Trudy's Day Has Come

Everyone was anxious to see Trudy enter her new pasture. I don't know what we all expected. 

Trudy is blind, severely abused by humans and so many things in the world that surrounds her still make her tremble. I think we all dreamed it would be wonderful to put her in the safe board fenced pasture. We hoped to see her run free and kick up her heels. We brought along an Appaloosa gelding, Pepperoni, she knew from the front pasture so she'd have a familiar friend and be more comfortable. They sort of 'hung around' together many times. He was our choice to help Trudy. He's an Appaloosa like Trudy and they were buddies.

Trudy was quite nervous trying to walk in her new pasture but Roger was there to comfort her. He kept the lead rope on her and walked the fence line, walked to the water trough, up and down the hills. He stayed with her for a long time telling her it was a safe place for her. When he felt she was ready, he took off the lead and let her walk around on her own. She was free to walk, free to kick up her heels but she stood still trying to hear where she was. Being blind, she has to rely on all her other senses. She carefully tried to find her way around. Pepperoni was good with her but wasn't as concerned as we hoped he'd be. We wanted him to stand shoulder to shoulder to her and lead her around. Another human dream the was just that, only a dream. 


After a hour or so, Trudy was getting very tense. She looked so panicked, Roger brought her back to the stall she felt so safe in. She can enjoy a quiet night and we will walk her out to her new pasture again tomorrow. 




All our planning, all our hopes...we had to adjust to Trudy's needs. That is what we do. 


We are RESCUE (to free from confinement, danger, or evil ) in the real sense of the word. We will adjust continually until we get it right for Trudy. 

Changing Things For Trudy

Roger comforting Trudy after recent surgery                                                                                       Though we are not a sanctuary, sometimes horses need to stay forever. If does take up space for another horse to come in, but this is the way we have to do it until we get our dream, a sanctuary where horses can live out their lives under our care. You know the story of  Trudy, our most abused horse, now blind. She's been with us since 1996. She is a special horse who needs to always be surrounded by special people. .Trudy is moving to her new forever pasture tomorrow. Her devoted human friend, Roger, will come out and lead the way.  I am sure it will be like a parade of people following happily because it has finally happened. Trudy has lived in our large pasture for 16 years. She was sighted when she came to us but so abused emotionally, she trusted horses, not people. Now that she is blind, introducing a new horse out in that pasture was not happening. New horse introductions cause all the horses to run and carry on to establish the herd pecking order.   Though she was familiar with every inch of the 22 acres, I couldn't take the chance of her getting hurt. Trudy is 28 years old. In fairness to her, she now needs a quiet smaller pasture with a buddy. With $5.00 donations here and $20.00 donations there, we soon had enough money to put up her nice board fenced pasture. It took several volunteers to do the dirty work of digging the holes and putting up safe fencing but now, it is ready for Trudy.

Though she has the most serious trust issues of any horse ever entering the rescue program, she has the God given intuition to know who to trust. She knows real love. She trusts the uncomplicated honesty of a little volunteer named John Michael. She will willingly stand for an hour and listen to his words. I don't know what he is saying to Trudy but she listens carefully to every word. Horse are different things to different people. To everyone here at the rescue, to all of you who volunteer your time, those of you who donate financially and those of you who take the time to read about our horses and help us spread the word, you are all part of our fragile circle of Save The Horses. Thank you all for your compassion and love. You help us every day so we can save the horses.

Through Trudy's Eyes

This is Trudy. This is the better eye. She does have tumors on the third eyelid which will be removed in the scheduled April surgery.

Making the best choice for a horse is one of the most gut-wrenching things about being a horse rescuer. After receiving a call, Trudy entered my life in the summer of 1996. Having the mission of a horse rescuer, my phone is constantly ringing, but this call was markedly different. The phone rang on that day with a call like no other call I had received before. I solemnly listened as the caller recounted the story of the Appaloosa mare she was looking to re-home; Trudy. Trudy, the 12 year old mare, must be placed in a special and safe home. As the caller continued, she told how Trudy’s legs were cruelly bound in barbed wire and she was unmercifully drug behind a tractor. I sat there bewildered. How could a person do this? Why? To punish her? Is there any logical reason a horse should be tied with barbed wire or drug by a tractor or any other vehicle? What could Trudy have possibly done to 'deserve' such a wicked punishment? This sinister deed happened in North Georgia. Miraculously, a veterinarian helped Trudy heal from her painful, external wounds. However, the numerous mental wounds that were inflicted upon Trudy would take great knowledge and time to heal. Thankful that someone trusted me enough to attempt to bring healing to this fragile horse, I unequivocally exclaimed that I would take Trudy. Our mission for Trudy is the same mission for all of our horses, to give love and comfort. This obviously would be a much more difficult crusade to attain for Trudy.






