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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 2, 2008 11:35:03 GMT -5
Wednesday, January 2nd... Three Times A Lady, we called her Lady, has found a new home with a wonderful family in Dixon. Also the stallion Totally Platinum has been adopted, and he should be leaving us soon.
But now I need to tell you about horses in desperate need. If you can help, give me a call at 530-383-2120. These horses are located in California, from Fresno to Mt. Shasta. I can help with shipping arrangements. Many of the following horses are neglected, and they need immediate vet and foot care. Not to mention a truck load of groceries.
17 thoroughbreds at 11 different locations. Ages range from 2 to 25. Broke and unbroke. Injured and healthy. Most of these thoroughbreds would make good companion animals.
8 quarter horses at 6 different locations. Ages range from 4 to 20. 5 of these quarter horses are very hungry. You can count their ribs. All seem to be sane, but I have no idea as to their riding abilities.
An older gelding and I swear he is a Norman Cob, but his current owner does not know for sure. His tail is docked. He is probably 20 years old and very gentle. He is headed for a livestock auction if no one takes him.
14 mares and geldings of mixed breeds. There is a gray mare who has had foals, and a big bay mare who has had foals. The majority of these 14 horses are hungry. All 14 are headed to January auctions. Not a healthy one in the bunch.
All of the above horses are free, but we do need to meet you. The owner of a quarter horse with colored markings is asking $300.00. If you can provide a good home for this quarter horse, Tbfriends will pay the $300.00. I have a feeling he would be in deep trouble at a public auction.
On our ranch we have 110 horses. A giant storm coming.
(more to come)
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 2, 2008 12:57:39 GMT -5
Joe's Journal continued...
Wednesday, January 2nd... Three Times A Lady, we call her Lady, has found a new home with a wonderful family in Dixon. Also the stallion Totally Platinum has been adopted, and he should be leaving us soon.
But now I need to tell you about horses in desperate need. If you can help, give me a call at 530-383-2120. These horses are located in California, from Fresno to Mt. Shasta. I can help with shipping arrangements. Many of the following horses are neglected, and they need immediate vet and foot care. Not to mention a truck load of groceries.
17 thoroughbreds at 11 different locations. Ages range from 2 to 25. Broke and unbroke. Injured and healthy. Most of these thoroughbreds would make good companion animals.
8 quarter horses at 6 different locations. Ages range from 4 to 20. 5 of these quarter horses are very hungry. You can count their ribs. All seem to be sane, but I have no idea as to their riding abilities.
An older gelding and I swear he is a Norman Cob, but his current owner does not know for sure. His tail is docked. He is probably 20 years old and very gentle. He is headed for a livestock auction if no one takes him.
14 mares and geldings of mixed breeds. There is a gray mare who has had foals, and a big bay mare who has had foals. The majority of these 14 horses are hungry. All 14 are headed to January auctions. Not a healthy one in the bunch.
All of the above horses are free, but we do need to meet you. The owner of a quarter horse with colored markings is asking $300.00. If you can provide a good home for this quarter horse, Tbfriends will pay the $300.00. I have a feeling he would be in deep trouble at public auction.
On our ranch we have 110 horses. A giant storm coming.
Hardly a break in the action. Yesterday I showed you a photo of the starving mare Eve, and there were at least a dozen phone calls. Thank you so much for your concern, and yes I will continue to give updates. Eve is doing okay, and she eats most of her meals. Eve is in our yard, next to the house, so we can see if she needs help. With starving horses there are many issues, incuding colic and diarrhea. But so far Eve is adjusting well.
The depressed and skinny gelding Willy is doing great. He has already gained at least 50 pounds. Willy sleeps more than the normal horse. And he is taking an interest in other horses.
Gidget lost her foot, but the foot reattached, and she is feeling much better. Gidget is sore, but eating and gaining weight. The more weight Gidget gains the grouchier she becomes. Well golly gee.
Branigans has put on over 100 pounds, and he is no longer lame. Soon Branigans will go live in our fields.
We have 16 recently arrived race horses with major injuries. They are doing okay. A few will be lifetime crippled. But all 16 seem to be happy.
Oh, and did I mention a giant storm coming?
Each radio and television station is warning about high winds and 5 inches of rain. The storm should be here tonight or tomorrow morning. Oh goodie. Our new generator is ready to go. All gas cans are filled. We have stored water. Lots of batteries and bottled peaches. And by the way, a big Thank You to Lindsey for the bottled peaches.
110 horses. Having the time of our senior citizen lives. A recent horse from the race track is Dat Thing. We call him Moe. 4 times now Moe has undid the snap to his stall gate and escaped. He goes right to the haystack and munches. Moe is a good guy. He is broken down in both front legs. But already Moe is on the road to recovery. 110 horses means 110 different personalities.
Little Cora Mason came to kiss Gone Cattin, and she gave us a cheesecake from a fancy bakery in San Jose. Cora Mason asks what is it about thoroughbreds? Why are they so addicting?
Their strength and their beauty. The way they hold their heads high, even after breaking down in a race. Thoroughbreds are proud. And they are not the least bit shy about sharing their feelings. Cora Mason was right. Thoroughbreds are addicting. I have been hooked for 40 years.
Joe
Pictures from New Years Day.
The top pictures show a new gelding who came yesterday from the race track. His name is Proud Phil, and he is injured. Top left shows Proud Phil as he came off the trailer. Top rights shows Proud Phil as he gets ready for bed.
Bottom left is Pony Boy. His New Years supper included a banana.
Bottom right is horses eating as the sun goes down.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 3, 2008 14:08:42 GMT -5
Thursday, January 3rd... There is a website called Baen, and it is run by a very nice lady named Debbie. Recently Debbie put up a Tbfriends logo on Baen. Nora lives in Sacramento, and she saw the logo. Nora gave me a call, and now she is the excited new owner of an older thoroughbred mare who was in serious trouble. The mare came from a horrible situation in Stockton. A big Thank You to Jennifer Wright for providing the transportation. And a big Thank You to both Debbie of Baen, and Nora of Sacramento. A combined effort. Saving the life of a loving thoroughbred mare.
Glory (yes her name is Glory) lives in the town of Martinez. After reading yesterday about horses in need, Glory calls to say well okay then. She will gladly help. A young quarter horse colt who is not broke to ride was living in Lodi. He was scheduled for a January auction. Once again a big Thank You to Jennifer Wright for providing the transportation. The colt is now with Glory, who later phones to say he has settled right in. An appointment has been made for castration.
An older gelding with a cropped tail was taken from his not so nice home in Grass Valley to his beautiful new pasture in Placerville. A big Thank You to Angela Youngblood for providing the transportation.
An older thoroughbred gelding with bad feet and a huge knee was taken from his not so nice home in West Sacramento and delivered to his very nice new home in Capay Valley. A big Thank You to Stephanie Diaz for providing the transportation.
You gotta love the internet. And you gotta love those who read Tbfriends. I ask for help with horses in trouble, and the little cell phone rings all day long. Twice I had to recharge. There are 11 more homes waiting for hopeful horses. I am incredibly grateful.
To our team of horse haulers, who when I phone they hardly hesitate. Welcome Stephanie Diaz. Welcome Ryan Andrews. Also Jennifer Wright. Holly Meeks. Hoofbeats Horse Transportation. Angela Youngblood. Gary Duncan. Georgia Hartman. Without your help there would be no Tbfriends.
We are constantly warned about this upcoming storm. A doozy. We could have 60 mile an hour winds. 5 inches of rain. Right now, at 6:20 on a Thursday morning, it is very still outside. Horses begin to shuffle, waiting for breakfast. The chores are endless, and I must get started. Have the best Thursday ever, and be sure to hug your horses. The Kings won in New York last night. Once again, anything is possible...
Joe
Meet Adam. He comes to us very hungry from a feed lot in Elk Grove. Adam has a racing tattoo which says he is just 6 years old.
Top right is the yellow cat Squirrel, who has lived with us since 1997.
We have been begging Yolo County to fill the holes on our street, and yesterday they finally came. I have watched as joggers fall into these holes and disappear forever. But now we can drive down the street without blowing a tire.
Bottom right: 111 horses on our ranch, and they all need a bath.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 4, 2008 10:38:04 GMT -5
Friday, January 4th... STORM UPDATE - 1:45 a.m. This is crazy. Monster winds and the rain is sideways. 111 horses on our ranch. On a quick trip to the barn there were many frightened horses.
I will continue to give updates as long as we have electricity. The television is saying winds could get up to 70 miles an hour. 4 or 5 inches of rain. The rain is suppose to be off and on all weekend.
I only wish this was happening during daylight so we could see the horses. I will be back.
UPDATE - 5:00 a.m. Probably the morning paper will not be delivered.
Just talked with Jodi in Dixon, and she says the worst is yet to come. Her winds are over 50 miles an hour. The heaviest rain will come later this morning. I wonder, how much heavier can it get? This is insane. This is California, home of softball and sunshine.
Just talked with Megan in Fairfield, and she has lost 2 trees. Megan has 23 horses on her ranch, and they are okay.
Just talked with Julia in Lincoln, and her barn is flooded. Almost a foot of water in her paddocks.
To everyone out there, be safe. Stay home. We will get through this. In a few months it will be 90 degrees with a new crop of flies.
