TB FRIENDS NEEDS HELP!!

[jdw2w1]

Saturday, February 9th... The horse world is tiny, and everyone knows everyone. We congratulate Jonna Jensen of Citrus Heights, who has accepted the manager position at a fancy event barn in Ramona, California. Jonna moves next weekend. We congratulate Meghan Costa of Sacramento, who this week rescued a beautiful gray gelding from the race track. The gelding comes to Meghan with a severe bowed tendon, and he will be given a year of nothing to do but eat carrots and watch reruns of Mr. Ed. We congratulate Melanie Watts of Pleasanton, just 15 years old, and Melanie is now the head groom at a fancy jumping joint. Show season coming at us fast. We congratulate Amy Whitaker, and Amy owns 2 thoroughbreds. On the 1st of February Amy and her horses moved into their very own place. 5 acres, a cute house and a 4 stall barn. Amy is throwing a party just as soon as she buys furniture. We congratulate Hannah Sutton of Orangeville on her purchase of a beautiful bay filly from the race track in Albany. And we congratulate Becky Coombs, who saved money from her restaurant job and bought a truck. Her truck was built in 1989, two years before Becky was even born.

We say way to go Nikki, who in Southern California is becoming the top rescue person. Nikki along with Caroline and other friends are buying horses from feed lots and auctions. We stand and applaud.

We say way to go Heather who lives in Modesto. Heather hounded a neighbor for weeks, trying to buy a neglected old mare. The mare is skinny and she was stuck in mud. The owner kept wanting more money, and Heather had to borrow. But at last the old mare is now at a new home, and Heather wants me to know this is the best feeling in the whole world. Heather is 16. The mare might be 25.

We say way to go Ryan Andrews, our friend, and daily Ryan has been bringing food to hungry horses in West Sacramento. The horses are beginning to thrive. I was there. When the horses see Ryan coming in his truck they run to the fence and scream. Their hero. Their savior.

It is Saturday, and chores are forever. We might be a perfect 64 degrees. I thank all of you for your letters. For your calls. For your requests. A special hello to Anna in Michigan, and she is one of our oldest readers. On February 2nd Anna turned 75. Anna has owned horses all of her life. She phones to say it is horses who keep her young. Anna is riding a thoroughbred mix named Dutch, and he is 10. Happy late Birthday Anna, and your phone call was a treat.

Enjoy your waffles are from Eggo Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses.

Joe

All 4 photos below are by request.

Top left is Red River Valley, and he has lived with us for almost 4 years. Red River Valley is not available for adoption. He came to us from the race track with severe arthritis in both front ankles.

Top right is the day our new 12 stall mare motel was finished.

Bottom left is Devil Badgett, and he has his own fan club.

Bottom right is our big bird Maggie, who loves to visit with the blind mare Georgia.




Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[jdw2w1]

Sunday, February 10th... Unreal. 241 letters so far, all with praise for Michelle at the race track. The other day I wrote how Michelle stopped a billion dollar company from building a new race track. I have since spent 3 days forwarding your letters to Michelle. Thank you for taking the time to write.

This came from Peyton in Davis: I would like to meet Michelle in person. My mom keeps saying I need a mentor.

This came from Helen in Richmond, California: All the things I wanted to do when younger, but never took that first step. Now I am making up for lost time.

This came from a girl in Woodland: Joe you forgot to write how there were registered voters who could care less, but after seeing those pictures from Michelle they made sure to vote No.

This came from Lacey in Oregon: I am 15, and I know how cold it is in the mornings when working with horses. If I send you a gift card to Starbucks would you make sure Michelle gets it? I would love to buy her a cup of coffee. My new hero.

Michelle has written a book about life on the race track, and I am mentioned several times. (red face, red face) Here is what Michelle writes in Chapter 6: Joe phoned to say Tizzy is slightly crazed. Tizzy mounted another gelding and tried to penetrate. Joe says a passing motorist turned up the volume on Barry White. I think Joe is the one who is slightly crazed.

(well golly gee)

More e-mails, including this from Noelle in Citrus Heights: I got to meet Ryan Andrews, and he is so cute! Does he have a girlfriend? (yes)

Despite what others think, we are not a dating service. This came from a girl in Winters: Any chance you can set me up with your farrier Tim Gee?

And there seems to be an actual male person who reads Tbfriends. His name is Clark, and he writes: The Sacramento Kings suck. How can you keep rooting for them?

The normal lectures come from those who do not watch television. This is from Kaitlyn, and she lives in Elk Grove: As you know Joe, I am a member of Kids Against TV. We read your daily journal to learn about ranch life. We do not want to hear about others having American Idol parties.

The normal lectures come from vegetarians. This is from Sara in Reno, Nevada: I like to read your journal for the thoroughbred content. You are not doing anyone a service when writing about Brian Gill eating salmon.

This e-mail came from my friend Mike Baker: Costco in Woodland opens February 22nd. I love their fresh salmon. (sorry Sara)

Keep your letters coming. Today might be 61 degrees. Weeds are taking over. Little tiny insects at sunset. Enjoy your beautiful Sunday, and be sure to hug your horses.

Joe

All 4 pictures below are by request.

Top left is the handsome Garlic Country, who we rescued from the race track in 2005.

For Cassandra in Washington, the top right photo was her screen saver for many months. Cassandra asks if I would show this picture again, so here you go.

Bottom left is Im A Jewel, who won the California Derby.

Bottom right is the crippled mustang mare Shasta, and she has lived with us since 2001.




Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[jdw2w1]

Monday, February 11th... Doomed horses coming to us from feed lots, even with the No Vacancy sign lighting up our sky. It is a jungle out there. In the last few days we have said hello to Marvin (named by Holly Meeks), Muffin Top (named by Allison Martino), Gladiator (named by Jennifer Wright), and Pooch (named by Cathy Shelton). All 4 are thoroughbreds, and out to our crowded fields they go.

The constant phone calls. Horse killers hoping for an extra 5 cents a pound. And now comes word gasoline will soon be sky high in California. Hay prices are insane. There is Lindsey who lives on the coast, and she would like to give us her gelding because board has gone up to $475.00 a month. There is April who lives near Sacramento, and she would like to give us her gelding because board has gone up to $400.00 a month. And Richard would like to give us his 4 horses because he is getting married and money is scarce.

Owners of 5 thoroughbreds adopted from our ranch would like to return their horses. All because of money problems.

Trainers from the race track in Sacramento (standardbreds) ask for help in placing their horses in new homes. Hunter jumper trainers from Del Mar to Portland ask for help in placing their horses in new homes. A lady in Texas asks for help with her 3 horses. A family in Arizona asks for help with their 3 horses. A man in Idaho wants me to send him money so he can feed his horses.

On the phone is horse killer Manny Phelps. He enjoys mind games. This is what Manny has to say: If you can get a halter on this guy you can have him. Or else we load with a chute. And I got 2 mares with 2 foals but ya better hurry.

Horse killer Manny Phelps knows we are unable to take mares and foals. Our round pens are deep with mud, and there is no way we can put mares and foals out in our fields with race horses. Horse killer Manny Phelps likes to feel my anxiety. He likes to be in control.

So I work the phones, begging friends and foster families for help. Later today both mares with babies should be placed in a new home. I hope. Waiting on approval from a husband.

On the phone this is a message from horse killer Wade Giles: You like thoroughbreds and I got 6 right now. There are yearlings and two year olds. If you can get a halter on em you can have em for $300.00 a piece. Or else we load in a chute.

Loading in a chute means the horses are guided through a cattle chute into a slaughter bound truck.

This phone message from a young girl, and her voice broke my heart: I got your number from my friend, and she said you will help. Can you bring me some hay? Please? My gelding is hungry. (hay and grain have been delivered)

I would like to Thank those who help us help horses. Holly Meeks. Jodi Tuft. Jennifer Wright. Ryan Andrews. Georgia & Jenny Hartman. Stephanie Diaz. Angela Youngblood. Mike & Kathy Monaghan. Ann & Robert. Patti Lu. Julia in Lincoln. Aljean in Rescue. Megan in Fairfield. Allison in Auburn. All the time I ask for help, and even with caller i.d. you still answer your phone.

Thank You. Have the best Monday ever.

Joe

We are down to 29 requests left for photos.

Top left is like that Alfred Hitchcock movie. Every autumn thousands of birds come to eat grain from horse poop.

Top right is On A Lucky Road, and he has lived with us for almost 3 years.

Bottom left is Barbie Doll, and she came to us from the race track 2 years ago. A friend at the track phoned to say Barbie Doll was going to be put to sleep because she is too slow. Could we take her? Of course we did, and my wife Cathy has ridden her all over our ranch. Barbie Doll is a sweetheart. She is not available for adoption.

Bottom right is Jane Doe, who we rescued from a feed lot as an orphan foal, and now she is big and spoiled. Jane Doe is not available for adoption.




Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[jdw2w1]

Tuesday, February 12th... Lots of questions about requests. Sorry for assuming you knew. If you have a request we do our best to please. Maybe you would like to own a shoe from a famous race horse. Or maybe you would like a halter from a race horse hanging in your bedroom. It may take a few weeks, but your shoe or halter will come in the mail. There could be a photo you saw on Tbfriends years ago, and you would like to see it again. A special request from a girl in Ohio and she is 10. The girl wants me to put a bow on Comstock Cat and mail him Fed Ex. Well okay then...

Keeping you in the loop. More horses from Northern California race tracks are coming to live with us. They should arrive Thursday. We said goodbye to Sea To See, we called him CC, and he left us for his new home in Danville. CC is now living on a picture perfect ranch, and he is best friends forever to an older mare who was lonely. A big Thank You to a husband and wife in Gilroy, who yesterday became new owners of a handsome paint gelding from a feed lot in Vallejo. A big Thank You to our friends not far from us, who yesterday welcomed 2 mares, each with a foal by their side. Moms and babies were at a feed lot in Wilton, and they were just one day away from loading onto a slaughter truck. A big Thank You to Cinda who lives in Walnut Creek. Yesterday Cinda became the new owner of a quarter horse gelding who was unwanted. And a big Thank You to Ron and Debbie for taking into their home an older mustang mare. The previous owner was promising death, so the mare had to be moved yesterday. We Thank Jennifer Wright for providing the transportation.

