The Best Blog Readers Ever (Plus, A Francie Update)

I already knew I had the best blog readers around, but shucks, folks, I was floored by the response to my recent post about our rescue horse and the horses left behind that needed help.  All your kind words and support warmed my soul so much that I felt like the Grinch - my heart grew three sizes that day!  And those of you who could, jumped in and donated to help treat the other two horses.  I went to the local farm store and was able to buy the complete gamut of dewormer for BOTH horses, all thanks to your generous donations. 

I helped the neighbors get started with the dewormer, and taught them some about how dangerous these strongyles can be.  They were thankful for the help.  Like I said before, I don't think they mean these horses any harm.  They just don't have the knowledge or resources to care for them.  But with this help, I am hopeful that the horses will start to look better, especially if they will keep hay out for them.  And maybe the skeletal older mare will be able to put on some weight if she can get worm-free.  Yes, I'm a bit of a dreamer, but look how many of you jumped on my dream to help make my wishes for these horses come true! 

In addition, I am working with them to try to arrange for the stud colt to be gelded.  I have someone that is covering the gelding fee, if the owners will agree to it.  And guess what?  I had extra donations left over after purchasing the dewormer, and I plan to put that towards doing some of the basic vaccines when the vet comes out to do the gelding.  That's right, thanks to you all, we can at least get them their rabies and flu/rhino shots! 

I can't even find the words to express how much happiness you all have brought me; that you are helping me care for these horses.  Maybe, with a little luck, once the colt is gelded and healthy we can find him a home with a pasture to roam, just the way horses are meant to be.  Wouldn't it be amazing to see him gallop a green field?

As for Francie, she is doing really well.  She has completed her deworming program, and is feeling like a new mare.  Since the worms are gone, she got to move into her own small pasture, which is full of yummy grasses.  I've seen her run now, and it's a beautiful thing - she holds her head so high.  I didn't want to share any pictures of her at her lowest, when I first brought her home, which is why I only shared carefully angled head shots that didn't show how bad  she was.  She still has a way to go, but now she's looking healthy enough for a full body shot.  Her spine is still protruding, but thanks to a furry winter coat you can't tell from this picture, and you can see how well she's filled out in the hips and ribs in just a few weeks.  Also - can you tell she loves mud?

Soon, Francie will be strong enough to start learning a few more things.  She has already learned how to have her feet cleaned, stand for brushing, and walk backwards on command.  But once she puts on a few more pounds, I'll start working with her on the lunge line. 

Thank you readers, for your support, for your kind words and donations.  You all don't need me to write about the true meaning of Christmas.  You're living it.  Thank you.