Mar/120
A Sanctuary Where Every Horse is a Star
Anyone that has volunteered at Mid America Horse Rescue knows that releasing a horse from its halter to join a corral full of others is a magical experience:
Enthusiastic and carefree, the horse kicks up a bit of dirt and canters over to his buddy to say hello, before rounding the corral in a series of footraces. The sleek brown figures float among the dust clouds, basking in their freedom.
Witnessing a moment such as this, one cannot help but feel the impact of Mid America Horse Rescue’s efforts in rescuing ex-racehorses from slaughter.
It's this awe-inspiring grace that inspired Normand Latourelle, creator of Cirque du Soleil, to develop the show Cavalia, http://www.cavalia.net/en. The "Equestrian ballet," opens in St. Louis on March 21.
Performed in the largest touring tent in the world, the horses to move freely, and are enhanced with multimedia projection, lighting, live music, acrobatics, dance and aerial artistry. The fairytale setting encourages the audience to discover the natural wonder of horses. Each act serves as a tribute to the relationship between man and horses throughout history.
According to Erick Villeneuve, director, "Everything is done with the horses in mind." Following a philosophy focused on nurturing the horses and maintaining their well-being, the bond is continuously strengthened by the amount of respect and tenderness given to the stars of the show. For the Cavalia team, performing each show is accomplishing "A dream of freedom, cooperation and harmony."
Touring for 9 years across North America and Europe, Cavalia features 38 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers, and musicians and 55 horses. The variety of breeds include: Appaloosa, Arabian, Ardennais, Belgian, Lusitano, Canadian, Comtois, Criollo, Oldenburg, Paints, Percherons, Quarter horses, Spanish purebreds and Warmbloods. Latourelle praises the horses as some of the greatest in the world.
At Mid America Horse Rescue, keeping the horses in the limelight is our mission as well. Saving them is our first act and enabling them to thrive is our concept.
We understand that each horse has a past and strive to understand them and their personalities. Each volunteer plays a role to fulfill the organization’s dream of second chances. Volunteers connect with the horses opening the gate for an exchange of hello and returning neigh, a good rub under the neck and a quick peppermint treat. Our horses find their own ways to get attention, following the fence line, prancing in pairs, or giving a grunt as you pass the stall.
Whether you are fortunate enough to see Cavalia or not, we invite you to come out for a visit to Mid America Horse Rescue, and experience the magic that takes place every single day at our stables.
The horse is at the center of everything we do, and it’s amazing what can be accomplished when horses and humans work together.
-Katie Schergen
Jan/120
Happy New Year, Baby!
This time of year reminds me of new beginnings, and all that we have to look forward to at Mid America Horse Rescue. As I've Said to our volunteers, 2012 is our year, baby!
As I look back, I think of the lives we've touched, including the lives of several special horses.
On Aug. 4, 2008, we saved three pregnant mares at a Fairmount Park paddock sale. Rapid Presence, aka "Rae Anne," was scheduled to deliver last. As her belly grew, so did our love for her.
Since I have yet to experience the birthing process, I was hoping to witness the arrival of each of our new babies. For three weeks, I slept in the tack room to ensure I was there for their births. Baby No. 1, aka "Pea," arrived the first night I wasn't on duty, January 31, 2009. Baby No. 2, aka "Belle," arrived while I was on a work trip in Phoenix, May 12, 2009.
Naturally, I stationed myself in the barn for Baby No. 3 as soon as I returned home. I had gone from beautiful accomodations at the Biltmore Hotel to sleeping on a 900-pound hay bale. But the miracle I was about to experience made it all worthwhile!
Thankfully, when Rae Anne's labor began, I was on duty! I immediately called the staff and our incredible veterinarian, Dr. Allen Mueller.
At first, Rae Anne paced, but finally, she laid down in the stall to give birth. My first sight of her foal began with a shiny black hoof, followed by two long, slender legs and a beautiful dark head. Positioned feet-first, this little fluff of life looked like a diver about to cut through the water.
Dr. Mueller stayed on the phone coaching us through the entire birth. The foal was big compared to his mama. With the front legs out and the head clear, the shoulders were next! We worked with the mare's contractions, but passing the shoulders was presenting a problem.
I had a soft, clean cloth and was removing the sack, clearing the nostrils and ears, massaging this little baby and waiting to see any signs of life. Dr. Mueller suggested slightly rocking the foal to help the shoulders clear and we did just as he said. As soon as the shoulders cleared, a baby BOY slid into our arms. But he wasn't breathing.
His little purple tongue hung limp from his mouth. With his eyes still shut, I cradled him, whispering to him, willing him to breathe. We reached beyond the foal’s lips and tickled his roof of the mouth to trigger the sucking reflex. In that moment, our baby boy gulped in his first huge breath, popped those beautiful brown eyes open and looked me straight in the eye.