And now I am going to share with you our team. If you need help with a horse, or with horses, please let me know. The help does not usually come from me personally. I am old and slow and it takes more than 2 hours to find my glasses. But someone from our team might be of assistance. You never know. All it takes is a phone call. 530-383-2120.

Our team, and what a blessing. Dr. Lisa Wallace. Tim Gee. Friends Of TBfriends. Jodi Tuft. Jennifer Wright. Mike Baker. Patti Lu. Sarah McDowell. Georgia & Jenny Hartman. Mike & Kathy Monaghan. Holly Meeks. Robin Gill. Denver Lyle. Gary Duncan. Patti Lu. Angela Youngblood. Noelle Carter. Stephanie Diaz. Julia. Megan. Ryan Andrews. Cheryl in Auburn. Allison in Auburn.

All of us offer our help because we love horses. And we can keep secrets. Your privacy is guaranteed.

Enjoy your American Idol finally goes to Hollywood Tuesday, and be sure to hug your horses. We might be 63 degrees. Fresh aspargus on sale at Raleys. And Costco opens next week.

Joe

All 4 pictures below are by request.

Top row shows stakes winners from the race track who are retired to our ranch. On the left is Special, and on the right is Money. Both came to us injured.

The photo on the bottom left was taken soon after a spring storm.

Bottom right is Oh So Sultry, who came to us from the race track broken down. Sultry is doing great, and he is not available for adoption.




Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[jdw2w1]

Wednesday, February 13th... Talking with another rescue person, and she is going to quit. The rising costs of feed. Workmans Comp. Liability insurance. Medical care for rescued horses. We have known this person for quite some time. She operates alone. No husband or boyfriend. Horses have been her everything.

At a recent Northern California auction she watched as horse after horse was purchased by killers Wade Giles, Brett Mason, Manny Phelps, and Brent Sanchez. The 4 horse killers were laughing. Throwing dice in an alcove to see who gets the next horse. Still laughing and drunk, the 4 horse killers loaded at least 25 scared horses into their trailers.

When slaughter was stopped in America she knew things would turn sour. More unwanted horses than ever before. And they are skinny. Wormy. She hoped our government would give emergency money to help those who help horses. She hoped for a public outcry. But in the shadows of livestock auctions horse killers drink and giggle. They play cards. They roll dice. And for our friend who rescues at least 20 horses a year, enough is enough. Our government remains silent. No help in the forecast. She has listed her ranch for sale, and her 28 horses must find new homes.

Adjusted numbers: In 2007 Tbfriends placed 529 horses in new homes, not 532 as once stated. This includes 177 horses who went directly from feed lots into new homes without first making a stop at our ranch.

3 horses adopted in 2007 have been returned to us.

We play the numbers game, always have. Our friend who is selling her ranch could care less about numbers. Each individual horse she rescues becomes part of her heart. She has asked Tbfriends to help with relocating her 28 horses. She wants this done professionally and quietly. No cameras please. She wishes for dignity in her exit.

And we know of another girl, who on a much smaller scale, is also quitting this rescue business. Her hay prices have doubled since last fall.

On the late night news, and they said Lotto was up to 150 million. How come no one told me? I could have played. I could have won. Hay prices can triple, who cares, 150 million dollars would feed all the hungry horses.

As rescue folks are shutting down and selling their ranches, it does not take a genius to figure out horses are in deeper water than ever before. And the images of drunk horse killers giggling while playing dice and holding up fistfulls of cash is what I went to bed with. No reading until sleepy. No love songs by request on the radio. Outside our bedroom window, and I can hear Adam peeing on the sidewalk. Splash splash. And then he sighs. I feel so bad for our rescue friends. I wish they would stay.

Joe

All 4 pictures below are by request.

Top left is Freedom, who came to us from the race track more than 2 years ago.

Top right is Frenchie, the sweetest mare ever born, and she came to us from the race track in 2003.

Bottom left: As a yearling this gelding sold for $900,000.00. 4 years later he was sold to slaughter. We call him Stormy.

Bottom right: Another son of Storm Cat, and he came to us from the race track in 2002 with a fractured leg. We call him Weather Man.


Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[mowhitney]

I wish I could help... hay is selling here in Co for 5.00 to 8.00 a bale, I can get 1200lbs round bales grass/alfalfa for 75.00 if there is a way to get it from here to there - Please let me know what I can do...

[jdw2w1]

Valentines Day... Hey everyone this is Cathy and I am writing to you from my day job. Our ranch telephone is out again. The winds in Woodland have made a mess of things. Joe will be back on line as soon as we have a dial tone.

Have a Happy Valentines Day. Sorry for the technical difficulties.

Cathy


Top left is Freedom, who came to us from the race track more than 2 years ago.

Top right is Frenchie, the sweetest mare ever born, and she came to us from the race track in 2003.

Bottom left: As a yearling this gelding sold for $900,000.00. 4 years later he was sold to slaughter. We call him Stormy.

Bottom right: Another son of Storm Cat, and he came to us from the race track in 2002 with a fractured leg. We call him Weather Man.


Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[jdw2w1]

Friday, February 15th... Lately the telephone repair person has been to our ranch more times than the mailman. Winds have died down, and we have a dial tone. (oh shucks, this means that old guy with all those race horses is gonna be blabbing again) There is a crew working on new fencing in our very far north field. Holly Meeks has volunteered to pick up an unwanted mare in Lodi and transport her to a new home in Loomis. Ryan Andrews has volunteered to pick up an unwanted filly in Vacaville and transport her to a new home in Placerville. Higbys Feed just came with a delivery. More race horses come to us tomorrow. Our round pens remain deep with mud, but our fields have dried out. We send deepest sympathies to Katie Boyd, who on Wednesday lost her gelding Roger That. We send deepest sympathies to Valerie, who on Wednesday lost her mare Ladybug. A big Thank You to a husband and wife in Petaluma, who on Wednesday became new owners of a standardbred gelding from the harness track in Sacramento. And a big Thank You to Rachel Jeffers, who on Wednesday became the new owner of a very cute filly from Golden Gate Fields.

Well lunch is done (chinese food is just not as tasty the next day, unlike pizza which stays good even 4 days later) and it is time to tackle more chores. Hopefully our internet remains healthy. I will be back tomorrow morning to share with you more tales (or tails) of life with over 100 horses. I hope the rest of your Friday is way beyond great.

Joe

Top left is Freedom, who came to us from the race track more than 2 years ago.

Top right is Frenchie, the sweetest mare ever born, and she came to us from the race track in 2003.

Bottom left: As a yearling this gelding sold for $900,000.00. 4 years later he was sold to slaughter. We call him Stormy.

Bottom right: Another son of Storm Cat, and he came to us from the race track in 2002 with a fractured leg. We call him Weather Man.


Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[jdw2w1]

Saturday, February 16th... If I show photos of horse killers we could get sued. This piece of wisdom came from an attorney.

But last weekend horse killer Brent Sanchez and his girlfriend Maggie showed up at a house in Grass Valley, which is next to Auburn. They had seen an ad on the internet for a free horse to a good home only. Horse killer Brent Sanchez and his girlfriend Maggie pretended to be an all American couple. Just married, buying their own farm, and they wanted a horse to love and pamper. The owner was convinced Brent and Maggie would take great care of her quarter horse gelding. She never even questioned how Brent and Maggie could return so fast with a trailer. The owner cried as she said goodbye to her horse. A few days later the owner discovered from a mutual friend that Brent and Maggie were horse killers. Her gelding had been priced by the pound and sold to slaughter in Mexico.

What a crappy way to make a quick $300.00 or so.

This is happening all the time. Horse killers conning owners. If you saw Brent Sanchez and his girlfriend Maggie you would think what a cute couple. Probably their children will be gorgeous. But unless I show you pictures, how would you ever know them?

Pictures would be easy to gather. At every auction there are horse killers. I could take photos and then show you who to stay away from. Show you who to not give your horse to.

And those pictures would be shown throughout the internet. Last year I posted a picture of our cat Lola sitting in our tractor tire. The picture was picked up by other websites, and soon we were getting letters from cat lovers all over the world. How cute. There was a person in Canada who used the Lola picture for her screen saver.

So I know if I showed you horse killers, other horse websites would publish their pictures. Naturally we do not want to be sued. Losing in court to horse killers and having to give them money would be the ultimate insult.

But there might be a legal way to do this. Our attorney friend will let me know.

I hate how horse killers can pretend to be nice, and then take your poor horse. Exploiting the hope of others. Nothing pisses me off more, and this needs to stop.

A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews, Stephanie Diaz, and Holly Meeks for transporting unwanted horses into nice new homes on Friday. We send our best to Megan, who in the wind lost part of her just repaired barn roof. Twice in less than 2 months Megan has watched her roof blow away. Mike Baker found his Dish TV receiver more than half a block from his house. Melanie Cox lost a horse shelter. Those were some crazy winds.

There are just 6 days left until Costco opens. The biggest event in Woodland since 8 lanes were added to the bowling alley. Enjoy your 64 degree just right Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses.

Joe

Only once, for a few hours, since Friends Of Tbfriends bought us a brand new generator, has the electricity gone out. In the past we would lose power every other week. But since the generator has been sitting in our garage our lights remain on. Weird.

Top right shows that one rare moment in time where there is no poop in the north field.

Bottom left the happy cat Lola sits in our tractor tire.

Bottom right is Governor Lee, one of my favorites, and he came to us from the race track almost 2 years ago.




Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[jdw2w1]

Sunday, February 17th... We bought a very skinny filly from a feed lot in Wilton, and she is 4 years old. Her name is now Spring, which means a new start. Much better than Mosquito, and we had a billion of em last night.

