FOR ALL EVENTS LISTED, CALL 518-962-8512 or E-MAIL US AT horses@cmvhr.org FOR MORE INFORMATION.
2008 EVENTS: This year has been focused on small events like Westport School's kindergarten graduation, field trips, and our program on Saturdays for developmentally disabled adults. Consequently, we are not hosting any large events this year at the farm, but are open for tours and small events. Please call if you are interested in bringing a group of any size, or for a private tour, to arrange a date.
March 29-30:
Crane Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, Inc. will present at the Horse Symposium hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension at the 4-H barn in Ballston Spa, NY. We will also have a booth with Crane Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, Inc. information and CMVHR-wear available for sale. We will be accepting tack donations for our tack shop at Pleasant Valley Feeds in Elizabethtown, New York - proceeds from the sale of tack benefit the rescue horses. In-kind donations of tack are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
SOME OF OUR SUCCESS STORIES
(since opening our doors, we have placed over 50 horses in adoptive homes - here are a few of our success stories, made possible with the generous support of people like you)
MAGGIE MAGEE - Maggie Magee is a story of horse lovers uniting to save a life. In June 2004, we received a call from a trainer at Saratoga Harness track about a 3 year old mare in the neighboring barn to hers who put her hoof through a chain-link stall gate and tore her leg wide open.
If you can visualize chain-link and imagine the force of a kicking horse, Maggie’s leg went through and bent the fence to create a trap that made it impossible for her to pull her leg back out. No one is sure exactly how long she’d been like that before someone found her. She was cut out of the fence and left in her stall to heal without medical treatment. The wound developed proud flesh and her range of motion was at risk. A vet was called. The owner was told that surgery was required, but Maggie would never race again. Maggie’s owner told the vet to destroy her. The call to us was to ask us to save her. We had 24 hours to get her out of the barn before she was to be put down. We explained our program to the woman who called for our help, that we operate on donations and would need to raise the money for Maggie’s surgery. She quickly responded that she would pay for it if we would rehabilitate her post-surgery. We were so moved by her deep concern for Maggie and her willingness to step right up, we signed on to the team.
A week later we picked Maggie up from the track fully bandaged and ready to go. Her caregiver cried. She had become so attached to this sweet girl in the short time she cared for her that she quietly asked; “How do you do it? How do you devote your time to healing and helping them, and then let them go?”
We get asked that alot. And we cry every time. That's the bittersweet part of our work. But when we receive calls, e-mails, videos and cards from our adoptive parents like this one when we told Maggie's mom, Nancy, that Maggie would be our horse of the year in our Spring 2006 newsletter. Here's what she wrote.
"Maggie Magee as "Horse of the Year?" WOW! That's quite an honor! She's the best. I truly think she's the smartest horse I've ever had. Right now I'm on vacation in North Carolina so she and Mick are at "horsey camp" in Amsterdam at a friend's place. They have many, many horses and many acres to run so Miss Maggie Magee was in her glory. She took off with tail held high and just floated around that huge field with grace and style. Oh what an entrance she made.
I do intend to take her down to have my dad drive her this summer. It's so nice to have such a versatile horse. She has learned to be a trail horse crossing streams and going over logs and is still getting used to log trucks. I've done quite a bit of Natural Horsemanship training with her. I'd be happy to talk to anyone interested how wonderful the Standardbred breed is.
Happy trails, Nancy"
So, to the trainer who called to ask for our help and stepped right up to the plate to pay for Maggie's surgery, to Maggie's new mom, Nancy, and to all of you whose contributions made it possible for us to rehabilitate Maggie after her surgery - we salute you and thank you for being a part of the team that saved this beautiful girl from death.
Emergencies like Maggie’s are not uncommon. Gifts to the “So Call Me a Doc” fund are put aside for rapid responses to critical situations, urgent care, and surgical intervention to save our equine friends and give them the chance at life they deserve.
My Man Popeye - Popeye was rescued from horrible abuse and neglect. Afraid of people and emaciated when he first came to the farm, Popeye stole our hearts. This show season Popeye took his first blue ribbon in Command class, second in Pleasure, fifth in Equitation and sixth in Western Model. Mary says he “questioned everything but did it all for me. I am so happy he is with us”. Congratulations Popeye and Mary!!! We’re proud of you.
Band of Heroes - "Beau" - Beau is a 5 year old off-the-track thoroughbred who was donated to our program in 2003 after two bowed tendons ended his racing career. The caring breeder who donated him to us understood that his rehabilitation would be extensive (over one year) and what that would cost our program. He donated a year's endowment to cover Beau's expenses, for which we are deeply grateful. Beau was with us for 14 months; one year of rehabilitation and two months of retraining. We'd like to share a letter that we just received from Beau's new mom, Stacey. This photo is of Beau and Stacey proudly displaying their championship ribbon from their first show together this past May.