When I first viewed poor Trudy I noted that her abuse was worn like virtual chains. She downheartedly held her neck close to her body. She was so hysterical and frightened that she tightened every muscle on her body. She blew her breath so hard through her nostrils that it sounded like a freight train passing through a busy crossing. Though petrified, Trudy had made the decision that she would never hurt anyone. Trudy’s unwillingness to strike back surprised us all as I have seen horses with severe abuse issues that, finally in desperation, would retaliate and strike out. Trudy was remarkably different. Trudy was the opposite of what we expected. Make no mistake; she held all her fears against humans deep in her own heart. Yet, as she trembled in fear, the only release of her relentless fright was the blowing through her nose.


As time went on, we were discouraged to see the abuse had caused her some vision problems. Her vision was there, but you could tell it was likely muddy. Perhaps this shadowy vision added to her fear by not being sure who or what was approaching her. Honestly, to gaze at Trudy was to have your heartbreak for her.


Despite all of her fears, she fared surprisingly well in the pasture here, as she knew the other rescued horses wouldn't harm her. Still, she perceived humans as the bad guys in her life. As a way to try to acquire her trust, I would go out and gently speak to her. I whispered promises to her, that no one would every hurt her again. I repeated that I would never let that happen, ever! She hesitantly listened to my words, but it seemed she didn't believe me. I felt dejected, enraged at her perpetrator, and hopeless. How could I help her understand that the humans in her life would only care for her? Being in Trudy’s presence and seeing the damage done to her made me cry. So to avoid my own heartache, I deliberately stayed away from Trudy. I had to find the human that could encourage both of us.


Soon after, in 2000, Monty Roberts came to the Georgia International Horse Park. I was encouraged to bring some horses for him to work with. Being extremely skeptical about participating, I called to inquire what they were looking for in the horses. They suggested that he wanted problem horses. I lamented, "Oh, I said I have a problem horse, the most abused horse I had ever come across". Having rescued about 100 horses by then and having some great life experiences, and unfortunately, seeing more than a few abuse cases, I knew I needed expert help to assist Trudy. I recounted Trudy’s story to the lady on the phone as she patiently listened. She remarked, "No'. She rapidly turned Trudy down! I was even more frustrated and skeptical now. These 'natural trainers', resistance free trainers, turned down and refused a horse that truly needed them. The lady on the phone scoffed, "Please, bring a horse, one that the whole audience could relate to. One that doesn't halter, doesn't load, doesn't clip, never been saddled, that bites, kicks or strikes. These are more common problems.” I sullenly agreed to bring two horses with these types of problems. But, what about Trudy? What was the next step for her?






The night before we had to be in Conyers, I brought Trudy inside the barn and put her in a stall. She was terrified and I was discouraged to the point of further tears. The last thing I ever wanted to do was cause her any more pain or fright. I brought 3 of her pasture buddies to stay with her, hoping she would relax, but she continued to hysterically cry and whinny in panic. My mind raced; maybe her abuse started in a stall or some confined space where she had no option to get away. Why did I bring Trudy in? Firm resolution set in; I was going to take her to Conyers anyway. She needed help so badly. I thought a real horse lover and accomplished horse trainer, like Monty Roberts, will at least look at her, right? That is all I wanted, just look at her, give me some guidance. Help me so I can help Trudy. The next morning I brought the trailer right next to the barn and opened the trailer door. Some of the volunteers were at the rescue to help and to travel with me to watch Monty Roberts in Conyers, too. I hesitantly took a deep breath and walked towards Trudy's stall. I slowly and quietly put her halter on and walked her towards the trailer. I took my food and tapped on the trailer floor and asked her to step up. To my surprise, she entered without hesitation. I took one of her pasture mates along for the ride. After the astonishingly quiet ride, we arrived to the Horse Park and I unloaded both horses and placed them in stalls. Abruptly the quiet ended, as I now heard two screaming horses. The gelding’s neighs were understandable as he was in a new place. I grieved as I heard Trudy’s frightened screeches. 'Whinnieeeeeee'. Now, instead of consoling her, the gelding pasture-mate screamed along with Trudy.






