SABENE
Paladin Arabian StallionMAY 1983-
A Stallion's Tale A few years ago we were notified of a tragic situation in which a family became unable to care for their animals; inadvertently, leaving them to die. We stepped in and were able to save those remaining but the condition of an aging stallion tore at our hearts. Uncertain if we could rescue the two dogs and three of the horses, we called in our vet. The old gray staggered when he walked. He had soiled water to drink, not a blade of quality grass, no hay or grain had been offered in quite some time... our veterinarian had to palpate twice to assure himself this was even a stallion. Huge tumors under his tail made it nearly impossible for him to move it, even to swish a fly. We stroked his skinny, filthy neck and promised him hope. The vet drew blood, obtained a fecal sample, carefully examined obvious lameness and drew up a plan for a possibility of survival. Today the horse can be seen running and playing with any number of new friends. His gaunt body replaced with muscle; limping replaced with grace; manageable tumors allow his noble tail to flag, but of all the miracle of his survival it is his eyes that tell the tale. His once empty, soulless gaze has been replaced with a knowledge even beyond his long years. The knowledge that for many, and definitely for him, there is a hope. A chance at survival which once appeared so dark, became a dream of more food, more happiness and, more life...
CHOICI
Mentor POA (PONY OF AMERICAS)2011-
A Heartfelt Choice An adorable filly who was the product of an unknown pregnancy is safely maturing into a lovely mare as part of our Sanctuary herd. When her dam’s new owners realized their horse was turning into two horses, they looked into their hearts. Struggling with the realization they were not in a position to offer the best environment for the duo, their soul searching led them to us. Rather than risk an unknown future they donated the mare and foal in hopes one day to try horse ownership again with a more ethical salesman. One day the filly may make the Centaur Herd but for now she just grows and plays with her friends.
HAILI
Paladin THOROUGHBRED2002-
A Winning Race HorseWho Hoped for aComfortable Future A lonely seven-year-old bay mare came to us skinny, lame, shy and unpredictable. The races she had won were not for her to revel in as her damaged body had become her enemy. One of the lucky ones, she found her way to our door. Many months later, many specialized meals and many new companions slowly nursed her heart and soul to a place of hope. Eight years on, she now happily lives and eats with equine companions, cattle, dogs and a cat. Finally sound and rid of plaguing colics she looks like the winner she is and, if she so choses, may eventuallymove herself into the Centaur Herd but for now love, gentle care, friendship and food are all she needs to know.
MAEPHAL & SHAMM
Paladins STANDARDBREDMaephal 1991-Shamm 2002-
A Mother and Her Son In 2009 a lovely, sound, clean-legged gelding who retired as a winning racehorse fell into poor hands. There, he and his dam were carelessly injured and severely neglected to the point of potentially losing their lives. We rushed the imperiled animals to Surgi-Care in Brandon, Florida, where they were diagnosed and treated by Leann Kuebelbeck, DVM and her diligent staff. Lame in three legs and cut to the bone, the mare was in possible need of skin grafts; her son had a challenging case of pythiosis (sever fungal infection) which could get into his bloodstream and end his life. After more than a month of aggressive treatment, the mare was sent home with us for follow-up. Due to her excellent care it was determined she could heal without grafts. Stabilized after surgery and months of hospitalization, the gelding was sent to Peggy Fleming, DVM in Dade City, Florida, to fully rid his body of the pythiosis. Following two surgeries, over five months in two hospitals and over a year of specialized after-care, each were on their way to recovery. Although both horses will forever bare the scars of their ordeal, they are together again in the comfort and safety of a herd with good friends. With the aid of gifted veterinarians, donations of numerous quality products and extremely creative bandaging techniques, traumas like these still cost thousands of dollars and man-hours far exceeding any forty-hour week. The dedication and passion of hospital staffs and our tireless volunteers allowed us to give this pair and others like them, a chance to enjoy life again. If not for financial support by concerned and generous people, we would not be able to continue the saving of those spirits.
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Equestrian Spirits, Inc., a Registered 501(c)(3) Public Charity, is a full lifetime (no-kill) holistic shelter.
The majority of our horses are Thoroughbreds. From retired stakes winners to abandoned broodmares our unique program offers opportunities for these horses to redefine their lives.
While one of our rescues won the McClay finals at Madison Square Garden in 1988, others may simply live out their lives grazing in peace at our farm.
