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Post by jdw2w1 on May 10, 2008 17:27:22 GMT -5
Saturday, May 10th... Little things to catch you up on.
A gelding comes to us from the race track today, and his sire is Gilded Time. This will be our 4th Gilded Time, and the other 3 can jump higher than the moon. I wonder if the streak continues...
Earlier this week Tiger In The Bank returned to us. He was adopted in 2004, but Tiger will now have a lifetime home on our ranch.
HBO is doing a special on horse slaughter this coming Monday night. It was suppose to air on Kentucky Derby day, but who knows why it was cancelled? 7:00 p.m. California time, and they are going to show you doomed thoroughbreds. Cathy and I do not have HBO, which is just as well. In my life I have already seen thousands of doomed thoroughbreds.
4 different newspapers are asking for an exclusive interview with Alissa, the young girl in San Francisco who wants an end to horse racing. I wonder which paper she will choose?
Maybe you remember Lemons, a beautiful filly who came to us last year from the race track. Lemons had two puffy tendons. She was adopted by a jumping trainer in Davis. Earlier this week the trainer was offered $12,000.00 for Lemons, and the person who wants to buy her is a professional athlete. A crappy horse market, but Lemons is no lemon. I wonder if the trainer in Davis will sell?
Maybe you remember Teaser, a colt who came to us from a feed lot, and he loved to tease all the fillies. Our vet Lisa Wallace removed his testicles, and he was later adopted by a trainer in Elverta. We are not sure of his breed, but Teaser is probably a thoroughbred mix. Teaser has turned into a fabulous lesson horse, and he has become the first ride of many youngsters. Teaser was recently sold to a lesson barn in Davis, and I visited him this week. A fancy barn with a giant arena. Teaser living the good life.
There is a horse auction in Roseville tomorrow. Mothers Day. I wonder if the crowd will be big?
We bought an older mare from a feed lot 2 weeks ago, and her name is Nona. She has a badly infected hock. I was going to send Nona to live on green grass with a foster family, but instead she will stay with us. Nona must have daily penicillen.
Holly Meeks is on vacation in Ireland, and she writes about scallop potatoes. Cheese so thick you need a knife.
It is a gorgeous Saturday morning, and later we could be 82 degrees. Flies are starting their engines. Doobie Brothers singing on the radio. The coffee is extra strong from Folgers, with just the right amount of cinnamon cream. 107 hungry horses are making noise. Enjoy your Jazz beat the Lakers Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
Lifetime horses on our ranch.
Top Left: This is Snowman, and he came from the race track with broken withers.
Top Right: The tough mare Lots Of Butter, and she arrived injured from the race track in 2004.
Bottom Left: We love Whitey, and we bought him at auction in 2005.
Bottom Right: Governor Lee is our number two babysitter. If we buy an untouched horse from a feed lot, Governor Lee will show him 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 May 11, 2008 9:33:44 GMT -5
Sunday, May 11th... Yesterday on Southwest Airlines came Christina. She lives in Los Angeles, and I thought she was renting a car. But up our driveway came a taxi, and Christina asks is this the right place? Christina has been with horses all of her life, and she wanted to adopt from Tbfriends. It was love at first sight when Christina spotted Sacred Senor. Christina spent the morning looking at other horses, but it was Sacred Senor she kept going back to. Transportation has been arranged, and Sacred Senor leaves us early Monday morning.
An incredibly sweet girl this Christina. I am writing Southwest Airlines to ask if they could bring us a whole bunch more.
A crazy day yesterday. Horses leaving, horses coming, warm and dusty, with flies arriving from Tucson. At the ranch where I earn the big bucks a little filly named Mighty Morgan was sold, and she was my favorite. We called her M&M. She goes to a fancy barn in Santa Rosa, and I wish her the best.
We got to see Rod Sweet again, and also Phil and Jennifer from Davis. Tara from Marin. My friend Steve from Hoofbeats. Ricky who lives in Martinez. We got to see Ryan and his girlfriend Heather. Cute little Amber who lives in Dixon. Merrisa from Sacramento wanted to take my picture, but then her camera broke, and I told her it would. We got to see Brooke who lives in Fairfield, and her friend Anna who lives in Los Gatos.
From a race track came Warrensgildedtime, and I suppose we will call him Warren. He comes with both testicles, and an appointment with our vet Lisa Wallace has already been made for castration. Warren is a cutie. Like a little arab the way he moves. A big Thank You to Steve at Hoofbeats for providing the transportation.
Tbfriends stands for Thoroughbred Friends, which is what Cathy and I concentrate on. But yesterday we took in a sweet as can be quarter horse gelding, and his left knee is broken. He comes with the name of Justin. A big Thank You to Rod Sweet for providing the transportation.
We bought a thoroughbred gelding from a feed lot in Wilton, and there is a racing tattoo which says he is 9. We named him Elliot, because he looks like an Elliot. A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing the transportation. Elliot is in decent shape, but he is lame.
And now it is Mothers Day, and strong coffee is from Peets. Later we could be 82 degrees. There is no end to our list of chores. Poop on top of poop. Today our friends enjoy horse shows, trail rides, and barbecues. There is a horse auction in Roseville. Enjoy your Sunday, stay safe, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
Top Left: Christina is with the new love of her life, Sacred Senor.
Top Right: Say hello to Justin, a quarter horse with an injured knee.
Bottom Left: From a feed lot came Elliot, and already we discovered he loves peppermints.
Bottom Right: This is Warrensgildedtime, and he is still a colt. He has very respectful manners.
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 May 12, 2008 10:23:12 GMT -5
Monday, May 12th... All the lows, all the highs, and staying in the middle is a balancing act. Yesterday morning a large stock trailer filled with more than 20 sad horses left Vallejo, California for Canadian slaughter.
Also yesterday horse killer Wade Giles phones to say he has a fresh off the track race horse with a badly blown tendon. Jodi Tuft phones to say an auction in Roseville is pathetic. Someone left a DVD in the basket by our front gate. The note says Joe You Must Watch This. And so I get to see a horrible spill from Saturday at Hollywood Park. Miss Cozy Cat goes down in the stretch, tries to get up, and you can see how she suffers. Miss Cozy Cat is put to sleep, and I wonder why anyone would bring me this DVD? I have watched a 1,000 horses die on the race track. And now we are up to 1,001.
All the lows, all the highs...
In our dusty barn, scooping poop, and Key Maker rests his head on my shoulder. A long journey with a badly broken sesamoid, but Key Maker is almost healed. At our front gate a fancy car, out of place in our poop on top of poop setting. Mom and daughter spending a Sunday together. The daughter is 13, and she says her name is Alicia. I say no way. She says yep. I say this is so weird, because in a few hours Cathy and I get to see Alicia Keys sing. The daughter is hardly impressed, as she would rather talk horses. I show her Pony Boy, and she takes his picture. I show her Paradise Cove, and she starts to cry. I ask Alicia why are you crying, and she says sorry. But sometimes horses make her cry. She tells me horses give her a tingly feeling inside her heart.
Feeding supper, and Limo dives into his grain like I dive into Rocky Road. And I hate to leave, because I know Limo will go to the gate and wait.
I tell Cathy paramedics parked outside Arco Arena are there for me. The oldest guy in the crowd. So close to the stage Alicia Keys spits on us. For more than 3 hours I am not with horses. Alicia Keys plays the piano, and everyone in the audience knows all the words to her songs. Everyone except me. Her voice has taken over my brain. No more Wade Giles with blown tendons. No more visuals of Miss Cozy Cat going down in the stretch. Alicia Keys says walk the path that inspires you.
It is the path of horses that inspire me most. All the lows, all the highs.
On this very windy Monday morning, coffee is from Dunkin Doughnuts, and chocolate cake is made by Pepperidge Farm. We might be 80 degrees. Later this week our first heat wave, and we could reach 100. Flies are rubbing their tiny little hands together. Broken water floats all over the joint.
Joe
Then And Now...
Top Left: I bought Harry from a feed lot, and he was in miserable shape.
Top Right: 45 days later, and Harry is coming around. He loves peppermints and carrots. Harry holds his right foot in the air when food approaches.
Lifetime horses on our ranch:
Top Left: This is Ponderos Leader, he is 14, and his wife is Darryl Hannah.
Top Right: Im A Jewel is also 14, and in 1997 he won The California Derby. His wife is Holiday, but often you can find him with his best bud Bandit.
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 May 13, 2008 9:26:29 GMT -5
Tuesday, May 13th... The little mailbox at the top of my screen is closed. All letters, even those which came last night, have been answered. If you have recently sent us an e-mail and did not receive a reply, please resend. Or you can just call me at 530-383-2120.
There were hundreds of letters for Alissa, the girl in San Francisco who wants an end to horse racing. I hit Forward for those letters, and Alissa is answering you. Alissa writes to say she never expected this kind of response. She has a game plan. The beginning stages, and Alissa knows it will be a long and expensive journey. Compiling stats and videos and pictures. A local politician has joined her team. Same with several veternarians.
I so much appreciate your e-mails. Letters from all over the world, proving how horses are loved and admired. It is your letters which give us fuel. I see starving horses at feed lots, and broken down horses from race tracks. Imagine what it feels like to know this is not the way it really is. Happy and healthy horses are the majority. I go to shows. Visit other barns. Love for horses reaches to the top of every shelf. The way it can be is the way it almost is.
Mikka is 14, and she lives in Vacaville, California. Noelle is 18, and she lives in Citrus Heights. Mikka and Noelle met in our driveway. Mikka has lived off and on in a youth shelter. Not an easy childhood for Mikka. Once a week Noelle drives Mikka to a riding lesson in Davis. She takes Mikka to schooling shows, and has taught her basic horsemanship.
Mikka has gone from shy and quiet to confident and silly. Her grades have improved. And Mikka has started taking an active part in the life of her little sister. I have permission from Mikka to share with you this part of her e-mail: It is like one day I went to sleep and if I wake up okay and if I stay asleep that is even better. I was so depressed Joe. Noelle got me a cell phone and told me to call if I needed her. In the beginning I was calling her 20 times a day. Now I only call once or twice cause I am so busy. I clean those stalls after school and I am responsible for bringing the horses inside and measuring their grain. I love being at the barn. Everybody is beyond nice to me. I still have problems at home, but Noelle has taught me to think like a horse. Walk away and wait for better moods. No confrontations. I told everybody at group how horses change courses. My counselor says I only have to go to group twice a month now. I am so grateful to horses and to Noelle. I think about where I was before. God was watching out for me and my sister.
Enjoy your 84 degree Tuesday, and be sure to hug your horses. A heat wave is coming.
Joe
Soon there will be a new link on this website. Past Adoptions.
In 2006 we found new homes for 356 horses. Here are 2 of them:
Top Left: The pretty filly High Tops goes home with Rachel.