Joe
Meet Adam. He comes to us very hungry from a feed lot in Elk Grove. Adam has a racing tattoo which says he is just 6 years old.
Top right is the yellow cat Squirrel, who has lived with us since 1997.
We have been begging Yolo County to fill the holes on our street, and yesterday they finally came. I have watched as joggers fall into these holes and disappear forever. But now we can drive down the street without blowing a tire.
Bottom right: 111 horses on our ranch, and they all need a bath.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 6, 2008 10:26:19 GMT -5
Sunday, January 6th... Hello, this is Max. The storm of the last couple of days has resulted in down telephone lines. Joe is unable to get online to update this journal. I have been asked to let you know that Joe and the horses are surviving. As soon as he is able to he will bring you update himself.
Max
Meet Adam. He comes to us very hungry from a feed lot in Elk Grove. Adam has a racing tattoo which says he is just 6 years old.
Top right is the yellow cat Squirrel, who has lived with us since 1997.
We have been begging Yolo County to fill the holes on our street, and yesterday they finally came. I have watched as joggers fall into these holes and disappear forever. But now we can drive down the street without blowing a tire.
Bottom right: 111 horses on our ranch, and they all need a bath.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 9, 2008 10:28:39 GMT -5
Sorry, I couldn't access Joe's Journal for a couple of days.
Wednesday, January 9th... This world brings us no guarantees, but one thing you can count on. If you phone to say your horses are starving I will do my best to help. Your hungry horses must be within driving distance for me. I wrote about this yesterday, and there were 3 phone messages. One small ranch not far from Woodland is having big time troubles. No food for their 2 older mares. But now there is grain and alfalfa, and I will continue to monitor their conditions. We rely on others to do the right thing. If I bring food for your horses, you gotta feed em.
Since the big storm my cell phone is mostly junk. But if there is no food for your horses please call me. My number is 530-383-2120. Do not call a horse killer. He will only profit from your lousy situation.
2008 brings a new path. On the morning journal I will begin sharing names of horse killers. Past years I have been afraid horse killers would not sell me horses if I revealed who they are. But California is suffering from bad decisions. Foaling season is here, and later this summer a new crop of doomed weanlings will be waiting for the slaughter bus to end their short lives. Horse killers get rich. Rescue ranches go out of business. We must find a way to stop this madness. Year after year the same crap. Starving babies and starving broodmares and one thing you should never let happen is to see them in person. Watch as an indifferent horse killer like Wade Giles loads them into a cattle trailer for the long disgusting ride to a butcher shop in Canada. And if you think these horses are not aware of their fate, you are reading the wrong page. Of course they know. You can see it on their faces.
Horse killer Manny Phelps has several thoroughbreds right now, and the majority have racing tattoos.
There is a horse killer working the Los Angeles area, and is name is David Misner. He attends all the auctions. David Misner has a daughter who is 12 years old, and she is described as gorgeous. David Misner and his gorgeous daughter will con you out of your horse, and then sell your horse to a slaughter house. Our friend Caroline just rescued an off the track gelding from David Misner and his 12 year old daughter. The gelding is Piratesdragon, and he is 4 years old.
There is a horse killer working the Stockton - Turlock area, and his name is Ray Barrett. Mostly he is called Barry. He drives a brand new silver Dodge, and there is always a white poodle on the front seat. Horse killer Ray Barrett will show up at your house with his white poodle and tell you he is recently retired from the post office. And your sign out front saying horses for sale grabbed his attention. He tells you he would like to spend his retirement with a nice horse. You give him your mare, the mare you have had owned since 1996, and he lets you pet his poodle. Before the day is over horse killer Ray Barrett has sold your mare to a slaughter plant in Mexico. A fast $400.00 or so.
Instead of phoning a horse killer, or instead of taking your skinny horses to a livestock auction, phone me instead. You never know what the future holds. Maybe I can help. This website is reaching tons of people. Maybe we can all help.
2008 is an election year. Maybe 2008 can also be known as the year horse killers were brought out of the closet.
We all love horses. Why else would you be reading Tbfriends? We love horses and we love how horses make us feel. And when bad things happen to horses we take it personally. Very personally. Time to grab hold of this nonsense. Time to recognize what is most important in our lives.
Daylight is almost here. We had another storm yesterday. 110 horses on this muddy messy ranch. No place on earth I would rather be...
Joe
Top left: Kelli Chrisman adopted Krismenow in 2004. And look at them now.
Top right: Jenna, Melanie and Jessica adopted Viva Le Spires in 2005.
Bottom left: An oldie but goodie. Mrs. Ed came to us from Animal Control in 1997.
Bottom right: Rachel adopted Sir Knight in 2005.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 10, 2008 10:50:13 GMT -5
Thursday, January 10th... Been a long time since we have had a horse die on our ranch. Starving horses have been coming to us in bunches. On New Years Eve we bought a hungry mare from horse killer Manny Phelps. We named her Eve. She was living next to our house, and doing okay. But Tuesday night Eve would only push her food around, and I knew she was calling it quits. We lost her yesterday, and today the morning journal is dedicated to Eve. A thoroughbred with a racing tattoo, Eve was 15 years old. The top 2 pictures show Eve on the day she arrived. A sweetheart to hang out with.
A letter from a commercial breeder in California, and she owns 17 broodmares. She wants me to know her mares will not be bred again. The final insult came when she discovered a foal she bred from 2004 was slaughtered in Canada. Never did she think this would happen to one of her horses.
A letter from a commercial breeder in California, and she owns 10 colorful broodmares. At an auction in Turlock she watched as more than a dozen beautiful yearlings were sold to horse killers Ray Barrett, Wade Giles, and a large man named Dougie. It broke her heart. So now her 10 colorful broodmares are officially retired. The lady says her future babies will all come from auctions.
Yesterday I bought a young hairy thoroughbred filly from horse killer Monty in Vallejo. She is cute as can be. A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing the transportation. The filly is now named Alice, and she knows how to lead and pick up her feet. Alice also knows how to suck up. She stood with Ryan Andrews and laid her head on his shoulder. Last night Ryan phoned to say he would really like to own Alice. The last thing Ryan needs is another horse. But Alice will not leave his brain.
I know the feeling...
Yesterday I bought a hungry thoroughbred gelding from horse killer Manny Phelps in Elk Grove. There is a racing tattoo which says he is 8 years old. All the time I am asked how to read tattoos. The first letter on the lip tattoo is the year a horse was born. A is 1997. B is 1998, and so on. If there is an R or an X you have to count backwards. Takes me forever.
And how come no one told me to leave my computer on? I found out from Allison Martino it is much easier for a dial up computer to stay on line all day. I was shutting down when finished. But then it would take 20 minutes or so to reconnect with the internet. Now the computer is left on. Come inside for a sandwich and answer a few letters. Come inside for coffee and answer a few letters. I seem to be coming inside much more often now.
A special hello to Lisa Hearn, and the horse cookies are delicious. Thank You.
And could the girl who calls herself Horsequeen 08 please phone me. I would really appreciate it.
The coffee is from Folgers, and the microwave pancakes were made by Krusteaz. It is raining outside. You would not believe what a muddy ranch we are. The man on the radio is saying rain will last most of today. But then the sun comes out for this weekend. Enjoy your wet Thursday, and be sure to hug your horses. We are 5 days away from American Idol.
Joe
God Bless Eve.
Bottom left is an adoption from this year. Rebecca of Lake Tahoe is with her new gelding Strauss.
Bottom right is Piratesdragon. Caroline in Los Angeles rescued Piratesdragon from horse killer David Misner. Pirate is from the race track, and look at cute he is.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 11, 2008 16:20:01 GMT -5
Friday, January 11th... There are chat rooms on Yahoo where folks go to talk about horses. Monday night Holly Meeks, Carrie Watkins, Patti Lu and several others were in the same room. Someone with the screen name RidingRaceHorses came on to write about a skinny gelding standing in a foot of mud. The gelding was located in a place called Nevada City, which is east of Sacramento. On Tuesday Holly Meeks, Carrie Watkins and Patti Lu found the hungry gelding. They approached the home with $300.00 and said here, we would like to buy your horse. The owner said sure, she was going to send him to an auction in Roseville anyway. The gelding is probably a quarter horse mix, and in terrible shape. He is now at a fancy barn, and it took 2 baths to remove the mud. You gotta love the internet. People coming together to make things right.
It was more than a year ago, the summer of 2006, when Holly Meeks saw a starving mare in the town of Marysville. The mare was living with abandoned cars and broken glass. Nothing to eat. Holly waited for the owner to come home and offered $50.00. The mare was moved to a barn in Davis, and her name became June Bug. She is 7 years old. June Bug has grown into a beautiful mare, and Holly gave her to a family not far from us.
5 times Holly Meeks has approached homes and asked if she could buy their starving horse. 4 times the answer was yes. Holly Meeks saves horses one at a time. Fixes them up and then off they go to a new beginning...
Butterfly Shock, we called her Butter, has been adopted by a wonderful family in Lincoln. Butter is an older thoroughbred mare, and she has lived with us for the last 2 years. She is now a companion to an older pony who recently lost his long time friend. Butter has green grass and apple trees. Butter hit the jackpot.