Two more geldings arrived from the race track yesterday. There is Silent Touch, and I suppose we will call him Ryan. There is Jack Hat, and I suppose we will call him Jack. A big Thank You to Steve at Hoofbeats for providing the transportation.

We said so long to Moose, a tall thoroughbred gelding who we hardly got to know. Moose came to us last week from a not so great situation, and now he will live like royalty at a ranch in Auburn. An arranged marriage. Moose will keep an older thoroughbred mare from being so lonely. A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing the transportation.

From the harness race track in Sacramento we helped place an unwanted standardbred gelding. He goes to his new home in Martinez, and a big Thank You to Jennifer Wright for providing the transportation.

From a quarter horse breeding ranch in Redding we helped place an unwanted barren mare. She goes to her new home in Winters, and a big Thank You to Stephanie Diaz for providing the transportation.

Ah, the joys of being an adult. Since 1997 we have gone through 6 ranch trucks. Usually they already have a gazillion miles, and their future with us is grim. We feed twice a day with our ranch truck. Unless it is muddy, then we must feed with the tractor. Our current white ranch truck will only go in reverse. The transmission is blown. Driving to Woodland backwards brings more than a few stares.

A big Thank You to Jesus and Stephanie, who yesterday brought us another ranch truck. There is only AM radio, but beggars must settle. A few minor things must be attended to. For instance there is gasoline leaking all over the driveway. The new ranch truck goes to our mechanic today in Woodland. At least I will be able to drive forward.

More rain for next week, which means back to feeding with the tractor. But today will be perfect. 70 degrees, and you can almost reach out and grab a hold of spring. The coffee is from Peets, and chocolate cake was made by Entenmanns. A special hello to Holly in Tucson, Arizona. Holly went to a race track and saved the life of a beautiful gray gelding. She named him Archie, and he prefers his carrots to be cooked. His blanket washed weekly. His water bucket free of drooling alfalfa. Archie is a wee bit pampered, and good for him.

Joe

Top row shows how new fencing is completed in our far north field. We will wait for the rains to end and the grass to grow higher, and then older horses can throw a party out there.

Bottom left is Silent Touch, and he came to us yesterday from the race track. He is 5, and his right front knee is fractured.

Bottom right is Jack Hat, and he is a little guy. Jack could climb a ladder and he would still only be 15.1 hands high. He has white spots on his back. A loving personality.





Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[jdw2w1]

Monday, February 18th... Allison lives in Auburn, and she tells me to take a moment and smell the horse poop. Allison says sunsets in February should be given their own billboards. Watch as blossoms suddenly appear. Enjoy a field full of thoroughbreds as they romp under long deserved blue skies.

There are those who hate when I write about horse killers. Your letters say so. You would rather I focus on the romance of horses. On day to day happenings at our ranch. There are those of you who do not want to see pictures of horse killers on the morning journal. You say life is gloomy enough. All the time there is tragedy in the news. Murders and robberies and hungry children. War and unemployment. You click on Tbfriends to hear how horses are finding new homes. Horses melt your heart, and you prefer a positive beginning to your day.

No one notices a February sunset more than I do. Watching once doomed horses play in our fields is my biggest thrill. But you have to understand. I buy horses from horse killers. I buy horses at livestock auctions. I visit feed lots and talk to hungry horses without hope.

And it is those sunsets, those blossoms, those brand new mosquitoes which makes me even. And as you grow old, staying even is as good as it gets. Staying even allows you to filter out the bad and concentrate on all that is good.

I have hopes. I want to cook on a cruise ship. I want to watch eagles at a yearly festival in Alaska. I want to see the Cubs play baseball at Wrigley Field. And I want all horses to be safe from torture. To be safe from slaughter. I have seen the videos. The unimaginable horror of being butchered alive. This needs to stop. Horses built America. Yet America does nothing to save them.

So if I can help just one horse. One gelding standing safe in a field at his home in Where Ever, California. If I can protect him from horse killers then I am protecting my hopes. If I am able to show you photos of horse killers, that one gelding might stay safe. You might not be tricked. You will not give that man your horse.

Yesterday was like a parking lot sale at Target. We found new homes for 5 horses. And we met Whitney, she is almost 8, and what a sweetheart. We met Taylor Bri, she is only 3 months, and her smile lit up our ranch. We met Shannon, and she rides like a pro. Shannon loves thoroughbreds more than anything in the world. We met Roddy and Wendy. Bruce and Sandy. Jamie and her sister Julie. We were finally able to meet Aljean. We met Kristine. We met Rebecca, and she lives in Folsom.

You see how things stay even?

We said goodbye to Microchip. Comstock Cat. Zims Blur. The filly Lehanne, who I will miss like crazy. And leaving us in a few days for Reno will be Silent Touch, and Georgia Hartman provides the transportation.

Enjoy your holiday Monday. Just 4 days until Costco opens. The biggest event in Woodland since Shell added a car wash.

Joe

Because of never ending rain and mud, it has been several months since a horse was saddled and ridden on our ranch. Shannon Addiego hopped on 17 hand Comstock Cat, and fell in love.

The top photos show Shannon with her new horse.

Bottom left is Wendy Ward with her amazing new filly Lehanne.

Bottom right is Roddy Ward, Wendy, and 3 month old Taylor Bri. Zims Blur is poetry in motion, and Roddy and Wendy are her new owners.


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.

[jdw2w1]

Tuesday, February 19th... In almost 4 years of writing a morning journal, there have been many subjects which brought dozens of letters. We have had several contests which brought hundreds of letters. And now the possibilities of showing photos of horse killers has most of you unhappy. Over 250 e-mails, and more than 80 percent say keep Tbfriends positive and perky.

I am sure there is a legal way to show pictures of these people. I know we will lose readers. But just think. If one person recognizes a horse killer from our photos, they will not give or sell him their horse. One horse saved is worth all the gold in California. One horse saved is better than cheesecake with fresh strawberries.

I understand about positive and perky. About blue skies, and poop on top of poop. But we have a monster crisis in our country. Open a newspaper and you can read how Grandma Ruth won bingo at the Elks Lodge. But never does the newspaper talk about American horses crossing borders into Mexico and Canada. And a few days later those same horses are supper in a foreign land. Never does the newspaper talk about protecting freedoms of horses who helped build our country.

There are letters saying if I post pictures of horse killers I am showing my vindictive side. Tbfriends will be nothing more than a gossip page. Letters from young girls saying they have never seen a horse killer and they never want to.

But for me each horse is personal. Each horse becomes a reflection of our past. There is no history of humans without first talking about the history of horses.

And I have watched as horses load into slaughter bound trailers. The indifference of men and women who do the transporting is mind boggling. Their indifference is part of the problem.

We are waiting for the green light. A legal way to do this. Then I will bring my camera to parking lot auctions. Already there are promises from horse killers Wade Giles and Randy Johnson. They promise to never sell me a horse again if I show their pictures. We will work on those minor details later...

Please remember: If you are giving away your horse, or selling him cheap, just tell the person you want to help with transportation. You wish to see the new home of your horse. You want to return every so often with a sack of his favorite treats.

If the person taking your horse is geniune, he or she should have no problems with your requests.

Horse killers will show up at your house with little kids. They pretend to be a happy family, so excited to have your horse. But within a day your horse is sold to slaughter in Canada or Mexico. All of us together in the horse community can put a halt to their deceit.

I will now come down from the podium. The man on the radio is saying rain for all week. Which means mud boots come out of the closet. Enjoy your American Idol gets serious Tuesday, and be sure to hug your horses. A special hello to Wendy, and Thank You so much for the blankets. Sorry we missed your visit. Another special hello to Kelly Chapman, we have your horse shoes, but you forgot to send us a mailing address. And Happy Late Birthday Shayla Reed, the big 13, and we would have loved to tasted your artichoke pizza...

Joe

Top left: Play Misty For Me hunts for treats in the new old ranch truck.

There are thousands of requests for old photos. Okay not thousands, just 35. Top right shows Mr. Butch, who came to us with a huge tumor between his eyes. But now the tumor is almost gone, and Mr. Butch is doing great. A special hello to Cinda, and we appreciate your request.

Bottom left is our new best friend Whitney, cute as can be, and she goes for a spin on Limo.

Another adoption: Below on the right is Hannah with her new gelding Rhythm King. Hannah is an incredibly sweet girl, and it was a joy to meet her.




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.

[jdw2w1]

Wednesday, February 20th... Message From Max:

Joe just called me to let me know that it is raining and he has lost his dial tone. He sounded disappointed so I expect it was one of those magical mornings where he had many wonderful things to say but could not get online. He will update you as soon as he can.

Max

Top left: Play Misty For Me hunts for treats in the new old ranch truck.

There are thousands of requests for old photos. Okay not thousands, just 35. Top right shows Mr. Butch, who came to us with a huge tumor between his eyes. But now the tumor is almost gone, and Mr. Butch is doing great. A special hello to Cinda, and we appreciate your request.

Bottom left is our new best friend Whitney, cute as can be, and she goes for a spin on Limo.

Another adoption: Bottom right is Hannah with her new gelding Rhythm King. Hannah is an incredibly sweet girl, and it was a joy to meet her.




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.

[jdw2w1]

Thursday, February 21st... A Man Travels The World In Search Of What He Needs, And Returns Home To Find It.... george moore

I took a friend to a feed lot yesterday, because he wanted to see for himself. There was a pregnant thoroughbred mare, and she had a tattoo which gave her age at 7. Horse killer Manny Phelps said he bought this mare at an auction near Los Angeles. Her due date is April Fools. Horse killer Manny Phelps said give him $850.00, otherwise the mare and her almost full term foal will board the slaughter bus. Rounding up the money is not a problem. Rounding up a place for the mare to live and have her baby, now that is a problem.

