Whoa and hello to you all from my barn in Georgia and Pudge in Pennsylvania! How about the 2014 Breeder’s Cup! Magnificent wins, Upsets and some Bumps along the way sure made for an interesting day. A fast track and talented horses all lining up for the win of a lifetime. The weather was perfect for running too. There was a big crowd on both days to watch their favorite challengers gut it out for chance to win the blanket of flowers and a trophy for their human.
Just who were those winners? As you know Pudge and I believe that all equines that come from distances near and far to compete are winners in our book. We’ve been following them for many months and even a year or two just waiting for those year end championships to unfold. Once the gate opened it was up to jockey and horse to do their best to pass the finish line first. It’s not an easy feat to even get into those starting gates because the competition is very fierce so each race counts.
This year was marked by the absence of some very special horses too. Horses that we expected to be in the races but were not. Wise Dan is home in Kentucky recovering from an injury that he sustained perhaps during the Shadwell Turf Mile his last time out. His absence was noticed as we wanted to see him take that BC Mile once again. We wish him well in his recovery and we’ll be looking to see what’s around the corner with him too!
The BC Classic was by far the most talked about race of the year. The start was rough and because of that there was an inquiry at the end to determine if the final result of Bayern’s win would stand. After what seemed like a very long wait, the stewards made the decision to let the win stand. Bob Baffert would at long last get the win in the BC Classic that had been so elusive. Bayern is a very talented colt and maybe we did not get the race between him and Moreno or the challenge of Shared Belief and the much beloved California Chrome, it was a gutty performance and he did get the distance that some thought he would not. Controversial as it was, Bayern emerged as the winner and we do admire him and all the others that did their best. They all worked hard to even be in the race and they are all special horses. May Bob Baffert, Martin Garcia and most notable Bayern enjoy their first BC Classic win!
We hope you have enjoyed this year so far. Lots of races yet to come with the new road to the Roses! Stay tuned!
We also hope that you will join us in congratulating this year’s 2014 Breeder’s Cup Winners and all the challengers. They gave their all and deserve the best yet to come!
All for now!
Your friends in racing: Indy and Pudge! ♥
Our Jordan needs your help. She is working hard to find Blue a home. Blue is a beautiful 12 year old Quarter Horse pony! He was working at a barn being used as a lesson pony and is very laid back with a calm personality. He is wonderful with kids and is well trained and used to being around people.
A few months ago Blue came in from his turnout with possible neurological problems. He can no longer be used for lessons or be ridden because of this. Jordan may be able to get him a temporary foster home for one month but the time factor is very critical.
Due to his current condition, further evaluation by a veterinarian would be highly recommended and with the condition that he is a companion pony or pasture pet. He is so good with children so a nice option for him would be to keep him busy with children’s birthday parties or other events not involving riding. He could be a rescue’s ambassador to bring awareness to horses in need as well. So many possibilities here.
He is an easy keeper in that he has good eating habits and responds well to humans. He has great potential to the right person willing to invest their time and give him the care he needs and deserves.
If you or any Horse Rescues out there are able to help Blue and make him a part of your family please contact Jordan. During the past 6 months Jordan has worked extensively with Blue and knows him and his habits very well. She feels very strongly that this beautiful 12 year old pony deserves a chance and does feel it would be a huge waste to have him put down.
Please contact Jordan Sinners for more details about Blue, his medical condition, location to meet Blue and much more:
I am happy to bring to you a most wonderful and treasured rescue known as BlueStar Equiculture! One of my very first friends on facebook nearly three years ago was a cute little mini named Cupcake the Herdmaster. He was the mascot for BlueStar and had a mighty presence. His small size was not a deterrent to managing the big herd of drafties and Percherons which are so much larger!! No, Cupcake had heart and he was mighty. He was a dear friend to us here in Manheim. Following Cupcake’s adventures was fun but he also brought us to BlueStar! We signed up for newsletters, joined the herd and luvd reading the latest news on Social media! We met the volunteers online and saw all the good work of the rescue right before our very eyes each day.
Though Cupcake has crossed on to managing the big herd in the sky, he left a lasting legacy of good deeds and wonderful friendships that we are still enjoying today. We will always miss the Cupcake but I do know someday we will meet again and have so much to catch up on. I look to the sky each night and remember him fondly. He is still a big part of our lives because it is through his darling character that he taught us how to luv and live big no matter who we were or where we came from. His early adversity in life led him to BlueStar and though it was not easy in the beginning, he and all those who luvd him at BlueStar showed us all that anything is possible with patience, kindness and luv. For that I am now and will always be eternally grateful.