The young filly Alice has been adopted by our friend Ryan Andrews. Alice has a stall in Davis, and there is 24 hour rock and roll on the radio. Ryan bought Alice a pretty purple blanket. A purple halter. A purple lead rope. And her name might be changed to Madonna.
It is Friday, and time to battle the mud. Later today we could be 52 degrees. The coffee is from Peets, and apple turnovers were made by Raleys. A special Happy Birthday to Melanie Hayes, who today turns cough cough years old. Tonight Melanie celebrates with friends at a sushi joint in Sacramento. And we send our best wishes to Rene Jennett who lives in Oroville. Get well soon Rene.
Have the best Friday ever, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
Top row shows stakes winners who are retired to our ranch. On the left is Nixon, and he came to us with a broken ankle. On the right is Foxy, and he came to us with 2 bowed tendons.
Bottom left is one of my favorite pictures. Just thought I would throw it in there.
Bottom right is an Oldie But Goodie. Sweet Sugar came to us from a feed lot, and she would not exit the trailer. Sweet Sugar was just a yearling, and scared to death. We waited and waited. Finally she jumped out and ran right over me. More than 2 years later, and Sweet Sugar is the first to greet you in the south fields.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 20, 2008 13:10:42 GMT -5
Hi all! I've had problems with my ISP.  Sunday, January 20th... More happy endings. Yesterday I told you about Cinda Stillings in Las Vegas, and on the internet Cinda saw a picture of a horse she once sold. The horse was at a feed lot in Washington, and Cinda is bringing him home. At a recent auction Kelly Brown was shocked to see her old mare who she loves with all her heart. The mare could no longer be ridden, so Kelly gave her to a family who seemed so nice. The family needed a companion for their single horse, and they promised to keep in touch and send pictures. But the family disappeared, and the mare found herself at a killer auction in Turlock. For $300.00 the mare once again belongs to Kelly, and she will spend the rest of her life at a boarding stable in Pleasanton. Kelly visits her everyday, and on the phone she tells me about lessons learned. Animals you can always trust. For Kelly, the human race has taken a step backwards. There were many letters and phone messages yesterday. All with the same theme. Owners who found their old horses in desperate situations. Molly lives in Stockton, and on a wet Sunday afternoon there was nothing to do, so she drove to an auction in Roseville. Molly was horrified to see her old quarter horse gelding Gus Dude go through the sales ring. Molly thought Gus Dude was living the good life with a lesson barn in Modesto. Gus Dude is multi talented, and he loves to teach kids about riding. At the auction Molly was able to buy Gus Dude for a whopping $225.00. On that rainy Sunday Molly became a big believer in fate. The drive from Stockton to Roseville is long. She had never been to an auction before. Why that Sunday? Why did Molly jump in her truck and drive to Roseville? I will let her explain. This is the last part of the e-mail from Molly: My one day off from work and it was raining. Normally I would spend the day doing homework. There is no logical explanation for driving to Roseville. I only knew I had to go. And when I saw Gus Dude I broke down and cried. Gus Dude saw me and screamed. In the sales ring he saw me again and screamed again. I was bawling the whole time and after he was mine we were out back together and I held on to his neck and told him how sorry I was. I should never have given him to that lesson trainer. Gus Dude is back with me and he will stay with me. That Sunday afternoon was a turning point in my life. God sent me to Gus Dude. He needed me. And since then I have realized how much I needed him too. Just so you know, Molly is 21. Full time college and a part time job. She is going to ask her boss for extra hours to help with expenses for Gus Dude. I told Molly Gus Dude could come live with us. No charge. Just until she is more financially set. Cold and cloudy outside. Later we could be a scorching 49 degrees. 29 degrees for tonight. Water pipes must be wrapped to keep from exploding. Welcome to the gray days of January. The Kings have won 2 road games in a row. Looking much better on a 47 incher. Enjoy your playoff football Sunday, and be sure to hug your horses. How about those Green Bay Packers? Joe Adoptions from 2007. Top left is Martha with the pretty filly Place To Place Top right is Miya with Adams Twin Bottom left is Tiffany with Accountable Event Bottom right is Cassandra with the very talented Mr. Holdem Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas. When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose. At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars. Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses. You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon. |
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 21, 2008 12:18:05 GMT -5
Monday, January 21st... Georgia Hartman called with the news. Windmill Feed Store burned down. Shoot. I go there at least once a week. The only feed store in Woodland to sell the Purina brand of equine senior. Also I like to buy my salt blocks from Windmill Feed. They help load your truck. At the other feed stores, when you buy 20 salt blocks and they each weigh a ton, employees suddenly remember it is break time. Hopefully Windmill Feed rebuilds. I can buy Purina feed at Higbys in Dixon, but the drive is long. There is an A&W Root Beer stand in Dixon, a reward of sorts.
Costco in Woodland opens next month. The biggest Costco in the history of Costco. You should taste their caramel apple pie. Topped with vanilla ice cream. A cup of hot chocolate. A 47 inch wide screen. Fire in the fireplace, sorry Windmill Feed. Maybe a rerun of The Munsters.
Jessica Talbot called with the news. Jessica found a job with a large horse ranch outside of San Diego, and she moves later this month. Congratulations to Jessica Talbot. It was in 2003 when Jessica came to us and adopted Minute Maid, a beautiful filly she calls M&M. Jessica keeps M&M at a training barn in Davis. Jessica also owns an older mustang gelding she bought at an auction in Petaluma. His name is Jones, and at the barn in Davis he has become the perfect lesson horse. Holly Meeks will transport both M&M and Jones to their new ranch in San Diego.
Yesterday I wrote to you about Molly in Stockton, who found her old gelding Gus Dude at an auction in Roseville. Gus Dude comes to our ranch this week to live until summer. Molly has a summer job lined up, and then she can move Gus Dude closer to her apartment.
Also coming to us this week is a thoroughbred mare from a feed lot in Elk Grove. 45 cents a pound, and there is a racing tattoo which says she is 11 years old.
And from a chicken fighting feed lot in Vallejo we bought a thoroughbred gelding, and he too will arrive this week. There is no racing tattoo, but the gelding is probably 5 or 6 years old.
Yesterday 3 more race horses came to live with us, and their pictures are below. We are oh so crowded. The man on the radio is talking about rain, but skies are clear. 34 degrees right now. The coffee is from Peets, and microwave waffles were made by Eggo. Enjoy your holiday off Monday, and be sure to hug your horses. Get well soon Jennifer Wright, who has a horrible chest cold. Her boyfriend is Rob, and he brings Jennifer her favorite egg flower soup from a close by restaurant. Rob does the laundry. Cleans the kitchen. Takes the 2 dogs for a walk. Gives Jennifer cough syrup with a spoon to her lips. Rob is a keeper...
Joe
We said hello to 3 horses from the race track yesterday.
Top left is a filly, and her name is Hasti Serve. She just turned 3 years old.
Top right is a beautiful black gelding, and his name is Turbulent City. I suppose we will call him Turbo. He too is 3, and he comes to us with a puffy left ankle.
Bottom left is the very cute Hampton Way, and I suppose we will call him Hampton. He is 6.
And bottom right shows you a picture of our old gelding Limo. He came to us last summer, and we are almost certain Limo is 103 years old. Limo loves to carry young kids around.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 22, 2008 16:22:09 GMT -5
Tuesday, January 22nd... Hi, this is a message from Max. Joe has experienced another storm and has lost his internet connection with the wet weather. He will update you on current events as soon as he is able to get back online.
Max
3 horses from the race track Sunday.
Top left is a filly, and her name is Hasti Serve. She just turned 3 years old.
Top right is a beautiful black gelding, and his name is Turbulent City. I suppose we will call him Turbo. He too is 3, and he comes to us with a puffy left ankle.
Bottom left is the very cute Hampton Way, and I suppose we will call him Hampton. He is 6.
And bottom right shows you a picture of our old gelding Limo. He came to us last summer, and we are almost certain Limo is 103 years old. Limo loves to carry young kids around.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 25, 2008 18:55:52 GMT -5
Thursday In The Afternoon... The radio is saying another big storm for tonight and tomorrow. There is a really good chance our internet will refuse to function. It there is not a new morning journal on Friday, blame the soaked phone lines. Be safe.
Thursday, January 24th... It took 17 months to load the 4 pictures below. Raining outside, and there is a big rush to finish morning chores. So if I am not my normal entertaining, witty, self serving, eloquent, loaded full of Anything Is Possible ideals, just wait until tomorrow. Or until our dial up computer is out of first gear.
We have a friend in Vacaville, and her name is Nikki. Nikki saves horses, gets them healthy, and then finds them good homes. In 2007 Nikki rescued 15 horses. 8 of those horses were from race tracks. The remaining 7 came to her in horrible condition. Sad as can be.
This is what Nikki has to say: I love race horses because of their beauty. But the starving horses who come to me are the ones who grab my soul. The starving horses have taught me more than any one person. All of us under the same sky, and my friends brag about their hunter jumpers and their warmbloods who do no wrong. One friend phoned crying because her mare lost the purple perm in her in mane, and it was show time. I tell my friend come hang out with me. I am with a gelding who may die from being so hungry. Soon you will discover that a lost purple perm is not the end of the world. Honesty comes from misery. There is nothing more honest than a neglected horse.