Because I have filled up my friends. Ranches from Eugene to Barstow are taking care of our horses. The little cell phone has all these numbers, but who do I ask for the ultimate sacrifice? A pregnant mare requires hours and hours of watching. The nights are long, and a week can suddenly become a month. Who would be willing to sit with this mare and welcome her baby into our world?

My first and only call went to Megan in Fairfield. I knew she would say yes. Recent monster winds have twice taken the roof to her barn. Repairs have once again started, and Megan has a huge foaling stall. There is a camera, so Megan can watch the mare from her house. No need to miss American Idol. The mare is now named Katie, because she looks like a Katie. And last night she enjoyed her first supper with Megan.

Also at the feed lot was a cute bay thoroughbred gelding, fresh from the race track, and his tattoo said he was 4. Horse killer Manny Phelps said give him $700.00. We named the cute bay thoroughbred gelding Vegas, and he arrived on our ranch last night.

And standing all by herself, depressed and without hope, was a starving chestnut thoroughbred mare. She is in horrible shape. Horse killer Manny Phelps said give him $500.00. We named her Eclipse, and she too came to us last night.

My friend, he is young and his name is Ryan, cried on the way home. His first visit to a feed lot. All those horses we left behind. All those faces.

In our driveway horses rushed the fences. Demanding their supper. The big moon was partially shaded, and on the giant TV Shaq was playing Kobe. I wish you could have seen Gidget. She came to us last summer, and her right front foot was falling off. Every day we had to wrap and wrap, hoping for the foot to reattach. She still walks as if each step is her last. But when I brought hay to her feeder Gidget squealed and bucked. Not a big buck. A tiny buck. It felt incredible to be home.

Lots of rain on the way. Which means we might lose our dial tone again. Nothing but a crackling sound coming from our computer speakers. A big Thank You to Webmaster Max Wilcox for keeping you informed. Enjoy your cold Thursday, and be sure to hug your horses. Costco opens tomorrow. The biggest event in Woodland since Wendys began serving breakfast.

Joe

All 4 pictures below are by request.

Top left is Downtown Daisy, and in Vallejo she was stabbed by a nut. Our vet Lisa Wallace put in over 400 stitches. Daisy is not available for adoption.

Top right is Devil Badgett on the day he came to us from the race track. You should see him now. All muddy and hairy.

Bottom left is AJ Jet, he made over 400 grand as a race horse, and he has lived with us for more than 10 years.

Bottom right is our cat with 3 legs Holiday, and Molly the dog. Holiday and Molly always sleep together.






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.

[jdw2w1]

Saturday, February 23st... Message from Max. Joe has asked me to convey that weather has once again done away with his internet connection. Additionally, high winds are in the forcast for tonight. Joe will bring you up to date as soon as he can.

Max

Top left is Downtown Daisy, and in Vallejo she was stabbed by a nut. Our vet Lisa Wallace put in over 400 stitches. Daisy is not available for adoption.

Top right is Devil Badgett on the day he came to us from the race track. You should see him now. All muddy and hairy.

Bottom left is AJ Jet, he made over 400 grand as a race horse, and he has lived with us for more than 10 years.

Bottom right is our cat with 3 legs Holiday, and Molly the dog. Holiday and Molly always sleep together.






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.

[jdw2w1]

Wednesday, February 27th... This phone message came from Alex, and she lives in Arizona: Now that your website has been down for a few days, hopefully Joe this gives you time to reflect on the wishes of others. We do not want to read about thoroughbreds going to slaughter. My family and I enjoy when you write about how cool it is to live on a ranch.

This phone message came from Carly in Utah: I read you first thing Joe. Before I shower and before I e-mail my boyfriend to say good morning. But if you continue to write about horse killers and taking your friends to feed lots, I will no longer click on Tbfriends. I hope your phone lines are working soon.

This phone message (geez Joe, do you ever answer your phone?) came from Emmy, or it could be Amy, I had a hard time understanding: I am 10 and I read you everyday before going to school. My heart is filled with love for horses. Please do not put up pictures of horse killers on your website. It would make me sick to my stomach. Oh, and tell your phone company to get busy and fix your ring tone. (actually Emmy or Amy, my ring tone is just fine. It is our dial tone that was broken. But I knew what you meant)

This phone message came from Stacy in area code 818: I am sure you are aware of the consequences. To slander or to prohibit a person from earning a living will subject yourself to lawsuits. You might get away with showing photos of horse killers by not mentioning their names. In fact do not say a thing. Your readers will understand who they are. (well okay then)

Our telephone lines must have been installed 2 years before Columbus discovered America. The man from AT&T says all is in good working order. He replaced the thingamajig with a brand new whatchamacallit. Houses in our area now have dial tones. Which would be especially great if pizza joints delivered out here. We are back in business, and I will return tomorrow morning with more adventures of life with over 100 horses.

And please know, I appreciate all your requests and all your input. Your phone calls, even if we disagree, mean the world to me. At least someone is reading this stuff. And now I must return to the outside world and shovel more poop. It is maybe 65 degrees. Mud up to my giant nose. Another gelding comes to us from the race track later today. The kid from Utah, his name is David, was unbelievable on American Idol last night. The Kings lost to the worst team in the league, Miami. And gasoline could be up to $4.00 a gallon by April. Oh, and Jenny Hartman has her wisdom teeth removed tomorrow morning. Ouch.

Joe


Top left is Downtown Daisy, and in Vallejo she was stabbed by a nut. Our vet Lisa Wallace put in over 400 stitches. Daisy is not available for adoption.

Top right is Devil Badgett on the day he came to us from the race track. You should see him now. All muddy and hairy.

Bottom left is AJ Jet, he made over 400 grand as a race horse, and he has lived with us for more than 10 years.

Bottom right is our cat with 3 legs Holiday, and Molly the dog. Holiday and Molly always sleep together.






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.

[jdw2w1]

Thursday, February 28th... Allison Martino tells me to try this. Lots of peanut butter, the crunchy kind. Strawberry jam. Then a layer of barbecue potato chips. Finally several slices of velveeta cheese. The best sandwich ever created. Wash it all down with cold orange soda.

So I gave it a try, and my stomach hurt for 2 days. Somewhere in the distance I saw Elvis.

AT&T says our phone lines are stronger. More powerful. Rain and wind will no longer slow us down. Back to the 5:00 a.m. routine, and our computer is faster than Seattle Slew. There are over 300 e-mails to answer, and soon I will pull an all nighter. (sure, this coming from the old man who falls asleep during Wheel Of Fortune) The coffee is from Dunkin Doughnuts, and microwave pancakes were made by Krusteaz. Later today we could be 70 degrees. We are a swamp. Mud so deep you can reach in to your shoulder. Mosquitoes with giant eyes. Toads the size of a Volkswagon.

Keeping you in the loop: Since we last spoke 2 geldings have come to us from the race track. Also 2 geldings from horse killer Manny Phelps. We purchased 2 pregnant mares from horse killers Brent Sanchez and Maggie White. One of the pregnant mares is for sure a thoroughbred, as she has a tattoo. We placed 3 Hanoverians from a fancy ranch into new homes. We placed a hungry mustang mare into a new home. We said goodbye to the filly Spring, who is now dining on green grass at a foster home in Clear Lake. And we once again said goodbye to Luke, as he returned to his foster family in Orangevale. 4 years in a row we have said goodbye to Luke, and every autumn he comes home when the rains begin.

On Saturday horse killer Manny Phelps phones to say I better take a filly. She is tiny, and starving. For just $250.00 the filly could be mine.

I want to tell you about Jag. A former lesson horse, Jag came to us last year when he was no longer wanted. Jag is a thoroughbred, and he worries. All the time I hear how stupid thoroughbreds are. Inbred, with little common sense. But you should meet Jag. Smarter than any horse I have been with. The world he carries on his shoulders.

And in monster winds with sideways rain comes this tiny starving filly from horse killer Manny Phelps. Her gums are white, and she is dying. Because of over crowding Jag is free to roam in our mare motel area. He greets the tiny starving filly, and refuses to leave her side. Once again, the world on his shoulders.

We named her Sweets, because even in death there must be recognition. We put Sweets in the isle of our mare motel, and she would nibble on an assortment of grains. Jag would talk to Sweets, and encourage her will to live. Sweets would nicker to Jag, a quiet little cry, and in those eyes you could see her content. Sweets lived for another 22 hours. And when she was gone Jag stood over her body and grieved.

There are readers who hate when I show starving horses. Or write about killers, or write about death. But this is our life. Our ranch. Every day we must deal with hungry horses. With young foals who are sold to slaughter. With pregnant mares who are priced by the pound.

Top row shows Sweets with her best friend Jag. Before she died she knew love.

Bottom left is Eclipse, and she came to us from a feed lot. In just one week Eclipse has gained 40 pounds.

Bottom right is Jade Beret, and he comes to us from the race track with a bowed tendon. We will call him Jade, and he is a sweetheart.

108 horses are watching the house, waiting for breakfast to be served. Almost another month gone. An extra day in February tomorrow. Enjoy your Thursday, and be sure to hug your horses. Anything is possible. I know this for sure...

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.

[jdw2w1]

Friday, February 29th... If mail and phone calls were the deciding factor, I would not post pictures of horse killers. Over 80% of readers (keep in mind, our readers are mostly young girls) tell me to leave it alone. Focus instead on the romance of thoroughbreds.

Advice has come from 3 different lawyers. If I show you horse killers I must not include their names. Cathy and I could be sued for damaging the reputation of a person. For slander. And for stopping the everybody in America has a right to earn a living process. I am told there are precedents. At first I thought Presidents, and said sure, how dumb do you think I am? But no, we are talking precedents. You are not allowed to interfere with someone trying to earn a living.

And I must tell you, money earned by horse killers would make Donald Trump jealous. A cattle trailer filled with horses sold to slaughter can bring over 15 thousand dollars. The driver does not need health certificates to leave our state. He does not need health certificates to enter Canada or Mexico. Drives me crazy.