I ambled to check in and was greeted by Monty's son. He inquired who I brought, as he searched through his list of horses on his documents. I consequently confessed that Trudy was not on his list. I immediately repeated her story and told him that I acknowledge that I was told not to bring her. He asked me to wait here a few minutes. Now I figured they were calling security, kicking me out, removing me and my horses, and I wouldn’t even be able to see the show. Instead, Monty himself came up to me. He was intrigued by what he had heard of Trudy and wanted to learn more. His compassionate eyes welled up with tears, as he lowered his head and shook it as if to say, “Now how can a human do this?” He instructed his son to take my lead rope and put Trudy in the round pen. As he watched Trudy’s trepidation and anxiety mount, he confidently announced that would put her in the show. My skepticism slowly slithered into my mind. All I wanted was him to see her and give me advice. Questions poured into my apprehensive brain, “Now, to put her in the show, in front of a few thousand people? How is this going to turn out?” My stomach flipped and flopped, as my anxiety grew to Trudy’s size.






I was engrossed as I surveyed Monty work with the first three horses. Each horse joined up under 30 minutes of gentle work. Each horse serenely became Monty's best friend. At last it was Trudy's turn to go in the round pen. Cautiously, she trudged just a few steps into the pen, violently trembling. Blowing so hard , the people in the back bleachers could hear her. She was petrified. It was totally different from the other 3 previous horses’ reactions in the pen. Since the round pen fencing doesn't come down to the ground, Trudy put her nose almost to the ground as she slowly blundered around the panels looking for a way out, even if it was under the fencing. Monty somberly shared with the audience Trudy's story. He acknowledged that he didn't know if she would even 'Join-Up' with him. Trudy simply was not the normal kind of horse that he'd worked with in previous experiences.


The audience was glued to Trudy and Monty. There wasn't a sound from anywhere, as everyone watched Monty speak 'equine' to Trudy. Getting a horse with Trudy's abusive background to trust you is an enormous challenge in itself. Monty explained the problem in this way: Take a piece of paper, and fold. Then create a crease in it by rubbing your thumb over the crease. Now open the paper and you can easily spot the crease. Take your thumb now and rub the crease. It is still there, no matter how many times you rub the crease. It is deep into the paper, just like Trudy's abuse. It is deep in her soul, forever. Being guarded and wary has kept her safe from her human predators.


I am certain that Monty looked like a predator but after a mere 26 minutes of 'negotiating' with Trudy, she 'Joined-Up'. There was a loud sigh from the audience. Many held their breath, like I did. Tears streamed down the faces of men and woman alike. It was such a touching moment in my life, in Trudy's life, in Monty Roberts life, in the audience’s lives. I was overjoyed because Trudy had such a breakthrough to overcome her fear.


Monty made a big difference in Trudy's fear factor. She was able to be more relaxed in the pasture when humans approached. She has been in the same pasture since 1996 but new challenges lurked: in the past few years, she has been losing her eyesight. Now beside humans, horses would appear like predators because they would run past her and around her causing her terror to rise further. She was often not sure what direction to run in, but would attempt to keep up. Today, to avoid the other horses from eating Trudy's food, volunteers stay with her while holding her feed bucket, keeping her safe and quiet.


One of the volunteers, Roger, has been coming out for a few years and is totally in love with Trudy. We have talked about moving her to his farm when his fencing is complete. I know Roger would never hurt or scare her. He has gained her trust, as well as mine, over the many Sundays he spends with Trudy. He was the first to notice her eye was getting very irritated. After thoroughly examining the eye, Dr Leah, our veterinarian, decided it needed to be removed to relieve the pressure on Trudy's face, as the last thing we want was for Trudy to be in pain. Therefore, a few days ago, Trudy's eye was surgically removed, which required her to have some time in a stall as she healed. The last time Trudy was housed in a stall was 10 years ago. It wasn't a good experience, so I dreaded her needed 'stall rest'. While she was still under slight sedation, Roger walked her into a stall after the surgery. She sniffed the shavings beneath her feet. It was a good sign. I believe at that point she knew she was in a stall. Roger walked her around showing her the wooden walls and feed buckets by tapping on them. After the sedation was totally warn off, she was astonishingly content and quiet. I think she understands the safety of her confinement and that no horse can sneak up on her.