For those of you who may not be aware of who BlueStar Equiculture is you are in for a real treat. We will be devoting several blogs to them, what they do, their horses and much more! Stay tuned!
Today we will start out by sharing their Mission and where they are located and their Social Media and website information.
The Mission of any organization and most especially a rescue organization is founded upon a vision that one or more people have for what they want to do but also what is at the very core of who they are. The Mission sets the tone for the organization and is the foundation for all things going forward. It is the moral code that binds. The Mission is very important and most especially so for those who have no voice. It is the “Credo” that stands! It has meaning and purpose and is to be taken seriously. BlueStar embodies their mission and what they believe in to the very core and it goes like this:
What We Do: Blue Star Equiculture’s Mission
Blue Star Equiculture’s Mission
Blue Star Equiculture is a working horse rescue and sanctuary committed to helping horses, humans and Mother Earth. In concert with the community, we help working horses live out their days in comfort and dignity…and help humans connect with, care for and be better partners to horses and Mother Earth.
What We Believe: Blue Star Equiculture’s Credo
We believe that the draft horse is a national treasure.The Blue Star heard
Currently there is gross misinformation in the public about the lives and well-being of working horses. We seek to have the draft horse–which built our roads, harvested our crops, supplied our railroads, fought our wars, and carried us to our graves—recognized as a national treasure, an indispensable part of our heritage and our common history.
We believe that horses and humans fundamentally belong together.
We have journeyed the same path for the past 6000 years. We have made the horse who he is, and the horse has made us who we are. This is a bond that should not be broken. This bond is a sacred one, and with it come moral obligations to the horse.
We believe that all horses deserve loving homes where their physical and social needs will be met.
Draft horses and other “working” horses have, through their co-evolution with humans, developed a psychological need to be with people. They enjoy their work, whether that “work” is in harness pulling a carriage or a plow, under saddle, or as a companion.
We believe that “work” should not have a pejorative connotation.
When we speak of “working horses,” we are speaking of what these horses do. “Work” can and should have a positive meaning. “Work” for horses in the context of meaningful, productive partnership with humans should never be equated with “slavery.” (We find slavery to be morally repugnant, and as such, slavery should not be a term thrown around cavalierly to describe the domesticated horse.)
We believe that in these troubled economic and environmental times, working horses offer a sustainable means of equine husbandry.
We hope to create other opportunities for working horses to have meaningful jobs in addition to the carriage industry and in limited use on farms. We hope to initiate new uses for working horses in urban environments, such as watering urban gardens, collecting recycling, or making deliveries. We hope to help expand the use of horses in organic agriculture, and spread awareness of using animal traction (that is, real horsepower) instead of hydrocarbon energy to power agricultural implements.
We believe that every working horse deserves to have his needs taken care of for the duration of his natural life.
This is the moral obligation of having horses in one’s life, especially when one’s own livelihood has been provided for through the labor of the horse. We believe that the vast majority of working horses are well-taken care of so long as they are working, as they provide not only for their human partners but also fund their own care. We are concerned about the fate of horses who no longer are able to work or whose owners are unable to continue to work with them or to care for them. Blue Star Equiculture seeks to assist these horses and provide for them or find adoptive homes for them for the rest of their lives.
Friends when you decide to support a rescue, take the time to get to know them. Learn their mission, how they started and what is important to them. Everything they do started with a vision and a mission. It is a special and noble thing to want to take on the responsibility of caring for those who have no voice and to make the necessary sacrifices to do so. What you will mostly find though is that they who do this don’t feel as if it is a sacrifice because they have the passion to do it and the compassion for those who need them. It is a mission, a personal credo and it is important to them on a very deep personal level.
I commend the Director of BlueStar and all those hard working volunteers and supporters of this magnificent rescue all pulling together to help their horses. I know that you will feel the same way too.
Stay tuned as more blogs will be coming your way.
In the meantime you can read more about BlueStar on their website:
Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation has a great group of beautiful horses just ready and waiting for their very own forever luving home!! If you’re not able to adopt, please help me share out their information far and wide. In addition it is possible to sponsor a horse at Serenity until the horse is adopted. Sponsorship means so much because the money received helps to offset the costs of the care necessary for each horse.