Top Right: Chris and Cadillac have been making major noise at all the shows.
Horses who live elsewhere, and they need a new home. These horses are free, and I will do the screening. Give me a call if you are interested.
Bottom Left: He is 18 months and knows very little. A t-post tore off part of his right side, but he is healing. This guy is located near Oroville, California.
Bottom Right: A 14 year old thoroughbred gelding living in Elko, Nevada. The owner will deliver.
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 May 14, 2008 10:08:25 GMT -5
Wednesday, May 14th... Extreme Fire Danger. Today they say 40 mile an hour winds with 93 degree temps. Right now, at 6:25 on a Wednesday morning, we are a dust bowl. Winds rock our house. In the barn 95.3 on your FM dial is turned up loud, drowning out the sounds of a hurricane. In the mare motel horses are spooked. In our fields horses on alert. Later today from a race track in Los Angeles comes a gelding, and I hope he brings a sense of humor.
Like searching for a shoe nail in a haystack, but mechanic Jay in Woodland found a radiator for the old ranch truck. Every few miles I had to stop and add water. At a junk yard Jay found a 1969 Ford with a donor card. So now we are cruising in style. No more smelling antifreeze as we head down the 505. Life is good in the boonies.
Lots of kids have been visiting from youth shelters, and one girl asks: Is that your truck? Why not just ride one of your horses to town? Do you guys even have electricity?
Allison Martino is 12, and sometimes she stays with us while her mom is in class. I had to give Allison a ride home, and she tells me no way is she getting into my old truck. It is embarrassing. I tell Allison to walk home then. Finally Allison accepts the ride, but she wants to wear a paper sack over her head.
Mike Baker tells me gasoline could be over $6.00 a gallon this summer. Mike Baker is buying a little Civic for his commuter car. His big truck will stay in the garage.
Tom Hayes tells me Yolo County wants to moniter our water wells, and charge more money if we use too much water. Tom Hayes is a farmer, and he is going to a city council meeting to protest this idea.
Horse killer Manny Phelps tells me because of gasoline he must once again raise the costs of rescuing a horse.
Stephanie Diaz tells me she just paid $4.85 for a jug of milk, and $3.00 for a dozen eggs.
Rachel Jeffers says she just paid $15.00 for a bale of alfalfa.
You have to go outside. The late night darkness makes it all better. The sounds of 105 horses. Top It Off with her broken ankle, and how she cries when you approach. Little Justin with his broken knee, standing in the corner, hoping for a tiny bit of attention. The 47 incher tells us about forclosures and unemployment. But injured horses tell us things could be worse. Horses teach us to be grateful. Cathy and I are blessed. I love my old ranch truck. Who cares if no one wants to go for a ride? All the nutty things going on in the world, but outside with horses is a feeling like no other. Outside with horses brings Peace. And as you grow old, Peace is as good as it gets.
Joe
Soon a new link on this website. Past Adoptions.
In 2007 we found homes for 529 horses. Here are 4 of them:
Top Left: We bought Jenny at auction, and one year later she goes home with Chris. Jenny was needed to be a companion.
Top Right: The gray gelding Omega Chapter gets a new home with the Preece kids.
Bottom Left: Elizabeth adopts the handsome Diddylicious.
Bottom Right: Cute Little Lola goes home with Janet.
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 May 15, 2008 10:28:53 GMT -5
Thursday, May 15th... Al and Nancy are the next house south of us, and in the big Yolo Fire of 2006 they lost the majority of their animals. Yesterday in stong winds a power line was knocked down, and suddenly there was smoke. Al and Nancy were on fire again. The smoke was intense. But thank goodness no damage to their house or barns. The fire department soaked their ranch with water, as one spark could get things going again. PG&E fixed the down power line. The winds refuse to quit. Later today we could be 101 degrees. Our neighborhood is still reeling from the fire of 2006. Trying to sleep while winds shake our ranch is impossible. At 2:00 this morning from the nice lady on TV I almost bought a fake ruby ring.
How appealing, in winds reaching more than 40 miles an hour, to be sprayed by stinky mare urine. Reason number 124 why we are never invited anywhere.
Al and Nancy, great neighbors, a very sweet couple, and I hate to complain when they just had a fire. But you should see our ranch. Big dust dunes. Broken tree limbs. Little balls of horse poop pushed up against the side of our house. Passing motorists look away in disgust. Better Homes & Gardens is cancelling the photo spread.
All buckets must be scrubbed, as flying dust has turned water into mud. Gunky horse eyes need to be cleaned. Try scrapping debris from the eyes of a horse who prefers you to be somewhere else. Litter lines our fences. I wonder who ate a chili dog from Chevron?
The man on the radio is saying winds will quit this afternoon. Until then we remain on Fire Alert.
For the next 5 or 6 days we are going to be scorching. Already they are talking water rationing for Yolo County.
Because of a windy Interstate 5, a race horse coming to us from Los Angeles is instead with a friend in Patterson. We are making arrangements for the horse to arrive this weekend. Also on Saturday 2 more race horses will join our fun, and one is said to be freshly injured. From a feed lot in Wilton comes an older thoroughbred mare, and horse killer Manny Phelps says she recently gave birth, but there is no foal.
And now it is time to try and feed 105 horses. Alfalfa disappears quickly in these winds. Horses chasing their breakfast. Enjoy your very hot Thursday, and be sure to hug your horses. A special hello to Tracy, and good job with your gelding. He looks beautiful. A special hello to Maddie, and your horse cookies are delicious. I shared with a fireman who was starving. He said he could eat old socks, so I figure horse cookies is a big improvement...
Joe
Yesterday in our neighborhood:
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 May 16, 2008 12:04:34 GMT -5
Friday, May 16th... A cold front coming in. Today might only be 99.
Yesterday in a Northern California chat room, PrettyNPink, AndrewsBarn, and StellarBee came together to save the life of a black thoroughbred filly. She is 3, and her owner is a week away from eviction. Euthansia was scheduled. Instead the filly will come to us until a good home can be found. Ryan Andrews provides transportation.
The towns of Vacaville and Dixon have become the horse rescue capitals of the world. There is Jodi. Nikki. Jessica R. Jessica S. Erin. Ryan. Britt. Tara. And our new best friend PrettyNPink, and she prefers to rescue paint horses.
I know them all very well. None of the above bore you with a morning journal. They never ask for money. Quietly they help horses. Unlike that old guy in Woodland who constantly shouts out numbers, all of the above never seek attention.
Nikki has moved into her very own ranch, and she wants to know the best places to buy water floats and tubs. Daily her horses are messing with the plumbing. Almost overnight Nikki has learned how to mend PVC pipes.
Ryan and his girlfriend Heather are caring for unwanted horses in West Sacramento, Elverta, Vacaville and Dixon. Ryan has his eye on a large piece of land, but 2 offers have been turned down. The search continues.
Tara concentrates on thoroughbreds. Tara is good friends with a well known trainer at the track, and she brings home his slow or injured horses.
Jessica R. is a quarter horse gal. She attends livestock auctions in Turlock and brings home the pathetic.
Jessica S. is an anything goes kind of gal. Any breed, any age, but Jessica must pay board. She rehabs 3 horses at a time, and then finds them good homes.
Over the years Jodi has rescued hundreds of horses. All breeds, all ages. Her heart lies with Arabians.
Erin concentrates on thoroughbreds, and she once worked as a groom at the race track. She especially loves babies.
Britt would bring pregnant PMU mares down from Canada, raise their foals, and send them off to good homes. She also loves the youngsters.
PrettyNPink attends auctions and buys paint horses in trouble. She is young, just 20, and works at 2 different jobs to pay the bills. At night PrettyNPink serves food in a Vacaville restaurant, and she invited Cathy and I to dinner. All the free food we wanted. A night I will never forget.
Horses in trouble, and they are saved by amazing giving people. One of the above did not even have a television. She kept saying I am going to buy a TV, I am going to buy a TV. But weeks later when I asked, did you buy that TV yet, she said no. She cannot justify spending money for a television when there are horses who need to eat.
But my friend Ryan grew tired of her saying I am going to buy a TV, I am going to buy a TV. So Ryan went to Costco and bought her a TV. He then hooked up DISH Network for her. And bought her a one year subscription to Netflex.
You have to understand, Ryan does not have much money. But a more giving person you will never meet.
I have learned. Those who give to horses also give to people.
Joe
Yesterday in strong winds rehabbing horses were turned out to play.
Top Left: This is Sky Pilot, and he had a badly broken sesamoid bone. But now Sky Pilot moves like ice skater Kristy on that dancing show.
Top Right: Warrensgildedtime came to us last weekend from the race track, and he is still a stallion. A very kind horse. I turn Warren out to play and he never says a word.
Bottom Left: Proud Phil came from the race track with all sorts of problems, but now he moves like Kobe on a fast break.
Bottom Right: Pony Boy is always outside. Free to go anywhere he wants. His eyes tear from the winds. He thinks he owns the joint.
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 May 17, 2008 9:51:12 GMT -5
Saturday, May 17th... It was so hot yesterday an empty bag of shavings began to bubble.
More terrible heat for this weekend. Later today 4 horses will come to us from race tracks, and welcome to our world. We are a mess. Dust and poop and flies. The 4 new horses will probably plan an escape. I certainly would. Also today a thoroughbred mare arrives from a feed lot. We are shoulder to shoulder. Our neighbors Gene & Pam are trying to sell their beautiful home, but prospective buyers look across the street at our 105 horses. Poop on top of poop. Fillies and mares in season, with geldings who cling to their every word. Prospective buyers set world land speed records as they flee. But Gene & Pam still buy us dinners.
One of the horses coming today from a race track is Sands Of Time. He is 9, and Sands will not be available for adoption. Sands Of Time will hang out with other older geldings who earned good money. They brag to each other who was fastest. And on cool evenings they compete. Old Mizzou seldom loses. Our friend Holly once climbed aboard Old Mizzou, and she says it was like riding on the wings of a jet. Im A Jewel is also very fast. Smokey White Eyes leaves many of his pals in the dust. Retired geldings who still love to run. Retired mares who watch.
A letter from a reader in Maine, and she wants to know how come no more Happy Birthdays?
It became overwhelming. Besides, I was always a day or two late. With just a few paragraphs to write each morning, it is impossible to fit in all the important stuff. Like what did Brian Gill eat for supper last night? Like what clever little saying came from Allison Martino. Pieces of scrap paper all over this joint. I was losing birthday information, and hurt feelings soon followed. Old and senile in the boonies.
A letter from a reader in Los Angeles, and she wants to know if all thoroughbreds are the same? Or is each a different personality?
No two thoroughbreds are alike. The same as humans. Each with their own behaviors and personalities. This is why I love thoroughbreds so much. If they were all the same how boring the days would be.