To feel the rush of life flow into a living creature's body for the first time, to be the first living creature this little boy ever experienced made me cry like a baby! It moved me to my core. I will go through the rest of my life understanding how rare this occurrence is. My respect for God's creatures, and respect for the gift of life could not have been more deepened.
Now at the dawn of 2012, our baby boy, Troubadour, just turned 3 (according to Thoroughbred registry it was January 1st...but we know his REAL birthday is May 19th).
Troubadour is loved unconditionally and will never know a bad day in his life. He will never have to face the possibility of slaughter like other racehorses. Instead, he was given the gift of life by Mid America Horse Rescue. This year, he will flourish even more as he begins his training program.
2012 is our year baby! Happy Birthday Troubadour and our other babies at the farm!
Happy New Year and many blessings to all. Please come visit us and watch us grow!
Dec/100
$25,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant – WE NEED YOUR VOTES
We are in the running for a $25,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant - WE NEED YOUR VOTES
http://pep.si/dOrKDb - VOTE EVERY DAY!!!
Mid America Horse Rescue is in the $25,000 category. Be sure to show your support! Spread the word and get your friends and family involved. This is OUR grant to care and retrain a portion of OUR herd.
Dec/100
Considering a donation to celebrate the holidays?
If so, please consider donating to Mid America Horse Rescue. Your donation will help provide food and shelter for our rescued thoroughbreds as they ready themselves for their new families. Through your generous donation, Mid America Horse Rescue is able make a positive impact on the lives of our horses, and the people they touch the lives of, for example, Daisy.
Daisy is a gorgeous 4 year old grey filly who spent her early days as a racehorse. Daisy has a slight disability; she has lost one of her eyes. She is learning to adjust to seeing out of one side. She is the most adorable creature around, and loves everyone to love on her -- and of course -- come with carrots. Daisy is taking a rest now, but will soon start training under the saddle.
To help Daisy and her other four-legged buddies, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Click on donate now.
Step 2. Fill out the donation form.
Step 3. Begin helping and saving lives.
Mid-America Horse Rescue is a 501(c)3 Not For Profit Organization. will be able to acknowledge your donation with a tax deductible receipt. Donations can be made through the following PayPal link. Your financial information is 100% secure through PayPal's encrypted processing gateway.
Jul/100
Rescued horse makes most of 2nd chance in racing
I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support on the national news article about Letdetrumpetblare, aka "Buck", aka "Trumpet", aka "Cletus" which can be viewed here! Thank you Jim Suhr and Kent McDill of the Associated Press for making this story happen. I am grateful to our trainer, Michele Boyce, for giving her kind heart and talent to this incredible horse to see what he could do. James Graham, our jockey, is one of the best and looks at each race as "Buck" aka "Cletus" learning. Thanks also to Nate Ruffolo and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman's Association (ITHA) along with the tracks (Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course) for recently implementing their "After Care Program" a pension plan for retired Illinois racehorses. Programs such as these along with this type of support from our Illinois racing industry enable facilities such as ours continue our work by supporting these horses for their second chance. Our racing industry is full of incredible, kind hearted folks whose passion for horses and the sport is an inspiration to me.
Finding "Buck" was a life altering moment for me. Many of our incredible horses at Mid America Horse Rescue are retraining at this time for their second chance career. A vital component of their second chance at life is enabling them to use their unbridle spirit and courage to benefit our fellow two-legged family. Our horses have an undeniable ability to touch people's souls, and through touch therapy programs or therapeutic riding programs for children and adults who are physically or mentally challenged, these beautiful creatures can improve confidence, as well as emotional and physical capabilities in others lives.
We would love to invite all of you to attend our inaugural "Silks and Suits Gala" fundraiser and charity ball slated for Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 6 p.m. to Midnight at the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. Funds raised by the event will help provide shelter, rehabilitation and training for more than 65 ex-racehorses awiating adoption at our facility. Slated as the Midwest's premier 2010 equestrian event, the evening will include keynote speaker, Alex Brown, "Alex Brown Racing", a New York Times published author and horse welfare advocate.
For more information watch our website; www.midamericahorserescue.org, email us at mahrnfp@yahoo.com or call 618-534-4253. I look forward to meeting you all in St. Louis in October!
Jul/100
Kicking Butt and Taking Names
Given the St. Louis Magazine article, and preparing for the "Silks and Suits Gala," this last month has been a whirlwind. And it just keeps getting better.
Our handsome brown boy, Letdetrumpetblare, aka Buck, aka Cletus, is now running under the professional training of Michele Boyce, located in Chicago, IL. James Graham, our jockey extraordinaire, has been teaching Buck the ropes on the track. What a great team!