I wrote a billion letters. Did the protest thing in front of feed lots. Hounded horse killers with my usual charm. Trying to stay legal, because I doubt prisons serve fresh strawberry cheesecake. Or praline ice cream. There are more horses from Northern California going to slaughter than ever before. Nothing I have tried has ever worked. And all I have left is to show you the men and women who make money from killing horses.

I sincerely hope I do not lose you as a reader. Your mail and phone calls tell me there are people all over the world who tune in each day to my gunk. I love to share with you the magic of horses, especially thoroughbreds. To show you pictures of our horses finding new homes. A whopper of a feeling. Letters come from girls who 11 years ago adopted a horse from us, and still the horse is number one in their life. Their happiness beats anything I have ever experienced.

Soon I will be showing who NOT to give or sell your horse to. I will take pictures at upcoming auctions. Horse killer Manny Phelps has said he will gladly pose. If you advertise your horse for free or cheap, and Manny Phelps comes to your house, you can tell him to get lost. (feel free to use other phrases) You can protect your horse.

If you send your horse to a livestock auction, and you recognize from Tbfriends a horse killer bidding, you can outbid him. And then search other options for your horse.

America is slow dancing this slaughter business. Crossing both borders with large trailers carrying doomed horses is done 3 and 4 times a week from Northern California. Sometimes more. We need all horse lovers to recognize horse killers. And road block their journey. Take away their earning power. Take away their ability to exploit our horses.

An extra day in February, and we could be 72 degrees. Enjoy your beautiful Friday, and be sure to hug your horses. The coffee is Folgers Deluxe, and pastries come from Costco. There are many of you who deserve special hellos, and a giant Thank You. I am way behind on computer things, but this weekend I hope to catch up. I appreciate your patience...

Joe

Yesterday Jenny Hartman had her wisdom teeth removed, and one hour later she was helping to transport Silent Touch from our ranch to his new home in Reno. Jenny is the most giving kid we have ever met.

Top right: Talk about irony. We bought this gelding from a feed lot in Vallejo yesterday, and his sire is a stallion named Mud Route. Fitting enough...

Bottom row photos are by request.

Bottom left is Forest Gump, he was born on our ranch, and will never be known as a deep thinker. Thank you Hanna for your request.

Bottom right is our dog Johnny Angel. In 1999 Johnny Angel was tied up and tortured with acid. Burns all over his body. He came to us in 2000, had several skin operations, and now he mostly sleeps on our bed and pees on the side of the barn.






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.

[jdw2w1]

Saturday, March 1st... Coming home, and in our driveway, on top of the haystack, sits a young girl. Farther down you can read why hay is in our driveway. There is a car parked across the street, no doubt the mom of this young girl. She says her name is Alice Bento. She is 12. They drove all the way from San Francisco. Alice gives me an envelope full of cash. Mostly one dollar bills. It looks like a fortune, a giant wad. There is $277.00. Alice walked the streets of Fishermans Wharf, asking strangers for money. Said give me a dollar please so we can help horses. Obviously lots of strangers handed over a dollar. Several gave $5.00. It took Alice Bento less than 4 hours to collect $277.00.

And I was stunned. All morning in San Francisco Alice Bento was asking others for money. To help horses. To help Tbfriends.

I was returning home from doing chores at another ranch. In 4 hours of labor I earned a whopping $60.00. Got my finger stuck in a halter and I think my knuckle is broken. In all honesty, spending 4 hours at Fishermans Wharf sounds like a much better choice.

So I asked Alice Bento do you want to meet Pony Boy? Most young visitors say yes, but Alice said no. I asked do you want to give a race horse a carrot? Most young visitors say yes, but Alice said no. She only wanted to give me this envelope. To hug me. And to tell me Be Safe.

In our fields, feeding supper to 109 hungry horses, and when I give the nightly pat on the nose to Olympic Spirit she jerks her head quickly, and now I have a big bruise under my eye.

And we got to see Letterman give his opening jokes for the last 3 nights. Dish TV installed a DVR, and we can record and watch whenever. My finger in ice, my eye in ice, my planteafantasiagobblegobble foot with a special cushion, and I cannot get Alice Bento out of my mind. $277.00 from the streets of San Francisco. Enough money for 15 bags of grain. Enough money for 11 trims from shoer Tim Gee. Enough money for 80 wormers from Country Supply.

Starving horses, pregnant doomed mares, broken down race horses, unwanted horses abandoned in neighborhood streets, daily chores, poop on top of poop, and a 12 year old girl waiting on our haystack. Thank You Alice Bento. You have no idea how you changed my day.

Joe

Top left is oh oh. Look how we found our little Civic yesterday morning. We must remember to park in the garage.

Hay was dropped off in our driveway, because the delivery truck became stuck by our barn.

Bottom left: Hanging out, watching mud dry.

Bottom right: Hoofbeats Horse Transportation bringing another horse from the race track.




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.

[jdw2w1]

Sunday, March 2nd... A bit late writing the morning journal, as strong cold winds have been blowing all night. I went outside to make sure our ranch is still here. Fresh from the race track horses are spooked. Someone in the neighborhood ate sandwiches from Subway, as their garbage landed in our yard. Later today we could be a chilly 63 degrees. Next weekend we lose an hour of sleep, but the days will last longer. Feeding supper does not have to begin until 4:30. Winter waves bye bye. Horses are beginning to shed their coats. Appointments are made for the beauty parlor. Long crusty manes must be cleaned up. There are horses wearing mud from December. The little grooming kit stays busy...

We always try to honor requests, and there have been hundreds (actually only 3) letters asking for more pedigree information on rescued horses. The 3 letters say TBfriends could be much more entertaining if I gave you pedigrees of horses we save. To be truthful, I hardly ever care about pedigrees. But there are those of you who study the thoroughbred breed. Now remember, often we are never given the registered name of a race horse. Especially if we buy that horse from a feed lot. I could research their lip tattoo, but once again, I hardly ever care. From January 2007 to January 2008, here are the sires of horses we rescued. Only sires with 3 or more horses coming to our ranch will be listed.

From January 2007 to January 2008 we rescued 11 horses by the sire Bertrando.
9 horses by the sire General Meeting
8 horses by the sire Memo
8 horses by the sire Avenue Of Flags
7 horses by the sire Candis Gold
6 horses by the sire In Excess
4 horses by the sire Dynaformer
4 horses by the sire Belong To Me
4 horses by the sire Caller I.D.
3 horses each by the following sires: Holy Bull, Comet Shine, Western Fame, Tychonic, Pine Bluff, Event Of The Year, Epic Honor, Cutlass Reality, Mud Route, For Really, Sky Classic, Victory Gallop, and Cees Tizzy.

Just from scanning our list, there were 64 horses from race tracks with the same 2 sires.

There were 93 (I think) horses with single sires.

Our Storm Cat and sons of Storm Cat list is long. Probably the most unsound of the bunch. And we ran out of barn names for the Storm Cat line. How many horses can you call Tiger?

Here is a documented fact: Storm Cat has a stud fee of three hundred thousand dollars. Since 2001 we have rescued 14 of his sons and daughters for an average price of 35 cents a pound.

Just from observations: Horses by Bertrando, Belong To Me and Tychonic go on to have successful jumping careers.

More observations: Horses by Victory Gallop, Memo, General Meeting and Candis Gold are beautiful movers. Many of our horses from those sires go on to have dressage careers.

Yet still more observations: Horses by Mud Route, Bertrando, B.Hoedown, Wild Again, Kissin Kris, Comic Strip, Epic Honor, Benchmark, Slewvescent, and Thunder Gulch all seem to have the same sweet personalities.

A request from a reader in Minnesota. Could I please send her a halter worn by any horse who is a son or daughter of Holy Bull? (well okay then)

A request from a reader in Washington. Could I please send her a hunk of mane from a horse who is a son or daughter of Cutlass Reality. (okay, but the horse sure looked at me funny)

Wild winds will have horses chasing their breakfast. The coffee is from Peets, and jelly rolls with melted butter were made by Costco. Enjoy your Sunday, and be sure to hug your horses. A special late Happy Birthday to Robin Williams ( a horse loving girl, not the comedian) who last Thursday became Sweet 16. Robin owns a thoroughbred gelding named Sky, and she rescued him from a feed lot in Ohio. They shared carrot cake and cookie dough ice cream together. Friends in the barn sang Happy Birthday. And they all chipped in and bought Robin a new english saddle. Her best birthday ever...

Joe

Below are 4 adoptions from 2005.

Top left is Lauren with Flying Nickel

Top right is Stacy with her new mare Robin

Bottom left Gracie hides her face, but her new gelding Call Before You Come gladly poses

Bottom right is Hannah with Jo Jo Dimaggio



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.

[jdw2w1]

Monday, March 3rd... Up all night helping a friend with a sick horse, and the horse is fine and dandy. A change in the weather stomach ache. In fact the horse is doing better than we are. I would trade my Ricky Henderson autographed baseball for 6 hours of sleep. Breakfast must be served to 108 horses. There are chores (earning the big bucks) at another ranch. A trip to the feed store. A trip to the gas station, which means taking out a second mortgage. Steve at Hoofbeats Transportation tells me diesel in San Francisco is now at $4.00 a gallon. Well golly gee.

Last night on the 47 incher Cathy and I watched Rush Hour 3, and it was goofy. During barn check we saw a skunk, and thankfully he headed off to the grapevines without leaving his DNA. A beautiful brown and gray owl on top of our barn. Pony Boy receives his peppermint candy, a must before visiting fillies over the fence. And then came the phone call. Joe my horse is uncomfortable, can you bring banimine. Tis the season. Spring means lets all have a stomach ache. Lets all become constipated. New green grass, warmer temps, and a bottle of banimine is gone before you can say Secretariat.

