At HSF, we see a lot. we see a lot of abuse, neglect, financial crises. difficult-to-control/handle medical conditions, and so much more. That being said, we take on anything and everything, as we are in it for the horse.
Below, we have posted some of the cases we have taken on. The three cases below aren't even a handful of the horses we have helped... Instead, they are some of the cases that are closest to our hearts, and are the horses that have helped shape who we have become. Without the horses below, we may not have fallen into the rescue world, nor would we have developed the passion for helping equines and people that we now have.
Below, we have posted some of the cases we have taken on. The three cases below aren't even a handful of the horses we have helped... Instead, they are some of the cases that are closest to our hearts, and are the horses that have helped shape who we have become. Without the horses below, we may not have fallen into the rescue world, nor would we have developed the passion for helping equines and people that we now have.
To help more horses in need, please consider donating to and sharing our GoFundMe page. All proceeds go directly to the medical expenses we incur.
The First Rescue
Durango, the first night at HSF
Durango, Day 2
Durango, one month later on his first 1 mile long trail walk
Durango finally starts to look like a morgan and sounds up at the 2 month mark
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Durango (the first rescue) was a 4 year old when we were first told about him. A clinician at the farm briefly mentioned a young Morgan that was only a few days away from euthanization for an easily controllable condition known as insulin resistance. Naturally, we wanted to help. A few of us drove to his location on a wintry night, and what we found when we got there shocked us. This nearly 18hh, jet black colt was approximately 500 lbs. overweight (he was so large and insulated, his winter coat had barely grown in), had squared off toes in boots 2 sizes too small for his feet, bowed tendons, and could barely move.
Durango came to our farm two days later (see left). Thus began one of the biggest projects we have ever undertaken. Aside from correcting his diet and feet, we needed to recondition him in a way that would help reshape and rebuild his muscles and tendons. Because of his young age, the weight had had a severe effect on him; he could barely walk to to the end of the barn without getting winded. Months of slow conditioning and training went by, and we gradually saw a positive progression. When the time came to finally try to ride him, we learned very quickly that he had been allowed to roll under saddle. Cue another several months of training. Finally, after approximately 2 years, Durango had reached a point where he was finally healthy and fit enough to be ridden regularly. Durango/Mango/Django/Diego/Jethro is now loved, cared for, ridden and trained by one of our volunteers who bonded with him from day one. 
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Durango's first ride at HSF
Durango's 1st show, 2017
Durango and Hannah are now the ultimate team (May 2018)
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The Minis
Mouser, the first farm mini
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Lilo
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Sully
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The minis at HSF hold a very special place in all of hearts and at the farm. All have had some trial or tribulation and all 3 are in constant need of medical attention, but, now have happy lives as residents of our farm.
Mouser is a 50 year old mini who at the time of his rescue, was essentially carried out of a field by Kathy and a group of people at the stable he was located at. This little gentleman had crippling arthritis and the stereotypical elf toes. He was in a large amount of pain and that's where our work began. We began treating both his arthritis and laminitis immediately and began seeing results almost just as quickly. We altered his diet and moved him to a location without access to grass, and Mouser soared. The pony that could not walk could now run, buck, rear, and play with the rest of the horses and ponies. He began to give pony rides to kids under 50 lbs and loved every second of the attention he was receiving.
Over time, Mouser's arthritis has worsened. In retaliation, we have put him on stronger arthritis medication, Throughout all the good and bad days, he maintains a sweet attitude and kind disposition. Mouser is one-of-a-kind and the face of the barn, a position we hope he will hold for many more years to come.
Lilo was given to us by the Humane Society of Berks County. She had been taken from a man's garage in Reading, where she had spent all 18 years of her life! Upon her arrival, she was wary of people, horses, dogs, and anything not indoor-related. This little girl had never seen grass before stepping onto our property and Mouser even wound up teaching her how to graze. While she was looked after by her original owner, Lilo still foundered and lost vision in her left eye due to glaucoma. While her founder and Cushing's is under control, her eye now needs to be removed. The fluid buildup has caused massive swelling and is causing her pain. Removal of her eye will rid her of this ailment, and also take away the risk of ocular cancer.
This certainly doesn't get Lilo down though. Visitors will often find this little spitfire running around the grounds seeking some leftover grain or some fresh grass.
Sully, Sully, Sully... Basically the dog of our farm ("Dog" was even his name before arriving), Sully captured the hearts of all who made their way to our place of refuge.
This dwarf mini had a lot goin' on. From the get go, he was born with clover-shaped hooves, a severe under bite, and atypical ear formation. When he arrived at our farm in August, he was entirely atrophied (including his face) because of the deplorable condition his teeth were in. Dianne Frack, our wonderful dentist, jumped right in and conquered an undertaking not many would have wanted to face. Her work was not only admirable, but awe-astounding; veterinarian clinics (which he would see of a few of) where always impressed.