Today is Preakness day, and we wish all the horses much safety. And now it is time to begin a scalding Saturday. Delicious coffee is from Peets, with just the right amount of cinnamon cream. A special hello to The Moy Family, and I hope we get to see you soon. A special hello to Alexis in Concord, California. Alexis and her gelding Rowdy compete at a jumping event today, and Rowdy is Ready. And a special hello to Grandma Ruth, and your pony Sam is adorable. My response to you was returned Grandma Ruth, but I would like to Thank You for sharing. Grandma Ruth writes how Sam gives her new purpose each day. I know the feeling...
Joe
In 2007 we placed 529 horses in new homes, and here are 4 of them:
Top Left: Our friend Cassandra with Mr. Holdem.
Top Right: Lisa and her dad Jack with their new filly Valentine.
Bottom Left: Katie with Cowboy Cam.
Bottom Right: Brenda and her family are with their new filly Micro Brew.
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 May 18, 2008 9:20:19 GMT -5
Sunday, May 18th... The 4 new geldings from race tracks came off the van yesterday and immediately began sweating. It was 243 degrees. Each gelding goes into an individual round pen, and they roll and scream and then roll some more. In seconds they were filthy. I was going to give baths so photos could be snapped, but the day got away. On the morning journal tomorrow I will show you the 4 new race horses.
There is Sands Of Time, he is stunning, and 9 years old. There is Zero Quadro, a little gray gelding, and I am willing to bet he was born in 04. Hence the name Zero Quadro. There is a liver chestnut named Fit To March. He is a wee bit wired. And a hunk with the name of Buddies Mandate, and already he is in love with Gidget, the crippled mare who runs lose in our mare motel area.
From a feed lot in Wilton came a thoroughbred mare who we now call Tara. The other day there were 3 e-mails in a row written by girls named Tara. You could do a term paper on What Are The Odds? There is Tara in Vacaville. Tara in Marin. Tara in Reno. All 3 e-mails came within 2 hours of each other. Which is why the next filly or mare from a feed lot was going to be named Tara. We are clever that way...
Below I am showing you pictures from past winters. Good times. It was miserable yesterday. I watched as flies packed their tiny little suitcases and moved on to Portland. The heat continues today, and then thankfully we get a cool down.
Chores must be completed before the day grows hot. Poop on top of poop. Legs to unwrap. 4 horses on daily bute. 5 horses on special supplements. Turn outs for play time. Water buckets to scrub. Pictures of 5 new horses from yesterday. Round pens to clean. Stalls to clean. All of this before noon, and good luck with that. Ice cold orange juice is from Simply Orange, and stale glazed doughnuts were made by Entenmanns. Enjoy your TNT Law And Order marathon Sunday, and be sure 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 May 19, 2008 9:48:23 GMT -5
Monday, May 19th... We are in the mist of a huge horse rescue. Under The Radar. Never cared for that term. Under The Radar. A family owned farm says come get their horses, or they will soon be dinner in France. $350.00 for each horse, plus $50.00 shipping. In 3 days we have removed 8 of their horses. 23 more to go.
The majority are thoroughbreds. Some quarter horses. All are broke to ride, and the oldest is 17.
We have done this several times before. Family owned farms threaten a mass reduction by selling to horse killers. In 2003 we removed 18 horses from a ranch in French Camp, and 2 still live with us. The remaining 16 all have good homes. In 2004 we were able to save 12 horses from a ranch in Lodi. The owner made good on her promise. Her remaining 26 horses were all sent through a livestock auction, and then sold to slaughter.
So there is precedent. If a ranch threatens to have their horses turned into supper, we have to take them seriously. Always believe the worst, and if the worst fails to occur then 3 cheers for the horses.
In 1999 a thoroughbred breeding operation in Vacaville sold their 9 mares and foals to a horse killer named Kevin. I was still lighting fires in my cave. Before I knew anything about the internet. On the telephone from our house I begged others for money. A well known race horse owner who has since moved away said sure, and he sent me nine thousand dollars. All 9 mares and all 8 foals were rescued. One of those foals is now a liver chestnut mare. She is gorgeous. And during the summer she is often ridden past our ranch. The owner waves, and the mare gives a yell to our horses.
Much different than an auction. Much different than a visit to the feed lots. At auctions and feed lots you know at the beginning many horses will be left behind.
But with a ranch reduction feelings are multiplied. This was their home. This was the place where they were suppose to be safe. Loading the lucky horses is done quickly. We have a rule. No disrespecting ranch owners. In N Out, like the fast food joint. It has to be about the horses, and not where they came from.
Times are difficult, and each week brings more bad news for horses. Ranch reductions. Ranch foreclosures. Horses abandoned on city streets. Unemployment at an all time high. You begin to wonder when will we hit bottom? Or is this the bottom?
The thing about horses is how they grab on and refuse to let go. Horses need people. Now more than ever before. We can deal with heat and flies and poop, and taking out a loan for a tank of gas. Home is where the horses are. And when they lose their home it becomes personal to all of us who love them.
Joe
On Saturday 4 geldings came to us from race tracks.
Top Left: This is Fit To March, and he is a baby, just 3 years old. I suppose we will call him FM. He was injured during a morning workout.
Top Right: Zero Quadro, and he is 4. A quiet personality, and at the track he injured his knee.
Bottom Left: Say hello to Sands Of Time. A warrior. 9 years old, and Sands is retired to our ranch.
Bottom Right: This is Buddys Mandate, and he is 4. Buddy is sweet, and never moves during his 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 May 20, 2008 10:09:51 GMT -5
Tuesday, May 20th... The final week of American Idol, and David will win. You heard it here first.
Over the last several months I have been showing you horses at other places who need homes. These horses are always free, and we have been successful in placing them with loving families. This morning I have been trying to post a picture of a 6 year old standarbred gelding in the Sacramento area. He can be ridden lightly, and is very kind. The format is too large, and my website will not accept his picture. Give me a call at 530-383-2120 if you would like this gelding. I will come take a look at your other animals.
Yesterday I told you about a major ranch reduction, and how 23 remaining horses will soon be sold to slaughter. We are in good shape. Thanks to the big hearts of many, we are in the process of relocating these horses. A big Thank You to Jodi Tuft, who never says no when I beg. Also a big Thank You to all of our readers who offered help. A lady in Sacramento says bring her one of those ranch reduction horses. Her husband had a cut in pay. Her daughter needs braces. But the lady says what the heck, animals are also suffering in these difficult times. And by helping a horse she and her family feel like they are contributing to a solution. Before hanging up, the lady says she would like me to one day try her blueberry pie.
One thing about my job. I get to meet the nicest people.
A lady in Marin says send her a ranch reduction horse, and he can spend his days munching on grass with her 4 other geldings.
A family in Vacaville says send them 2 ranch reduction horses. They were only going to take 1, but their finances are in good shape, and they feel blessed to be able to help.
A very kind lady from area code 925.
A very kind family from area code 530.
And a girl in Napa, she is 17, and she wants to make a trade. The girl will pay for a ranch reduction horse, and in return I must find her a jumping prospect. We shook hands. A done deal.
A big Thank You to our transportation team. What would we do without you?
Now we get ready for more Fire Danger. Winds through Thursday could be 40 or 50 miles an hour. 2008 will be remembered as the year of the Winds. Our ranch is still a mess from the last wind storm. Here we go again...
I think you are about caught up. Oh, another race horse is coming to us and his first name is Joe.
Enjoy your life is never boring Tuesday, and be sure to hug your horses. A special hello to Eric, sorry about your sunburn, and Happy 14th Birthday.
Joe
This and That:
Top Left: Play Misty For Me takes good care of the 2 blind mares Georgia and Gracie. She also keeps watch over the little blind dog Sadie Mae.
Top Right: All the way from Taiwan on Saturday came Chan, Jason and Mariane. Of course they did not fly this far just to visit Tbfriends. But we were on their list.
Bottom Left: Recent adoptions include the lucky gelding Banker, who goes home with Katie.
Bottom Right: This is Tara, and she arrived over the weekend from a feed lot. There is a racing tattoo which says Tara is 12. She will soon be leaving us for green grass with a foster family.
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 May 21, 2008 10:51:49 GMT -5
Wednesday, May 21st... Hats off (no problem in these winds) to Mikka Thorson, who found a summer job with a show barn, and she will work 32 hours a week. Mikka asks if I could give a big Thank You to both Noelle and Jessica, who helped her get this job. Well okay then. Thank You Noelle and Jessica.
Jamie McGill is in 8th grade, and from school she phones to say her mom Connie reads my morning journal. Connie has been ill for several months. Jamie asks if I would write a special hello to Connie from Jamie. I love you mom, and see you tonight.
Ryan Andrews is negotiating for 40 acres in West Sacramento. If his offer is accepted we will have 40 more acres to help needy horses. I can drive to West Sacramento in 30 minutes. Ryan can be there in 20 minutes. A perfect location, and we have our fingers crossed for Ryan.
Transportation is being arranged for another gelding coming from the race track, and his name is Joe Market. I suppose we will call him Joe.
Transportation for horses at a major ranch reduction has been interrupted because of winds. Hopefully on Friday we can remove the remaining horses.
Transportation for an older gelding from a feed lot in Wilton has been arranged, and he will come to us tomorrow. 45 cents a pound.
Because of winds and dust, castration for Warrensgildedtime has been put on hold. Warren doing the happy dance.
Jodi Tuft has the cast on her broken leg removed June 5th. Jennifer Wright has the cast on her broken wrist removed June 8th. Both are marking off the days with a big X.
Fire trucks up and down our county roads. Winds have been strong since yesterday, and we are on Fire Alert. Little balls of horse poop sailing through our sky. Winds are suppose to quit Thursday afternoon.
New pictures refused to load, so I am showing you photos from 2004. My first year with a digital camera. Since then we have gone through 8 cameras. A horse stepped on one camera and crushed it. I left another camera on the top of my truck, and now it lies somewhere in the weeds next to the 505 freeway.
Enjoy your windy and wild Wednesday, and be sure to hug your horses. At least we have electricity. Food in the fridge. A giant Hershey chocolate bar in the cupboard. Gatorade. Cheerios. Alfalfa. Equine Senior. A 47 incher with Netflix. You think about how miserable the winds are. But how lucky to be side by side with 108 horses. The magic is alive and well. Where there is horses there is beauty. Even on this ranch.
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 May 22, 2008 9:20:21 GMT -5
Thursday, May 22nd... Wind gusts to more than 40 miles an hour, and I keep losing the internet. Typing fast, maybe 12 words a minute, and many of the letters on my keyboard are worn away. I can never remember where M is. Holly in Vacaville lost a tree. Keith & Jennifer in Orangevale lost most of the roof to their barn. These winds are monsters. Abraham jumped his fence in Rio Linda, and a neighbor found him eating her shrubs. Abraham is 20 (at least) with arthritis. He has not jumped in 5 years. The winds make us all goofy. Yesterday I thought for sure I heard the ice cream truck. Kept watching the street, wondering where is he? Pony Boy and I were hoping for a drumstick.
