February 10, 2014

We have had 3 separate reports about the Mingo County, WV horses on the strip mines. These are horses that have been turned out by former owners over many years time. Many are starving to death. One foal is dragging around a broken leg. One has an embedded halter. . .this is one of the shots I’ve been sent. One person is going back out to get close up shots to show the condition. Many may recall bout 4 years ago when our circulation got the strip mine turn out job in Mingo covered heavily by news. The powers that be there refused to allow anything to be done, and frankly, I don’t have a happy ending answer to the feral horses starving in massive numbers all over former mine sites all over WV and Ky and Ohio, but some day soon, the issue will have to be addressed. I imagine the ending will not be a happy one.

(NOTE: These are feral horses, NOT WILD HORSES)

I was just thinking about rescue and how many huge businesses exclude animal charities from their community giving (Lowes, for one) . . . Do they suppose the $43k Heart of Phoenix put back in the depressed local economy that went to local feed stores, farmers selling hay, veterinaries and farriers did not HELP the community and people, as well?! And what about the money that we spend in their stores, on lumber, on medicine, etc? Just a thought, but it’s truly sad that they offer no assistance do animals in need.

Finally got a video of Buttercup! And when I say SHORT, I mean a short video of Buttercup – it was toooooo dark in  the Arena to get a good video, but it is something until another day. . . lol! Follow the link below:

Buttercup

In the Fall of 2012, I went on a mission to photograph the horses in our rescue with local

volunteers to create something special. . .

And I think it was accomplished. . .

HOP is now on twitter!   Come! Follow and tweet with us!

 https://www.facebook.com/HeartofPhoenixEquinerescue

Also would like to send a huge “thank you” to the ASPCA for the stipend which allowed us to travel to the Equine Rescue clinic in NC over this weekend!

“The plain fact is that the planet does not need more successful people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every kind. It needs people who live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these qualities have little to do with success as we have defined it.” – David Orr (sometimes attributed to the Dalai Lama)

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Remember to check back with us each day for more updates on how the rescue and horses are doing!