Her work enabled us to begin tackling the rest of his health crisis. Over the course of the year, we would find out that Sully was anemic, had a hearth arrhythmia, and was ancient. Despite his diagnosis though, Sully still found time to be the best ambassador possible, traveling with us via "mini" van almost anywhere we could take him. In 2019, he became a certified K-Pet, and found himself in nursing homes and schools. He made friends everywhere, and even found love in the form of 16h, Palomino paint, Tennessee Walker, Juliet.
Sadly, Sully began battling an unknown condition in March of 2020. Three different veterinarian labs were unable to identify the cause nor condition. His health began to decline, and on September 18, he passed peacefully and naturally in the company of all those able to be at the farm. He was not alone for a single moment, and knew only love in his last months, days, and hours.
We are so thankful to have had the chance to share time on the planet with the 24" wonder mini.
Over time, Mouser's arthritis has worsened. In retaliation, we have put him on stronger arthritis medication, Throughout all the good and bad days, he maintains a sweet attitude and kind disposition. Mouser is one-of-a-kind and the face of the barn, a position we hope he will hold for many more years to come.
Lilo was given to us by the Humane Society of Berks County. She had been taken from a man's garage in Reading, where she had spent all 18 years of her life! Upon her arrival, she was wary of people, horses, dogs, and anything not indoor-related. This little girl had never seen grass before stepping onto our property and Mouser even wound up teaching her how to graze. While she was looked after by her original owner, Lilo still foundered and lost vision in her left eye due to glaucoma. While her founder and Cushing's is under control, her eye now needs to be removed. The fluid buildup has caused massive swelling and is causing her pain. Removal of her eye will rid her of this ailment, and also take away the risk of ocular cancer.
This certainly doesn't get Lilo down though. Visitors will often find this little spitfire running around the grounds seeking some leftover grain or some fresh grass.
Sully, Sully, Sully... Basically the dog of our farm ("Dog" was even his name before arriving), Sully captured the hearts of all who made their way to our place of refuge.
This dwarf mini had a lot goin' on. From the get go, he was born with clover-shaped hooves, a severe under bite, and atypical ear formation. When he arrived at our farm in August, he was entirely atrophied (including his face) because of the deplorable condition his teeth were in. Dianne Frack, our wonderful dentist, jumped right in and conquered an undertaking not many would have wanted to face. Her work was not only admirable, but awe-astounding; veterinarian clinics (which he would see of a few of) where always impressed.
Her work enabled us to begin tackling the rest of his health crisis. Over the course of the year, we would find out that Sully was anemic, had a hearth arrhythmia, and was ancient. Despite his diagnosis though, Sully still found time to be the best ambassador possible, traveling with us via "mini" van almost anywhere we could take him. In 2019, he became a certified K-Pet, and found himself in nursing homes and schools. He made friends everywhere, and even found love in the form of 16h, Palomino paint, Tennessee Walker, Juliet.
Sadly, Sully began battling an unknown condition in March of 2020. Three different veterinarian labs were unable to identify the cause nor condition. His health began to decline, and on September 18, he passed peacefully and naturally in the company of all those able to be at the farm. He was not alone for a single moment, and knew only love in his last months, days, and hours.
We are so thankful to have had the chance to share time on the planet with the 24" wonder mini.
The Trials of One Racehorse
Patti, fresh off the track
Patti, Christmas 2016
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"Patti" was an OTTB that was sold in a private sale by Kathy, the manager of our barn. A gorgeous and incredibly sweet mare (left top), she was healthy and vibrant when she left our property. The couple that she was sold to seemed to be on the up and up, and knowledgeable. To help them, we even gave them 3 free months of board and lessons while we taught them the best way to care for Patti. Sadly, after leaving, they fell on hard times and she, along with several other horses and ponies, were severely neglected.
This neglect produced a worm count over 2000; she was approximately 500lbs underweight, her feet had not been done in months, and rain rot covered her body (left bottom). With the help of the humane society, we seized her. The couple she was sold to was indicted and found guilty of animal cruelty. After she returned to our farm on Christmas Eve 2016, we got her back up to par over the winter, and then leased her out for a year to a high school student. Patti did receive excellent care during that time thanks to the boarding facilities she was placed in, but was rarely visited by the student and was basically left in a field. Following another seizure on our end, Patti came back to our farm again. We tried again to rehome her, but that fell through, again. When she came back the last time, we decided that Patti came back for good. This amazing horse had been put through the wringer for no reason, and deserved the best that we could give her. Now, she is loved by a plethora of people, and one student who leases her in particular. 