So here I sit, coffee with an extra shot of caffiene from Starbucks, a gorgeous day on the way. We might be 67 degrees. Winds have quit, and several horses have gunky eyes. Currently 4 of our horses are on daily bute. Currently 3 of our horses are on every other day bute. There are 4 legs to unwrap and wrap. Blankets come off, water buckets scrubbed, and I could spend a week telling you about massive amounts of poop produced from 108 horses. The blind mare Georgia gives a tiny squeal, which means for the next week Georgia will be in heat. And when Georgia is in heat she pees on my old truck. Reason number 43 why Cathy and I are never invited anywhere.

I need to air some personal messages. The girl who calls herself Pony1234, you need to phone me please. My cell is 530-383-2120.

To the person who left a coupon for 5 free bags of Equine Senior, Thank You very much. Sorry we missed your visit.

Andrea Morton, we have your horse shoe from Salvino, but we need a mailing address please.

And Jessica in Sacramento, I have never been to a chat room. I understand the Yahoo chat room is filled with horse loving girls. Thank you Jessica for spreading the word about unwanted thoroughbreds. I have received several phone calls, and hopefully there will be adoptions from your hard work.

Time to begin the first Monday of a brand new month. If you have written us a letter I am slowly but surely responding. Soon I will be caught up. I so much appreciate your support and good thoughts. Have a happy Monday, and be sure to hug your horses.

Joe

Below are 4 adoptions from 2006.

Top left is the very sweet Mary with her new gelding Friendly Fire.

Top right: Heather is holding her new horse Sights And Sounds

Bottom left: Sandy and Michelle are with Dr. Ramos.

Bottom right: Sherri and her new gelding Trevor. Poor Trevor came to us starved from a feed lot, and we credit Sherri with saving his life. We cannot Thank her enough.




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.

[jdw2w1]

Tuesday, March 4th... There sure seems to be a ton of kids saving horses lately. Maybe it has always been this way, and I was too dumb to notice. But especially since slaughter was stopped in America, the letters, pictures, and phone calls keep coming. Kids, mostly girls, taking charge. All kinds of stories. Begging their parents for money. Begging their barn managers for reduced board.

This came from Jennifer in Davis: I promised the ranch owner to wash his truck every Saturday. I also wash all the horse blankets, clean all the tack, wash water buckets, and stack bags of grain in the shed. For working 6 hours every Saturday I get free board on Dawn. She is my life Joe. The way she looked at me at the auction. I knew I had to save her. (Jennifer is 15 years old)

This came from a girl we have met several times, and her name is Alex. An arab mare from her neighborhood was going to auction in Turlock. Alex begged her mom to make the long drive. Here is the rest of her letter: I have made several friends in a chat room on Yahoo. I asked if anyone could help, and pretty soon I had $300.00. I love Sophie so much Joe, and I would stay awake at night worrying our truck would break down, or they would not let me bid cause I am too young. When Sophie was in the auction ring I was crying, and my mom did the bidding. We got Sophie for $240.00, and then a man came up to us and said it was a horse killer we were bidding against. My barn manager is a really nice person. She lets me clean stalls and help feed on weekends, so I get free board for Sophie. My heart breaks for all the other horses I saw at that auction. I hope to have lots of money when I am older, and then I can rescue lots of horses. (Alex is 14)

Here we go. We raise our morning cup of coffee to horse loving kids all over America. A standing ovation for Jennifer in Davis. Alex in Lodi. Rebecca, who lives near Chicago. Rebecca has rescued 3 horses from a killer who works at a race track called Arlington Park. Rebecca is 16. Our first (I think) ever letter from the state of Alabama. Denise rescued a thoroughbred gelding from a feed lot in Birmingham. Denise is 15. An actual male person, and his name is also Alex. He lives in Arizona, and from a race track called Turf Paradise Alex bought an injured filly who was on her way to Mexico slaughter. Alex is 16. Christine is 17, and she has rescued 2 horses from auctions in Idaho. Peyton is 17, and for a whopping $150.00 she saved the life of a starving older mare in Texas. Peyton delivers a newspaper 7 mornings a week to earn money for board. Jessie lives in Eugene, Oregon. Jessie serves customers at a fast food joint, and she also babysits. Her income is a must, as Jessie pays board on 2 older thoroughbreds she rescued from auction. Jessie is 17.

An e-mail from the mother of Julia. They live in Colorado, and Julia is 13. Here is part of the letter from mom: Julia kept saying we have to go. We have to go. I promise to keep my room clean, and I promise not to smart talk. Ever since that auction Joe I have bad dreams. All those poor horses going for $25.00 or $35.00. Julia saw a paint colt and said he is the one. His info sheet said he is not broke, and I asked Julia why do you want him? He is not broke. Julia said she just feels in her heart he is the right one. For $25.00 we became the new owners of Casper. This was in September, and Julia has not missed one day of being with Casper. We had Casper gelded. The bond between him and Julia is powerful. She can hop on his back and he carries her around, but if anyone else tries to ride Casper he bucks and acts like an unbroke horse. Casper knows Julia saved his life. He has certainly changed our daily routine. Julia has kept her promise to not smart talk me. Her room is still a mess. The best thing I ever did for my daughter was take her to that auction.

The future for horses is kids. This I know for sure. Enjoy your beautiful 70 degree Tuesday, and be sure to hug your horses.

Joe

Top left is a roan gelding who came to us from the race track almost 2 weeks ago. We are calling him Jazz, and he is a youngster, just 3 years old.

The remaining pictures are by request.

Top right is Andie, who came to us several years ago from an auction. Andie waits by the feeder constantly for the grain cart to come by.

Bottom left is the mare Far North Fire after a downpour. Thank you Casey for your request.

Bottom right is a filly who we bought from a horse killer. She was sold to the killer by a breeding farm because of bad conformation. We call her Dancer, and she has lived with us for over 2 years. A sweetheart who loves attention.


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.

[jdw2w1]

Wednesday, March 5th... Upcoming livestock auctions include Turlock, Roseville, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa. Two of our competent friends have volunteered to help take pictures of horse killers. We have received hundreds of letters on this subject. All kinds of opinions, and I very much appreciate both your concern and your confidence.

Kind of funny in a way. Advice has come from 3 different attorneys. Plus several students who hope to attend law school. They all say the same thing. Be sure the photo posted is that of a real horse killer. We could be in big trouble for showing poor old Mr. Jones who works at Dennys. I have made this mistake in the past. Watched as a horse sold cheap to someone who bids from the first row of seats. So I approach the man, assuming he is a horse killer, and ask if he would like to resell his new purchase. Only to discover the man is buying the horse for his grandkids to adore when they visit. The man really worked at Dennys. A lesson learned about judging the appearance of others.

Of course there have been auctions where well dressed normal looking young guys buy horses, and I thought how cool, the horses are going to good homes. Only to discover later those well dressed normal looking young guys were horse dealers. Horse traders. Horse killers.

Yesterday I wrote how the future of horses is kids. A phone call from a lady who rescues horses in Kentucky. The lady is 67, and she tells me I am making a huge mistake. If the future of horses is kids, why take away their innocence? Kids will become disgusted, because they figure the horse world is filled with deceit and evil. We should allow kids to enjoy the magic of horses without all the bad crap. Soon enough, as they grow older, they can pick and choose their paths.

Later today another horse comes to us from the race track. Also today an unwanted young thoroughbred gelding living in Dixon will be transported to his new home in Newcastle. A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing the transportation.

Yesterday a beautiful morgan mare living in Woodland found a new home with a young girl in Elk Grove. The owner of the morgan mare said come get her, she needs to go now. The mare has been used for riding lessons, but sadly there is an illness with the owner. The young girl in Elk Grove is 11, a perfect fit. A big Thank You to Jennifer Wright for providing the transportation.

Winds are strong, and later we might be 65 degrees. Our Dish TV signal is out, and the repairman comes tomorrow. Goofy winds have been destroying our ranch for months. This weekend an hour of sleep is lost, but we very much welcome the longer days. Still searching for the first fly of 2008. Enjoy your Wednesday, and be sure to hug your horses. The coffee is Folgers Gourmet, and microwave waffles were made by Eggo. At Costco you can get 2 giant bottles of Log Cabin syrup for six dollars. We put maple syrup in syringes of pain medication for horses. The horses look forward to their drugs. Gone Cattin has been off pain meds for a month now, but everyday he still wants a squirt of syrup.

Joe

Top row: I let horses loose for the first time this year in the far north field. The ground is still soft, and I was hoping they would not make mud. Some spots though were torn up. Duh Joe.

Bottom row pictures are by request. When you request a photo from long ago, there is about a 10 day wait list. Depending on the number of up to date pictures which are shown. Three readers are wondering why adoptions from 2007 have not been posted? We did 2005, 2006, so where is 2007? Soon, very soon.

Bottom left: We rescued the old mare Elvia from a breeding farm in 2004. Elvia is by Roberto, she is now 24 years old, and her husband is Timely Weave.

Bottom right: Pony Boy is in heaven. Two stacks to choose from.






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.

[jdw2w1]

Thursday, March 6th... How come each weekend brings bad weather? More rain on the way, and we are just drying out. Event trainers, and those who hope to adopt horses are waiting for a nice Saturday or Sunday. But every weekend is either rain or monster winds. A wee bit difficult to saddle up and ride while a hurricane is going on. It is enough to send a person straight to the bakery department at Costco...

I must use this space to air some messages, sorry. Catching up on e-mails from when our telephone lines were down, and a few of my letters have been returned. No such address.

The girl who calls herself Pony1234, I have someone who would love to help you and your mom. You can phone me at 530-383-2120. Do not be shy.

The girl who lives in San Francisco and goes to the library, you can take the Bart train to Concord, and I will have someone pick you up. No big deal.

Claire in Idaho I lost your mailing address, sorry. Tim Gee pulled the racing shoes from Brat Cat, and I have them ready for shipping.

There are 3 well cared for and rideable thoroughbreds near the town of Marysville who need a home. If you are able to help give me a call at 530-383-2120.