Later today a gelding comes to us from Golden Gate Fields, and we must unload at the top of our driveway. The winds bring adventures, and always 3 wishes. I wish to get this race horse safe in his stall before he goes bonkers and flees for Bakersfield. I wish this driveway was not so long. I wish Dairy Queen was across the street. Always with a new race horse there is a settling in process. Hi, how ya doin? Just how wired are you? And where are the aches and pains? Over the weekend from a race track came Fit To March, a liver chestnut gelding. He is higher than the big moon. We have him in the round pen closest to our house. I must look out the window every 5 minutes to make sure he is still there. For some race horses it only takes a few hours to settle in. Others take a few months. Fit To March might take a few years. Just 3 years old, and he is convinced all the fillies want him. Fit To March living in la la land...
A big Thank You to the 3rd grade class in Coachella, California. Once again they recyled their cans and bottles, and sent us $30.00. We will use their money for grain. There is a sign outside the school asking for cans and bottles to help horses. These kids are amazing. One of the poorest communities in all of California. Yet they collect money to help horses in need. We are overwhelmed with their kindness to others.
And a big Thank You to Webmaster Max Wilcox, who is hard at work on this website. Soon 2 new links will be up, showing you Past Adoptions and Where Are They Now. Photos are not currently loading, but this is a dial up problem. When the winds go away we will be open for business.
A big Thank You to Jennifer Wright with her broken wrist. Jennifer saved the life of a yearling pinto filly who scheduled to be euthanized. Not the happiest of stories. The owner was convinced the little filly was a demon. The filly has been badly neglected, so Jennifer made a deal. She gets the filly, and the owner gets a $300.00 shopping card to Wal Mart. Jennifer told the owner I will just give you cash, but the owner said no, it has to be in the form of a gift card. And I thought I had done some strange deals over the years. The little filly is now at a boarding stable, and Jennifer named her Princess. From now on she will be treated like a princess.
A big Thank You to Rachel Jeffers, who at an auction in Turlock saved the life of a beautiful quarter horse mare. A whopping $200.00. Last week Rachel gave the mare to a young girl in Brentwood, and there were tears all over the joint. You could have made a Hallmark commercial. Rachel does this often. She rescues nice riding horses at auctions, and then finds them good homes.
I must hurry and hit Enter because the internet keeps going away. Enjoy your hurricane Thursday, and be sure to hug your horses. Time to watch alfalfa soar through the air. Horses chasing their breakfast...
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120. Our mailing address is: 15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on May 23, 2008 10:21:48 GMT -5
Friday May 23rd... Pictures 2 and 3 are refusing to load. But hey, 1 and 4 are there.
A major fire in the hills of Santa Cruz, and we have good friends who are thankfully safe. Their 4 horses have been moved to Watsonville. More than 3,000 acres burned. Homes and barns have been lost. We send our prayers to both humans and animals. Hopefully these winds will soon stop.
Highs and lows. All the fires, all the heartaches. Also yesterday a trailer filled with doomed horses left Vallejo for Canadian slaughter.
But all 31 horses at a ranch reduction have been rescued, and transportation for the remaining 7 should be completed today. A beautiful filly came to us from Golden Gate Fields. A sad thoroughbred gelding came to us from a feed lot in Wilton, and we will soon get him happy. Julia in Lincoln saved the life of a standardbred gelding who was no longer wanted. Courtney in Woodland saved the life of a sweet quarter horse gelding who was no longer wanted. Highs and lows. Yesterday was one extreme to the other.
Badly neglected ponies and horses were recently confiscated by El Dorado Animal Control. The Grace Foundation was nice enough to house these poor animals. They are on the road to recovery, and up for adoption. Ponies are $150.00. Horses are $200.00. These ponies and horses are the heart and soul of the term Rescue. Often the term Rescue is used when the animal never really needed saving. These ponies and horses were Rescued from a deplorable situation. If you would like to help contact either El Dorado Animal Control of The Grace Foundation.
I have access to more than 2 dozen horses of all breeds, and they cannot be ridden. Some of these horses are scheduled to be euthanized. Some will be sold to horse killers. The remaining will be sold at livestock auctions. These horses could be companion animals. Pets. The kids could groom and learn. If you would like one of these horses give me a call at 530-383-2120.
On this cool and windy Friday morning, we send our best thoughts to Madison in Sparks, Nevada. Madison was hurt in a horse accident. We say get well soon Connie in Foster City, California. A special hello to Keri, who 2 years ago came to us and adopted Ink Spot. Keri writes a blog about her relationship with Ink Spot, and I never knew about her blog until yesterday. Good stuff. A special hello to Justine in Vacaville, and if you need a trailer just holler, someone will be there. Michael Taylor would like his wife Teresa to know how much he loves her. An amazing wife and mother. Daughter Maddi adopted Flaming Al from us, and Teresa is there everyday to support Maddi with her horse activities.
Enjoy your 74 degree Friday, and be sure to hug your horses. Maybe some rain for this weekend.
Joe
Pictures 2 and 3 are not loading. I will keep trying.
Top Left: A new filly from the race track yesterday, and her name is Set The Course. She is a cutie. In a hurricane she walked right up our driveway and never said a word. Her sire is Flying Continental, and I once got to brush him.
Bottom Right: Horses crowd together to hold off winds which reached 58 miles an hour.
Hey Max, could you check on slots 2 and 3 for me please?
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on May 24, 2008 9:15:21 GMT -5
Saturday, May 23rd... Yesterday I told you how I have access to more than two dozen horses who cannot be ridden. These horses are owned by others, and on their way to auction. Or euthansia. Thanks to the big hearts of our readers, 4 of these horses have been saved. 3 more might also have a chance. Potential owners are mulling.
I can tell you about Brenda who has an older thoroughbred gelding, and a companion was needed. Also Stacey, who said she already has 6 horses but what the heck, 7 is a more attractive number.
A big Thank You to Brenda, Stacey, and the 2 other new owners. Coming through in the clutch.
A race horse named Joe Market arrived last night, and I suppose we will call him Joe. He is stunning. A big Thank You to Billy Brucker for providing the transportation.
Also we have become the new owners of a thoroughbred gelding from Lincoln who was no longer wanted. On the phone the owner threatened to shoot his gelding right between the eyes. A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing the transportation.
I need the following to please get in touch with me: Brenda Tobey. Brian Milshap. Donna Howser. Allison who has the unwanted morgan mare.
17 year old Alissa is hard at work, preparing a documentary on the horrors of horse racing. She writes to say on the first 3 day weekend in May, there were 15 race horses who broke down and died. Including Eight Belles. 5 horses on Friday. 6 on Saturday. 4 on Sunday. Of course Eight Belles is the only horse who attracted national attention. No one hears about Ellusive King at Suffolk Downs. Or Sargeant Silver at Woodbine. The 15 total does not include the horses killed during morning workouts. Those numbers are being gathered.
We will keep you informed as to the progress of young Alissa. Interesting stuff. And Alissa is interesting as well. She is also working on a solution to the parking problem at her apartment building in San Francisco.
One week ago today is was 102 degrees. This morning it is raining and cold. 55 degrees. I personally hope it rains all day. We need it. Delicious coffee is from Dunkin Doughnuts, and microwave waffles were made by Eggo. On our DVR is the season finale of Law And Order. The season finale of American Idol. The season finale of Criminal Minds. The season finale of Two And A Half Men. No time for television lately. The best invention in the whole wide world is the DVR. We can catch up on season finales at our own pace. And now you know more than you probably wanted to. Enjoy your 65 degree wet Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses. A crock pot kind of day...
Joe
Pictures 2 and 3 are not loading. I will keep trying.
Top Left: A new filly from the race track yesterday, and her name is Set The Course. She is a cutie. In a hurricane she walked right up our driveway and never said a word. Her sire is Flying Continental, and I once got to brush him.
Bottom Right: Horses crowd together to hold off winds which reached 58 miles an hour.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on May 25, 2008 9:58:20 GMT -5
Sunday, May 25th... I am allowed to share bits and pieces, which is good enough...
In a town not far from us is an animal sanctuary. Mom is not quite 40, and daughter is not quite 15. There are 4 horses, all from Animal Control. One donkey, rescued at a livestock auction. 2 sheep. A pot belly pig. 5 ducks. 10 chickens. 4 dogs. 11 cats. 2 goats. One llama. One blue and gold macaw. 2 green parrots. 3 white rats. 3 hamsters. A large tank filled with colorful fish. And a very friendly garden snake, and his name is Bob.
Mom suffered through an ugly divorce, and went back to school. Mom worked several jobs at once, and never thought she would qualify for a loan. But the bank said sure, so she and her daughter moved on to their small ranch 3 years ago. It is beautiful. All the animals healthy and happy. I went there yesterday because mom said they could take a horse from a recent ranch reduction. I wish they would take a thousand horses. Mom and daughter, kind people who give their lives to animals. Their barn radio was tuned to 95.3, my favorite station. Icing on the cake...
The good and not so good. Earlier in the week I went to a thingy fighting, horses on their way to slaughter, portable potty which was tipped over feed lot in Vallejo. Looked at doomed horses who were priced by the pound. Horse killer Brent Sanchez tells me unwanted horses are stacking up. I bought 2 thoroughbreds, and horse killer Brent Sanchez gave me a discount.
The good and not so good. I wrote about a ranch which was selling 31 horses to Canadian slaughter. They called it a ranch reduction. Readers of this website opened their wallets and front gates. All 31 horses have been rescued. A cute chestnut gelding with 4 white socks will be delivered later today to mom and daughter at the animal sanctuary. He will be treated like royalty for the rest of his life.
Most often when we rescue horses from feed lots or auctions, they are skinny and neglected. A young mare from the ranch reduction is fat. Grossly fat. We are keeping her at our ranch. I believe she has foundered. We named her Kate, and she might be 5 years old. Kate has not been handled much. They just threw Kate food and ignored her. She has a sweet personality. Kate is now on a diet.
On this cold and gray Sunday morning, coffee is from Peets, and chocolate cream pie was made by Sara Lee. Cathy and I have to feed at another ranch, as regular workers take off for the holiday weekend. A big Thank You to neighbor Gene Story, who installed a fancy light on the back of our tractor. No more excuses for squashing buckets in the darkness. A big Thank You to Georgia and Jenny Hartman for bringing us movies. A big Thank You to Cora Mason for incredible oatmeal cookies, and the gelding Gone Cattin ate 3 of them. Enjoy your last Sunday of May, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
Pictures from the new Kodak program are not loading. We are working on this problem.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on May 26, 2008 9:58:28 GMT -5
Monday, May 26th... If you would like to own a pretty thoroughbred mare with a spotted foal by her side, give me a call at 530-383-2120. The mare is bay, 8 years old, and easy to handle. The foal is a colt, and he was born in March. He is an appy mix or a pinto mix or a paint. Mom and baby will cost you $875.00. They are currently at a feed lot. Tbfriends will be happy to provide transportation.
