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Day 1: Nov 3rd, 2016 - Comeback Challenge Draft PickToday was a big day for three special rescue horses as they made their way to the Adams County Fairgrounds for the 2017 Equine Comeback Challenge draft pick. This year's horses from DHOH are Lena, Warlock, and Blackhawk, three very deserving rescues who were saved earlier in 2016. Today was the day that the trainers evaluate each horse entry from the various rescues, and draw a number to determine their spot in line for a horse. The draft was held this afternoon, and DHOH is proud to say that our very own Warlock was FIRST pick by trainer Justin Dunn. Warlock is a tall, bay 9 year old gelding with loads of potential. All of the horses entered into this exciting competition are un-started. They will be trained by their designated trainers for the next 90 days. Then they'll head to the 2017 Comeback Challenge in March hosted by the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo and A Home for Every Horse. This competition results in talented rescue horses receiving the love and training that they so deserve, and ultimately, each horse goes to the sale following the competition where the general public can purchase one of these awesome steeds! Follow Lena, Warlock, and Blackhawk on their journey as we continue to post updates on these three and their awesome trainers! VIDEO HERE. These horses will be trained for 90 days by professional volunteer trainers, and will then be showcased at the 2017 Rocky Mountain Horse Expo - Equine Comeback Challenge...."Patrick has been one of our greater inspirations for the inception of this tremendous work. He was loving and gallant every one of his days. Patrick, DHOH owes a big part of its very beginnings to your spirit and your life." - Jean Kirshner, 09/25/2016 Patrick Zimmerman, one of the Drifter's Hearts of Hope founding members, was an active teenager diagnosed with autism and epilepsy in 2014. He was later diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Type C Disease. Patrick remained positive nevertheless and his health didn't change his outlook on life or his incredible faith. "I love working with the horses. We are helping them find good homes," he said. Patrick formed a deep personal connection with the horses, and a connection with the young people at DHOH. He inspired many, with his steadfast heart, his smile, and his attitude about life. Patrick passed away on the evening of September 24th. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Patrick's big heart, and love transformed the lives of many; his memory will live on through the continued work at Drifter's Hearts of Hope and through those who he so deeply impacted during his brief time on this earth.
"Thinking of Patrick who loved Jesus and didn't waiver from his faith despite a very tough, and too short life. If you had the joy of meeting Patrick, you had the blessing of seeing the face of God", says Greg Daniels as he shared this scripture in remembrance of sweet Patrick: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Funeral Service Information: Patrick's funeral services will be held at Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Sunday, October 2nd at 4 p.m. 9030 Miller Road Parker, CO 80138 Patrick asked for attendees to wear bright colors to his funeral, western wear, or camo. His family has asked that donations be made to DHOH in lieu of flowers. Thank you. Ever wonder what became of our thoroughbred rescue horse, Island's Angel aka Sassy? Turns out that she landed quite a new life for herself, and has been featured in Sidelines Magazine. Check out the full article by Vickie Christensen here.
Drifter's is relocating in October 2016. Our new facility will include over 300 acres, a 30 horse barn, and a classroom for all of the DHOH kids! We are so excited and couldn't be more happy about this huge blessing! Stay tuned for updates about our big move and new mailing address to come. It's that time of year! As Drifter's Hearts of Hope prepares for the winter months, there is much to do when it comes to providing quality hay and grain to the rescue horses.
The month of September is our annual hay drive. We're asking our wonderful supporters and friends to help the horses by donating hay, or monetary donations which will be put toward hay for the winter. Currently we have 20 rescued horses to feed through the coming winter months. Equine Senior grain from any local feed store or grass hay (square or round bales) is greatly appreciated as is alfalfa grass. Feed donations may be dropped off at the Funny Farm evenings and weekends. If you'd like to make a monetary donation that will be used for winter feed, please click here and donate via our PayPal page. We thank you for your support! Fall is just around the corner. As the seasons change and the leaves begin to burst with that autumn color we so look forward to, there is excitement buzzing about at the Funny Farm.