For all the information you’ll need to know about how to go about adopting a horse at Serenity Equine Rescue please go to this link: http://www.serenityequinerescue.com/adopt
I’ve been in touch with Brenda from the rescue and she gave me notes about the horses which I share below!
Meet the Horses!
Jayjay
Jayjay
Meet their wonderful JayJay!! She is a pure white Arabian mare, age 20, but you would NEVER know it. This girl is super well trained, a dressage horse. Her years of training and showing are evident. She needs at least a medium to experienced rider. Her gaits are beautiful, she has perfect ground manners, and is just a fantastic horse. She is allergic to alfalfa, so is fed orchard grass. Small adult or experienced teens.
Kazmeen
Kazmeen is a beautiful dark bay Arabian gelding . He was adopted and returned as the owner could no longer care for him. Kazmeen is very well trained and has been ridden on trails and in a few shows. Unfortunately, he was injured when he was very young and is no longer able to be ridden. He has never been lame but has a compromised hock. Kazmeen is a gentle curious boy and loves attention. He would make a perfect pasture mate as he is kind and enjoys his herd mates.
Keona
Sequoia
Keona and Sequoia: this mother and daughter pair are beautiful and very smart. Sequoia is the mama, she is a Yakima Indian Pony, about 14.1 hands. Green, so needs some work, but a very smart and sweet girl. Keona, her daughter is half Arabian, a very pretty mare, about 14.2. Also green. She was born at Serenity, is SUPER friendly, and would love a permanent person. Keona is 4 and Sequioa is 6. They are very bonded and would best go together. Would suit experienced teens or small adult.
Reese
Reese is a lovely 14.2 Arab mare. She has a beautiful movement, and very good manners. She was returned to us after being adopted out due to a divorce in the family. She is learning to trust again, and making great progress. Reese is 14. Small adult or experienced teens.
Shamara
Meet Shamara, a 30 year-old bay and white pinto Arabian/Saddlebred mare who stands over 15 hands. Shamara and her 14-year-old daughter Selena were finally surrendered by their owner to Serenity after more than a year of tireless work by one of our volunteers. They had been living in knee-deep mud for years with no dental or hoof care and were badly malnourished.
After several months of mashes, special dental care and farrier work, Shamara is once again healthy and sound. Although Shamara is sound and rideable she is at a place in her life where very light riding would be best. Shamara has developed Cushings and needs medicine each day.
If you are interested in adopting Shamara or any of the other horses, please contact patricia@serenityequinerescue.com to arrange a time to meet this wonderful mare.
Wonderful horses needing a home. Please network, share, and if you can sponsor and/or adopt! Winter is coming so it is imperative that the horses have the funding for their care while they’re waiting for their once in a lifetime human! The rescue is located in Washington state where the wildfires have plagued acres and acres of valuable land. Humans and animals alike have been affected in a big way. What the fires have meant to the rescue is a huge increase in hay costs as the fires were in the area where the hay is grown. Please do what you can and as often as you can. Serenity and the horses will be forever grateful!
Welcome to 2014!! January is the first month of the year and one in which many of us make a resolve to do this or not do that. We try hard to keep our resolutions and then sometimes we don’t do it but sometimes we do! Christmas comes slowly and goes by fast and before you know it we’ve rung in the New Year and made our memories for another year.
This year like every year I always have many resolutions but the one resolution that I make every year and one that is very special and dear to my heart is to always give it my very best to show my friends and barn pals that I do care. I do care, I support you and I want the very best life has to offer you. Our time together is often very defined and before I know it my equine friends are on their way to a new home and a new life. I like to think that while I am with them and helping them that they will look back on our time together as meaningful and helpful too. The tough part of being the barn mascot is the day when I have to say so long, good luck and keep in touch. Each and every one of my friends that have been rescued and been adopted has brought something special into my life and my heart. I will treasure those feelings forever. When I go to my stall after everyone is tucked in and the moonbeams are warming our withers, I wonder who is it that rescued who? The equines that have crossed my path and shared carrots with me were rescued, but then maybe me, the barn peeps and Mom may have been rescued in return. I think what I am trying to say is that we all bring something special and unique to the card table and it’s comforting to know that each of us fits together just like pieces in a puzzle. We come from different backgrounds and different experiences but we learn from one another and in that process come out with even greater potential than before.