On this holiday Monday morning, cool and cloudy, and later we could be 72 degrees. Poop on top of poop. 109 horses on our ranch. 4 horses who need daily bute. 5 horses on special supplements. 3 sore race horses who must go for a daily walk. One young mare on a diet. A skin and bones gelding on 24 hour watch. Several billion flies to keep us company. A giant toad in our storage shed.
Mary Frazier sends us $100.00 a month. She is a nurse. Mary has been to visit us 3 or 4 times, and she even sat on a horse. Yesterday Mary left for South Africa. A two week trip. Mary and her coworkers will be helping those who suffer from AIDS. Millions die each year in South Africa, and many are children. Cathy and I are lucky enough to know some incredible people. We wish Mary much safety on her trip. She hopes to keep in touch by laptop.
At a shelter for troubled kids, Mike Baker and Patti Lu will spend today over hot coals. A feast. Kids will dine on ribs, chicken, and roasted corn on the cob. Red potato salad with sour cream. Spicy chili. Ice cream and apple pie.
Strong coffee is from Nob Hill, and microwave pancakes were made by Sunnyside. Paul Simon sings on the radio. Jewels the dog is hoping for morning chores to get started. 109 horses waiting for breakfast. Enjoy your Memorial Day Monday, and be sure to hug your horses. Hard to believe it is almost June. Time flies when you live with flies.
Joe
Pictures from the new Kodak program are not loading. We are working on this problem.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on May 27, 2008 10:39:51 GMT -5
Tuesday, May 27th... Below on the bottom left is a picture of a new race horse. His name is Joe Market, and he is 16.3 hands high. We put Joe in a round pen to exercise yesterday, and he moves like Marie Osmond on that dancing show. Joe Market is 5 years old. Already Jade Beret is his best friend.
I am unable to load more pictures. Technical difficulties. The bottom left seems to be working just fine. Sorry for showing you the same old photos everyday. Hopefully (always liked that word - Hopefully) we can fix this soon.
Yesterday I told you about a mare and her spotted foal waiting at a feed lot in Vallejo for the slaughter truck to pick them up. As usual our readers responded. More than 3 dozen calls, and the happy mare and colt are now with Mike and Randi in Loomis. The colt is stunning. Perfect conformation, and we believe he is a pinto mix. Randi phones last night to say she named the colt Buddy. He wants to be best friends with anyone who comes near. A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing transportation.
This will be a crazy week. Coming to us from tracks in Northern California are 3 race horses. Coming to us from a track in Southern California is 1 race horse. Coming to us from feed lots in Northern California are 4 once doomed horses. Even with our No Vacancy sign lit high in the sky. A total of 8 more horses confirmed. We are shoulder to shoulder, hock to hock. Norah Jones in the cd player. A huge box of carrots from Pedrick Produce.
Our farrier Tim Gee comes today, and also 6 kids who live at a youth shelter. There is feeding at another ranch, earning the big bucks, and Jewels the dog needs to be body clipped. Poor Jewels has allergies, and every spring he is miserable. A Tuesday without American Idol, and how will we survive?
Soon I will be telling you about a race horse who was claimed yesterday, just so he could go home. Hopefully there will be pictures.
Before beginning morning chores I am going to share part of an e-mail from Erin, she is 16, and lives in New Mexico. This is what Erin has to say:
The best parts are the nights when I remove her partial cast and massage her leg. She stands so still for me. The doctor at the race track said there was little chance of survival. But in my heart I know she will not leave me. Her eyes tell me so. This fall we can start taking long walks in the hills together. I have dogs and cats and an old arabian mare. But no other living soul on earth has made me feel the way she does. She is my first thought in the morning and my last thought at night. She is my now and she is my tomorrow. I thank God for bringing me this joy. Sincerly, Erin.
Enjoy your back to work Tuesday, and be sure 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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on May 28, 2008 11:32:09 GMT -5
Wednesday, May 28th... Dannah is 14, and she lives in Woodland. More than 2 months ago I sent Dannah to a riding instructor in Davis, and her progress is nothing short of amazing. On top of a horse Dannah is a natural. Yesterday Dannah became the excited new owner of a gelding from the race track. Last night at a boarding stable a giant celebration took place. Carrot cake and cookie dough ice cream. Home made rocky road fudge. Creamy vanilla soda. Most party goers went home with a stomach ache. Dannah stayed late, hanging out with her new horse. The stuff dreams are made of. Raleys could have filmed one of their celebrating life commercials.
A big Thank You to Sara Bush (no relation to George) who yesterday left 3 Costco size bags of carrots at our front gate. I was finally able to talk with Sara on the phone, and she tells me over the holiday weekend she bought a gray gelding at the race track. He is seriously injured. In exchange for carrots Sara would like help rehabbing her new horse. I told Sara she does not have to bribe us with carrots. I will be happy to help. And besides, strawberry cheesecake is a much better bargaining tool.
Our farrier Tim Gee has a little brother in the Army. Next week little brother comes home on leave, and off they go to Disneyland in Los Angeles.
One of our computer helpers is Becky Coombs, and next week school is out. Becky takes off for Disneyworld in Orlando.
Rachel Jeffers rescues horses like I rescue old doughnuts at the bakery. Rachel has a week vacation coming, and she is off to watch wild mustangs in Nevada.
Mary Frazier arrived in South Africa with her large group of student nurses. Mary Frazier is a big supporter of Tbfriends, and she is in South Africa to help those who suffer from AIDs.
A big Thank You to Webmaster Max Wilcox, who from Oklahoma was able to post new pictures on the front page of this website. All 4 slots were working. But this morning I am befuddled. Always liked that word. Befuddled. New pictures refuse to show up. Sorry for the technical difficulties. I am still trying.
Feeding breakfast to 108 horses must get started. Today might be a beautiful 75 degrees. Flies are gunning their engines. The Pointer Sisters sing on the oldies station. Enjoy your home is where the left over fudge is Wednesday, and be sure 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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on May 29, 2008 10:24:48 GMT -5
Thursday, May 29th... Just so you know. A new horse killer in the Sacramento area, and his name is John Capers. Horse killer John Capers once worked as a commercial hauler for a livestock company. He is a black man, maybe 50 years old, short with a bulging stomach. Horse killer John Capers has been attending local auctions and buying horses in the $75.00 to $200.00 range. He resells to a slaughter plant in Saskatchewan, Canada. If you go to auctions and see horse killer John Capers buying horses, he will resell to you. Usually for a $100.00 profit. He is approachable.
Just so you know, Part 2: There is a feud going on between Northern California horse killers. Manny Phelps and Brent Sanchez are bitter enemies. In the parking lot of an auction in Turlock, Wade Giles and John Capers almost came to blows. Competition for available horses is heated. Slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada are paying big time dollars.
Horse killer Brent Sanchez, and he is a pretty boy. His girlfriend is Maggie, and they live in Vallejo. Prices are reduced if I buy more than one horse. Horse killer Brent Sanchez also trains fighting roosters, and I cannot tell you how this pisses me off. The epitomy of evil. How can anyone enjoy watching chickens kill each other?
Horse killer Manny Phelps, and he brags about having 3 wives. And dozens of girlfriends. Horse killer Manny Phelps seldom gives me a break on costs. He lives in Wilton, and there is usually 2 or 3 girls clinging to his side. Horse killer Manny Phelps attends livestock auctions in the central valley. Lately he has had several fresh off the track race horses.
An e-mail from a reader in Utah, and she wants to know how can I deal with horse killers? She would shoot them.
It is seldom personal. Horse killers know the type of horse I like to rescue. Old and hungry, or young and athletic. When I wanted to show pictures of horse killers on my morning journal, they promised to never sell me another horse. A good idea down the drain. I figured if you saw these faces at auctions you could buy their horses. I thought horse killers would appreciate the business. A profit without ever leaving the auction yard.
Horses are coming to us in bunches, and from horse killer Brent Sanchez I bought a thoroughbred gelding with deformed withers. Probably his withers were fractured a long time ago. We named him Spence, because he looks like a Spence.
And I have to tell you, yesterday was way beyond nuts. I paid $4.34 for regular gasoline. I came home to find a box with 7 baby chickens at our front gate. They are only a day or two old. There was a note saying please take care of us. On the phone with horse killer Manny Phelps, and he wants to borrow my tractor. He had a dead horse to move. I told horse killer Manny Phelps he could not borrow my tractor, so he hung up, but not before several juicy comments about my inability to communicate with others. There were 14 requests for me to please take their horse. 14. All with a different story. My husband lost his job. My boyfriend says it is either him or the horse. I cannot afford board any longer. Gas is too high. Hay is too high. One lady says come get her horse, she has not fed him for 3 days, and now she has to go visit her sister in Los Angeles. 14. From Santa Inez to Oregon. 14 calls in one day, asking please can you take my horse?
And on the late night news there are stories about unemployment, a record number of homeless, and kids with no where to go. Outside for final barn check, and Spence with deformed withers is cast in his round pen. His legs sticking through the panels. He looks peaceful. Like this is no big deal. I wrap a lead rope around his both front feet and pull. Of course the rest of the ranch must comment. A bunch of busy bodies. The yelling begins, which should make Spence panic, but he remains still. Finally I have him free from the panels. Spence stands and refuses my offered carrot. I wish he could talk. How did you get those withers? What was your life like before? Will a sparkle ever come to your eyes?
More horses are soon to arrive. Poop on top of poop. Later we could be a perfect 76 degrees. John Denver on the oldies station. I must go buy scratch for 7 baby chickens. They are screaming from our bathroom.
Joe
Top Left: This is Joe Market. I showed you his photo the other day, but it was not up for long. Joe is 16.3 hands high, and a beautiful mover.
Top Right: This is Spence with funny looking withers. He came from a feed lot in Vallejo. Spence does not like carrots or peppermints, but he will eat horse cookies.
Bottom Left. Say hello to Kate, and she came to us from a major ranch reduction. Kate has foundered. She loves her big belly to be scratched.