A grandpa thoroughbred gelding living in Sacramento badly needs a new home by Sunday. If not he goes to an auction in Roseville. He is free.

A pregnant quarter horse mare badly needs a new home by Sunday. If not she goes to an auction in Roseville. She is free.

And Jessica who lives in Gilroy, I hope the riding lessons are going well. Give me a call when you feel ready for a thoroughbred.

A gray stallion came to us yesterday from the race track, and his name is Gold Label. He is a hunk. A big Thank You to Steve at Hoofbeats for providing the transportation. Also yesterday we said goodbye to On Top Of Old Smokey, an older quarter horse gelding who left for Granite Bay. Peggy Sue has been lonely since she lost her long time companion, and Smokey is just what the doctor ordered. A big Thank You to Holly Meeks for providing the transportation.

We would like to send a special Thank You to Natasha Vadnais in Southern California. Also Carol Gomulka who lives in New Jersey. Kerry Lowell and her husband Todd from a town called Cotati, California. Gene & Ann Curcio in Washington. We Thank Leslie Bonnette in Arizona. Jamie & Casie Malone who live in Sebastopol, California. A big Thank You to Anne and Robert. Dakota Blue. Patti Lu. Diane in Rio Linda. So good to hear from you Bonnie Buron who lives in Florida. Jerri & Stephen Hardy in Vacaville. D.J.Meaden in Reno. Alexis Mechan, Thank You very much. Bryan & Mellisa Goldwyn. Mary Frazier, you are awesome. Jamie Watkins. Stephanie Breaux. Susie Ingersoll. The girl who calls herself Horsequeen 08, I love your letters. A big Thank You to Elaine Garrison and Henry Martin. You made our day.

And there are letters saying way to go Joe and Cathy, saving all those horses. Which made me think of our friends who do so much without fanfare. Without recognition. All the time they save horses without boring others by writing a morning journal. Nikki in Vacaville saves the life of at least one horse a month. 15 total horses Nikki rescued and rehomed in 2007. Cheryl Rankin in Auburn saves horses like I save coupons for ice cream. Cheryl is taking in a pregnant mare this weekend, and she is constantly saving foals with no where to go. Jodi Tuft in Dixon saves horses and asks for no help. There is Aljean in Rescue. Yes a town called Rescue. There is Megan in Fairfield, and last week Megan saved a gorgeous Hannoverian mare who was less than an hour from being destroyed. Sarah McDowell saves animals like I save coupons for pie. Stephanie Diaz went to the race track and saw a little bay broken down gelding who was going to be euthanized that day. Only a broken knee, no cause for death, so Stephanie brought him home and you should see how he loves her. There is Kitty who lives in Pleasanton. Michelle in Roseville. Rachel in Oakland. All saving horses, all without attention to themselves.

We might be 68 degrees today. The Dish TV repairman comes to fix our signal. 4 days without television, and the withdrawal process is not easy. Enjoy your beautiful Thursday, and be sure to hug your horses.

Joe

Bottom left is Gold Label, he is still a stallion, and he came to us from the race track yesterday. His barn name is Goldie. A gray horse named Goldie. We have had a chestnut horse named Blue. And a black horse named Red. Probably more info than you ever wanted to know.

The remaining photos are by request.

Top right is the old mare Gracie, who has lived with us for 3 years. Gracie is missing her right eye, and she has recently gone blind in her left eye. She is adjusting well to her handicap.

Bottom row are stakes winners. Bottom left is Bert, and we call him Bert because his sire is Bertrando.

Bottom right is Memo, a little guy, but he earned big time money.




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.

[jdw2w1]

Friday, March 7th... A scalding phone message from a lady in Oregon. She tells me to focus on the positive, and quit with this slaughter nonsense. There are a thousand places to go on the internet if you want to read about terrible things happening to horses. The lady ends her message by saying I must have fallen off a race horse and hit my head. She says I never used to be this dumb. And if I continue to write about horse killers and slaughter, she and her daughter will no longer click on.

I phoned her back. I said live where I live. Watch as frightened slaughter bound horses cram into a double decker. Look at the expressions on their faces. And then you want me to go home and write about sunsets and owls?

There is a girl who brings cookies, fudge, and twice a pie. She is almost 13, and addicted to horses. We have known her since she was 8. The things that come out of her mouth. She tells me unemployment is at an all time high. Gasoline could be $5.00 a gallon by Memorial Day. The 3 candidates for president are scary. She says there will be no more horse racing in 5 years. America will go to war with North Korea. She once told me our ranch looks like a feed lot. The best station on television is Comedy Central, because especially right now the world needs laughter. She says grown ups are leaving a horrible mess for kids to clean up. She wants to know what happened to the Lotto money? It was suppose to go to schools, but now schools are firing teachers and getting rid of music and sports.

Almost 13, smart and observant. And she says if I post pictures of horse killers I am an idiot.

I am not making many fans lately...

Dish TV fixed our signal, and the 47 incher is back in business. The gray stallion Gold Label has found a new home. A grandpa thoroughbred gelding who was scheduled for auction in Roseville will instead be moved to his new home in Loomis. A pregnant quarter horse mare who was scheduled for auction in Roseville is instead living like a queen in Orinda. A young warmblood gelding who is taller than Shaq was moved from a horrible situation to his new home in Redding. Another mare came to us yesterday from a feed lot in Vallejo. 30 cents a pound, and we named her Melody.

Nikki lives in Vacaville, and she saves horses like I save coupons for doughnuts. Nikki phoned yesterday to say she was just given a beautiful thoroughbred gelding from a back yard breeder. The gelding was scheduled for auction in Petaluma. He is 16.2 hands and gray. His mom was on the property also, and she is probably 20 years old. The mom is going to auction. Nikki asks could I bring the mom to my ranch? Let her live out her days. And in return Nikki will train the tall gray gelding, advertise him for sale, and send me the profit.

Cathy and I are lucky enough to be associated with gobs of giving people. We all have opinions on things which matter most. Horse lovers can be very vocal. And if we all felt the same way, what a boring world this would be. Enjoy your 64 degree Friday, and be sure to hug horses.

Joe

Adoptions from 2007.

Top left is Bethaney of Fairfield with her gentle gelding Crossing Borders

Top right is Rebecca of Lake Tahoe with the colt Mount Scopus

Bottom left is Brenda and her family from Lodi with their beautiful filly Micro Brew

Bottom right is Michelle and her boyfriend Chris Doughtry (okay his real name is Scott) with the very handsome Dixieland Jam


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.

[jdw2w1]

17290.313 in reply to 17290.312

Hi all. Here are 3 addresses if anyone would like to help out TB Friends. Tom is Joe's hay guy; Joe goes through 3 stacks of hay/ week ( 240 bales ) !! Georgie is a a good friend of Joe's and works with "Friends of TB Friends" to raise money for special projects that Joe gives input on. Recently, they raised enough funds to buy additional round pens for Joe.

Joe Shelton 15891 County Rd 92C Woodland, Ca 95695

Tom Hayes 15140 County Rd 91B Woodland, Ca 95695

Georgie Hartman 19504 County Rd 95 Woodland, Ca 95695

Stephanie in Ca

[jdw2w1]

Saturday, March 8th... At a feed store earlier this week there was this scrap of paper on the bulletin board: Free to good homes. My pregnant mare, her 3 year old, her 2 year old, and her yearling. Please call *******. I need to place all 4 as my husband lost his job.

The times we live in. All 4 are quarter horses, and the pregnant mare has a red stripe down her back. She is gorgeous. They walked into the trailers like old pros. Happy and well fed. A big Thank You to Ryan Andrews and Holly Meeks for providing the transportation. The pregnant mare is now with a friend at Cache Creek, while her yearling colt is with other youngsters in a large field in Vacaville. The 2 year old gelding is living with our friend Stephanie, and the 3 year old filly, who is broke and sensible, is on tryout with a girl at a close by fancy barn.

The times we live in. A well trained quarter horse gelding who was no longer wanted is now with Maddie in Sacramento. A big Thank You to Holly Meeks for providing the transportation.

The times we live in. An older done it all, seen it all, thoroughbred gelding who was no longer wanted, is now with Brooke in Lincoln. A big Thank You to Stephanie Diaz for providing the transportation.

A special hello to Art Ballow and 88 year old John, and it was so good to see you both yesterday.

Will Diane who lives near Marysville and has 3 thoroughbreds which need good homes, could you call me please? 530-383-2120. I have been giving out your telephone number, but apparently callers are connecting with Dial A Ride. I goofed up your number, and I very much need to talk with you.

The mistakes keep coming. Why, when numbers show up on a cell phone, are they the size of rice? Nicole in area code 707, I confused your number with another 707, and now you are lost. You probably think what a jerk, he promised to phone on Thursday. Give me a call Nicole, and excuse my out to lunch brain.

The coffee is from Peets, and orange juice was made by Simply Orange. Later we could be 66 degrees. A second sheet of paper was needed to list the endless chores. Enjoy your we lose an hour of sleep tonight Saturday, and be sure to hug your horses. The Kings lost again last night, so Cathy and I are moving to Boston.

Joe

Adoptions from 2007.

Top left is Diane of Redding with her beautiful new filly Juliets Promise

Top right is Debra, who is a member of Friends Of Barbaro. Debra is with her gelding Capricious One

Bottom left is Tiffany, who came from Seattle to adopt the sweet gelding Accountable Event

Bottom right is Cassandra of Lodi with her new horse Mr. Holdem







Located in Northern California, TB Friends is dedicated to the rescue and placement of horses that have been abandoned or neglected. Usually these horses arrive from the race track. The horses obtained by TB Friends are often saved from the brutal trip to rendering facilities in Texas.






When possible TB Friends takes care to select horses well suited to make the transformation to riding mount or show horse. Our proximity to the bay area race tracks, along with the throwaway nature of the racing industry, unfortunately results in a situation where there are many horses in need of rescue, and therefore many horses from which to choose.