Every January and February is the same. Starving horses come to us in bunches. 109 horses on our ranch right now, and 88 of them are from race tracks. The remaining 21 arrived hungry from feed lots. I am not as creative as Nikki. Explaining what it is like to see a horse so hungry he nibbles at your coat. Watch a starving horse dig through mud, hoping for anything edible. It changes the way you approach your own life.
And in 2008 we watched as the hungry mare Eve died. The sweetheart of a gelding Treat died. And Pamela Sue Anderson, so kind, so loveable, her body so thin she was shocking to look at.
Play Misty For Me lives in our yard, and she is owned by a young girl who visits her often. Misty greets each starving horse at our front gate, and seldom leaves their side. You should hear the starving horses cry out for her. Their one true friend. A friend, who even after they have passed away, stands guard over their body.
We have a 90 percent survival rate with starving horses. But it is the other 10 percent who dictate our future.
At one time it was an ego thing. We would rescue a race horse and then brag as he found a new journey. We have watched as our former horses have gone on to Olympic jumping. Champion dresssage horses. Money won, trophies won, and Cathy and I view the videos like proud parents watching the first birthday party.
But it is the neglected horses who have stolen our hearts. Nikki is so right. The starving horses have taught us how the smallest of moments are often the biggest. Listen to Adam cry out for his pal Misty. She comes running. For Adam, it is his moment. In less than 3 weeks a sparkle has come to his eyes. Adam will never win trophies at a fancy jumping show. But in our yard he is beginning to shine. And day by day we watch him get better.
Our future is dictated by neglected horses. And we are sick of it. No end in sight. Every year we think things will be better. And every year it is worse than before.
Another race horse came to us yesterday, and he is gorgeous. His name is Free Strikes Your Out. Or something like that. There was a time when I would have stayed with him half the night. Just to marvel in his beauty.
Also coming to us yesterday was a neglected gelding from a feed lot in Elk Grove. I stayed with him half the night. Just to soak up the moment. Just to feel what Nikki feels. All of us under one sky...
Joe
Top pictures show Treat, who came to us in the rain on Monday. Treat died yesterday morning, and Play Misty For Me never left him alone. Treat knew he had a girlfriend. He talked to her constantly.
Bottom pictures are before and after. On the left is Adam when he arrived. On the right is Adam less than 3 weeks later. We are through the tough part.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 27, 2008 19:36:41 GMT -5
Sunday... Message from Max: It has rained all week and Joe does not have a dial tone to connect to the internet. He will update this journal as soon as he can get online.
Top pictures show Treat, who came to us in the rain on Monday. Treat died yesterday morning, and Play Misty For Me never left him alone. Treat knew he had a girlfriend. He talked to her constantly.
Bottom pictures are before and after. On the left is Adam when he arrived. On the right is Adam less than 3 weeks later. We are through the tough part.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jan 31, 2008 11:29:59 GMT -5
Wednesday... Message from Max: Joe has let me know that due to the rain nobody within 4 blocks has telephone service. However, 3 ATT trucks were seen working on the side of the road for a good part of the day so possibly the internet will be available for Joe to bring everybody up to date soon.
My girlfriend Jessica and I are 3rd year vet students in Oklahoma. When we started vet school Joe cared for one of my horses for a year. Fuzio's picture is on the top left (along with Jessica's new filly).
On the top right the buckskin is a 2 yr old of Jessica's. Dr. Lisa Wallace, who provides veterinary care for many of Joe's horses, managed the reproduction that led to her birth.
One thing you can say about Oklahoma is there is plenty of space for horses.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 1, 2008 11:18:22 GMT -5
Friday, February 1st... Silenced for a week (the crowd roars) by rain and wind, with another big storm coming tomorrow. There were gobs of concerned phone messages, including this from Lindsey in Ohio: Hey Joe, you keep writing about how old you are, but there is still time to join the 21st century. You can get high speed satelite internet. That way those of us who cannot have a thoroughbred can still read about thoroughbreds. You would never have to miss a day of writing to us.
And this message from Emma in Minnesota: Are your telephone lines really down, or are you in Las Vegas with Brian Gill eating scallops in a rich cream sauce with aspargus tips soaked in truffle oil?
Um, our telephone lines are really down. But thanks for the option. Just as soon as I get this mud off...
111 horses on our ranch, and each one needs a bath. Hallmark will not be making a calendar with pictures of our horses. The rain came sideways last night, and feeding supper was soon impossible. Mud up to my giant nose. There are horses waiting to come live with us. The No Vacancy sign is lit, so feeding at other places is a must. I have fallen in love with Sissy, a little thoroughbred mare who I feed everyday in a place called Knights Landing. Sissy is personality plus, and she needs a dry stall because of foot abscesses. Also there is Miners Mark, a beautiful thoroughbred gelding and you can count his ribs. Just as soon as the mud goes away Miners Mark will join our fun.
Bringing you up to date... There is a horse auction this Sunday in the town of Turlock. Another horse auction a week from Sunday in the town of Roseville. Horse killer Manny Phelps has moved his feed lot from Elk Grove to Wilton. Horse killer Paddy Smith (Smith is a fake name) has opened a feed lot not far from Thunder Valley Casino. Horse killer Wade Giles is operating out of Stockton, and he keeps his doomed horses on a ranch near Lodi. And horse killer Brent Sanchez and his girl friend Maggie are housing their doomed horses on a ranch in West Sacramento. Brent and Maggie sell their horses for 60 cents a pound. The going rate is 40 cents a pound. Maggie once worked at the race track in Pleasanton, and she has access to disposable thoroughbreds.
Since horse slaughter was stopped in America, the number of neglected and starving horses have continued to rise. The sadness becomes taxing. Day after day of horror stories.
And already (in January) horse killers are selling mares and brand new foals. Horse killer Manny Phelps had a beautiful thoroughbred mare with her tiny filly baby, and on the phone he tells me the mare came from a ranch in Vacaville. The foal was delivered in mud. There are 4 different phone numbers I call when begging for help. Jodi in Dixon, Megan in Fairfield, Allison in Auburn, and Julia in Lincoln. I know for sure none of those 4 will ever tell me no. The mare with her tiny filly baby is now living with Julia in Lincoln, and a big Thank You to Stephanie Diaz for providing the transportation.
A beautiful gray stallion from the race track desperately needed a place to go, so I phoned Jodi in Dixon. A big Thank You to Hoofbeats Horse Transportation for providing the transportation.
And a very hungry old gelding in Rio Linda is now happy and safe with Megan in Fairfield. The poor gelding was actually stuck in mud. A big Thank You to Holly Meeks for providing the transportation.
Yesterday I wrote I would share with you the story of 13 year old Selina who lives in Elverta. Last night Selina phones to say please do not write about her. Selina saved the life of a starving paint mare who was living in horrible conditions. Selina only asks I wish Happy Birthday to her little brother Tim, who last week turned 9. Well okay then. Happy Birthday Tim. And just so you know, the paint mare is happy and beginning to gain weight. She looks like Pony Boy. Selina is a sweetheart. Her favorite show is American Idol, and her favorite food is spaghetti. Selina loves horses with all her heart, and that is all I am allowed to tell you.
Get well soon Stephanie Diaz. Get well soon Stephanie Breaux. Get well soon Mikka Thorson. And get well soon Paula Coombs. All with terrible chest colds.
We missed some birthdays. Happy Birthday Randi Sorenson. Happy Birthday Megan Davis who lives in Davis. An entire city named after Megan. Happy Birthday Tasha Vadnais. Happy Birthday Mike Baker. Happy Birthday Noelle Carter, the big 18, and now Noelle can vote.
Enjoy your 51 degree Friday, and be sure to hug your horses. The days are a little longer. We cannot wait for the first fly of 2008. This mud is no fun...
Joe
Top row shows scenes from a finally over January.
Bottom left is the gray stallion Devon Intervention, who went from the race track to live with our friend Jodi in Dixon. As always we Thank Jodi for never saying no.
Bottom right is a recent arrival from the race track, and his name is Freestrikesyourout.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 2, 2008 23:32:57 GMT -5
Saturday, February 2nd... The girl who called about a 25 year old gelding who is soon to be destroyed, will you please phone me again. I lost your number, sorry. We can help you.
The girl who left a message about 2 thoroughbreds in Orangevale who are stuck in mud, you need to phone me again. Orangevale is a big town. You did not leave an address or number.
And this is to young Michelle, who left a message about her starving quarter horse gelding. We need more information Michelle. Where is the gelding exactly, and can a trailer get to him?
We know all about crazy hay prices. If you have a horse who is hungry we might be able to help. The horse has to be within driving distance for us. 2008 will be remembered as the winter which refused to go away. Another big storm for later today, and winds will be wild. Hungry horses become fragile in knee deep mud.
And you know times are hard when horse killers are turning down horses because they are too thin.
