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Horse Racing Retirement

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

Even non-equestrians are familiar with the world of horse racing. The coveted Triple Crown. Churchill Downs. Kentucky Derby. These are terms we all know.

There is no denying the majestic beauty as the perfectly honed horses thunder around the course, vying for the lead.

However, when the horse is no longer able to compete, either due to injury or age, or just lackluster performance, he loses his value at the track and needs to be rehomed. But how?

Thanks to the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, funding is made available to approved aftercare organizations, to retire, retrain, and rehome thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. The TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups (as described on their website). RVR Horse Rescue has applied for inclusion in the TAA program.

RVR has had a longstanding professional tie to our local racetrack. Because of this relationship, we are notified when an injured horse needs a home, allowing us to step in and do the work we do best. Thoroughbreds seem to be the fan-favorites among our supporters and each one is welcomed to RVR with open arms.

Stunning Hollywood is one of our recent examples. The poor boy suffered suspensory injuries, ending his racing career, but otherwise, he’s a beautiful, muscular specimen. Based on his looks alone, many potential owners would love to adopt him, but only after he is fully healed.

Hollywood

Hollywood is under the care of our top-notch medical team. During his first days, he was confined to his stall, which is the human equivalent of bed rest. His small turn-out area outside his stall will allow him more freedom as his recovery progresses and finally he will join the herd in the larger pasture.

Someday in the coming months he will join his forever family, since he was recently Sponsored to Adopt!

In the meantime, our big fellow is quite the ham. His signature head swag and toothy grin delight our volunteers and his many Facebook followers.

Check out the silly boy in the following videos.

Video of Hollywood Head Swag – by Karen Pack

Video of Hollywood enjoying his birthday treat – by Jen Kraemer

To learn more about the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org

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/Hollywood-smiling-e1466380636142.jpg 349 500 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 14:25:332021-09-14 16:51:00Horse Racing Retirement

Companion Horses

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

Horse ownership usually conjures images of galloping off into the sunset on a trail ride or perhaps winning a blue ribbon in a skilled equine sport, such as dressage. And while those typical horse activities are delightful, a satisfying relationship with a horse is not based solely on the horse’s ability to carry a rider.

What is the value of a horse that can’t be ridden? These animals are called companion horses or “pasture ornaments”, and even though they certainly add majestic beauty to any pasture, they are so much more than that.

The emotional bonding, the loving spiritual connection, and simply the healing power of physical interaction between beings – none of these incredible benefits require a horse to carry a rider. It’s a proven fact that a bond with an animal has health benefits to humans.

Miss White and her angel Tara

If you don’t believe it, take a horse for a walk. Having a one-thousand pound animal follow like a puppy is a beautiful experience. Or how about a grooming session that lulls the giant baby into a mid-day snooze? Any of these seemingly insignificant interactions are packed with magic.

Miss White grooming

At RVR Horse Rescue, none of our horses are able to be ridden until they are fully recovered from their abuse and/or neglect. Even after their recovery, some are not considered sound for riding, but their value is still as precious as gold.

One example is our Miss White. The old mare and her buddy, Mr. Black, wandered onto a farmer’s land and eventually ended up in our loving arms. Mr. Black went on to a full recovery and was adopted into a caring family, but his friend, Miss White, was dealt a gloomier fate. The years had worn her down and cancer weakened her bony body.

In anticipation of her expected demise, Miss White was given the run of the property, which she accepted with gusto. She quickly made herself at home, becoming a bull in an equine china shop. She learned that if she pushed hard enough on the office door, she would be rewarded with the carrots that were stored inside. She invaded the personal space of many volunteers, proving her desire for human companionship. The clumsy class clown stole the hearts of everyone at the ranch.

Miss White playing in the water

A companion horse, like Miss White, would be a wonderful buddy to a sound horse, who needs company in the pasture. The sound horse could satisfy the owner’s appetite to ride, while a horse like Miss White can provide both horse and human with loving camaraderie.

Miss White is a perfect example of the often over-looked value of unridable horses. Hopefully her brilliant example will inspire more horse lovers to adopt companion horses.

Check out this video of silly Miss White sneaking into the office!

RIP Miss White.

Article by [email protected], Author of “A Healing Haven- Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” and “A New Home for Dominick”

https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Miss-white-in-office.jpg 828 837 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 14:21:372021-09-14 16:51:48Companion Horses

Equestrian Sports History

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

“Equestrian sports originated over two thousand years ago when the Greeks introduced dressage, a highly regimented training program to prepare their horses for war. [1]

Later, during the Middle Ages, cooperative effort between horse and rider further developed with the introduction of the three-day event, also known as eventing.

This triathlon consists of the original Greek dressage, plus cross country and show jumping. Dressage requires a specific sequence of movements, whereas cross country demonstrates physical endurance and trust between horse and rider while clearing obstacles. Lastly, show jumping tests the technical jumping skills of the horse and rider. Each of these three facets would prepare horse and soldier for situations they might encounter during war.