Trudy and Roger




We have discussed the possibility of building a new, smaller pasture for Trudy. The new paddock would allow her to stay out with one of her friends she lives with. A nice run in, wood fencing, and the serenity of being near the horse herd on the 22 acre field she has called home for many years will help her live longer and calmly enjoy life. That is all I ever wanted for her; to enjoy being a horse. Roger would love to bring her to his farm. He is working on fencing and is planning on adopting another gelding to take home when he is finished and horse ready. I will go to Roger’s and walk around the pasture. As her main protector, I have to maneuver through all the possible options; it was my promise to her all those years ago. At 28 years old, Trudy is more fragile than most. Making the decision that is best for Trudy is what is most important. I don't want to take her away from all the volunteers that love and care so much about her. Also, I don't want to hurt Roger since he has dedicated his time and trust to Trudy. Whatever my decision, I unapologetically will do what is best, not for me, but for my friend, Trudy.



Trudy having her eye removed

Race Against Tide For Horse and Owner.!

Race against the tide: Bravery of young mother who stayed by her horse's side for THREE HOURS after getting trapped in mud 'like quicksand.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2107521/Bravery-young-mother-stayed-horses-hours-getting-trapped-mud-like-quicksand.html#ixzz1nmTh1K6l

This was the terrifying moment a brave young mother battled to keep her beloved horse calm as sea water closed in on the animal after he became trapped in mud 'like quicksand'. Exhausted and mud-splattered, Nicole Graham clung to her trapped horse Astro for three hours keeping his head high in a race against the tide. The 78-stone show horse had sunk into quagmire-like mud and was facing the prospect of drowning as the water rose around them. Miss Graham had been out on an afternoon ride with her daughter along the coast near Geelong, south of Melbourne, when 18-year-old Astro suddenly sunk into the mud. Before she could shout a warning, the smaller horse her daughter Paris was riding was also partially swallowed up by the mud. After dragging herself through the mire, Miss Graham helped her daughter and the other horse on to firmer ground. However, Astro was stuck fast and her efforts to pull him free only resulted in herself sinking deeper into the quagmire. As Paris ran to their car and phoned for help, Miss Graham stayed at her horse’s side. She courageously clung on to his neck, terrified that he would not be freed before the tide came in. After three 'terrifying' hours, rescuers managed to pull Astro and Miss Graham from the mud.

A happy ending.

For me, this story was emotional because I think back and realize it could have been me and my horse, Misty Little Man, a sweet brown paper bag plain Quarter Horse gelding that I loved dearly. There is a place along the Gulf Coast in FL about 40 miles north of Clearwater near where I lived for 15 years. It was about 1980, a hurricane was just wind back then. They rarely came on shore or did much damage. It was Day 3 that this unnamed hurricane brought us wind and light rain. It is so humid in Florida that it was welcomed to us. We were outside all we could be. The misty rain felt cool on our skin, it was a welcomed relief from the usual subtropical heat. The streets were empty. People listened to the television and radio. They heard warnings, 'Do Not Go Out Side, You May Blow Away'. Much like the weather now. It is about drama and fear, it sells commercial spots for the media. It makes people glued to the TV.