Friends as we go through this new year, embrace change, learn from the past and each other and don’t be afraid to realize your best potential. Sometimes life throws us some unexpected challenges but we can learn from them and keep growing and moving forward. Patches has this thing about standing tall and I quite agree. Learn from one another, support one another and cherish the time you have with one another. I know that I am in realty a 12 hand high pony but in my mind and spirit I am as big as the bigly dood and I Stand Tall!
Hello! I send you a warmed up greeting from my barn in Northeastern Pennsylvania to yours! Yups it is still winter as Pudge says, but we have had a few warmer days lately so I have been out in the pasture with my usual BFF’s and Pudge was online texting me to come in and get to work on my racing blog! I enjoyed being outside and I love the racing too so it’s just a great day when I have my blogs to write. My buddy Pudge the ever ready and novel student has picked up on the lingo beautifully and makes me proud. Tipsy Saint gives him a few tips from time to time when he is not busy with his Bobby Flay recipes that is!
So away they go and away they went! Boy this crop of 3 YRO’s has been pretty exciting and though it’s still a tad early to see how it will all unfold suffice it to say we’ve got some talent in front of us for sure! This week we were thoroughly impressed with the son of Midnight Lute. This grey roan colt showed up and then some and even though it was four-horse race and even though it was only his 2nd career debut this runner has shown he has tremendous promise. This race run and won by Tapizar and Goldencents prior, well need we say more! Breeders Cup champion down the road?? Who knows but it is fun to dream.
Once the gate opened it was pretty much a race between Kristo who has the early lead and Midnight Hawk our winner. Ontology was not too far behind in third and I’ll Wrap it up was the trailer and fourth place finish. A couple of scratches earlier in the day was disappointing but Midnight Hawk was at the gate and ready to go along with the other three who aimed to take their shot at winning the Sham Stakes.
Midnight Hawk is trained by Bob Baffert and owned by a partnership that includes Mike Tice and Mike Pegram among several other partners. Midnight Hawk went without blinkers this time and it proved to be a good move. He is a young horse and has some growing to do, but he is off to a great start. At this time the connections were not definite about his next start but we may see him at the Grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park! Hooves crossed folks. This win puts 10 points on his resume for the Road to the Kentucky Derby Roses!! Kristo the second place finisher picks up 4 points, Ontology 2 points and I’ll Wrap it Up took home a point too. Hey they all count and we have several races coming so hold on to your seats! There is more excitement yet to come!
We did not have any racing for the Ladies and their quest for the prep races in the Kentucky Oaks contest but stay tuned because the Silverbullet Day Stakes are coming up this weekend!!
Friends we’re just getting started and it’s only January but trust me the time will go by fast and pretty soon we’ll be talking about the coveted first Saturday in May!
Meet Tipsy Saint! He is our gorgeous Off The Track Thoroughbred! He is a bay gelding and is 16 hands. His Jockey Club name is Tipsy Saint. He is available for adoption and currently does not have a sponsor.
He is a 7 year old who was retired and donated to us by Renpher Racing. Thank you Bob and Val! He is a spirited sweetheart. He has a commanding presence. He has a huge, floaty stride but will be a horse for a more experienced rider. He is going to be a stunner in the show arena.
He is currently being ridden mostly walk/trot with limited canter work as he still tends to get a little fast in the arena by Trainer Jill. Very willing and has good “Go” and good “whoa!” Alert but not spooky. Willing to do anything asked. Hasn’t taken a bad step. Will start trail riding in the spring. Good mind. Best suited for dressage or trail riding.
If you would like more information please contact our trainer Jill Costarella via e-mail at JaCostarella@gmail.com or our contact information below:
Mt. Hope Horse Rescue, Inc.
2244 East Mount Hope Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Phone: 717-575-5635
Fax: 717-664-0923
Pat Potter – Director Email: pat@mthopehorserescue.org
Jill Costarella – Horse Trainer: (717) 526-9637; jacostarella@gmail.com
Visitations by Appointment only!
Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Sundays – Closed
Meet our beautiful BLM Mustang mare Nevada! She is available for adoption and also needs a sponsor if you are unable to adopt. The is a 14.3 hand bay mare who is 7 years old.