Bottom Right: A new picture will not load, sorry, so you get to look at a recent arrival from the race track, and his name is Quad.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on May 30, 2008 10:40:07 GMT -5
Friday, May 30th... 5:30 on a chilly Friday morning, and today we rock and roll. Our vet Lisa Wallace comes early to castrate Warrensgildedtime. Flies rubbing their tiny little hands together. Yummy. Warren came from the race track nice as can be, yet still he has testicles, and they must be removed. A thoroughbred gelding on his way to slaughter in Canada, and thanks to a very generous reader of Tbfriends, the gelding was given a last minute reprieve. He comes to us later today, and a big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing transportation. From Northern California tracks we will greet 3 more race horses, and a big Thank You to Steve and Sandy at Hoofbeats for providing transportation. Poop on top of poop. We are way over crowded. At this very moment, with Bob Dylan singing on the oldies station, I have no idea where the 4 new horses will live. All stalls are filled. All round pens filled. There is still room in our kitchen, but watch out for that refuses to close cupboard door. If I had a nickel for each time I have banged my head on that stupid cupboard door.
Our Webmaster Max Wilcox has been working on new links for this website. Beginning today or tomorrow there will be an Adoption link and an Update link. This weekend photos will be loaded. You will be able see past adoptions. You will be able to see horses from Tbfriends at their new homes, or performing in their new careers.
Max Wilcox is a veterinary student, and we know how crammed his life is. He works, he studies, he must be at clinics, yet Max finds time to maintain our website. He has our forever gratitude.
Under the links, Adoptions and Updates, there will be new photos at least once a week.
Last night my friend Ben Jensen told me there is a Tbfriends newsletter. Huh? How come Cathy and I have never read one of these newsletters? Shoot...
Jennifer Wright introduced us to a young girl in Elk Grove. The young girl lives with her parents, and she rescues horses. All kinds of horses. Starving and crippled. Wild and unbroke. The girl gets her horses healthy and happy, and then finds them good homes. She has been doing this for more than two years. There is no website. She does not put you to sleep with a morning journal. In two years there has never been a dollar in donations. With the help of her parents, and with money earned from cleaning stalls at another ranch, this young girl has given new life to more than 30 horses. She had a bunch of questions for us. Like where can she buy a poop rake that does not break after a week? What is the best internet site to buy vaccinations? Shoes or no shoes for founder? Cathy and I were amazed. She is just 17. Her small ranch is clean, her horses happy and grateful. In her bedroom hangs a large painting of the race horse Man Of War, from her favorite book. As we were leaving, the girl says it is not about money. She would never have a website. Horses are her heart and soul. And she will always find a way of earning money to care for them. She told me no offense, if she rescued 500 horses a year a website would be needed. She told me in the beginning she hated my morning journal. Called me just so much fluff. Until she visited, and she saw. And now she would appreciate advice. Cushings and founder and rotation are her biggest obstacles. And of course those dreaded vet bills.
Doctor Lisa Wallace will be here soon, so I must begin morning feed. Just so much fluff. Cotton candy comes to mind. You had to be there...
Joe
Soon photos like below will be under Adoptions and Updates.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on May 31, 2008 9:17:17 GMT -5
Saturday, May 31st... Snip. Snip. The sounds of two testicles being removed. In the morning yesterday Warren became a gelding. The ultimate makeover.
And in the afternoon came another stallion from the race track. He is quite simply out of his mind. Old mares who have seldom moved in 11 years are suddenly rushing fences, jostling for a better look. His name is Sea Captain and he is a kid, just 3 years old. I phoned our vet Lisa Wallace and said you need to make another house call. Sea Captain must be castrated. Lisa says she will do him soon. In his round pen all night long Sea Captain screamed to the heavens. Kicked up dust. Neighbors quickly put out their For Sale signs. Owls who visit nightly stayed away.
Also from the race track yesterday came a cute little gray gelding, and his name is Lit Royal. Maybe we will call him Lit. Maybe we will call him Royal. He hardly made a peep.
And a third horse from the race track, a tall dark handsome stranger, and his name is Copper Star. We have had a black horse named Red. A gray horse named Blue. A chestnut horse named Night. And now we get a dark horse named Copper. He is 16.2 hands, and 4 years old. Copper is hoping to audition for So You Think You Can Dance? He is a beautiful mover...
We said hello to Nelson Riley, a gelding purchased from a feed lot, and there is a racing tattoo which says Nelson Riley is 12. No room at the Inn. Round pens and stalls jammed to capacity. Nelson Riley goes out to our fields, and almost immediately he is best friends forever with Willy, a gelding who came to us last year from a feed lot.
988 horses on our ranch. Okay, just kidding. Only 112. But it looks like 988.
A vetinarian from Marin County, and on the phone she wants to know how things are going? I say swell. She tells me each spring she does between 30 and 40 prepurchase exams. This year she has done 5. Times they are a changing.
Batteries in my camera were almost deceased, and pictures below of new race horses were taken in a rush. Not my usual hang above the fireplace kind of work. There will be new photos soon, and I will put them under the Three to Seven link.
Cheryl in Auburn rescues horses like I rescue old Ding Dongs from the Hostess store. This year Cheryl has rescued 3 pregnant mares, and now all 3 have delivered. A daylight baby. Yesterday at 2:00 p.m. came a little filly with blue eyes. Cheryl named her Luna, and her picture is below on the Top Left.
Enjoy your lucky number 77 degree Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses. A brand new month tomorrow.
Joe
Top Left: Luna comes into the world, watched closely by her mom Dolly.
Top Right: Copper Star from the race track, but he is not really Copper.
Bottom Left: Lit Royal, he is very cute, but not according to this picture.
Bottom Right: Sea Captain and his dam is by Sea Hero, who won the Kentucky Derby.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jun 1, 2008 9:40:20 GMT -5
Sunday, June 1st... A new month, another silly mortgage payment. We bought this ranch 11 years ago. 14 more years until it is officially ours. I will be 107. Still watching reruns of Bonanza.
But what a ride this has been. We recently passed the 2,500 mark in horses adopted. In the next 2 years we will reach 3,000, and cops will be summoned as our celebration spills into the streets. When River Yodeler became adoption 2,000, Cathy and I enjoyed a quiet dinner in Davis. We were in bed by 10:00. Adoption 3,000 will be quite different. We are saving money for bail.
For adoption 3,000 our chef friend Brian Gill promises a weekend feast. Our lesson trainer friend Stephanie Diaz will bring pie. 10 different kinds of pie. We always tell Stephanie Diaz she should open her own pie store. Stephanie Diaz is always telling Cathy and I we should open our own fly store. Stephanie Diaz is seldom funny.
Earlier this week came kids who live in a youth shelter, and a girl made this remark: All my life I hear how I need clean up my act. But look at all this horse poop. Joe you need to clean up your act.
112 horses on our ranch. If each horse poops 10 times a day, we say hello to 1,120 piles of poop. Flies are arriving from Bakersfield.
An e-mail from a lady in San Francisco, and she writes we should not be castrating stallions. Give them a chance to breed and see what kind of babies they produce.
Huh?
If you saw all the moms and foals at feed lots, waiting for the long brutal trip to Canadian slaughter, you would quickly alter your thinking. All breeds, all colors, moms and foals with no chance. Which is why I always tell you about Megan in Fairfield, Cheryl in Auburn, and Julia in Lincoln. They rescue pregnant mares, and place their foals in loving homes. Long nights spent waiting for the baby to come. Wondering who on earth would breed this poor mare and then send her off to auction, where horse killers lick their lips because they are paid by the pound. The bigger the better.
We would castrate Storm Cat if he came up our driveway. And then he could go to our fields and play with other horses. No more need for solitary confinement.
Another e-mail, this from a lady in Texas: I was at a livestock auction in Dallas, and there was a thoroughbred mare with her new foal. I paid a horse killer $600.00 and brought them home. My husband did a tattoo research on the mare, and we found out her sire is Sadlers Wells. We named the foal Sadler, and then we discovered Sadlers Wells was the leading sire in the world. His progeny sell for millions. I also rescued a gelding, and after a tattoo research we found out his sire is Distorted Humor. I can apparently pick out good bloodlines just by looking at the horse. My husband says this is true, because I picked him out too.
Enjoy your first day of a brand new month, and be sure to hug your horses. Coffee is from Starbucks, and microwave pancakes were made by Krusteaz. Off to feed breakfast at another ranch. Earning the big bucks.
Joe
Top Left: Soon photos like this will be under the Updates link. Last year the handsome gelding Been There Did That was adopted by Tony and Elizabeth in Lake Tahoe. We called him Diddylicious. Tony, Elizabeth, and Diddy are now competing in dressage shows.
A fun filled day yesterday. Lots of visitors, including:
Top Right: Katy came from Saratoga to adopt Warren, who was just castrated on Thursday. Cathy and I love to support kids who pay their own way in life. Katy is 18, and since she was 14 she has earned her own money. Transportation for Warren is arranged, and he leaves us today.
Bottom Left: Cute as can be Meagan came to test drive Lit Royal. Lit came from the race track on Friday, and he is 3 with excellent manners. Meagan will sometimes ride Flaming Al, who was adopted from us last year by her friend Maddi Taylor.
Bottom Right: Our friends Kim and Jessica came to say hi. They are vet students, and finals are next week. Kim and Jessica pose with Vinnie, and currently there is a small problem. Vinnie sat here for months, a very quiet horse under saddle, but there were no takers. But now 3 different people want Vinnie all at the same time. When this happens we take a deep breath. Wait for a week. See if the 3 people still feel the same way. Kim and Jessica are not part of the drama. He was just the nearest horse to pose with.
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 a trip to rendering facilities in Mexico or Canada.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jun 2, 2008 15:47:22 GMT -5
PLEASE NOTE... Very early Monday morning I must be at another ranch to help with chores. The roosters will still be asleep. Loading new pictures and writing the morning journal is just not possible. So Monday you get to enjoy a break from my ramblings. I will be back first thing Tuesday morning to tell you about life with over 100 horses in the boonies with poop on top of poop and Karen Carpenter singing on the oldies station. See you Tuesday...
Sunday, June 1st... A new month, another silly mortgage payment. We bought this ranch 11 years ago. 14 more years until it is officially ours. I will be 107. Still watching reruns of Bonanza.
But what a ride this has been. We recently passed the 2,500 mark in horses adopted. In the next 2 years we will reach 3,000, and cops will be summoned as our celebration spills into the streets. When River Yodeler became adoption 2,000, Cathy and I enjoyed a quiet dinner in Davis. We were in bed by 10:00. Adoption 3,000 will be quite different. We are saving money for bail.
For adoption 3,000 our chef friend Brian Gill promises a weekend feast. Our lesson trainer friend Stephanie Diaz will bring pie. 10 different kinds of pie. We always tell Stephanie Diaz she should open her own pie store. Stephanie Diaz is always telling Cathy and I we should open our own fly store. Stephanie Diaz is seldom funny.
Earlier this week came kids who live in a youth shelter, and a girl made this remark: All my life I hear how I need to clean up my act. But look at all this horse poop. Joe you need to clean up your act.