While most Floridians were busy boarding up their windows and huddled in their homes, some of us horse people took advantage of the wind and rain. We saddled up our horses and road toward the beach, it was only a few miles away. It wasn't a public beach with a shoreline dotted with towels and umbrellas, it was wooded and it was still untouched nature. We were lucky to be there at that time on earth. There were deer, raccoon and black bears living there. They were our neighbors that we shared our space with, respecting each other. I had hiked through that area many times. It was mostly sand but there were areas that had mud that seemed like it would suck you up. I never knew much about 'quicksand' except what I saw in the old black and white movies back in the 1950's. It left an image in my mind that it could swallow up anything that stepped into it. Anyone trying to squirm out, went deeper in and was lost forever. A horrible death! As we got closer, I could hear the waves coming in. Like many horse lovers, I dreamed of trotting along with the tide rolling in and out of my horses feet. I was getting closer to my dream coming true but my gut kept telling me not to go. This may be my only chance to ride along that shore. I could imagine being in tune with my horse, his mane flowing, my hair blowing as we rode along listening to the peace and quiet of nature. They rhythm of the tide was calling to me but my gut was telling me, 'Beware'. The image of my horse being stuck in quicksand that was lingering wy back in my memory was coming boldly into my head. I could not go and take that chance. It was a struggle with myself, my conscience of not hurting my horse, my desire to ride along the beach. I let my gut feeling win out. Now I am really glad I did. I know that could have been me in that story. I could have been holding on to Misty for his life and mine too. I wouldn't leave him at that shore just like the dear woman in the Australian story couldn't leave her beloved horse, Astro.

My gut feeling is still how I make decisions for the horses in my care at the rescue (www.SaveTheHorses.org).

Funny how some things stay the same.

Rifle was trimmed for the second time and is walking much better. He was happily licking his new 50 pound salt block. He is improving every day.

My life's philosophy is 'Do Good, and it will come back to you.
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I know it works, I see it every day. It is how the horse rescue is run. We can be down to out last dollar and a horse needs a vet. Someone comes and hands me a check and says, I meant to give this to you a few weeks ago. It is not luck, it is not a coincidence, it is good deeds coming back. Doing good is contagious.

It started out negative. Someone called the Georgia Deportment of Agriculture (GDA) to report a horse in bad condition. The GDA Inspector goes out, talks to Gertrude aka June, and finds out the horse, Rifle, was given to her by someone who couldn't use Rifle for profit since he became lame. Now we know June has a big heart. Rifle wasn't any use for someone who want to ride. June just wants him to feel good and be loved. Rather than confiscating the horse, the GDA Inspector calls and asks SaveTheHorses if we can help. Of course, we said 'yes'. The next morning, my sister and I went out to assess the situation for ourselves. June has 8 pigs, 6 dogs and a few cats and chickens. Every animal is well fed and neutered or spayed. June has lived there since 1981. She told me when her husband was alive, this place looked so good. She was embarrassed by the debris and makeshift repairs she could manage for the animals. June is in her late 70's, just had heart surgery and had been widowed for several years.

Barefoot farrier Jan Hester start the trimming on Rifle's feet, had radio graphs done by Dr Lea Patipa, and this really started good things happening. Jan was so engaged in making Rifle better she took another wonderful farrier, Mele Miller to help with the second trim, much to my surprise. Too good farriers working on Rifle, how good is that! Dr Leah was so involved she asked her boss if she could discount the trip charge to Jasper. I posted on the Internet through Facebook, Yahoo and Blogs to ask people to help us help June clean up her farm. It was so heartwarming to see everyone volunteering to help, to donate fencing, wood, time and financial help plus many prayers and good wishes to help Rifle and his owner. Our group of caring people grew daily.

Saturday February 18th, Lori, Lexi, Rodeo and I left the rescue barn with wheel borrow, rakes, shovels and more to get started out clean up project. When we arrived, Hope and Debbie were already working and had the pig area cleaned of all the debris that had been in the mud for many years. Imagine cinder blocks, old tires, wood, all under half wet mud in a pig pen, literally! Those ladies were hard workers and they aren't afraid of dirt! We raked, picked up, threw away, organized and just had a great time doing good. Our burn pile stayed under control but we had the hose on hand at all times, just in case the wind decided to get aggressive. June had a huge dumpster which we pretty much filled to the top. Hours passed and everyone was still smiling. Doing good is good for your soul. Hope and Debbie called it a day, a long hard day, believe me. Cindy Rodeo Steedle, ( in case you don't know her..She has been on many TV shows: Rock of Love, Charm School and more) well, she is pushing the lawn mower and picking up whatever needs to be done. Everyone is equal here at the rescue or helping with horses, no one stays clean! We worked a few hours longer picking up around the house. Our last chore was catching a few chickens. Lexi took two roosters and a hen home in a crate. That lightened June's daily duties a bit. I was thinking how nice it was that this all grew into such a good cause. Such good hearted people getting together to help someone who was a stranger a few hours ago. I was smiling, feeling really good, we all felt good. It couldn't have been better. June paid us with some beautiful colored eggs. Sweet!