At TB Friends we manage to rescue about two hundred horses every year. When we place a horse there is no charge for the care that we provide them here at Shelton Farms. We only ask for the cost of a horse's rescue and transportation to the farm. For most horses this amounts to less than $1000 dollars.

Sadly, we can not save them all. We are limited by the number of horses that we can care for at any one time. However, as we find homes for the horses we have rescued, we replace them by rescuing others. For this reason we ask you to consider purchasing a horse from our farm. Not only are you likely to obtain a beautiful animal, but you will also help us to save more horses.

You can call me on my cell at 530-383-2120. If I do not answer it means I am probably busy with a horse. Or on the couch with a rerun of Malcolm In The Middle. Just leave a message and I will call you back soon.

[jdw2w1]

Sunday, March 9th... There is a popular chat room for Northern California horse lovers on Yahoo. Someone in the chat room wrote about a gray arabian gelding who needed a new home quick, or he was going to be euthanized. Holly Meeks saves horses like I save coupons to Dairy Queen. Holly called the vet hospital, said she would take the gelding, and 2 hours later he was munching on alfalfa inside her trailer.

Also yesterday Rachel Jeffers saved the life of a former race horse who was abandoned at a boarding stable. No one had paid his expenses for 8 months, so the boarding stable asked the courts for ownership. He was scheduled for euthanasia, but Rachel pleaded for a settlement. She would pay half his bill in return for the horse. The boarding stable accepted her offer, and the gelding was moved to his new home in Pleasanton.

Still more from yesterday. Patti Lu went to an animal shelter and rescued a mutt of a dog named Roscoe. Jessica Talbot bought a young mustang gelding from an ad on the internet. The mustang gelding had to be moved by Saturday, or he was going to auction on Sunday. Jessica Spriggs bought an African Parrot from an ad on the internet, because she has always wanted one. Joe and Cathy Shelton paid cash to horse killer Wade Giles for a skinny thoroughbred mare, and she will come to us from a feed lot in Turlock on Monday.

Rumors have been circulating about several pregnant thoroughbred mares who are slaughter bound from Redding. If you know of these mares, and how I can get more information, please call me at 530-383-2120. One thing I have learned in my 93 years on earth. The most outlandish rumors are the ones that are true. These mares are said to be malnourished and close to foaling. Tbfriends will have no problem raising money for these mares. Give me a call if you know where they are.

We missed some birthdays this week. Happy birthday MeShawn Fowler, who is now (ahem ahem) years old. We hope your celebration was a blast MeShawn. Happy Birthday Bonnie Spriggs, mother of Jessica, owner of Winston. Bonnie is now (cough cough) years old, and she celebrated with friends and family at Joes Crab Shack. Happy Birthday Jordan Myers, owner of Sophie, daughter of Stacey, and Jordan is now 15. She celebrated with friends and family at her favorite place to eat, Cattlemans Restaurant. And Happy Birthday Julia Sanchez in San Diego, owner of Lance who was extremely slow at the race track. Julia turned 19 on Friday, and she celebrated with her college pals at a pizza joint in Del Mar.

Later we could be a beautiful 70 degrees. Poop on top of poop. Enjoy your gotta change all the clocks Sunday, and be sure to hug your horses. 290 shopping days left until Christmas...

Joe

All 4 pictures are by request.

Top left is In Other Worlds, we call him Worlds, and he is goofy. Worlds came to us from the race track in 2004. Thank you Sheila for your request.

Top right is that one rare moment in time when there is no poop in the north field. Thank you Sara for your request.

Bottom left is Maui Leafer, and she came to us from the race track in 2003. Last year Holly Meeks took Maui to several small jumping shows, and she won a dozen red roses. Thank you Cassie for your request.

Michelle lives in Burbank, and for several months a photo of our deep in the ground broken water pipe was her wallpaper. Well okay then. Michelle calls it the epitome of ranch life, and she would like me to show it again.




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.

[jdw2w1]

Monday, March 10th... The storm went north (sorry Oregon) and only scattered showers could come to us. We might be 67 degrees. Today we will greet another injured gelding from the race track. And a skinny thoroughbred mare will arrive from a feed lot in Turlock. We will say goodbye to Dutch, an older thoroughbred gelding who returns to his foster home in Orangevale. 107 horses on our ranch, and high in the sky our No Vacancy sign is lit. We have filled up our friends. We have filled up others we hardly know, but their ranches are safe and their horses look incredible.

It was a few days before Christmas when 14 year old April appeared at our front gate. April gave me a box of chocolates, then asked if she and her mom could foster a horse. Mom Connie was sweet as can be, and the next day I drove to Vacaville to take a look at their 3 acres. Connie and April have 2 other horses. 3 dogs which mostly stay on the couch. Several cats, lots of fish, and a gray rabbit who is house trained. I went to a feed lot in Elk Grove and bought Butter Cup, a paint mare who needed help. Butter Cup was transported to Connie and April, and she has since gained more than 100 pounds. April has started riding Butter Cup, and this summer they hope to enter local schooling shows.

It was late last summer when 17 year old Randi appeared at our front gate. Randi gave me a card from Hallmark, and asked if she and her mom Noreen could foster a horse. A few days later I drove to their 5 acres in Vacaville. Noreen and Randi have 2 other horses, both thoroughbreds. 3 dogs which mostly stay on the couch. Several cats, 2 goats, and a black rabbit who is boss of the back yard. From our ranch Holly Meeks transported Blue Ensign, a gelding from the race track who came to us with a shattered ankle. Last week Randi once again appeared at our front gate. She asked how does Blue Ensign become officially hers? Randi loves him like crazy. A one dollar bill of sale was signed, and another adoption is in the books.

Cathy and I love our foster parents. They live in Barstow, they live in Eugene, they live in Provo, and all places in between. Grateful horses who are given a second chance.

Becky Jean lives in Reno, and not long ago she sent this note: I was a foster kid, and now I am a foster parent. Ever notice how horses watch the sun go down?

Marlayna lives in Georgia, and she sent this note: Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has. (margaret mead)

Robin Gill lives in Oregon, and she sent this note: Work hard at your goals, never talk bad about others, and you will be amazed how quickly your dreams come true.

Enjoy your beautiful Monday, and be sure to hug your horses. A special Happy Birthday to Candi Davenport, her daughter Leah is a basketball star, and congratulations on having a great weekend. Another special hello to Cora Mason, and have a blast with your band at Disneyland.

Joe

We are starting a new feature. Horses rescued from all over America. It is time others are recognized for helping horses in need. Also we will be showing more photos of horses after they have been adopted from us.

Top left: Cheryl Notturno lives in Riverside, and here are Apollo and Dunk, both rescued.

Top right: It was a month ago when Shannon came to our ranch and adopted Comstock Cat. Look at them now.

Bottom left: Marlayna lives in Georgia, and here she is with her 2 thoroughbreds Babe and Dancer.

Bottom right: Caroline Betts went to a feed lot in Chino last week and saved the life of this gelding. He is 8, and Caroline calls him Cole.





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.

[jdw2w1]

Tuesday, March 11th... A day late Happy Birthday to our vet Lisa Wallace, and she celebrated by working 19 hours. A large vanilla latte in her truck. Having a blast in the boonies...

Just so you know number 1: We now have several pictures of people who sell horses to slaughter. More pictures will soon be snapped. And when we have 100% verification, I will show these photos on the morning journal. I am not allowed to say names.

Just so you know number 2: We have a mare who jumps higher than the moon, and the other day I showed you her picture. All these years I thought she was Maui Leafer. A big Thank You to Sandy, Tori, Michelle, Paula and Jenna. They let me know her correct name is Maui Lypheor. Pedigree lovers phoning before lunch.

Just so you know number 3: Right next to Interstate 5, the old Getaway Farms is for sale. 40 acres, 33 stalls, and a 2 bedroom house. A bargain. And the perfect spot for once doomed horses to live out their lives. You buy the ranch and Tbfriends will buy the horses. I know many of our readers are 13, and they earn ten dollars a week in allowance. But in order to make things happen you must bring it to the table. Always liked that phrase. Bring it to the table.

Just so you know number 4: There were rumors of pregnant thoroughbred mares going to slaughter from the town of Redding. On the morning journal I asked for help, and a person came forward. 3 pregnant mares have been purchased and rescued. 2 mares thought to be preggo but thankfully they are not, were also saved. 2 yearling fillies and 2 yearling colts were purchased with money from an amazing friend in Maryland. All 9 horses are in new homes, and we must Thank Ryan Andrews and Jennifer Wright for providing the transportation.

From the race track yesterday came a horse who won a race on Sunday. His name is Power Blend, and right past the finish line he pulled up and was vanned off.

Also from the race track yesterday came a hunk, and his name is Custom Design. A big Thank You to Steve at Hoofbeats for providing transportation for both horses.

From a feed lot in Turlock we said hello to Fudge, a thoroughbred mare who is probably 15. Out to the grass in our far north pasture Fudge goes, and a big Thank You to Ryan Andrews for providing the transportation.

Enjoy your American Idol Tuesday, and be sure to hug your horses. Our farrier Tim Gee comes this morning, so I must hustle with feeding. A gorgeous day on the way. We might be 71 degrees. KC And The Sunshine Band on the oldies station. Jessie in Orangevale, you can call me at 530-383-2120. And Mark in Los Altos, of course you can have a race horse halter. Give me a call with a mailing address.

Joe

Injured horses from the race track. Top left is Power Blend, and he just won on Sunday.

Top right is Custom Design, and all the mares pushed and shoved against our fences to get a better look.

Bottom row photos are by request.

Speaking of injured horses, bottom left is Yasunami, but we call him Yummy. He came to us before Christmas with a broken sesamoid bone and a broken cannon bone. We are through the hard part. Yummy will be fine.

Bottom right is Smokey White Eyes, and he has turned into a sweetheart. Smokey is out with other horses in our fields now, and he waits at the gate for attention.




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.