The horror stories of unwanted and neglected horses are overwhelming. But then come stories of others who do their best to make things better. Patty Lu found a hungry gelding in the town of Martinez, and now everyday she brings him food. Monica lives in a place called Penn Valley, and she is now feeding 2 very thin mares who had not eaten for several weeks. Little Maddie is everyday bringing hay and grain to an older skinny gelding not far from her house. At a livestock auction Randi Sorensen bought a very skinny arab gelding for $75.00, and when she brought him home her mom cried. Twice a day Ryan Andrews drives from Vacaville to West Sacramento to make sure hungry horses at a not so nice place are being fed. Allison Andrews is feeding 2 thoroughbreds who were stuck in the mud in Auburn. Aljean lives in the town of Rescue, which is fitting, because Aljean rescues horses. Selina is 13, and all be herself she saved the life of a starving paint mare. Peyton is 16, and all by herself she saved the life of a starving quarter horse mare. Jenna is 17, and all by herself she saved the life of a starving thoroughbred mare.
Always know there are options. If we are unable to help your hungry horse, chances are we know someone who can. My cell is 530-383-2120.
The coffee is from Nob Hill, and chocolate doughnuts were made by Sunnyside. 111 horses are wondering where the old man is with their food. Chores must be done before the storm hits. Enjoy your Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses. 331 shopping days left until Christmas...
Joe
Top row shows scenes from January.
Ah, the joys of owning a ranch. Our orange tractor somehow found a soft spot, and we sank like a rock. Here comes our neighbor Dennis with his blue tractor to pull us out. But poor Dennis sank before he could even get close.
Bottom right shows how our neighborhood came to help. 3 big tractors, 7 workers, and both stuck tractors were soon free.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 4, 2008 19:22:28 GMT -5
It is Monday. Saturday night we had another wicked storm, and once again our phone line was lost. AT&T has been here all morning, and now we have a dial tone. Winds are strong, so there is no guarantee our computer will stay on for long. What a winter.
Please do not call 911 and beg for your heart to be restarted, but there are new photos under the age links. Under the Retirement link I will all the time post pictures of everyday events on our ranch. And trust me, we are full of events. Floods and fires and toads bigger than a pony. Mud up to your neck. More horses are awaiting transportation to our ranch. In the meantime we are granted senior citizen discounts at Dennys. It is a little dishearting when they never ask for I.D.
Living with 111 horses, and no 2 are the same. We have a gelding here who earned almost two million dollars at the race track. We have a gelding with a shattered leg. 3 freshly broken knees. Broken ankles and fractured cannon bones.
I am addicted to thoroughbreds. No interventions please. It is the way they fight through their troubles. I moan and groan to anyone who will listen. My broken toes, my broken back, my poor eyesight. You think I would learn from thoroughbreds. They never complain. Heads held high, proud as can be.
I will be back tomorrow morning to share with you more adventures of a winter gone crazy. Gotta go back outside and do chores. Enjoy the rest of your day. Always remember to hug your horses.
Joe
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 5, 2008 12:42:46 GMT -5
Tuesday, February 5th... Older than the hills, seen it all, or at least I thought so. But the horror stories of abandoned and starving horses are never ending. Livestock auctions, where the only bidders are horse killers.
I screwed up. Watching terrified horses at feed lots load into a large cattle trailer for the trip to slaughter would keep me up nights. I mailed letter after letter. Lectured others on the evils of slaughter. And finally, when my sun is almost ready to set, horse slaughter in America was stopped. Cathy and I partied. A celebration at our favorite restaurant. Giddy for weeks. Peace on earth.
But here in California horses began to stock pile. Feed lots are bursting. Horses are left tied to gates and abandoned. Yesterday was a typical day at the office, with 16 phone messages asking if I can take yet another horse.
While I was giving the we gotta stop horse slaughter speech to others, while I was writing dozens of letters a week, my friend Sarah McDowell would tell me how dumb I am. Sarah said in California there would soon be thousands of horses with no where to go. No one to feed them. Naturally I waved her away. How could a few homeless horses ever justify the brutality of slaughter?
And besides, if closing down slaughter plants did produce a few homeless horses, I could bring them to our ranch.
I am not here to profess my wisdom. To give you a solution. Just stating the facts, and for horses the facts suck.
In the Los Angeles area 2 girls, along with many internet friends from all over America, pooled their money and attended weekend auctions. The girls are Caroline and Nikki. Horse killer David Misner was buying the majority of horses, but Caroline and Nikki were able to rescue several, including a 31 year old gelding.
Horse killer Wade Giles bought 4 geldings at a recent livestock auction, and waiting for him in the parking lot was Holly Meeks. Horse killer Wade Giles had just paid $525.00 for those 4 geldings. He resold all 4 to Holly Meeks for $900.00, and now they are warm and safe on a ranch here in Woodland.
Horse killer Manny Phelps had 2 ponies, both older and both hungry, and he bought them from a traveling carnival. I phoned Allison Andrews and said please oh please, and Allison replied well okay then. The 2 ponies are now sharing a large dry stall, and a big Thank You to Jennifer Wright for providing the transportation.
And now on this Super Tuesday, we must vote, we must work, we must once again deal with bursting feed lots. A phone message from Kaitlyn Hunt, and she is 12. Kaitlyn says one day she will be rich, and then together we can save all the horses in the world. Ah, another day to look forward to. Before ending her message Kaitlyn Hunt says Anything Is Possible. Well golly gee...
Joe
Caroline and Nikki raised money and attended auctions in Chino and Mira Loma. Top left shows Caroline with a thoroughbred mare she outbid a killer for.
Top right show another gelding saved, he is 31 years old, and Nikki named him Red Spirit.
Before and after. There are letters asking how Willy is doing, and he is doing great. Bottom left shows Willy on the day he came to us from a feed lot. Bottom right shows a recent picture of Willy. He is out in our fields with other horses, and a sparkle has come to his eyes.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 6, 2008 11:44:04 GMT -5
Wednesday, February 6th... Several birthdays while our phone lines were down. A big Happy Birthday to Georgia Hartman in Woodland. Georgia helps us out of many jams. A big Happy Birthday to Tara Evans in Vacaville. Tara owns 3 thoroughbreds and a turtle named Hank. A big Happy Birthday to Jessica Malloy in Sacramento. It was in 2005 when Jessica came to us and adopted the pretty filly Cream Puff. And a big Happy Birthday to Kelli Sorenson, little sister of Randi, and tonight Kelli celebrates at a sushi joint in Davis.
Congratulations to Kristin Cox, who on the internet found an ad for an unwanted thoroughbred gelding. The owner said here you go, there is no more money for board. The gelding is a looker, he jumps, he dances, and for the past 4 years he has lived in a fancy event barn. On the phone Kristin tells me sorry. She was hours away from adopting a gelding at Tbfriends. Instead Kristin rides into the sunset with her new well trained gelding, and good for her.
Congratulations to Jennifer Green, who on the internet found an ad for a thoroughbred gelding in terrible shape. Jennifer named him Spike, and he is now on the road to recovery at a barn in Winters.
Congratulations to Paula Coombs, who on the internet found an ad for an unwanted thoroughbred mare. Paula drove to a town called French Camp, and pulled the poor mare from knee deep mud. Paula named her Venus, and bought her a bright red blanket and a bright red halter. There is a chance Venus is preggers, so a vet exam is scheduled for next week.
This coming Sunday is a horse auction in the town of Roseville.
Horse killer Brent Sanchez and his girlfriend Maggie have several thoroughbreds at 60 cents a pound. Most are from race tracks, and most are unsound.
On our ranch 112 horses are waiting for breakfast. We are elbow to elbow, hock to hock. There is snow in them there hills. Hot coffee is from Peets, and the Twinkies are made by Hostess. Yesterday skies were blue, but at this moment we are foggy. On Monday night for dinner in Las Vegas, Brian Gill ate garlic roasted salmon with baby red potatoes. On Monday night for dinner in San Francisco, Patti Lu ate pesto pasta and fried cheese sticks. On Monday night for dinner in Oakland, Rachel Jeffers ate spicy shrimp and dumplings at her favorite restaurant. Late Monday night in Woodland, Pony Boy ate a cherry popsicle, two carrots, and one peppermint candy. He is my everything. Pony Boy waits in our driveway for his late night treats. Just knowing he is there. Our security blanket. The best way to end each day...
Joe
Top left shows snow in our hills.
Almost daily AT&T comes to work on our phone lines.
Bottom photos show how we are beginning to dry out.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 7, 2008 11:42:54 GMT -5
Thursday, February 7th... This tiny little website, and there are dozens of requests each week. Also dozens of questions, mostly from young girls, and they want to know about thoroughbreds. Many of our readers ask who am I voting for? Do Cathy and I go to church? How do I handle the depression when visiting feed lots? Just how big is my nose?
A question the other day came from Kristy, she is 16, and lives in Sacramento. Kristy wants to know who do I admire most in this world?
A toughie. And I would hate to offend someone by not mentioning their name. Cathy and I are associated with amazing giving people, who never hesitate to put others first. Who never hesitate when a horse needs help. If you are a regular reader of this morning journal, you know who these people are.
But when one person is responsible for saving gobs of horses, when one person takes on a billion dollar company and puts a halt to their expansion, it is time to give credit. We call her Michelle, and she works at the race track.
You should wait and see what Michelle has planned next. If successful, she will rock this world.
During early morning hours, while horses are working out at the race track, Michelle takes pictures with her cell phone. She has photos of horses about to be euthanized. There is a picture of a horse who during a workout completely lost his left front leg. There are pictures of grooms beating a terrified horse. Many pictures of horrific injuries, and they are difficult to look at.