We were ready to leave when a nicely dressed couple stopped to talk. We weren't in clean attire but they smiled and asked if we were with the horse rescue. They said they were with the Bent Tree Saddle Club. David and Rosemary lived about 10 miles away. They read about Rifle and June and came to see for themselves. They were excited to go back and speak with their President about the club getting June and Rifle as a project. David talked to June about bush hogging the pasture. He was going to go back and check on getting more hay. he said he had some post he could donate and more. The Saddle Club can help with fencing, too. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, it got much better. What a wonderful world of people coming together to help. Good is contagious, pass it on!

Rifle update!

Rifle had radio graphs done yesterday. Dr Patipa was very patient with our patient Rifle. It was hard and at first, frightening for him to stand on a block of wood that was not feeling secure under his hoof. In order to get the ex-rays done, he had to off of the ground. He has plenty of rotation but there is hope. After a month or two of trimming, we can get him some good boots that may make him much more comfortable walking. There are other alternatives but we will see as we progress as to what direction to go.

Now for the Clean-Up day in Jasper at Mrs.G's. She said we should call her June. Can you all, or some of you, came and help Saturday from 11am to 3pm ? February 18. We can also go Feb.19 in the afternoon if anyone can go. e need nails, hammers, rakes, shovels wheel barrows,a s gloves. Lori from Sunkissed Acres Horse Rescue donated a roll of red top wire. We can rewire the pigs pen, clean up the property. Most of it is old wood laying around, maybe trim some bushes, burn old hay, just help. June is 78 years old and her husband, now deceased, kept the place nice. She'll show you pictures. She tries hard and I am happy to help. Come join us. She lives west of Jasper, GA. Take 515 to hwy 53, west to hwy 136 connector, then north to Tilley Road. It is Googled as Tilley Road, Talking Rock, GA.

Tilley Road is only on the right, go about 1/2 mile and you will see chicken houses on the right. She is the next place . Can't miss it.

Need a Rifle? He Needs you!

This is Rifle.

He is about 13 years old, or at least that is what I was told. He is in Jasper, GA. The GDA asked me if I could help Rifle. He was owned by a local Bed and Breakfast but couldn't pay his own way so he had to go. Can’t afford to feed a horse ya’ can’t ride! I hate that mentality.

He was lame, had a twisted shoe that was too small on his foot and needed help. The lady who came to Rifle’s rescue tried her best but she is 78 years old. Her husband passed away a few years ago and she can't keep up the farm too well nor keep up with Rifle's needs. I brought her feed and hay Saturday and had had Jan, a wonderful farrier, go out there Monday. He needs a farrier to trim his feet every 7 days for 6 weeks or so, to even get the hoof back halfway normal. Will he be sound? I can't answer that. What he needs is a veterinary check with radiographs to see if he coffin bone is rotated beyond repair.

He isn’t complaining. He just lays down a lot. He is gentle and knows we are there to help. He can’t stand on the worst foot so he needs to be trimmed the best a farrier can do when he is laying down.

Anyone interested in helping Rifle? We could use somewhere for him to go. We could use someone to help with costs of vet and farrier. After the radiographs, it may be determined it is kinder to not let him suffer and have him humanely euthanized. I just don’t have those answer yet.

Please let me know if YOU can help in any way. Your time, your money, your prayers, your help!

Let me make a quick note about Mrs.G. She is a sweet old woman who is an animal lover. She has 8 pot belly pigs, a few dogs and cats and a few chickens. Her van broke so she was having it towed to a mechanic. She can afford to feed her animals right now, they are all fat except for Rifle. It is probably better that he is underweight and not adding more stress to his painful feet. Her property needs to be cleaned up, fences repaired, pasture push hogged, and wood piles burned. I’d like to get a group of volunteers to go help and clean up one afternoon She would be happy and proud if her farm looked like it did when her husband was alive. She told me he kept it so nice. She also told me she is going to try and send a donation to the rescue . She is a lady who will give all she has to a good cause. Right now, I think she is the good cause. If you want to help, please email me at Horseinc@aol.com