Nevada came to us recently from a family that was losing the land they were keeping her on. She’s a short bodied athletic mare. She has not been ridden much in the past two years and is in desperate need of a refresher course, which she will get as weather permits. She is a very bold filly that could potentially go in many directions including as a jumper or western events. She’s young and mostly uncomplicated. She can have a stubborn streak but has yet to offer a buck, kick, or rear. To date we have only ridden her bareback but again that will change the longer that we have her. She’s a very good looking and sweet horse that needs a confident leader. She will make someone a very loyal and solid mount given the time to prove herself.
If you’d like to learn more about Nevada or would like to sponsor or adopt her, please contact our Director Pat Potter.
Our contact information is here:
Mt. Hope Horse Rescue, Inc.
2244 East Mount Hope Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Phone: 717-575-5635
Fax: 717-664-0923
Pat Potter – Director Email: pat@mthopehorserescue.org
Jill Costarella – Horse Trainer: (717) 526-9637; jacostarella@gmail.com
Visitations by Appointment only!
Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Sundays – Closed
Whoa! I am happy to share that my friend and technology genius Nemo has been officially adopted!! Yes it’s true!! It sure did not take long either. Nemo will make a fine addition to his new family and they’re looking forward to his arrival.
Nemo has had the good fortune to be adopted by a wonderful woman in Massachusetts! She is a lawyer and has a son. Nemo is primarily heading north to be a companion to a horse that they already own. Presently his new family is building him a brand new stall and once that is complete in a few short weeks, Trainer Jill and Handyman Jeff are going to take my little buddy to his new home! Nemo is very excited to have his very own new forever home but then to be getting a new human to luv him and take care of him AND a brand new built stall, well that is just the icing on the carrot cake!
Nemo may be getting some lead line time in with the human boy who lives there too. We know that Nemo is going to make a great friend to his new horsey pal and his new human family too. Nemo is very good-natured as you may recall and from seeing his pictures here on the farm. He’s been one to follow my mascot rules to the “T” and he’s also been very good about keeping the technology running well here in the barn. He’s helped BamBam with his art slide shows for the seminars here in the barn and also has plans to hook Little Texas up to the Cloud so he does not have to rely on homing pigeons so much! Oh we’re technically challenged here at times but with Nemo’s help we’ve done very well!! We are going to miss you!!
So for the next few weeks Nemo will be here until they get this new stall fixed up. We’ll still have fun with him and enjoy his company!! Nemo may follow in my footsteps and see about going to college too. My experience was so much fun and Nemo could more than likely easily get into MIT with his knack for all things technology!! He promised to keep us posted.
We’ll be sure to follow-up Trainer Jill and Handyman Jeff on the trip too. Fats is going to go along with Nemo in the trailer to keep him company so he won’t get too lonely back there! Fats is good that way!
So stay tuned like always, we’re sure to have more to come. In the meantime join me in wishing Nemo well! We’re going to miss you but we’re happy too. Another bittersweet moment here in the barn!
WHOA what fun we had! Friends we had such a great time at Frontier Days horse show in Wellsville on Sunday, Sept. 15th. Mom and Trainer Jill were so proud of us! My hall of fame jockey Jordan participated in her first ever horse show! What an honor that she saved that for us!
Jordan did really well. She rode both Bam Bam and me and she did just great!! I got a 6th in long stirrup cross rails, Bam Bam got two 5ths and a third in beginner rider and Fats got two thirds and a fourth in restricted cross rails. We all learned a lot and we can put to practice here at home in our own riding ring with Trainer Jill. Hoping to go to another one soon as being the star in the ring in front of a crowd of humans is so exhilarating!! Yups a cool carrot kind of day.
Unfortunately Patches had to sit this one out but he’ll be able to go again too. His wall is just loaded with ribbons so it was nice that we now have ribbons on our walls too! Boy I will never forget my very first horse show! Jumping the rails with ease and then getting a reward in the form of a pretty ribbon.
The weather was just perfect for a day at the horse show too. Trainer Jill puts in many long hours of time with us to prepare for such an event. She is very dedicated and luvs to showcase our talents. We all thank her so much for all her time, patience and hard work. She may make it look easy because she does luv all things horses that much but it does take tremendous effort and skill to pull it all off the way she does. She also teaches Jess, Jordan and others on our volunteer staff too so she has a big job. She is top-notch and we’re so blessed to have her!!
Thank you Mom, Dad, Trainer Jill, Jess, Jordan and so many others working behind the scenes that help us make our dreams come true! We luv you for that and more!
Pudge 