To date, DHOH has rescued 53 horses from impending slaughter, and this fall we have a new venture on the horizon. "FALL in Love" is a new opportunity for the horses at DHOH to receive some extra love and attention, before being evaluated for adoption. By volunteering to work with a specific horse, you can fall in love with the world of rescue while giving a horse what he needs most -- LOVE and people time. The rescues at DHOH can use extra quality time (i.e. grooming, walking, ground work), which gives them a chance to learn to trust, helps to improve ground manners, and ultimately lets a horse know that he is cared for by his person. This is an excellent way to prepare the rescue horses of DHOH for their forever homes to-be. Like horses? Fall in love with them this September by donating your time and attention to a special rescue horse. DHOH is asking for volunteers to donate one to two hours per week to pamper an "assigned" rescue horse for a period of one to three months, based on availability. To volunteer for "FALL In Love" at DHOH, please click here and complete our volunteer form. We will reach out to you with details and shifts that currently need to be filled. We thank you in advance for your support....and the HORSES thank you too! On the evening of August 10th, at last our miracle arrived...baby Milagra! She is the long-awaited foal out of DHOH Cabo, a mare rescued earlier this year. Milagra graced us with her presence at 8:55 p.m. This sweet soul, whom we have named Milagra, Spanish for Miracle, is the 50th horse DHOH has rescued! Today, Milagra is one week old (left) and fills our hearts as we watch her grow. She will surely bring countless smiles to everyone at DHOH.
In just one year, Drifter's Hearts of Hope has rescued 37 unwanted, slaughter-bound horses. Most of the horses who have made their way to the Funny Farm (DHOH headquarters) have required a great deal of rehabilitation and compassion. We're happy to report that as of today, Drifter's Hearts of Hope has re-homed 19 of these 37 precious lives, and very soon that number will go up to 20. Limitless, is lucky #20. He is the big grey gelding pictured below. With his adoption currently pending, Limitless is a reminder to all of us that even a small horse community can make a huge impact and save a life. The children at DHOH have worked very hard to raise funds and care for their rescues, and the efforts of volunteers, friends, neighbors, and community have yielded the many success stories. Each person involved, has contributed in their own way. Whether it be through fostering, donating, hauling, providing care, and the list goes on, these horses have been saved by a wonderful community. DHOH is truly grateful for the overwhelming support to rescue and re-home these beautiful horses. Currently, DHOH would like to SHARE with the horse community the 7 wonderful horses who are ready for forever loving homes. We're networking to spread the word about these awesome horses. In the coming months, the remaining 9 horses who are in quarantine/foster will be evaluated and placed for adoption within the rescue, so keep an eye out for them as well! Drifter’s Hearts of Hope lifts everything it touches. As we are rescuing horses from horrific situations, we also lift teens with special needs to reach potentials nobody imagined!
This May, DHOH member, Bella, was honored to receive Legend High School’s “Achievement Award.” This award is given to an underclassman that demonstrates inspiration and life achievement. Bella’s inspiration came from her meaningful work earning resources for, and working with DHOH rescues. In addition, to her own passion, she was able to share this work and its reward with her peers. Bella has brought the work of DHOH to her high school, lifting not just horses, not just herself, but also all of her peers at school. This work has provided Bella and other kids a perfect balance of play, passion and purpose! Check out the video of Bella receiving her award here! The most recent rescues known as the "Casper 3" have been in their new home at DHOH for nearly a week. The horses are doing well, all things considered and have started the rehabilitation process. Veterinary care, and farrier work are among the top priorities for these horses due to the extreme neglect they sustained in Wyoming. The Casper 3 are mostly unhandled, but are reportedly willing and gentle natured. Their lack of handling didn't deter their hoof care today. They are learning quickly. A few of the DHOH supporters helped trim the hooves of all three horses. Given the condition of the horses' hooves, this has been a significant first step in the recovery of each horse which ultimately will lead to their placement in forever loving homes. DHOH has provided a specific list of items that are needed at this time to care for and rehab the Casper 3. Items include: -Feed - Equine Senior