112 horses on our ranch. If each horse poops 10 times a day, we say hello to 1,120 piles of poop. Flies are arriving from Bakersfield.
An e-mail from a lady in San Francisco, and she writes we should not be castrating stallions. Give them a chance to breed and see what kind of babies they produce.
Huh?
If you saw all the moms and foals at feed lots, waiting for the long brutal trip to Canadian slaughter, you would quickly alter your thinking. All breeds, all colors, moms and foals with no chance. Which is why I always tell you about Megan in Fairfield, Cheryl in Auburn, and Julia in Lincoln. They rescue pregnant mares, and place their foals in loving homes. Long nights spent waiting for the baby to come. Wondering who on earth would breed this poor mare and then send her off to auction, where horse killers lick their lips because they are paid by the pound. The bigger the better.
We would castrate Storm Cat if he came up our driveway. And then he could go to our fields and play with other horses. No more need for solitary confinement.
Another e-mail, this from a lady in Texas: I was at a livestock auction in Dallas, and there was a thoroughbred mare with her new foal. I paid a horse killer $600.00 and brought them home. My husband did a tattoo research on the mare, and we found out her sire is Sadlers Wells. We named the foal Sadler, and then we discovered Sadlers Wells was the leading sire in the world. His progeny sell for millions. I also rescued a gelding, and after a tattoo research we found out his sire is Distorted Humor. I can apparently pick out good bloodlines just by looking at the horse. My husband says this is true, because I picked him out too.
Enjoy your first day of a brand new month, and be sure to hug your horses. Coffee is from Starbucks, and microwave pancakes were made by Krusteaz. Off to feed breakfast at another ranch. Earning the big bucks.
Joe
Top Left: Soon photos like this will be under the Updates link. Last year the handsome gelding Been There Did That was adopted by Tony and Elizabeth in Lake Tahoe. We called him Diddylicious. Tony, Elizabeth, and Diddy are now competing in dressage shows.
A fun filled day yesterday. Lots of visitors, including:
Top Right: Katy came from Saratoga to adopt Warren, who was just castrated on Thursday. Cathy and I love to support kids who pay their own way in life. Katy is 18, and since she was 14 she has earned her own money. Transportation for Warren is arranged, and he leaves us today.
Bottom Left: Cute as can be Meagan came to test drive Lit Royal. Lit arrived from the race track on Friday, and he is 3 with excellent manners. Meagan will sometimes ride Flaming Al, who was adopted from us last year by her friend Maddi Taylor.
Bottom Right: Our friends Kim and Jessica came to say hi. They are vet students, and finals are next week. Kim and Jessica pose with Vinnie, and currently there is a small problem. Vinnie sat here for months, a very quiet horse under saddle, yet there were no takers. But now 3 different people want Vinnie all at the same time. When this happens we take a deep breath. Wait for a week. See if the 3 people still feel the same way. Kim and Jessica are not part of the drama. He was just the nearest horse to pose with.
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 a trip to rendering facilities in Mexico or Canada.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jun 3, 2008 10:32:32 GMT -5
Tuesday June 3rd... For whatever reason our dial up computer has been faster than Big Brown on Preakness day. But below picture number 4 refuses to load. Drives me crazy. 3 cups of Folgers and an old cinnamon roll from Raleys. And still the picture refuses to appear. One night a week I take a computer class for beginners. Sailing right through. Waiting for the scholarship offer from Stanford.
We send our best thoughts to good friend Anna, who on Sunday lost the love of her life. Rainbow Sherbert retired as a pony horse from the race track. He arrived on our ranch in 2000, and when Anna came to visit it was love at first sight. Rainbow Sherbert went to live with Anna in Elk Grove, and over the years he has helped tame several wild mustangs. On Sunday Rainbow Sherbert suffered a stroke, and Anna is devastated. He is buried behind her barn.
Last week I wrote about poop rakes, and there were several letters from young readers asking what is a poop rake? A good chance our young readers do not know what a pony horse is. Before each race, as the race horses are led onto the track, the horse by their side is a pony horse. Their job is to keep the race horse calm and collected. We have taken in many pony horses, including our Pony Boy, and they have all been Paints. If a horse refuses to load into a trailer, our Pony Boy goes in first and the hesitant horse immediately follows. When we rescue a wild untouched horse, it is Pony Boy who teaches them to lead. A loose horse on our ranch happens all the time, and Pony Boy will stay with the loose horse until he is caught. Pony horses from race tracks have saved us dozens of serious mishaps. Higher than the moon race horses can sometimes scream all night long. Pony Boy stands next to them, offering security.
Rainbow Sherbert was just such a horse. He was probably 25. Our very best to Anna, who provided him with a paradise place to live.
On this Tuesday without American Idol, our vet Lisa comes early to castrate Sea Captain. Our farrier Tim comes to do trims. Today is the last day of school for our number one helper Jenny Hartman. Hard to believe summer is already here. This afternoon there is employment at another ranch, earning the big bucks, and a big draft cross named Tiny gets his giant feet trimmed. Tiny once stepped on my foot, and just so you know, grown men do cry.
A special hello to Hillary, and Pragmatico sends his best. I will post a current picture of Pragmatico soon.
Top row photos are by request. On the Top Left is Sands Of Time, who recently retired from the race track. We took off his shoes, and each day he plays and rolls and talks to other horses.
Top Right is Dat Thing. He arrived from the race track with all sorts of problems. Dat Thing has gained over 100 pounds, and he is one of the kindest horses on our ranch. We call him Dat Thing.
Bottom Left is Rowdy Red, and each day he is turned out to play, and he is Rowdy.
I was going to show you Buddys Mandate, and when Buddy is turned out to play he immediately goes to sleep. I will keep trying to load his picture.
Enjoy your just right 78 degree Tuesday, and be sure 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 a trip to rendering facilities in Mexico or Canada.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jun 4, 2008 11:01:43 GMT -5
Wednesday, June 4th... The earth moved. I was pumping gas in Woodland last night. Thought for sure the earth was moving because I had to pay $4.49 for regular. The lady next to me asked if I felt something? I told her it was probably the oil executives having a hearty chuckle. Turns out it was a small earthquake centered near Fairfield. It cost eleven million dollars to fill up the old ranch truck.
At Nugget Market I paid $4.99 for a Sara Lee strawberry cream pie. On sale, a great deal. I write Sara Lee letters, hoping to someday meet her, but she must be busy making those delicious pies. She has never replied.
Back home, almost dark, and 110 horses still munching on supper. Misty waits at the gate, like always, hoping for a treat from town. Pony Boy hates his fly mask, and when the sun goes down the fly mask comes off. Sea Captain had his testicles removed yesterday, and he gives me a pouty look. Devil Badgett, we call him Badge, waits for his end of the day carrot. Governor Lee and I have a tradition. Each sunset is when Governor Lee receives his neck massage. Porky Pig gets her good night apple. 651 barn cats wait for special wet food. The radio is switched from rock and roll to love songs by request. Key Maker had runny poop yesterday, so he guzzles a syringe of Pepto. Shasta poops in the same spot, and we should give her an award. Shasta is low maintenance. Rambo poops all over his stall, and then he likes to roll. Rambo is high maintenance.
On the phone with horse killer Wade Giles, and he has a race horse with a bowed tendon. 40 cents a pound.
Time to return phone messages, and Kelly in Utah would like a shoe worn by Sands Of Time. Justine in Vacaville rescued a paint yearling colt, and would this be a good time for castration? Any time is a good time for cheesecake, and any time is a good time for castration.
And there were 7 other messages. Can you please take my horse?
Final barn check, and the night is chilly. Pony Boy gets a taste of strawberry cream pie. Georgia receives her late night banana. The only time I ever see Marbles, a calico cat, is during final barn check. Marbles rubs against my leg. Where does she live during the day? An extra flake of hay for a starvation horse. The last few days he has began showing interest in his surroundings.
And now it is Wednesday, and later we could be 78 degrees. Delicious coffee is from Peets, with another slice of pie. KC And The Sunshine Band on the oldies station. Jewels the dog waits to help feed. I wonder who the mayor of Sacramento is? Never did see the election results.
Joe
Top Left: A recent purchase from a feed lot, and we named him Nelson Riley. He loves peppermints and apples.
Top Right: A recent arrival from a ranch reduction, and we named him Dilbert. Other than a funky mane and terrible feet, Dilbert comes to us in good shape. He loves his ears to be scratched.
Then And Now...
Bottom Left: I bought this neglected mare at a feed lot earlier in the year, and she arrived at night. There was an eclipse, so we named her Eclipse.
Bottom Right: Eclipse is doing so much better.
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 a trip to rendering facilities in Mexico or Canada.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jun 5, 2008 10:03:52 GMT -5
Thursday, June 5th... This is part of an e-mail from Tori, and she is 10: Do horses really poop in the same spot?
Sure, and we love horses who do. If each horse pooped in the same place, I would have 5 hours of free time every day.
This is part of an e-mail from Kaitlynn, and she is 11: I have been reading you since I was 8, but you never write about riding a horse. Who is your favorite horse to ride?
The little horse outside of Safeway that takes a quarter. I do not ride real horses. I know my limitations. Many times I have been injured by race horses, and all I was doing was standing there. No way am I getting on top of one.
This is part of an e-mail from Tess, and she is 12: Why not let Cathy write the morning journal, like on days when you have to work at another ranch?
I have asked. Begged. I even promised to do the dishes. But Cathy refuses.
My good friend Ryan Andrews would like to write a paragraph though. Ryan witnessed doomed horses loading onto a large stock trailer. He watched the trailer drive away, heading for a slaughter house in Canada. There we were, a horse in each hand. I named my gelding Nelson Riley, and he is a sweetheart. Ryan named his mare Apple, and she is an appy cross. We only had enough money to save these two horses. To be truthful we were $60.00 short, but the debt has since been repaid. Apple is in West Sacramento. Nelson Riley is in my fields. Ryan did not think watching doomed horses would affect him this way. He wants to put his feelings on paper.
I told Ryan, when you are finished I will show your paragraph on my morning journal.
Dozens of e-mails a day, and most are from kids. It does not take a brain surgeon to realize kids are the majority of our readers. But this e-mail came from Clara, and she is 74: You mentioned Karen Carpenter on your morning journal, and I cried and cried. It is very difficult to grow old. The memories of past horses and people who were so important in my life. Now they are all gone. Tell those kids who visit you from a youth shelter to grab hold and never let go.
Enjoy your windy, 77 degree Thursday, and be sure to hug your horses. Soon, when pictures arrive, I will share with you the story of Kona Kove, who was claimed at the race track just so he could go home. Two amazing women who raised enough money to save a horse. There is good everywhere. Grab hold and never let go.
Joe
All day yesterday winds were bonkers.
Top Left: Poteens Rambo came from the race track last month very sore. But now when Rambo plays he is poetry in motion.