Patti and her new best friend
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The Golden Guys
Arriving on April 4th, 2019, Holy Spirit Farm received so lovingly dubbed, "The Golden Guys."
All 25 years and older, the Golden Guys were 3 horses that were once part of a breeding farm. Following their owner's health decline into death, the three were seriously neglected. The remaining family could not meet their dietary needs, let alone their other areas of health. A Maryland-based veterinarian, Dr. Haley Kostinas, was called for euthanasia and refused when she met them seeing their incredibly strong will to live. She vowed that she would begin taking care of them and find them a home.
A few weeks later, she met us at the PA Horse World Expo as luck would have it. We talked with her and decided to drive to the facility they were at, to see if we could help them. When we finally had a chance to check them out, it was a no brainer - of course we would try. Despite their terrible health conditions, all came cantering up excited for the attention. They took treats and played, and seemed to be content despite their situation. The family agreed to relinquish the horses to us and Dr. Kostinas brought them later that week, after doing even more for one horse to make sure he would survive the long trip up.
The day they arrived would turn out to be crazy. The horse in the worst condition was down in the trailer (as we had feared). Dr. Kostinas' truck was briefly on fire. We discovered the mare had a squamous cell carcinoma. and we fought with the local car rental enterprise for about 45 minutes trying to get Dr. Kostinas back home. Despite the craziness of the day though, the three horses settled in almost instantaneously. They knew they were home for good.
Since that day, we have been working to help the Golden Guys gain weight and readjust to being cared for. Scroll below to read more about each individual.
All 25 years and older, the Golden Guys were 3 horses that were once part of a breeding farm. Following their owner's health decline into death, the three were seriously neglected. The remaining family could not meet their dietary needs, let alone their other areas of health. A Maryland-based veterinarian, Dr. Haley Kostinas, was called for euthanasia and refused when she met them seeing their incredibly strong will to live. She vowed that she would begin taking care of them and find them a home.
A few weeks later, she met us at the PA Horse World Expo as luck would have it. We talked with her and decided to drive to the facility they were at, to see if we could help them. When we finally had a chance to check them out, it was a no brainer - of course we would try. Despite their terrible health conditions, all came cantering up excited for the attention. They took treats and played, and seemed to be content despite their situation. The family agreed to relinquish the horses to us and Dr. Kostinas brought them later that week, after doing even more for one horse to make sure he would survive the long trip up.
The day they arrived would turn out to be crazy. The horse in the worst condition was down in the trailer (as we had feared). Dr. Kostinas' truck was briefly on fire. We discovered the mare had a squamous cell carcinoma. and we fought with the local car rental enterprise for about 45 minutes trying to get Dr. Kostinas back home. Despite the craziness of the day though, the three horses settled in almost instantaneously. They knew they were home for good.
Since that day, we have been working to help the Golden Guys gain weight and readjust to being cared for. Scroll below to read more about each individual.
Cupid, May 6th, 2019 - One month and 2 days after arrival
Windsor, formerly Wakiza, April 13, 2019 - 9 days after arrival
Fancey saying hi on April 13, 2019.
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Cupid definitely shot an arrow into all of our hearts, here at the farm. This 25 year old gelding is the youngest of the three, but in the worst condition. Unlike the other two, it appears that his decline began years prior to the owner's passing. He needed several teeth pulled, had a few infections, a high worm count, and pretty much everything else going on. Dr. Kostinas drew a ton of bloodwork to ensure that there was no underlying reasoning for his condition, and everything came back negative. Cupid was simply in his condition because of neglect.
That didn't stop him from being a spunky, attention seeker though. He craves attention from all around him and would prefer to be pet all day if possible. This adorable chestnut is definitely a treasure and horse that we are more than happy to care for until he is called home. Windsor, formerly Wakiza (Wok-uh-zaw), was the oldest of three at 32 years old!
Holding on better than the other 2, "Buddy" was in the best condition of the 3 horses, despite having Cushing's and an abscessing tooth (he needed 2 removed in total - one less than Cupid!)! Like Cupid, Buddy wass as sweet as sweet could be and only wanted to be loved. He had an immense love for humans and his best friend (Cupid) and wass content only when with one or the other. He rapidly become a fan favorite of the lesson students, in addition to catching they eye of his sponsor. **Sadly, Buddy developed an infection in late July and passed, leaving nothing but sorrow behind. We all miss him dearly and still look for him in the field, as do his companions.** Fancey (it is spelled that way in her case), is a very special mare. Suffering from squamous cell carcinoma, this benign mass has quite possibly spread to her eyes, causing moon blindness.
