented itself as cribbing, a typical compulsive behavior whereby the horse grabs a solid surface with its upper teeth and pulls backward while sucking in air. Our fence railings throughout the ranch show tattletale signs of this common vice, but Rose rocked and cribbed more than I’ve ever seen before. Tears streamed down her face. Her extreme stress would prevent Rose’s recovery, so we needed to act quickly before she lost her will to live.

Rose cribbing on fence

We decided to call the SPCA to see if Rose’s son, Fury, was still available. They contacted Fury’s adoptive parents and, once they explained Rose’s circumstances, the family was happy to oblige and relinquish Fury to us.

We broadcasted our need for help with Fury’s transportation and donations covered the cost to retrieve him. Our hope was that Rose would fight harder for her recovery with Fury at her side. Four volunteers picked up the boy and he was reunited with his mom that evening. The improvement in Rose was nearly immediate. She became calmer and showed more interest in food.

Shawn reuniting Rose with her son, Fury

Fury lived up to his name in temperament, although Fabio would have been a more suitable name to describe his luxurious, flowing mane. Having Fury by her side helped Rose, but her emotional recovery would be no easy feat. Only time would tell how far she could make it, but she filled our hearts with hope when she slowly began to emerge from her neurotic shell.”

Since her rescue, Rose has proven to be a sweet girl, yet remains an introverted wallflower. After her physical recovery was complete, she rode like a dream for our horse trainer, Sergio.

Rose and Sergio

Yet, the demons of her past seemed to keep an invisible shell around this special gal.

And then, Moon came.

The sickly, scrawny, little man grabbed the attention of River Rose.

Check out the short clip of Rose reaching out to her new buddy. If you didn’t know Rose’s history, the video might look like just a cute interaction. But knowing the history of our beautiful girl… Her trauma. Her bumps and bruises, inside and out. Indeed, this precious brief encounter is a visual reminder about life.

It doesn’t matter how broken we were yesterday, or the day before. Each day is a new opportunity to move forward toward a better, stronger, kinder, more wonderful you.

Rose is proof that it’s never too late to start over – to create the future we desire, no matter what trauma our past holds.

Thank you, Rose.

Click here for video

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The Great 8 Challenge

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

Our largest rescue yet!

At RVR Horse Rescue, our mission is to save and rehabilitate as many horses in need as we can.

Generally we rescue one or two at a time, but every once in a while we are called upon to help more.

We were recently alerted to an owner-surrender of eight horses, all in various stages of poor health. The sickest ones showed their starvation with defined ribs and protruding hips.

When we’re faced with a challenge, even one as daunting as this one, we take it on. Our league of incredible volunteers step up to help during every rescue, and this one was no exception.

A trailer was en route to pick up the horses within hours of our notification. The two hour trip in the grueling Florida heat would be difficult, but would bring our new babies to safety and love within our healing haven.

When the trailer full of horses ran into a problem, a replacement truck was sent within a few minutes of the S.O.S.

Meanwhile, a busy group of volunteers began reorganizing the existing herds to make room for the newbies. New fencing and make-shift stalls with covers were erected, and current rescues were jockeyed into various pastures to free up space.

More volunteers were on hand to meet the arrival of the group to help them get settled into their new home. Our vet and farrier performed an initial examination of each horse and took care of any pressing hoof concerns.

Click here to see a video of the arrival of the Great 8!

All of these activities take place quietly in the background. What the world sees is the graceful duck gliding across the water, not his legs and feet pumping feverishly underneath, out of sight.

This is what we do. We pump feverishly below the surface to help every animal we can.

Click here to see the wonderful footage from Tampa’s Fox 13 Ken Suarez!

How you can help…

We have incredible muscle to get the job done, but none of it is possible without the help of financial donors. Every penny donated goes directly to the care of our rescues and gives them a new chance at a good life.

Our Great 8 Challenge fundraiser allows supporters near and far to become part of our team by challenging 8 friends to share our story and donate to the care of our rescues.

Will you help us spread the word by sharing this post?

Click here to check out the details of our Great 8!