Board Members
“Our sanctuary is based on love, freedom, and the principals of the true art of Classical Horsemanship. With rescue and rehab horses trust is imperative. We cater to each individual’s needs as they arise. With the right balance between the freedom of choice and the enticement of what an animal loves the most, a bond will form between horse and human, allowing the team to achieve their personal desires. Given the choice, most horses will guide themselves in the direction of their greatest ability; while their handler must learn to encourage and reward, careful not to inhibit that forte. As reflected in the wisdom of Xenophon (360 B.C.), ‘Anything forced and misunderstood can never be beautiful.’”
Laurie Wolf’s lifetime career in the equine industry brings vast knowledge and varied abilities to the sanctuary. A diverse history in Show Jumping, Dressage, thoroughbred racing, naturally gaited horses, and Paralympics, Laurie guides the (non-breed specific) herd toward directions in which they find comfort and peace.
Laurie L. Wolf
Senior Director/Founder
“My role as veterinary advisor for Equestrian Spirits is to serve as a consultant for general questions of animal care, and to address specific problems in individual animals, if I am the appropriate veterinarian to do so. As a holistic veterinarian, my concern is to identify and treat the roots of a problem, not just its symptoms. ”
Dr. Peck has a strong research background; M.S. in Reproductive Physiology (Equine); 30 years experience in basic, applied, and clinical research. She has post-graduate training and teaching experience in alternative medicine: homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, soft tissue therapy, and NeuroEmotional Technique (NET). She is certified in applied kinesiology (functional neurology), kinesiotaping , and thermal imaging. Her clinical interests are: subtle lameness, chronic pain, neuromuscular function, metabolic issues, environmental toxins.
Lynn S. Peck, DVM, MS
Veterinary Advisor
“As a teacher and mental health specialist I bring an alternative dynamic into our program of animal rehabilitation. With my health care expertise, organizational skills, and attention to detail, I use my patience and kindness to ensure a quality of life which many have lost. Believing that all lives have a purpose I look for new paths to rebuild their hopes and their comfort.”
Earning bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Polly went on to teach over 20 years including 13 years with inner city children. Currently working as a behavior specialist, she is earning a Master’s degree in special education and behavior analysis. Since 1992 Polly has been using and teaching aromatherapies and natural health modalities for people and animals.
Polly McMillan
Secretary/Co-Founder
“Due to a degenerative disease I suddenly found myself blind. Forced into early retirement I have a personal understanding of what these animals endure through unexpected life changes. My physical challenges drive and direct me to help our animals find their way to rediscovery of purpose.”
As a Paramedic for nearly 27 years and a Firefighter for 7, De possesses a natural comfort with medicine and hard work. Assisting surgery at the Small Animal Emergency Center in Bradenton, FL, and studying equine psychology and service dog therapy, she focuses her energies towards healing and safety.
DeLania Lockliear
Assistant Director/Co-Founder
CLICK TO DONATE
We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover card, American Express, and of course, Paypal account.
CHECK
You can send a check to our address:
Equestrian Spirits, Inc.
P. O. Box 713
Anthony, Florida 32617
There is not an amount too small nor too large!
GIFT CARD
If you ever receive a gift card you will not use or would like to purchase one for us, we always appreciate a wide variety of gift cards especially from the following:
Tractor Supply
Home Depot
Lowe's
Pet Smart
Visa Prepaid
One of our many local supply stores
CONTACT OUR SUPPLIERS
If you would like to specifically donate feed, hay, veterinary services, supplements, etc., check out our supplier who accept payments for us and you can contact them directly.
SPONSOR A HORSE
You may sponsor all or part of an individual, with some horses needing more support than others. The average fee for a sponsorship is $250 per month. This covers the majority of their feed, hay and farrier (hoof trimming) bills. A small amount of this also goes to what we term ‘topicals.’*
*Topicals are fly sprays, hoof dressings, common skin ointments, shampoos etc. It does not cover medical washes, horseshoes (if needed), cribbing straps, fly masks, dental work, vet charges, tack, special supplements or medicines.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer work can be once, weekly, monthly or on a random basis. You do not have to work a minimum of hours or days to be appreciated.
A variety or skills may be of service if you are good at fence repair, tree trimming, painting, or cleaning. If you have a desire to work with the animals they appreciate a good grooming, bath or even a quiet walk with a companion.
You do not need to have skills in animal handling because we teach anyone of any level our way.
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WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU
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