To get to where he is today, Buck has overcome some incredible challenges. I purchased Buck off of a "killer truck" headed to Mexico when he was just a yearling (meaning he was still a baby). Buck had a front leg injury that was fixable (he was probably stepped on), as well as a shoulder wound. After rehabilitating him and giving him plenty of love and affection (and treats of course), Buck recovered and grew...And grew...And GREW...into a magnificent animal.
On Thursday, June 4, we entered Buck in his second race ever, at Arlington Park. Our boy ran a strong 6 furlong race and brought a 3rd place finish home after a several month lay-off. (He might have been ready sooner, but he sure enjoyed his home visit and all the snacks everyone gave him. It took a little longer to work that belly off of him... Ooops!!)
By Buck stepping on that track, he won so much for us!
Before the race occurred, Colonel Roy Arnold of Arlington Park had contacted some of the local equine media, who happened to witness Buck's triumphant return to the track. Thanks to Buck's ability to take his second chance and literally run with it, our boy and his trainer Michele Boyce, fast became national celebrities. (Thoroughbred Times recently carried Buck's rescue story, "Rescued Letdetrumpetblare finishes third at Arlington," which was followed by a brief piece from Chicago Sun-Times on June 8.) Since the stories debuted, fans from across the United States have been inquiring about Mid America Horse Rescue.
More exciting news followed the next day! Our dear friend, Nate Ruffalo, vice president of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman's Association (ITHA), along with some very incredible members who train, own and support Thoroughbreds, have been spearheading the "after care program" from the Chicago tracks to support horses once they complete their careers. Following Buck's win, the ITHA, in conjunction with Arlington Park Race Course and Hawthorne Race Course, officially announced that a percentage of purses will now be set aside for the care of these horses. Both tracks have committed "seed money" to start the incredible program.
Buck, you have done your job running for your brothers and sisters and bringing attention to their very valuable lives. I am so proud of you. I feel like we have won the Breeder's Cup Classic! Thank you Colonel Arnold for believing in our story!
By running for Mid America Horse Rescue, Buck has touched so many lives. He's helping us share the story about the vital horse rescue programs that allow the industry, breeders and owners to collaborate together and save more lives.
Thanks so much to all parties involved and thank you ITHA for allowing me to visit in February and witness the program's development. I am so grateful to all of you! What a great racing industry we have in Illinois! I hope you will all come support our tracks and our great athletes. Your dollars there go to the horses' support as well.
So, how can you help?
Mid America Horse Rescue is starting its annual budget and capitol fund drives. Interested in fundraising or contributing? Contact me, Margo Sutter, at 314-302-2216.
Interested in volunteering at the barn? Call me or send an e-mail to mahrnfp@yahoo.com and we will put you in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator, Tom Helms.
Funds to purchase the facility and funds for our daily operation are important for the retraining and rehabilitation of our horses, as well as the creation of our new programs for physically and mentally challenged children and adults.
I hope you feel the power of being involved in the legacy that's being created right now. Come join us! We look forward to seeing you!
I will write soon and thank you to everyone (those both two- and four-legged), who have become a part of our mission and touched so many lives. For your support, we are truly grateful!!
Dec/091
Babies’ First Christmas
Mid America Horse Rescue took in three pregnant mares from the Fairmount Park Paddock sale in August, 2008. All three babies were born successfully between January and May, 2009. Could you help make their first Christmas special?
PEA
Born in January was The Pea, daughter of Princess. Princess was a 3 year old daughter of Slew City Slew who came to us in August, 2008. She was born with a deviated septum and was starting to suffocate as her pregnancy progressed. After consulting with our vet, Dr. Mueller, we transported Princess to Mid Rivers Equine Center outside of St. Louis, Missouri where they scoped her, found out what her condition was and created a temporary tracheotomy for Princess so she could for the first time in her life, breathe! Princess' pregnancy was high risk, especially during her delivery. She delivered Miss Pea beautifully and has been the most incredible mom ever! Pea is now weaned and hanging out with her buddies, Flare, Troubadour and Belle. Her mama will be looking at a permanent surgery for 2010 as we raise the funds for her permanent tracheotomy surgery. Your donations to help raise Pea will include her daily care, vet care, farrier care, etc. Your donations toward her mama, Princess, will be put back toward surgery that may include laser surgery to create and open her septum or if that is impossible then to create a permanent tracheotomy. We love these girls and they both deserve that holiday spirit and love!
BELLE
Belle was our next baby born. She arrived on May 12th and was born with a septic condition in her joints. Fortunately the infection had not invaded her growth plates. We rushed Belle and her mama Sweet Home (aka "Sweetie") to Mid Rivers Equine Hospital where she entered ICU (isolation) for 10 days while they fought the battle to rid her of the infection and save her life. She came home after the 10 days where the dedicated staff of Mid America Horse Rescue cared for her around the clock with meds, shots, etc. Belle finally turned the corner at the end of the month. She will continue to be high risk as we watch her growth over this next year! She is a lovely daughter of Western Playboy and has the sweet and intelligent disposition of her mama. Belle's costs to Mid America Horse Rescue were around $7,000 to save her. Any and all donations will continue to assist with her medical care, feed, etc. as she grows up at our facility.
