You Don’t Throw a Whole Life Away
“YOU DON’T THROW A WHOLE LIFE AWAY
Just Because It Got Banged Up A Little!”
This quote from Seabiscuit’s trainer best describes the amazing work with horses for children at the Spring Lake Equestrian Center, Saving Equine.
One year ago, a starved, emaciated, one eyed, rescued horse referred through the Sheriff’s Department, hobbled through the gates at Spring Lake, banged up a little. With a fiercedetermination, hairless and completely bald, he was aptly given the name of Kojak. Along with the urgent loving care of a Human, this spirited symbol of grace in an Animal, Kojak fought his way to recovery in his Life.
Followers have been impressed at the success of his recovery, seeing how Kojak is currently fat, sassy and happy. He now flourishes in the sunshine, can stand in the rain on his own and sometimes has this peaceful look, like he died and went to Heaven. Kojak is whole in life once again by the efforts of HALF, the Human Animal Life Foundation, in the Saving Equine Program. An effort that took an especially prescribed equine diet, excellent veterinarian care, expert farrier services and a lot of loving care from many passionate people.
Regardless of their condition, horses like Kojak are invaluable in one-on-one relationships with children like those who visit Spring Lake, where there is something very special happening. Despite his handicaps and previous misfortune, Kojak is able to work with children and teach many things, like empathy, responsibility, healthy behaviors and communication. As one might ask how, it becomes clear that the success Kojak found in recovery wonderfully transitions to successful participation in the Youth Equine Therapy Program.
Horses like Kojak are gentle, patient and loving. They clearly enjoy their time with the children, who in turn empathize with and trust these horses, on which they lavish attention, affection and love. Their time together serves as a testament to onlookers that despite their hard-knock-life of the past, all is well with the world in the present, as their relationships wonderfully unfold with the Human element, the grace of an Animal, joined in Life, in what can wondrously be described as a miracle, at the Miracle Ranch.
Akin to Kojak, the Human Animal Life Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, through its Saving Equine Program, is not interested in placing blame for neglect or abuse, but rather keeps its focus on healing and building lifelong foundations for healthy living. With the help of compassionate supporters, all of HALF’s Programscan continue to provide caring alternatives for children and second chance careers for horses. You can help support the children and these majestic creatures through joining the online fundraiser by Saving Equine, one bale at a time.
Help make a difference with HALF!
Online Donations: www.humananimallife.org
Online Community: www.halfbook.org
Fundraiser inquiries:info@humananimallife.org
Telephone: (352) 293-2422, Felicia Bass
TWO FORMER OFF THE TRACK THOROUGHBREDS ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
PRESS RELEASE
TWO FORMER OFF THE TRACK THOROUGHBREDS ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Support Needed Now for Medical and Short Term Care
BROOKSVILLE, FL. July 03, 2011 – Human Animal Life Foundation ( HALF) announced today a fundraiser being held on behalf of two former off the track thoroughbreds in need of emergency and long term care. Among the team of professionals involved in the emergency response operation for both horses is the Sheriff’s Department Agricultural Unit. The two horses are being cared for at The Spring Lake Equestrian Center in Brooksville where they are receiving crucial medication, vitamins and being fed as much as they can eat. The fundraiser will help pay for medical procedures and treatments needed as well as the costs of long term care.
Mr. Jones, as he is now called pending the discovery of his true identity, was rescued last week. The tattoo under his lip is somewhat obscured by what appears to be an old injury. He is a small bay gelding. But, to borrow a line from Shakespeare “Though he is small, he is but fierce!” Felicia Bass, co-founder of the Human Animal Life Foundation stated that “Mr. Jones’ injuries and pushy nature are consistent with winners that have made their mark on the track.”
Santana, the larger of the two thoroughbreds arrived at the Spring Lake Equestrian Center in mid April of this year. He first came to SLEC in need of emergency follow up care. We are happy to report that Santana is doing quite well; he is slowly regaining his strength and beginning to get back to a normal healthy weight.
These two horses are certain to live comfortably in Spring Lake Equestrian Centers long term care program. Some people say with so many horses in need what difference can it make to save just a few. Well, Mr. Jones, Feisty Duke, Berkeley Square, Gypsy, Mercedes, Wilma, Big Shot Dan, Hope and who could forget Kojak who arrived at SLEC with no hair to cover his emaciated frame want you to know, “it makes a big difference to them!”
The Human Animal Life Foundation includes these horses as part of their Saving Equine Program that focuses on equine welfare and equine rehabilitation. HALF has been instrumental in helping Mr. Jones, Santana, and many other horses in need and is expanding efforts nationally through HALFBooK, an online community that is geared to be a resource hub. One way to help these horses and others is to join www.halfbook.org then subscribe using code 346256.
Direct Donations:
Human Animal Life Foundation
www.humananimallife.org
Fundraiser inquiries to:
Felicia Bass: (352) 293-2422
info@humananimallife.org
Media inquiries to:
Director of Communications
media@humananimallife.org
FUNDRAISER FOR OTTB’S FROM TAMPA BAY DOWNS
PRESS RELEASE
FUNDRAISER FOR OTTB’S FROM TAMPA BAY DOWNS
Support Needed for Medical and Long Term Care
BROOKSVILLE, FL. February 25, 2011 – Human Animal Life Foundation (HALF) announced today a fundraiser being held on behalf of four thoroughbreds that retired off the track from Tampa Bay Downs. Berkley Square, Big Shot Dan, Feisty Duke and Open Lock were taken into the long term care program at Spring Lake Equestrian Center.
The fundraiser will help pay for medical procedures and treatments needed as well as costs of long term care. Among the team of professionals offering their time for these horses in need is; Dr. José R. Castro providing Surgical Services; Dr. Sarah Quatman, Dr. Steve Miller and Blue Skies Equine providing Veterinary Care; Daniel Mohr as well as Warren and Michelle Holden proving Farrier Services.
The Human Animal Life Foundation includes these thoroughbreds as a part of their Saving Equine Program that focuses on equine welfare and equine rehabilitation. HALF has been instrumental in helping these thoroughbreds and other horses in need.
Spring Lake Equestrian Center, formerly the Official Foster Home of Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa (TROT) has been supporting Berk, Danny, Duke and Lock, since 2010 after it was agreed that the horses would move into the long term care program. All four thoroughbreds came to Spring Lake Equestrian Center through TROT from Tampa Bay Downs.
Spring Lake Equestrian Center has been endorsed by the Tampa Bay Downs Horseman’s Benevolent and Protection Association. President of the HBPA, Mr. Robert Jeffries stated “The obvious quality of care given the horses by Ms. Bass and her staff, elevates the facility to be among the best”.
Fundraiser inquiries to:
Felicia Bass
(352) 293-2422
info@humananimallife.org
Media inquiries to:
Director of Communications
Human Animal Life Foundation
media@humananimallife.org