Initially erratic and mistrusting, she has now begun to settle into her new home. She has found that we, her new caretakers, are exactly that and now looks forward to being pulled out and cared for. She has found companionship with the trainer's dog, even going so far as to follow him around as her personal service animal (and the best part is, he is happy to oblige). Fancey was a broodmare most of her life and has some residual behavioral tendencies, but you can't help but fall in love with this girl. As she learns that we are not gong to hurt her, she has just come out of her shell even more, and what a beautiful personality she has. **On November 9, 2019, Fancey passed peacefully of old age. This wonderful mare will be forever in our hearts.** |
Miraculous Milo
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t the beginning of October 2019, an elderly gentleman awoke. He made some coffee and leaned back on the counter, looking out his kitchen window as he did every morning,
Only this morning, there was a strange horse in his lawn. The gentleman (a.k.a. E), rushed outside, completely surprised and shocked. He took a few photos of the horse and began to show them to people in the area, hoping someone would know the gelding. Living right by Penn National, he was hopeful that this was a lost racehorse, but sadly, the horse had no tattoo to go by. E began to feed the gelding, along with the two mares on his property, wormed him, took care of his cuts and scrapes, and tried to do something about the horse's feet. After reaching out to other rescues and the humane society, all of whom were unable to help, E was at a loss. Luckily, Julie R. entered the picture. |
Milo; October 28, 2019
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Julie was driving to work when she noticed a horse was loose in a yard. Acting quickly, she pulled over and knocked on E's door. When she told him that he had a loose horse, he responded with, "It's not mine, and I have no idea what to do," and proceeded to tell her the story above. Julie made it her personal mission to help the gelding. She reached out to the humane society again, in addition to a few other rescues, all of whom, once again, could not help. Finally, a Google search led her to us. Julie called and stayed on top of us like white on rice, until we went out to see him. When that day came, we knew he was coming home with us.
Milo receives his first official trim at CWHS, a week after arrival, by our wonderful farrier, Jason Sauder.
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The gelding had a completely matted mane, terrible, untrimmed feet, and was underweight. A few days later, Kathy and a few volunteers and friends, made the trip to go pick up the horse. Despite the trailer being a ramp, Milo could barely step up because of the nature of his feet. A friend of a friend was called to bring a saw over., and the reduction of the gelding's toes began. As soon as he was able to move, the gelding walked right on.
He was brought to Conrad Weiser High School as part of their agriscience education program (led by Hannah W, our junior trainer), in addition for quarantining purposes. His care began, and his savior turned sponsor, Julie, named him Milo. Milo made some waves in the equestrian community, and his story of abandonment became huge. We reached out to the Department of Agriculture and the State Police to make sure that this was a genuine case of abandonment (as if his condition wasn't enough). The students at the school began to make a video of him, involving other school departments, and his story began to change from one of gloom and darkness, to a bright and happy one. Milo eventually began true corrective farrier work and shoeing (through Arnold Equine), was diagnosed with EPM and consequently treated, and began training, seemingly getting better every day. His progress continued for a year and a half. |
In May of 2021, Milo developed a hoof abscess that rapidly deteriorated regardless as to the immediate attention and remedies we applied. A few weeks later, despite rapid and intense care, it was determined by our veterinarian that cellulitis had taken over. Milo battled this new condition for approximately two weeks before we peacefully said goodbye to him.
Milo was goofy, loving, playful, and an absolute gem. He deserved much more than life threw his way, and his will to live was an inspiration to all. His presence is greatly missed, and the farm doesn't feel quite the same.
Milo was goofy, loving, playful, and an absolute gem. He deserved much more than life threw his way, and his will to live was an inspiration to all. His presence is greatly missed, and the farm doesn't feel quite the same.
Sugar
Hip #286 was delivered to us on Christmas Eve 2021 from a local auction. She had been purchased online by animal advocates in Canada and they needed a place for her to stay until papers could be generated for her international crossing. However, there was a SNAFU.
Her purchasers were certain they had purchased #286, and they were certain this wasn't her. The horse they had been promised was supposed to be healthy, not the horse we now had in our care. When the scope of her issues were discovered, they quickly passed her onto us and ask that we not send her. They felt they could not financially take care of her.
***This section is under construction. Please check back again soon for the rest of Sugar's story!**
Her purchasers were certain they had purchased #286, and they were certain this wasn't her. The horse they had been promised was supposed to be healthy, not the horse we now had in our care. When the scope of her issues were discovered, they quickly passed her onto us and ask that we not send her. They felt they could not financially take care of her.
***This section is under construction. Please check back again soon for the rest of Sugar's story!**