Grain, Equipride -Red Cell -Grass Hay -Panacur Power Pacs (wormers) -Supplements Farrier Care - donations Veterinary Care - donations **Please know that donations in kind such as feed, hay, supplements, etc may be dropped off at multiple locations for your convenience. ** Drop off locations include: - The Funny Farm DHOH headquarters in Elizabeth, CO - Lakewood, Colorado (2 locations) - Denver, Colorado (1 location) - More drop-off locations will be posted soon. To coordinate a donation drop-off please complete a DHOH web form. Due to the condition of the three horses--Freedom, River, and Prairie Fire, DHOH would like to secure individual Sponsorships for them. Sponsoring one of these horses means ensuring their future health and well-being. It is a great way to contribute for individuals who want to help, but do not have the time to volunteer. Sponsoring Freedom, River, or Prairie Fire will provide them with a stable monthly donation, that will be utilized specifically for their rehabilitation. DHOH sponsorships are strictly voluntary, so a sponsor may cease donations at any time. To sponsor Freedom, click here. To sponsor River, click here. To sponsor Prairie Fire, click here. Experienced volunteers are requested at this time to help with the handling and care of the horses at their location in Elizabeth, CO. To volunteer please contact Jacqui Avis at 303.521.5726. Drifter's Hearts of Hope is an accredited 501c3 not for profit organization and thanks you for your support. Last weekend, the Colorado Horse Rescue Network was contacted regarding an emergency animal neglect case located in Casper, Wyoming. Drifter's Hearts of Hope immediately responded alongside other horse rescuers. CHRN made the drive up to Wyoming, not knowing what they would discover, and in hopes that they could bring 13 horses to safety. "There were dead horses amongst 13 survivors." said DHOH founder, Jacqui Avis. "There are pregnant mares. These animals will be surrendered by the owner to CHRN, with 3 to be taken in by DHOH. Transport, feed, vet care, farrier care, is going to be costly. We would greatly appreciate any assistance possible, whether it be feed, hay donations, donations directly to our vet or farrier, or monetary donations. Let's help these poor horses!" When the DHOH and CRHN crews arrived to the scene in Casper, they found the horses extremely emaciated, with some having evidence of founder, or no hoof care for what appeared to be years. The neglect of these animals was unbelievable. But not everything was doom and gloom for the 13 survivors. They were alive, and had just enough spirit left in them to get loaded into trailers and headed to safety in Colorado. These horses now have a chance....at a new start. The rescues from Casper have a long road ahead of them, but thanks to the good work of CHRN, and the supporters and volunteers of DHOH, all of the horses have a chance. DHOH has officially named all three of their rescues from the Casper situation as of today. The grey is now DHOH "Freedom", the bay is "River" and the paint is "Prairie Fire". All are doing well. What a difference just a few days makes. So what is the significance of the number 34? DHOH was able to rescue horse #34, "Mikah". 34 is the typical number of horses that are loaded into one trailer when heading to slaughter. It is a week of celebration at DHOH, as 13 lives were saved, and none of these horses will be shipping out to slaughter. We're keeping our blog updated with the latest DHOH new and events. By subscribing to our blog, you can stay updated on what's happening at the rescue, and easily share posts with your friends. Help us expand our reach by commenting on or sharing our blog posts. Just a click can go a long way! We appreciate your support. To subscribe, click the orange RSS Feed button on the right side of this blog page. Using a mobile device to view our site?? To subscribe from a mobile device, click the title of the blog post, then scroll to the bottom of your screen and you'll see the "RSS Feed" button there. : )
We are in need of volunteers like you this spring and summer to help with the daily operations of Drifter's Hearts of Hope. Your time and efforts will contribute to the care of and ultimately the re-homing of the rescue horses. We'd love for you to come work with us and greatly appreciate your support!
We are in search of more volunteers for help with evening chores...feeding, mucking, grooming and general handling of horses... Please let us know if anyone is interested! Also, we need to do some fence work when it dries out and will be in search of a few strong men!:) Currently volunteers are needed for:
To volunteer for one or more of the above duties, please contact us by completing our contact form here, or by visiting our Facebook page at facebook.com/Driftersheartsofhope. |
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