Last year a company called Magna wanted to build a new race track in the town of Dixon, which is not far from us. A date was set for a special vote. Citizens of Dixon would decide if Magna, a billion dollar empire, could build this race track.
4 and 5 nights a week Michelle would walk the streets of Dixon. She knocked on doors. She stood in front of a burger joint in the middle of town. And she showed those pictures taken on her cell phone. Terrified horses in trouble. And Michelle would ask citizens of Dixon, do you really want this in your town?
And all the time Michelle would hear the same reaction. Voters had no idea. They told Michelle her pictures changed their minds. They thanked her. More than once Michelle was invited into a home for supper.
The vote was close, but the billion dollar company lost. No new race track. The empty land is now for sale.
One person can make a huge impact. Anything is possible.
Michelle has written a book about life on the race track. She has a publisher, but the book will not be for sale until Michelle has quit her job.
We often hear from young girls who want a thoroughbred. Who want a job. Who want a car. Who want their lives to be better. If it is in your heart, you can do it.
Enjoy your beautiful blue sky Thursday, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
All 4 photos below are by request.
Top left is a power meeting.
Top right is 2 ducks, a tractor, and Pony Boy.
Bottom left is an approaching storm from the north.
Bottom right is our blind little dog Sadie Mae, who loves to ride in the old ranch truck.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 8, 2008 11:41:32 GMT -5
Friday, February 8th... Keeping you in the loop. We bought a young gelding from horse killer Manny Phelps, and he might be a thoroughbred but there is no tattoo. A beautiful warmblood gelding living near a town called Yountville desperately needed a new home, so we arranged for him to live with a young girl in Napa. A big Thank You to Holly Meeks for providing the transportation. We took in an older thoroughbred mare covered in caked mud, and a big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing the transportation. Every day we bring food to 3 horses in Knights Landing, and on Wednesday we were able to place one of those horses at a beautiful ranch in Clear Lake. Another big Thank You to Holly Meeks for providing the transportation.
Post photos of horses available for adoption, and the little cell phone goes crazy for Turn The Corner. We call her Corny. On Wednesday an event trainer from Santa Rosa adopted Corny, and it was difficult to say goodbye. I had become hooked. Corny would gather you into her arms and hold on all day. A sweetheart. The event trainer has adopted from us in the past, and her barn is beautiful. Corny will live like a queen.
We said so long, see ya soon, to How Lou Doin. Lou has returned to foster care and green grass in Auburn.
We said so long, see ya soon, to Charlie Good Guy, a little gelding who is now on green grass at a foster home in Vacaville.
And we said so long, see ya soon, to Tolder, an older mare who has returned to foster care and green grass in Clear Lake.
The mud is beginning to go away, so foster families are allowing us to bring them more horses. A much needed lifestyle change. Horses leave our crowded fields and dine on grass and apples with butterflies fluttering about. You could do one of those Happy California Cow commercials, only insert a horse instead.
We continually Thank our foster homes. There is no possible way we could function with these many horses without our foster families. At last count Cathy and I own over 200 horses. Dr. Phil could do an entire week...
And we need to thank Joanne Quon who lives in San Jose, for the very stylish horse blanket. Elizabeth Touto lives in Lake Tahoe, and Elizabeth baked us a rum cake and after eating you are not allowed to drive. A big Thank you to Julie Gattis who lives in a town called Hesperia, California. Anne Harrington in Palo Alto. Catherine Moses from North Carolina. Tara Reale who lives is Sausalito. William & Peg Jordan live in New Jersey, and they sent us delicious cheesecake from Harry & David. We Thank Jamie Watkins. Also Noelle Carter. Mia Chang lives in San Francisco, and Mia gave us a gift card to Tractor Supply. A very big Thank You to Robin West. Jane Morehouse. Mary Frazier in Moraga. The girl who calls herself Horsecreek 08, and I think I know who you are. Donna Roane lives in Virginia, and Thank You Donna. Lisa lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Lisa sent us delicious peppermint bark. We Thank Kerry Lowell in Cotati, California. Carol Gomulka lives in a place called Forked River, New Jersey, and Thank You Carol. A very big Thank You to Susie Ingersoll for all the books, and already we are giving those books away to young visitors. We Thank Gene & Anne Curcio who live in Lowden, Washington. Leslie Bonnette from Queen Creek, Arizona. Stephanie Breaux, and I hope you are feeling better Stephanie. A big Thank You to Jamie & Casey Malone from Sebastopol. Robert & Ann in Maryland. Cora Mason in San Jose. Dakota Blue, and have fun at Disneyworld. Jessica Talbot, and have fun in Reno.
And a giant Thank You to Shannon Weil from Cool, California, and Shannon is cool. She is taking excellent care of Agitated Attitude, a gelding from the race track, and we are forever grateful.
Enjoy your 60 degree Friday, and be sure to hug your horses. The Kings play home against Utah tonight. Jennifer Wright is having an American Idol Taco party. Build your own tacos, and then watch both episodes of American Idol taped earlier this week. 12 girls in her apartment. Jennifer Wright hauls horses for us, and there is usually Carrie Underwood on her cd player...
Joe
All 4 photos below are by request.
Top left is the handsome hunk Timely Weave, and he has lived with us for almost 3 years.
Top right is Logician, and we call him Logan. He made good money at the race track, and came to us with a broken sesamoid bone.
Bottom left is Del Mar Cool under the summer sky.
In 2005 we took in an orphan filly foal, and Pony Boy raised her. For 4 months Pony Boy never left her side.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 9, 2008 11:09:21 GMT -5
Saturday, February 9th... The horse world is tiny, and everyone knows everyone. We congratulate Jonna Jensen of Citrus Heights, who has accepted the manager position at a fancy event barn in Ramona, California. Jonna moves next weekend. We congratulate Meghan Costa of Sacramento, who this week rescued a beautiful gray gelding from the race track. The gelding comes to Meghan with a severe bowed tendon, and he will be given a year of nothing to do but eat carrots and watch reruns of Mr. Ed. We congratulate Melanie Watts of Pleasanton, just 15 years old, and Melanie is now the head groom at a fancy jumping joint. Show season coming at us fast. We congratulate Amy Whitaker, and Amy owns 2 thoroughbreds. On the 1st of February Amy and her horses moved into their very own place. 5 acres, a cute house and a 4 stall barn. Amy is throwing a party just as soon as she buys furniture. We congratulate Hannah Sutton of Orangeville on her purchase of a beautiful bay filly from the race track in Albany. And we congratulate Becky Coombs, who saved money from her restaurant job and bought a truck. Her truck was built in 1989, two years before Becky was even born.
We say way to go Nikki, who in Southern California is becoming the top rescue person. Nikki along with Caroline and other friends are buying horses from feed lots and auctions. We stand and applaud.
We say way to go Heather who lives in Modesto. Heather hounded a neighbor for weeks, trying to buy a neglected old mare. The mare is skinny and she was stuck in mud. The owner kept wanting more money, and Heather had to borrow. But at last the old mare is now at a new home, and Heather wants me to know this is the best feeling in the whole world. Heather is 16. The mare might be 25.
We say way to go Ryan Andrews, our friend, and daily Ryan has been bringing food to hungry horses in West Sacramento. The horses are beginning to thrive. I was there. When the horses see Ryan coming in his truck they run to the fence and scream. Their hero. Their savior.
It is Saturday, and chores are forever. We might be a perfect 64 degrees. I thank all of you for your letters. For your calls. For your requests. A special hello to Anna in Michigan, and she is one of our oldest readers. On February 2nd Anna turned 75. Anna has owned horses all of her life. She phones to say it is horses who keep her young. Anna is riding a thoroughbred mix named Dutch, and he is 10. Happy late Birthday Anna, and your phone call was a treat.
Enjoy your waffles are from Eggo Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
All 4 photos below are by request.
Top left is Red River Valley, and he has lived with us for almost 4 years. Red River Valley is not available for adoption. He came to us from the race track with severe arthritis in both front ankles.
Top right is the day our new 12 stall mare motel was finished.
Bottom left is Devil Badgett, and he has his own fan club.
Bottom right is our big bird Maggie, who loves to visit with the blind mare Georgia.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 10, 2008 10:52:32 GMT -5
Sunday, February 10th... Unreal. 241 letters so far, all with praise for Michelle at the race track. The other day I wrote how Michelle stopped a billion dollar company from building a new race track. I have since spent 3 days forwarding your letters to Michelle. Thank you for taking the time to write.
This came from Peyton in Davis: I would like to meet Michelle in person. My mom keeps saying I need a mentor.
This came from Helen in Richmond, California: All the things I wanted to do when younger, but never took that first step. Now I am making up for lost time.
This came from a girl in Woodland: Joe you forgot to write how there were registered voters who could care less, but after seeing those pictures from Michelle they made sure to vote No.
This came from Lacey in Oregon: I am 15, and I know how cold it is in the mornings when working with horses. If I send you a gift card to Starbucks would you make sure Michelle gets it? I would love to buy her a cup of coffee. My new hero.
Michelle has written a book about life on the race track, and I am mentioned several times. (red face, red face) Here is what Michelle writes in Chapter 6: Joe phoned to say Tizzy is slightly crazed. Tizzy mounted another gelding and tried to penetrate. Joe says a passing motorist turned up the volume on Barry White. I think Joe is the one who is slightly crazed.