"Hello,
When my brother heard that I was showing a horse that used to race on the
track in a Western pleasure class, he thought I was crazy. After we
received champion, my brother came up to Beau and I and said "I am really
proud of the two of you. Both of you have come so far." I hope you can see
in the picture how proud we are, as a team.
I remember the first time I came to the rescue. I actually had made the
appointment to come see another horse. When I got there, Eddie told me
about Beau and then brought me in to see Beau and the other horse. The two
horses were both in stalls in the barn. I first went and looked at Beau. I
just stood there not really understanding what I was feeling. After a few
minutes, I went and looked at the other horse, Scooter who I saw was
successfully adopted, which makes us very happy. But as I stood there
looking and of course admiring Scooter, I found myself wanting and needing
to go back over to Beau. I didn't know why but that was the overwhelming
feeling I had. So I did. When standing with this horse, I felt happy,
accepted, at peace, and loved. We ended up taking Beau outside. He was
breath-taking. I spent over 2 hours with him that day. On my way home,
which was a 3 hour drive, all I could think about was this horse and wanting
to go back to him. The following weekend I went back up and the weekend
after that and so on. I drove up almost every weekend to see him from the
end of July to the beginning of October. October is when Eddie and Nancy
brought my Beau home.
Before I was brought together with Beau, I felt miserable inside due to some
situations that involved my son and I along with my family. I found out my
son had been abused by the babysitter. We were both in counseling for a
year. We lost my Grandfather, whom was and is one of my best friends. Then
there were two juveniles who broke into my house and set fire to it in the
basement. Plus I was dealing with a lot of stuff from my past. I could not
take anymore and looking back now I know I let myself shut down. I lost my
spark that I always had, I felt like I lost me.
That feeling that I did not understand when I first met Beau was my spark.
Yes, he is a beautiful horse on the outside, but he is even more beautiful
inside, meaning his soul. Beau picks and chooses who he will accept, not
because he is mean, but because Beau can see deep into one's soul. I
believe everything happens for a reason, good or bad. I believe we were
brought together for a reason. I have my spark for life back and my son and
I are doing really well. Just recently an immediate family member passed
away from cancer. Instead of feeling unbearably sad or mad about it, I felt
comfort and love. The morning Helen passed away, Beau walked up to me in
his pasture that morning and put his head over my shoulder so I could stand
their and wrap my arms around him while I cried. I felt like he was telling
me it will be okay. And it is going to be okay.
Beau is an amazing horse. He has nothing but my respect and love and my
greatfulness for him. I cherish his friendship, love, strength and respect
so much.
Beau is my bestfriend.
Beau is my "Hero".
Nancy and Eddie, you two are both amazing people. Thank you.
Stacey
Sabrina - Sabrina is a registered, leopard appaloosa mare who was rescued from slaughter in July, 2004. Due to her spectacular coloring and perfect lines, she was used as a brood mare over and over and over. She was bred so much, her teats were enlarged and she suffered from a uterine infection. She was also hobbled each time she was bred (her legs were chained, or one was chained off the ground to prevent kicking the stallion). Sabrina was so traumatized by that experience that she would not let anyone touch or lift her back legs...a farrier's nightmare.
Appaloosas were bred by Native Americans for their sensitive nature, loyalty, and trustworthiness in the hunt, in battle, and for the nomadic nature of their culture. From the first day that Sabrina met Linda (her new mom), Linda could touch Sabrina all over and pick up her back legs without Sabrina giving it a second thought, or care. Sabrina knew instantly that Linda was a kind and gentle soul. Their relationship goes back to Sabrina's heritage and is based on unconditional love and trust.
Appaloosas are a sensitive breed. Horses have an intuitive nature. Sabrina has a gift. Here's what her new mom recently wrote:
"Hi Nancy and Eddie,
Congrats on Two Socks, what a beautiful baby, God Bless. I hope the move has gone well and you both are well and all the critters too.
Sabrina (Brina) is wonderful. She still is and always will be the love of my life. I have included some pics. Everyone loves her even though they can't get near her. She is a giant watch dog. She won't let anyone near me, she actually attacks and charges. I don't know if she senses my disability or what but I have never had a horse act this way. But she is great. If I fall she picks me up and won't leave me for anything. I have even fallen out in the woods and she circles me as if to keep everything away until I can remount (I can't say how much I love this girl). She even kisses my whole face. She is so gentle with me and then so mean with everyone else. The vet says she is so gorgeous and correct that I should breed her and my answer is "SHE WILL NEVER BE BRED AGAIN, SHE IS JUST MY BEST FRIEND AND SHE WILL NEVER KNOW HARDSHIP AS LONG AS I LIVE". I think the vet thinks I am crazy but after explaining Brina's plight she now understands a little better. I can't thank you both enough for letting me adopt my girl and friend, it truely was a match made in heaven.
Hope you enjoy the pics.