TROUBADOUR
Troubadour was our only boy, born on May 19th to Rapid Presence (aka Rae Anne). Troubie is a total little boy who is learning very nice ground manners as he grows. He was the first baby I (Margo, President of MAHR) ever helped foal out. What a life changing experience!! Troubie will be with us as he grows up to be a beautiful riding horse for some lucky family in the future. Your holiday donations will assist with a blanket for weanlings, food, farrier and medical care! Will you help make his first Christmas memorable?
AUGGIE
Auggie is a very tough founder case we currently are trying to save. He is the kindest, most courageous guy we have ever met. Auggie is 6 years old and came to us this fall from Fairmount Park. He was brought in by a trainer who hoped with rest Auggie could return to his racing career. Auggie was so broken down already that we convinced the trainer to leave him with us. We started body work on this guy and had the farrier pull his shoes to let his feet grow in naturally. Shortly after the shoes were pulled we noticed right away he was lame in the front end. We contacted the vet who came out to x-ray Auggie and found that he had dropped down to the soles but had no rotation, an old founder case from that track that was left untreated. Auggie continued to race in this condition until he came to us. We are working with a farrier who specializes in founder cases to try to save Auggie. Your dollars will help us with the extra care Auggie has required. Thank you for considering making Auggie's Christmas special.
MARY ANNE
Mary Anne is another founder case (not as bad as Auggie) whose vet and farrier bills have escalated our monthly expenses. She was doing beautifully in her training program doing ground work when we found her to be sore on the front end. The vet came and we found that she had an old founder case that had been aggravated. She has been working with the vet and farrier now for the past 4 months and is coming along quite well. Again, your kind donations will go toward her daily care and cost of care for her feet.
SPONSOR A HORSE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The horses listed above are just part of the 52 horses that live at our facility, Mid America Horse Rescue. Currently we have six ready for adoption; all medical care is complete, good feet, great ground work and ready to learn a new riding discipline. Please contact Margo Sutter at 314-302-2216 for more information or print off the adoption application.
Can't adopt a horse but would love to help? Join our Sponsor a Horse for the Holidays program. Your gift from $25 up to the sky is the limit will make a huge difference in the daily care and training of these ex-athletes as they ready themselves for their new families and careers. Our horses range in age from weanlings up to 23 years old. Each one has an incredible story and each one trusted a human to take care of them for the rest of their lives, to guarantee them love and safety. We aim to uphold that promise. Please mail your donations to Mid America Horse Rescue Att: Margo Sutter 3823 Stringtown Road Fults, IL 62244 to participate or click on Pay Pal to make your donation. We also have corporate or annual programs to acknowledge larger gifts and support. We are a 501(c)3 not for profit and can offer all donations a tax deductible acknowledgement. Also, remember this program runs 12 months a year and the gift may also be given to recognize a birthday, anniversary, memorial tribute, etc. Thank you for your kindness and support.
Come visit us anytime! Happiest of Holidays to you and yours from our 4 legged and 2 legged family at Mid America Horse Rescue.
Margo Sutter, President
Mid America Horse Rescue
Mailing address: 3823 Stringtown Road Fults, IL 62244
e-mail: msutter@htc.net
cell phone: 314-302-2216
Jul/090
Before this Day (”AKA” Daisy)
Daisy was donated to us by Vinny's trainer as well. We don't have a ton of information but we do know she was still racing and is a gorgeous, gorgeous 4 year old grey filly. Daisy has a slight disability; she has lost one of her eyes. She is learning to adjust to seeing out of one side. She is the most adorable creature around and loves for everyone to love on her, give her carrots and attention. We will give Daisy some time off and then start training her as a riding horse. She will need a special person who understands her special needs. If you are willing to look at Daisy for adoption please contact Mid America Horse Rescue! She needs to learn her new owner and her new home will be with her forever. Since she is a filly whomever adopts her must agree to our contract of no more racing and no breeding. This is one special girl for one special person! If you are willing to assist us with feeding and training Daisy please visit the How to Help page.
Jul/090
City Girl (AKA “Cee Cee”)
Cee Cee was purchased at the Fairmount Park Paddock sale on Saturday, August 24, 2008. She was born on February 3, 2004 by Slew City Slew out of La Tour Jete. She is a gorgeous 4 year old bay filly with a small star that is an absolute sweetheart! CeeCee will not be raced or bred so her future adoptive home must agree to these terms. She is looking for a forever home that will love her, groom her and give her every opportunity to fulfill her great life. She has been started in her groundwork and is available for adoption now.