(well golly gee)
More e-mails, including this from Noelle in Citrus Heights: I got to meet Ryan Andrews, and he is so cute! Does he have a girlfriend? (yes)
Despite what others think, we are not a dating service. This came from a girl in Winters: Any chance you can set me up with your farrier Tim Gee?
And there seems to be an actual male person who reads Tbfriends. His name is Clark, and he writes: The Sacramento Kings suck. How can you keep rooting for them?
The normal lectures come from those who do not watch television. This is from Kaitlyn, and she lives in Elk Grove: As you know Joe, I am a member of Kids Against TV. We read your daily journal to learn about ranch life. We do not want to hear about others having American Idol parties.
The normal lectures come from vegetarians. This is from Sara in Reno, Nevada: I like to read your journal for the thoroughbred content. You are not doing anyone a service when writing about Brian Gill eating salmon.
This e-mail came from my friend Mike Baker: Costco in Woodland opens February 22nd. I love their fresh salmon. (sorry Sara)
Keep your letters coming. Today might be 61 degrees. Weeds are taking over. Little tiny insects at sunset. Enjoy your beautiful Sunday, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
All 4 pictures below are by request.
Top left is the handsome Garlic Country, who we rescued from the race track in 2005.
For Cassandra in Washington, the top right photo was her screen saver for many months. Cassandra asks if I would show this picture again, so here you go.
Bottom left is Im A Jewel, who won the California Derby.
Bottom right is the crippled mustang mare Shasta, and she has lived with us since 2001.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 11, 2008 11:30:13 GMT -5
Monday, February 11th... Doomed horses coming to us from feed lots, even with the No Vacancy sign lighting up our sky. It is a jungle out there. In the last few days we have said hello to Marvin (named by Holly Meeks), Muffin Top (named by Allison Martino), Gladiator (named by Jennifer Wright), and Pooch (named by Cathy Shelton). All 4 are thoroughbreds, and out to our crowded fields they go.
The constant phone calls. Horse killers hoping for an extra 5 cents a pound. And now comes word gasoline will soon be sky high in California. Hay prices are insane. There is Lindsey who lives on the coast, and she would like to give us her gelding because board has gone up to $475.00 a month. There is April who lives near Sacramento, and she would like to give us her gelding because board has gone up to $400.00 a month. And Richard would like to give us his 4 horses because he is getting married and money is scarce.
Owners of 5 thoroughbreds adopted from our ranch would like to return their horses. All because of money problems.
Trainers from the race track in Sacramento (standardbreds) ask for help in placing their horses in new homes. Hunter jumper trainers from Del Mar to Portland ask for help in placing their horses in new homes. A lady in Texas asks for help with her 3 horses. A family in Arizona asks for help with their 3 horses. A man in Idaho wants me to send him money so he can feed his horses.
On the phone is horse killer Manny Phelps. He enjoys mind games. This is what Manny has to say: If you can get a halter on this guy you can have him. Or else we load with a chute. And I got 2 mares with 2 foals but ya better hurry.
Horse killer Manny Phelps knows we are unable to take mares and foals. Our round pens are deep with mud, and there is no way we can put mares and foals out in our fields with race horses. Horse killer Manny Phelps likes to feel my anxiety. He likes to be in control.
So I work the phones, begging friends and foster families for help. Later today both mares with babies should be placed in a new home. I hope. Waiting on approval from a husband.
On the phone this is a message from horse killer Wade Giles: You like thoroughbreds and I got 6 right now. There are yearlings and two year olds. If you can get a halter on em you can have em for $300.00 a piece. Or else we load in a chute.
Loading in a chute means the horses are guided through a cattle chute into a slaughter bound truck.
This phone message from a young girl, and her voice broke my heart: I got your number from my friend, and she said you will help. Can you bring me some hay? Please? My gelding is hungry. (hay and grain have been delivered)
I would like to Thank those who help us help horses. Holly Meeks. Jodi Tuft. Jennifer Wright. Ryan Andrews. Georgia & Jenny Hartman. Stephanie Diaz. Angela Youngblood. Mike & Kathy Monaghan. Ann & Robert. Patti Lu. Julia in Lincoln. Aljean in Rescue. Megan in Fairfield. Allison in Auburn. All the time I ask for help, and even with caller i.d. you still answer your phone.
Thank You. Have the best Monday ever.
Joe
We are down to 29 requests left for photos.
Top left is like that Alfred Hitchcock movie. Every autumn thousands of birds come to eat grain from horse poop.
Top right is On A Lucky Road, and he has lived with us for almost 3 years.
Bottom left is Barbie Doll, and she came to us from the race track 2 years ago. A friend at the track phoned to say Barbie Doll was going to be put to sleep because she is too slow. Could we take her? Of course we did, and my wife Cathy has ridden her all over our ranch. Barbie Doll is a sweetheart. She is not available for adoption.
Bottom right is Jane Doe, who we rescued from a feed lot as an orphan foal, and now she is big and spoiled. Jane Doe is not available for adoption.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 12, 2008 12:21:58 GMT -5
Tuesday, February 12th... Lots of questions about requests. Sorry for assuming you knew. If you have a request we do our best to please. Maybe you would like to own a shoe from a famous race horse. Or maybe you would like a halter from a race horse hanging in your bedroom. It may take a few weeks, but your shoe or halter will come in the mail. There could be a photo you saw on Tbfriends years ago, and you would like to see it again. A special request from a girl in Ohio and she is 10. The girl wants me to put a bow on Comstock Cat and mail him Fed Ex. Well okay then...
Keeping you in the loop. More horses from Northern California race tracks are coming to live with us. They should arrive Thursday. We said goodbye to Sea To See, we called him CC, and he left us for his new home in Danville. CC is now living on a picture perfect ranch, and he is best friends forever to an older mare who was lonely. A big Thank You to a husband and wife in Gilroy, who yesterday became new owners of a handsome paint gelding from a feed lot in Vallejo. A big Thank You to our friends not far from us, who yesterday welcomed 2 mares, each with a foal by their side. Moms and babies were at a feed lot in Wilton, and they were just one day away from loading onto a slaughter truck. A big Thank You to Cinda who lives in Walnut Creek. Yesterday Cinda became the new owner of a quarter horse gelding who was unwanted. And a big Thank You to Ron and Debbie for taking into their home an older mustang mare. The previous owner was promising death, so the mare had to be moved yesterday. We Thank Jennifer Wright for providing the transportation.
And now I am going to share with you our team. If you need help with a horse, or with horses, please let me know. The help does not usually come from me personally. I am old and slow and it takes more than 2 hours to find my glasses. But someone from our team might be of assistance. You never know. All it takes is a phone call. 530-383-2120.
Our team, and what a blessing. Dr. Lisa Wallace. Tim Gee. Friends Of TBfriends. Jodi Tuft. Jennifer Wright. Mike Baker. Patti Lu. Sarah McDowell. Georgia & Jenny Hartman. Mike & Kathy Monaghan. Holly Meeks. Robin Gill. Denver Lyle. Gary Duncan. Patti Lu. Angela Youngblood. Noelle Carter. Stephanie Diaz. Julia. Megan. Ryan Andrews. Cheryl in Auburn. Allison in Auburn.
All of us offer our help because we love horses. And we can keep secrets. Your privacy is guaranteed.
Enjoy your American Idol finally goes to Hollywood Tuesday, and be sure to hug your horses. We might be 63 degrees. Fresh aspargus on sale at Raleys. And Costco opens next week.
Joe
All 4 pictures below are by request.
Top row shows stakes winners from the race track who are retired to our ranch. On the left is Special, and on the right is Money. Both came to us injured.
The photo on the bottom left was taken soon after a spring storm.
Bottom right is Oh So Sultry, who came to us from the race track broken down. Sultry is doing great, and he is not available for adoption.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 13, 2008 11:39:20 GMT -5
Wednesday, February 13th... Talking with another rescue person, and she is going to quit. The rising costs of feed. Workmans Comp. Liability insurance. Medical care for rescued horses. We have known this person for quite some time. She operates alone. No husband or boyfriend. Horses have been her everything.
At a recent Northern California auction she watched as horse after horse was purchased by killers Wade Giles, Brett Mason, Manny Phelps, and Brent Sanchez. The 4 horse killers were laughing. Throwing dice in an alcove to see who gets the next horse. Still laughing and drunk, the 4 horse killers loaded at least 25 scared horses into their trailers.
When slaughter was stopped in America she knew things would turn sour. More unwanted horses than ever before. And they are skinny. Wormy. She hoped our government would give emergency money to help those who help horses. She hoped for a public outcry. But in the shadows of livestock auctions horse killers drink and giggle. They play cards. They roll dice. And for our friend who rescues at least 20 horses a year, enough is enough. Our government remains silent. No help in the forecast. She has listed her ranch for sale, and her 28 horses must find new homes.
Adjusted numbers: In 2007 Tbfriends placed 529 horses in new homes, not 532 as once stated. This includes 177 horses who went directly from feed lots into new homes without first making a stop at our ranch.
3 horses adopted in 2007 have been returned to us.