Donations for the Great 8 can be made at: Help the Great 8 and general donations can be made at: rvrhorserescue.org/donate/

This is how we do what we do…

RVR Strong

How you can help:


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Healing Haven cropped


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https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png 0 0 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 14:36:432021-09-14 16:48:02The Great 8 Challenge

Sponsor a Rescue Horse

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

We can’t do what we do without Sponsors!

With the high cost of hay and feed, along with medical, dental and farrier expenses, sponsoring a horse helps us continue to care for our horses in need. It costs about $10 per day to feed a horse and RVR Horse Rescue is home to approximately 27 animals.

There are many people who contribute to the recovery and care of our horses. Each has a distinct and critical role.

Our dedicated volunteers provide daily food and water. They muck the stalls and pastures while providing a dose of TLC. Beyond that, each horse is assigned a Barn Buddy. This person devotes a few hours each week to the physical care of the horses. They bathe and groom and provide basic care.

What does it mean to Sponsor a Horse?

Sponsorship makes it financially possible for RVR to provide for these horses and keep them safe. Our sponsors make a monthly contribution to the care of a specific horse. These donations go directly toward the expenses for that particular animal. Sponsorships put a dent in the care and feed costs for each horse, and one of our goals is to secure a sponsor for each horse we care for at RVR Horse Rescue.

Sponsorship is one excellent way for people who can’t volunteer to get involved.

Why Sponsor a Horse?

  1. Make your heart feel good! Sponsorship is a vital contribution to our mission to rescue and rehabilitate horses. It allows people who want to help but are too far away or who are unable to volunteer a significant way to join our effort.
  2. Your sponsorship frees up funds to allow the rescue and rehabilitation of more horses who need help.
  3. The program is a month-to-month donation so you can stop at any time.
  4.  Your sponsorship is a tax-deductible donation.

How Much Does Sponsorship Cost?

Sponsorship costs as much (or as little) as you’d like to pay each month! It’s a recurring payment, but you choose the amount that works for you.

The cost of food, hay, and basic care per horse is approximately $10 per day, or $300 per month. Dental care and any medical care are above and beyond that.

Our goal is to obtain sponsorships that total $300 per month for each horse in our care. Once we have reached sponsorships totaling $300 per month for a given horse, we stop accepting additional sponsorship for that horse.

How long is the commitment to Sponsor?

There is no commitment! You may cancel your sponsorship at any time. Simply click on the link in the email you receive in regards to your recurring donation. It will bring you to your account and you can change your payment options (or cancel) there. If you have any trouble, you can contact us through our Contact Us page.

Do you have questions about Sponsorship?

If you have any questions about Sponsorship or want to inquire about a particular horse, please send your question through our Contact Us page.

I’m Ready to Sponsor!

I want to Sponsor!

If you’re interested in sponsoring a horse CLICK HERE to be directed to our donation page where you can sign up for your monthly contribution. If you’d like to sponsor a particular horse, include the horse’s name in the comment box.

Thank you!

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Saving a Starving Horse

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

At RVR Horse Rescue, we face the worst of the worst cases of abuse and neglect, including starvation. Many times, our newly rescued equines are only skin draped over protruding bones. Upon a new arrival, the intake process allows us a structured way to access the severity of any injuries and the overall health of the animal. Our farrier addresses any immediate hoof or shoe issues and our veterinarian performs a thorough examination.

A numeric evaluation is assigned to the horse’s physique, using the Henneke Scale. This numeric tool was developed to quantify the body condition of a horse. The scale runs from a lower limit of one, which indicates extreme starvation, to ten, which indicates extreme obesity. Many of our rescues pathetic condition are deemed worse than extreme starvation.

New arrivals are placed into a segregated paddock during the intake process. The quarantine allows us time to complete a medical examination, which includes Coggins testing, before releasing a potentially sick horse into the herd.

The Coggins test checks for equine infectious anemia, commonly called swamp fever. This disease is similar to HIV in humans and is transmitted by bloodsucking insects, primarily flies. Often the carriers don’t display obvious symptoms, so every horse is quarantined until the testing is complete to prevent inadvertent transmission to healthy horses through bodily fluids.

Next, we tackle the starvation. A bucket of food to a severely emaciated horse could literally kill it with kindness. If their emaciation has led to poor kidney or liver function, providing a lot of food can result in colic or shock or even death.