In time, the same practices evolved into competitive sports as we know them today. The extensive training required to attain the superior skill, cooperation, and trust between human and horse earned them entry as prestigious Olympic sporting events.

Over the years, numerous other equestrian sports also evolved. Some are competitive in nature and some are not. In any case, the cooperation between horse and rider is often a beautiful bonding experience. However, sometimes the human’s desire to win competitive events may lead to abuse of the animal. The value of a prize, or merely competition itself, can supersede humane treatment.” (excerpt from “A Healing Haven”)

At RVR Horse Rescue, the value of the relationship between a human and horse is our first priority. After the rehabilitation is complete, many of our rescues go on to perform beautiful acrobatic dances, as our trainer Sergio demonstrates in the photo with RVR resident, Diamond.

 

[1] Wikipedia. “Horses in warfare.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horses_in_warfare (accessed 8/22/15).

 

Article by [email protected], Author of “A Healing Haven- Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” and “A New Home for Dominick”

https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sergio-and-Diamond-e1464537589488.png 332 400 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 14:18:532021-09-14 16:52:23Equestrian Sports History

RVR Horse Rescue Expands Children’s Outreach

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

RVR Horse Rescue has doubled down on efforts to reach the most impressionable, compassionate, and eager-to-learn audience… children.  What better way is there to promote learning than to feed a child’s natural curiosity with information?

The organization has always recognized the value of teaching children about animal care and encouraged children to ask questions, which they do inherently. RVR’s C.L.E.A.R (Care.Learn.Educate.Act.Rescue) educational initiative was launched in 2010 and program leader, Debbie McCoy, leads a team of impassioned volunteers into school programs and other educational venues.

To further extend their reach, the Rescue has recently expanded into two new areas of children’s outreach.

A New Home for Dominick

The first is the publication of their children’s book, A New Home for Dominick. The story is based on real-life horse and donkey, Charity and Dominick. The very basic introduction to animal advocacy is also a good old-fashioned story about love and friendship and trust. The book has already proven valuable for classroom settings, helping to extend RVR’s mission to the youngest animal advocates. Every purchase supports the care and rehabilitation of horses at RVR.

Real-life Dominick and one of his best buddies.

Real-life Dominick and one of his best buddies.

Children’s Outreach Pet Therapy Program

The second children’s outreach expansion is the development of a pet therapy program, to be used in schools and other facilities. The stars of the show will be the recently acquired mommy and baby miniature horses, Bonnie and Gilbert. The pint-sized duo was rescued when their prior owner was unable to care for their mounting medical needs. They were an immediate hit at RVR, with adults and children alike.

Gilbert and Bonnie upon their arrival at RVR Horse Rescue

Gilbert and Bonnie upon their arrival at RVR Horse Rescue

 

Bonnie and Gilbert’s personalities are beautifully suited for working with children, as was proven during a recent event, when they handled all the kisses, rubs, and pats from the littlest visitors like champions.

Gilbert with one of his little buddies.

Gilbert with one of his little buddies.

 

The goal is for both mother and son to become registered therapy animals, with the assistance of Jennifer Pfieffer, an experienced Pet Therapy specialist, whose therapy work included her own Great Dane and miniature horse, Gypsy. The formal program is set to launch in Fall 2016, with Gypsy in the lead, while Bonnie and Gilbert complete their training.

Jennifer and Family

Jennifer and Family

 

The additions of the children’s book and pet therapy program capitalize on children’s innate desire to learn and will drive the reach of RVR deeper into the community and beyond. RVR Horse Rescue was founded by animal advocate, Shawn Jayroe. Shawn and her army of volunteers have come to the aid of several hundred abused and neglected horses, by rescuing, then rehabilitating and rehoming as many as possible.

You can follow their life-saving work on Facebook at RVR Horse Rescue, or at RVRHorseRescue.org. Readers can also enjoy their adult novel, A Healing Haven – Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue, available at Amazon.com.

 

 Article by [email protected], Author of “A Healing Haven- Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” and “A New Home for Dominick”
https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/A-New-Home-for-Dominick.webp 220 220 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 14:16:002021-09-14 16:53:12RVR Horse Rescue Expands Children’s Outreach

If Second-Chance Horses Could Talk

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

Who knew that horse rescue was even a “thing”? I didn’t.

Sure, I’d seen my share of television advertisements of pathetically thin canine or feline fur balls, with sad, droopy heads and glistening puppy-dog eyes. Small animal shelters have done a good job of getting in front of the public and exposing the dirtbags who abuse dogs and cats. But horses?

When my husband and I first moved to Florida, I needed things to do. Our family and friends were now a thousand miles away, forcing me to find a new path. When I first stumbled upon RVR Horse Rescue in an article in my local newspaper, it seemed like an interesting cause and a perfect opportunity to get involved.

My horse experience was essentially none, so when I showed up at RVR as a novice volunteer, I was thoroughly out of my element and tense about being in the enclosures with the enormous, yet majestic, beauties. But my desire to help the abused and neglected horses was strong enough to overcome my apprehension, so I continued to return.