We play the numbers game, always have. Our friend who is selling her ranch could care less about numbers. Each individual horse she rescues becomes part of her heart. She has asked Tbfriends to help with relocating her 28 horses. She wants this done professionally and quietly. No cameras please. She wishes for dignity in her exit.
And we know of another girl, who on a much smaller scale, is also quitting this rescue business. Her hay prices have doubled since last fall.
On the late night news, and they said Lotto was up to 150 million. How come no one told me? I could have played. I could have won. Hay prices can triple, who cares, 150 million dollars would feed all the hungry horses.
As rescue folks are shutting down and selling their ranches, it does not take a genius to figure out horses are in deeper water than ever before. And the images of drunk horse killers giggling while playing dice and holding up fistfulls of cash is what I went to bed with. No reading until sleepy. No love songs by request on the radio. Outside our bedroom window, and I can hear Adam peeing on the sidewalk. Splash splash. And then he sighs. I feel so bad for our rescue friends. I wish they would stay.
Joe
All 4 pictures below are by request.
Top left is Freedom, who came to us from the race track more than 2 years ago.
Top right is Frenchie, the sweetest mare ever born, and she came to us from the race track in 2003.
Bottom left: As a yearling this gelding sold for $900,000.00. 4 years later he was sold to slaughter. We call him Stormy.
Bottom right: Another son of Storm Cat, and he came to us from the race track in 2002 with a fractured leg. We call him Weather Man.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 14, 2008 13:04:43 GMT -5
Valentines Day... Hey everyone this is Cathy and I am writing to you from my day job. Our ranch telephone is out again. The winds in Woodland have made a mess of things. Joe will be back on line as soon as we have a dial tone.
Have a Happy Valentines Day. Sorry for the technical difficulties.
Cathy
Top left is Freedom, who came to us from the race track more than 2 years ago.
Top right is Frenchie, the sweetest mare ever born, and she came to us from the race track in 2003.
Bottom left: As a yearling this gelding sold for $900,000.00. 4 years later he was sold to slaughter. We call him Stormy.
Bottom right: Another son of Storm Cat, and he came to us from the race track in 2002 with a fractured leg. We call him Weather Man.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 15, 2008 19:41:10 GMT -5
Friday, February 15th... Lately the telephone repair person has been to our ranch more times than the mailman. Winds have died down, and we have a dial tone. (oh shucks, this means that old guy with all those race horses is gonna be blabbing again) There is a crew working on new fencing in our very far north field. Holly Meeks has volunteered to pick up an unwanted mare in Lodi and transport her to a new home in Loomis. Ryan Andrews has volunteered to pick up an unwanted filly in Vacaville and transport her to a new home in Placerville. Higbys Feed just came with a delivery. More race horses come to us tomorrow. Our round pens remain deep with mud, but our fields have dried out. We send deepest sympathies to Katie Boyd, who on Wednesday lost her gelding Roger That. We send deepest sympathies to Valerie, who on Wednesday lost her mare Ladybug. A big Thank You to a husband and wife in Petaluma, who on Wednesday became new owners of a standardbred gelding from the harness track in Sacramento. And a big Thank You to Rachel Jeffers, who on Wednesday became the new owner of a very cute filly from Golden Gate Fields.
Well lunch is done (chinese food is just not as tasty the next day, unlike pizza which stays good even 4 days later) and it is time to tackle more chores. Hopefully our internet remains healthy. I will be back tomorrow morning to share with you more tales (or tails) of life with over 100 horses. I hope the rest of your Friday is way beyond great.
Joe
Top left is Freedom, who came to us from the race track more than 2 years ago.
Top right is Frenchie, the sweetest mare ever born, and she came to us from the race track in 2003.
Bottom left: As a yearling this gelding sold for $900,000.00. 4 years later he was sold to slaughter. We call him Stormy.
Bottom right: Another son of Storm Cat, and he came to us from the race track in 2002 with a fractured leg. We call him Weather Man.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 16, 2008 10:43:34 GMT -5
Saturday, February 16th... If I show photos of horse killers we could get sued. This piece of wisdom came from an attorney.
But last weekend horse killer Brent Sanchez and his girlfriend Maggie showed up at a house in Grass Valley, which is next to Auburn. They had seen an ad on the internet for a free horse to a good home only. Horse killer Brent Sanchez and his girlfriend Maggie pretended to be an all American couple. Just married, buying their own farm, and they wanted a horse to love and pamper. The owner was convinced Brent and Maggie would take great care of her quarter horse gelding. She never even questioned how Brent and Maggie could return so fast with a trailer. The owner cried as she said goodbye to her horse. A few days later the owner discovered from a mutual friend that Brent and Maggie were horse killers. Her gelding had been priced by the pound and sold to slaughter in Mexico.
What a crappy way to make a quick $300.00 or so.
This is happening all the time. Horse killers conning owners. If you saw Brent Sanchez and his girlfriend Maggie you would think what a cute couple. Probably their children will be gorgeous. But unless I show you pictures, how would you ever know them?
Pictures would be easy to gather. At every auction there are horse killers. I could take photos and then show you who to stay away from. Show you who to not give your horse to.
And those pictures would be shown throughout the internet. Last year I posted a picture of our cat Lola sitting in our tractor tire. The picture was picked up by other websites, and soon we were getting letters from cat lovers all over the world. How cute. There was a person in Canada who used the Lola picture for her screen saver.
So I know if I showed you horse killers, other horse websites would publish their pictures. Naturally we do not want to be sued. Losing in court to horse killers and having to give them money would be the ultimate insult.
But there might be a legal way to do this. Our attorney friend will let me know.
I hate how horse killers can pretend to be nice, and then take your poor horse. Exploiting the hope of others. Nothing pisses me off more, and this needs to stop.
A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews, Stephanie Diaz, and Holly Meeks for transporting unwanted horses into nice new homes on Friday. We send our best to Megan, who in the wind lost part of her just repaired barn roof. Twice in less than 2 months Megan has watched her roof blow away. Mike Baker found his Dish TV receiver more than half a block from his house. Melanie Cox lost a horse shelter. Those were some crazy winds.
There are just 6 days left until Costco opens. The biggest event in Woodland since 8 lanes were added to the bowling alley. Enjoy your 64 degree just right Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
Only once, for a few hours, since Friends Of Tbfriends bought us a brand new generator, has the electricity gone out. In the past we would lose power every other week. But since the generator has been sitting in our garage our lights remain on. Weird.
Top right shows that one rare moment in time where there is no poop in the north field.
Bottom left the happy cat Lola sits in our tractor tire.
Bottom right is Governor Lee, one of my favorites, and he came to us from the race track almost 2 years ago.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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Post by jdw2w1 on Feb 17, 2008 10:25:13 GMT -5
Sunday, February 17th... We bought a very skinny filly from a feed lot in Wilton, and she is 4 years old. Her name is now Spring, which means a new start. Much better than Mosquito, and we had a billion of em last night.
Two more geldings arrived from the race track yesterday. There is Silent Touch, and I suppose we will call him Ryan. There is Jack Hat, and I suppose we will call him Jack. A big Thank You to Steve at Hoofbeats for providing the transportation.
We said so long to Moose, a tall thoroughbred gelding who we hardly got to know. Moose came to us last week from a not so great situation, and now he will live like royalty at a ranch in Auburn. An arranged marriage. Moose will keep an older thoroughbred mare from being so lonely. A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing the transportation.
From the harness race track in Sacramento we helped place an unwanted standardbred gelding. He goes to his new home in Martinez, and a big Thank You to Jennifer Wright for providing the transportation.
From a quarter horse breeding ranch in Redding we helped place an unwanted barren mare. She goes to her new home in Winters, and a big Thank You to Stephanie Diaz for providing the transportation.
Ah, the joys of being an adult. Since 1997 we have gone through 6 ranch trucks. Usually they already have a gazillion miles, and their future with us is grim. We feed twice a day with our ranch truck. Unless it is muddy, then we must feed with the tractor. Our current white ranch truck will only go in reverse. The transmission is blown. Driving to Woodland backwards brings more than a few stares.
A big Thank You to Jesus and Stephanie, who yesterday brought us another ranch truck. There is only AM radio, but beggars must settle. A few minor things must be attended to. For instance there is gasoline leaking all over the driveway. The new ranch truck goes to our mechanic today in Woodland. At least I will be able to drive forward.
More rain for next week, which means back to feeding with the tractor. But today will be perfect. 70 degrees, and you can almost reach out and grab a hold of spring. The coffee is from Peets, and chocolate cake was made by Entenmanns. A special hello to Holly in Tucson, Arizona. Holly went to a race track and saved the life of a beautiful gray gelding. She named him Archie, and he prefers his carrots to be cooked. His blanket washed weekly. His water bucket free of drooling alfalfa. Archie is a wee bit pampered, and good for him.
Joe
Top row shows how new fencing is completed in our far north field. We will wait for the rains to end and the grass to grow higher, and then older horses can throw a party out there.
Bottom left is Silent Touch, and he came to us yesterday from the race track. He is 5, and his right front knee is fractured.
Bottom right is Jack Hat, and he is a little guy. Jack could climb a ladder and he would still only be 15.1 hands high. He has white spots on his back. A loving personality.
Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.
When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.
At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.
Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.
You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.
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