With lots of love and friendship,
Brina and Linda Mingin"
T-Bone - T-Bone is a registered paint who we rescued from slaughter. His markings earned him his name, as his blaze is a large "T" covering his face. His kind eyes capture you with one blue and one brown. This special guy had no idea what he was facing at that auction. And no one ever needs to tell him. Now, all he knows is that he has 100 acres to graze, a specially built "dream" barn, and a new mom who will love him forever.
Saucy and Aruba - Saucy is a 15 year old off-the-track thoroughbred who went on to be a brood mare after racing. We rescued this girl from slaughter. Aruba is a 5 year old thoroughbred cross mare who was a victim of neglect. She arrived at our farm underweight with untreated, infected wire cuts on her legs.
They arrived on the same day and became instant friends. Both have incredibly sweet dispositions and love children. We are proud to report that they were adopted together, so they could stay friends forever. This is a photo of Saucy and Aruba in their barn and pasture, built just for them! We're excited to share that their new mom, and Beauty's mom (another one of our rescues), are also best friends. We hesitate to call this a "happy ending", as it is really a new beginning.
Big Red - The photo to the right was taken in November, 2003 when Big Red arrived on our farm suffering from neglect. This 16.3 hand former race horse, who gave his life to humans, was tossed away when his racing career ended, and left to starve. When we found him, he was several hundred pounds underweight and suffering from internal parasites and rain scald. Beneath the protruding ribs and missing patches of hair, where open sores bled in the freezing temperatures, we saw a diamond in the rough. And, a noble guy who deserves a second chance.
The photo on the top is Big Red in July, 2004 at his forever home. His new Mom calls this gentle giant a "total creme puff", and is proud of her boy. Big Red, in her presence, stands tall and proud. Never again will he know the cruelty that humans once inflicted on him.
Beauty – Beauty (right) is a 5 year old quarterhorse mare. She arrived at our farm suffering from malnutrition and nursing a two-month old foal (Esprit) with a mild fracture of the pastern. She was giving everything she had to Esprit, but her milk was drying up. Beauty had minimal experience with humans and Esprit had none. Neither knew a gentle human touch, neither had ever been confined to a stall, and neither had had medical attention or hoof care.
Esprit's fracture required 8 weeks of stall rest, and the administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Of course, this meant that Beauty had to be on stall rest, too. Those who have worked with mares and foals, or any animals for that matter, know that moms are very protective of their young. Under these circumstances, we expected a real challenge, but Beauty was special right from the start.
The first two days, Beauty wedged herself between us and the baby, but never showed aggression. By day three, Beauty knew we were trying to help. When we walked into the stall to administer Esprit's medication, Beauty nuzzled his nose and gently nickered. Then, she did the most amazing thing. She gently pushed Esprit toward us, then wrapped her body around him to hold him for us. Every day she did that for the next 8 weeks.
After almost a year, Esprit's leg is 100% healed (he is now available for adoption), and this incredible girl has a new home. Here's what her new mom recently shared:
"Beauty is doing great. We love her more each day and are so happy to have her around. She is quite attached to my other horse, so much that they were laying next to each other in the pasture yesterday. She is so fun to ride. Very forward, smooth and smart. She comes when you call her and runs to the fence when she sees us in the yard. I think she would climb in your lap for affection if she could. We are so happy that we were able to adopt her."
The hardest part of our job is letting them go. Beauty is affectionately known on our farm as "Eddie's girl". She always will be.
REMINGTON - Remington is a 15 year old quarterhorse who is as sweet and gentle as they come. What was waiting for him was a nightmare.
We found Remington waiting patiently for a new home with a family who would love him and enjoy that he nickers when he sees you, then follows you like a dog. He had a special light in his eye saying "pick me, pick me". What he didn't know was that the people bidding on him were "kill buyers". Remington was hoping for a warm blanket, a comfortable bed, and apple treats. Instead, what was waiting for him was an overcrowded, slippery stock trailer, with freezing rain whipping in, to sting his eyes and chill him to the bone. His miserable journey would be nice, compared to the destination --- a slaughter house where he would be hung upside down by his back feet while still alive, to have his throat slit to drain the blood from his body before being butchered. Fortunately for Remington, we had the ability to outbid the meat buyers.
On Friday, December 12, we delivered Remington to the warm barn, comfortable bed, and the caring home he was dreaming about at the auction. It was a secret mission --- Remington was a surprise Christmas present for a 12 year old young lady from her parents. When she saw us and Remington, there were tears and hugs abound. On Remington's stall was a Christmas stocking with his name "Remington", and a bow and sign that said "Merry Christmas Corinne".
Remington knew he was home. Merry Christmas Remington. We love you.
Update January, 2004: Remington was the inspiration for the following poem, written by Corinne and published in her school paper.
A Horse's Eyes
As I look into the liquid amber
of my horse's eyes
Falling deeper and deeper into his soul
I am submersed in a sea of knowledge
reflected there
I swim through his thoughts,
and fears,
and cares
As I look into my horse's eyes.
by Corinne Wilson, age 12
A not-for-profit organization for equine rescue and rehabilitation.