I quickly realized RVR was truly a special place with a combination of hardworking, caring volunteers and horses who remained peaceful and loving, even after being abused by prior owners. I was in search of my next writing project with a “triumph over tragedy” theme, and I immediately felt that the story of RVR and the remarkable outcome of some of the cases was a perfect fit. I was delighted when Shawn Jayroe, the owner and founder, agreed to a book venture.

During our initial discussions, I was surprised to learn that the very people who were helping the abused animals were actually being helped themselves in incredible ways. The project quickly morphed into an amazing testament of how the horses were actually helping their caregivers heal in various ways. If the horses could talk, I believe they would say, “Your kindness fills my heart with love, peace, and hope that I will breathe back into your soul.”

A Healing Haven

Every person had faced difficult challenges that they overcame over the course of interacting with the horses. Many of the stories were included in the final product, A Healing Haven – Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue.

Animal lovers raved about the book’s focus on the beautiful relationships and positive outcomes. The underlying issue of animal abuse, especially in the equine world, was a wake-up call for those unaware, as I had been. New laws are finally emerging to make animal abusers responsible for their actions – an overdue and welcome change for animal lovers.

At RVR Horse Rescue, the resiliency of our mistreated creatures continues to amaze and inspire us. Their capacity to love and trust after their recovery sets a wonderful example for us humans.

If rescued horses could talk, I believe they would say, “Thank you for being someone who cares. I love you.” But really, they don’t need to speak because they say it all without whispering one word.

Baby Luca’s video below is just one example of so many beautiful endings. LIKE us on Facebook to follow our incredible stories.

Watch Luca’s incredible story here!

Article by [email protected], Author of “A Healing Haven- Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” and “A New Home for Dominick”

https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Luca-Now.jpg 960 800 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 14:13:532021-09-14 16:53:51If Second-Chance Horses Could Talk

Exciting “first” at RVR Horse Rescue—a BABY!

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

In the world of horse rescue, there are a handful of us warriors who network together to save defenseless equines in need of help. In the case of three horses named Angel, Halo, and Crosby, a call for help came to us via Louisiana in August 2015. Good Samaritans had rescued the trio from a “kill lot”, which is a staging area for horses shipping to slaughter. Their lives were slated to end once they arrived in Mexico.

Except they never made it to Mexico, because the Good Samaritans snagged them first. After securing their rescue, the next step was finding a place to take them, which is what led the Good Samaritans to us. In a great act of altruism, the horses were transported many hours to their new home at RVR Horse Rescue.

Angel arriving with her angel at RVR–with her slaughter ID tag

Battered and bruised upon her arrival, the fourteen-year-old sorrel mare, named Angel, was also pregnant. We anticipated that we would see her foal in six to eight weeks. The baby news delighted us all and we anxiously awaited the arrival. Even after more than ten years in the horse rescue world, RVR had never had a birth on site.

As Christmas neared, Angel’s belly continued to grow, but there was no sign of a delivery. Maybe we would have a New Year’s baby? Nope. Spring came and there was STILL no baby, but now we were starting to see wiggling in Angel’s belly. We knew the time was getting close. In the wee hours of May 5th, we were finally awarded with a monumental first – the birth of Angel’s beautiful, healthy, baby boy.

We were thrilled to broadcast our first-ever birth ‘live’ on Facebook as Angel delivered her adorable paint colt, to the delight of our Facebook followers. In only twenty short minutes, the one life we had saved from slaughter had turned into two.

The new mama stepped into her parental role beautifully and the world has been eating up any updates of the baby, as he finds his way through his first days of life.

Angel and baby

At RVR Horse Rescue, we see miracles happen every day. Now we can add the miracle of new life to our ever-growing list. Watch the video below of our new baby entering the world.

Click here to see Video of First RVR Birth! (Caution! Graphic!)

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for regular updates.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

 

Article by [email protected], Author of “A Healing Haven- Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” and “A New Home for Dominick”

https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Angel-and-baby.jpg 720 960 lcameron https://rvrhorserescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RVR-logo-300x125.png lcameron2021-09-14 13:59:412021-09-14 16:54:25Exciting “first” at RVR Horse Rescue—a BABY!

New Rescues

September 14, 2021/in News/by lcameron

These past weeks RVR has been blessed with 3 beautiful horse friends! One of these cute fellas goes by the name of Charlie and he is quite the sweet spirit. Although this amicable gelding was not in good condition when he arrived. He was severely emaciated and had a tremendous injury on his private area. Along with that you could clearly see his ribs through his matted brown fur. He is currently receiving care per veterinarian instructions and is on his road to recovery. On March 2nd RVR received Hollywood and he is definitely a stud. This speckled gray, white and black OOTB is sure to steal your heart. He came in with a suspensory injury and will be in rehabilitation for a while. Along with Hollywood came his friend Ashley a stunning dark bay retired race horse. This young beauty is only 5 years old and is in fairly good condition. RVR was asked to take her in to find her a loving home with her forever family. Any prayers will be greatly appreciated and we are excited to see our new rescues grow and blossom!

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 13:57:162021-09-14 16:55:04New Rescues
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