Oftentimes, horses deprived of food eat sand and dirt out of desperation. During their recovery, the foreign matter must be eliminated before their system can properly process real food again. As the sand or dirt passes, the animal will lose weight before gaining any, sometimes dropping up to thirty-five pounds worth of dirt.

The intake process includes dumping poop in a bucket of water to see how much sand precipitates out, and sometimes it’s an enormous amount. Pitch-black poop can be an indicator of significant dirt.

Refeeding begins with tiny amounts of mushy high-protein alfalfa hay or pellets about six times a day. The amount is gradually increased and grains are added, along with a small amount of dry alfalfa hay. If we see signs of distress, we stop adding. As the amount of food per feeding increases, the number of feedings per day is reduced until the patient is eating normal-size meals two or three times per day.

Our regimen acclimates the body to food again. Initially, it seems as though you’re not feeding them anything, but it’s all they can handle. We fine-tuned our process over time and out of necessity. Our veterinarians couldn’t provide much guidance in this area because people who starve their animals don’t typically provide them with medical care.

The following video is of one of our newest rescues, Independence, also known as Indy. She is one example of why we try so hard and spend money on animals who are teetering at death’s door. Because you never know. Many horses that we think would never survive, end up thriving. That’s exactly what we’re about: giving a second chance.

Click here for intake Video

Indy is the grey. Freedom is the bay.

Independence and Freedom

Independence and Freedom

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates on their progress.

Article by Shirley Alarie, Author of “A Healing Haven- Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” and “A New Home for Dominick”. Coming Soon – “A New Family for Dominick”

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https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Indy-on-scale.png 400 789 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 14:30:342021-09-14 16:49:18Saving a Starving Horse

RVR Horse Rescue wins another Grant from ASPCA

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

$10K grant goes hand in hand with mentorship program

Riverview, FL—RVR Horse Rescue announced today that it has received a $10,000 grant from the ASPCA’s Equine Fund. The grant will be used to complete capital improvements to fencing and stalls, and for further administrative training and development. “RVR has experienced great growth in the past few years,” said Shawn Jayroe, RVR founder and President. “These grant funds from the ASPCA will help RVR maintain our facility standards and grow our administrative capabilities. We will replace deteriorating sections of fencing, build more feeding stalls and obtain shelter oriented software for management of rescue data.”

“The ASPCA is pleased to award this grant to RVR Horse Rescue to help cover the costs associated with making capital improvements and we thank them for their commitment to animal welfare,” said Stacy Segal, director of Equine Initiatives for the ASPCA. “RVR is a vital resource to its community and the ASPCA is proud to invest in it’s future. We’re excited to lend support to RVR as it grows through new programs, capital improvements, and professional development.”

The $10,000 grant comes as part of a mentorship program of the ASPCA. Rescues showing great promise are chosen to participate in a yearlong partnership with a representative from the Equine Fund. The objective of the mentorship program is to assist rescues in managing growth, reaching rescue goals, and expanding their impact on the animal community. The ASPCA will be working with RVR to obtain accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, an organization that “promotes and validates excellence in animal sanctuary management.”

About RVR Horse Rescue:
RVR was founded in 2004 by Shawn Jayroe. It received 501c3 status in 2011. RVR specializes in taking in the worst cases of abuse and neglect. Over 180 horses have come through RVR’s gates suffering from starvation and physical wounds of abuse. At RVR they are rehabilitated and re-homed with loving families. Horses whose age and health status make them less adoptable remain at RVR in the loving care of rescue volunteers. Horses that arrive at RVR too late to be saved or who are terminally ill are comforted by the volunteers during their remaining time. RVR is an entirely volunteer run organization.

To find out more, please visit us at rvrhorserescue.org, Facebook.com/rvrhorserescue, Twitter @rvrhorserescue, Instagram @rvrhorserescue, Google+ RVRHorseRescue, Youtube RVRHorseRescueFL

 

RVR
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RVR Horse Rescue ASPCA Grant Recipient
RVR Crosby

 

RVR CLEAR
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RVR 3 Horses

How you can help:


Donate button


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Read our books:


Healing Haven cropped


Real Dom and Cover

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https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png 0 0 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 14:28:062021-09-14 16:50:09RVR Horse Rescue wins another Grant from ASPCA
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