Top Right: Husband and wife Justin & Set The Course stay close in the winds.
Bottom Left: This is Lit Royale, and he came from the track last Friday. Twice now Lit Royale has been ridden by young girls, and he is very kind under saddle. Even in hurricane winds Lit Royale is quiet.
Bottom Right: In the winds No Night had his gate blow down. But he stayed put.
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 a trip to rendering facilities in Mexico or Canada.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jun 6, 2008 10:48:50 GMT -5
Friday, June 6th... Looking at numbers, and in 2007 there were 131 horses who came to us from race tracks. Bay Meadows, Del Mar, Golden Gate, Pleasanton, Hollywood Park, San Luis Rey, Fairplex, Santa Anita, and 3 beautiful fillies from the Santa Rosa Fair. More than 1 race horse every 3 days.
So far, in 2008, we have greeted 74 race horses. The year not even half over. 1 race horse every 2 days. And on this Friday, with winds finally stopped, 3 more horses come to us from tracks. No room at the Inn.
Arriving today is a filly, and her name is Del Mar Doris. Years ago from a race track we rescued Del Mar Cool, and he is still with us. Del Mar Doris has an unbelievable pedigree. Not long ago she would have been much sought after as a broodmare prospect. But now we are hoping to find Del Mar Doris a home as an eventer. Maybe she will make a nice trail horse. Or a companion to a lonely soul who needs a friend.
But blah blah blah. Tbfriends this, Tbfriends that. Instead I would like to tell you about Hana who lives in Washington. She came to visit last year while on vacation, and I took her picture. This past Monday Hana was walking to the store, and at a nearby auction house there were 8 horses who were tagged. Hana asked questions, and discovered the 8 horses were purchased by the auctioneer, who bought them to resell to slaughter. Hana was frustrated. She went home and began calling friends. Word spread quickly. A lady phoned Hana and said she would pay for all 8. It cost the lady $4,000.00. What a great Monday. All but 2 of the horses now have wonderful homes.
I have photos of all 8 horses saved by Hana and her friends. Naturally my website is refusing to load any of these pictures. I will continue to try.
Nikki in Vacaville recently closed escrow on her very own ranch. There is no husband. No boyfriend. She has a little brother who helps with repairs. All by herself Nikki is saving horses, and on Sunday she bought a black and white paint gelding who was on his way to horse killer Manny Phelps. $400.00, and the gelding does it all. He is only 8.
Tara also lives in Vacaville, and she concentrates on saving race horses. Sunday Tara bought a 5 year old gelding at Golden Gate Fields. He has a fracture in his cannon bone, and is very body sore. The gelding is 17.1 hands, and Tara calls him her new gentle giant. The gentle giant will be turned out for a year so he can rest and heal.
All over there are others who help horses. Hana and Nikki and Tara. Our good friends Jodi, Megan, Cheryl, Rachel, Ryan, Heather, Sarah, Holly, Patti, Stephanie..... I could fill up this page with names of humans who help horses.
And there are those who work behind the scenes. If I tell you their names they might not speak to me again. They prefer privacy. Doing what needs to be done for horses.
An e-mail from a reader in Oregon, and she wants to know how I handle the burden? How do I carry the world of unwanted horses on my shoulder?
I wrote back, and said there is no burden. The only thing on my shoulder is pieces of blown alfalfa. Every single day our friends are helping horses. Trying to undo the crazy ways of our current horse market. Our friends do not brag on a morning journal. They never flaunt numbers. In the trenches, feed lots, auctions, day in and day out, they bring home horses and provide a second chance. We talk on the phone. Share the miseries of expenses. And we wonder if there will ever be peace?
Time to go find room for 3 more race horses. I hope they bring a sense of humor. Poop on top of poop. Giant piles of dust all over the joint. James Taylor on the oldies station...
Joe
Top Left: Poteens Rambo came from the race track last month very sore. But now when Rambo plays he is poetry in motion.
Top Right: Husband and wife Justin & Set The Course stay close in the winds.
Bottom Left: This is Lit Royale, and he came from the track last Friday. Twice now Lit Royale has been ridden by young girls, and he is very kind under saddle. Even in hurricane winds Lit Royale is quiet.
Bottom Right: In the winds No Night had his gate blow down. But he stayed put.
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 a trip to rendering facilities in Mexico or Canada.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jun 7, 2008 10:24:19 GMT -5
Saturday, June 7th... Today Big Brown tries for history, and the timing from Shannon is perfect. Shannon is 16, and she lives in the San Francisco area. Shannon has been to our ranch several times to visit horses, and her favorite is Devil Badgett. I am going to share with you an e-mail that came from Shannon yesterday. Here we go:
As you know Joe, my mom loves to gamble. Thursday was my first day of summer vacation and my mom said lets go to the horse races. I hate it there. Every time I go with her a horse dies, and then I have nightmares. But she wanted to do a mother daughter lunch, and then go watch some races. Then we were going to pick up my brother from his job and go to dinner.
For an hour or so I was glad I went. I could look at thoroughbreds all day every day. I always remember at your ranch you said come on Shannon, it was time to leave. You had some place to go. I am so hooked on thoroughbreds. I want to spend my whole life with them.
While a bay filly was being saddled she looked at me. Her name is Sheen Falls. I told my mom bet two dollars on Sheen Falls for me. She is so cute and she keeps looking right at me. My mom laughed and said what a waste of money. Sheen Falls is a long shot and no way is she fast enough to win this race. Well guess what Joe? Sheen Falls won and I got back $71.00! I knew she was going to win. My mom gets all weird and tells me I have to pay back the twenty dollars I borrowed last week. My mom is very competitive.
The next race I saw the most beautiful filly. Her name is Royal Sierra and she was the favorite. Normally I like to bet my two dollars on long shots, but Royal Sierra also looked me right in the eyes. My heart jumped. I knew she was going to win too. Royal Sierra had the best jockey and she was the most gorgeous horse in the race. They put blinkers on her and I told my mom she will win easily.
Coming for home Royal Sierra fell and it looked like her leg was broke. I screamed. I saw her try to get up and I saw her looking back at the saddling paddock. Maybe she was looking for me. They came with the horse ambulance and I knew she would soon be dead.
I cried and told my mom lets go. I hate this f****** place. I made her take me home. I did not go to dinner with my brother. My mom says I take things too personally. She says horses die every day at the race track and it is part of the game.
Joe I will never forget how Royal Sierra looked me straight in the eyes. I cannot stop thinking about her. I know you understand.
I will never go to the f****** races again. My mom is going on Saturday to bet on Big Brown. God she makes me so mad.
I want to come see you again this summer Joe. I want to hug all of your thoroughbreds, especially Badgett. They sacrifice their lives so people like my mom can gamble. Horse racing is sick. Shannon.
My cell phone has not been working. But hey, new pictures have loaded for this front page. I will try to fix the cell phone problem later today.
We wish Big Brown, along with his competition, much safety in the big race. Enjoy your very windy Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
Top Left: Joe Market gets to go home with Brianna Hall. Shipping is being arranged, and Joe Market will leave us in the next few days.
Speaking of race horses...
Top Right: Say hello to Seattle Dreaming. He is 3, a youngster, and very quiet.
Bottom Left: This is Del Mar Doris, and she has a royal pedigree.
Bottom Right: An old pro. He earned gobs of money as a race horse, and his name is Earnest Storm.
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 a trip to rendering facilities in Mexico or Canada.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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Post by jdw2w1 on Jun 8, 2008 10:42:07 GMT -5
Sunday, June 8th... This and That to entertain you with on a beautiful Sunday morning...
My cell phone is still not working, only the phone is not at fault. Nextel Sprint is out of order. No coverage in our area. On their website Nextel Sprint says they will have this problem fixed soon.
Many times I have told you about Tara who lives in Vacaville. Tara rescues race horses and finds them good homes. Yesterday Tara was on her computer, scanning the list of horses running in the Belmont. There was a horse named Da Tara. She writes us to say this is a sign. A horse with her name. Tara phoned a friend at the track and said bet ten dollars Win and Place on Da Tara. Tara the horse wins, and Tara the girl gets back $535.00. Tara the girl sends us another e-mail, saying she is going to use her winnings to buy a new round pen. I write Tara back and beg for lunch. There was no response.
Winds were nuts yesterday, and there was a big fire just west of us. Since the Yolo fire mostly destroyed our ranch in 2006, we are constantly on alert. The fire yesterday grew huge, but never came closer than a mile.
77 race horses have come to us in 2008, and two more are waiting. The two are in Los Angeles, and transportation is being arranged.
Sandi lives in Los Angeles, and last night she came with mom and dad and her friend Haley. They are staying at a motel in Davis. Sandi is 16, and hopefully today we can find her the right horse.
Rachel, Ryan, Heather, Patti, Stephanie, Wendy, Jessica T, Jessica S, Angela, Mikka, Donielle, Tara, and Jennifer. All are going to see Kenny Chesney sing today. They have tickets in the same section. Rachel writes us to say Kenny Chesney is coming to town just for her. Well golly gee. Cathy and I are still waiting for Peter Paul & Mary to go on tour again.
I paid $4.49 for regular gas. It cost 17 million dollars to fill up the old ranch truck. And $1.39 for a cup of really strong coffee that was probably brewed in 2005.
Tex Winslow was adopted from us in 2006, and his owner writes to say Tex can jump higher than the moon. Tex is at a boarding stable in Davis, and next weekend he competes at a show in San Diego.
Our friend Chris lives right here in Woodland. In 2006 Chris adopted Cadillac, and the two have been taking home all the ribbons at local shows. Yesterday morning Chris received his high school diploma. Graduation ceremonies were held at Woodland High. Congratulations to Chris. Cadillac lives just down the street from us, and Chris loves him like crazy.
There is a horse auction in Roseville today, and supposedly there are many ponies who will need good homes.
It is Sunday, with 113 horses beginning to make noise. Just where is that old man with breakfast? The winds have finally quit, and later we could be 82 degrees. Delicious coffee is from Dunkin Doughnuts, and microwave waffles were made by Eggo. The Doobie Brothers on the oldies station. Enjoy your picture perfect Sunday, and be sure to hug your horses.
Our house phone is 530-662-0951. But we have a dial up computer, which means the house phone seldom rings. If you need to talk the best thing to do is send us a letter. I come inside often to check e-mails. Hopefully Nextel Sprint is up and running today.
Joe
Top Left: Winds can get scary.
The other day I told you how Hana in Washington found 8 horses tagged for slaughter. Hana got on the phone, and thanks to a very generous lady all 8 were saved. I would like to Thank Lisa and Cathy for sending us pictures under a different format.
The remaining 3 pictures are lucky horses rescued by giving humans in Washington. There is good all over.
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 a trip to rendering facilities in Mexico or Canada.
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.
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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