Hoof 'n Hearts Horse Rescue

Welcome home, to our two new PMU foals:

 By Design aka "Zoe"(left) Kiss and Tell aka "Zena"(right).

**Look for more info on them on the "Horses" page, under New Arrivals!  Check back soon for more updates and more pictures!

Hoof 'n Hearts is welcoming two PMU foals on Friday, September 5th.  They are half sisters coming all the way from North Dakota.  For those of you who are not familiar with what PMU stands for, we'll give you a little bit of background.  PMU stands for Pregnant Mare Urine.  Mares are bred and then kept in standing stalls with urine collection devices hanging off of them.  Once they deliver their foals, the duo's are turned out to pasture until the foals can be weaned.  The mares are then rebred, and the process starts all over again.  The foals are just a by product and often end up at feedlots getting fattened up before going to slaughter.  Why, you may ask.....and what is the urine used for?  "Premarin".  Premarin is a drug which is prescribed to women going through menopause, and its main ingredient is a hormone found in the pregnant mare urine.  Pre= pregnant, mar= mare,  in= urine.  While its understandable that some women might require a drug like Premarin, they are not told the horrible background behind the drug, nor are they informed that there are synthetic versions of the drug.  So needless to say, we are very happy to be getting our two little fillies!  We will certainly be updating the website with new pictures of our little girls... Stay tuned!!

Candace Scheirer is now leasing and working out of Quarry Rock Farm, in Leesport, PA.  The lovely property consists of fifteen spacious stalls, a wide center concrete aisle, a tack room, and a "hedgerow" track around the stalls.  The pastures are lined in classy dark wood fencing, with the barn overlooking the numerous fields.  Flat, spacious, and well-maintained...the horses  are loving their new fields!  The whole property boasts a quiet, charming atmosphere...you just can't help but love the place!

Candace has moved five horses to the property...Mia, Bazooka, Popeye, Cash, and Guinness, and an additional five are being brought in by new business partners to be trained and sold.  Although the property does not have an actual riding ring, there are plenty of flat pastures to school in.  There will also be a round pen put in within the next week.  Besides working with her own horses and sale horses, Candace plans on teaching lessons out of this new and convenient facility. 

We welcome you to come and visit us at our new facility, but ask that an appointment be made with Candace prior.  Candace is also offering training board to those who have horses in need of being broke or for "problem" horses, etc.  Prices may be found on the "Training Packages" page.  Contact Candace for more information.  Pictures of Quarry Rock Farm coming soon!

We are running our second Sweet Street Fundraiser...with even more desserts than last time!!  Contact Candace for more information...we need all the help we can get!!  Send us your email address and we'll mail you the fundraiser flyer so you can help us sell even more!!  Thanks so much...your support is greatly appreciated!

Sweet Street Deserts' fundraiser is now up and running!!  Procedes from each desert sold benefits Hoof 'n Hearts!  Contact Candace for a flyer as to the deserts available.  Finally due date for orders and payment is December 9th.  Deserts may be picked in Wal-Mart's parking lot in Exeter (right off of Rt 422) on December 22nd between two and four pm.   Help us meet us out and purchase some delicious deserts at very affordable prices!  Great for the holiday!! All deserts are between eight to thirteen dollars!!  Mmm, mmm good!!

FUNDRAISER IS COMPLETED!!

Just want to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped sell and purchase Sweet Streets Desserts!  It was a huge success for Hoof 'n Hearts!  WE sold almost 200 desserts in two weeks and raised a grand total of:

$775.00

All I can say is....WOW!!  Thank you everyone!  Also, thank you to Sweet Streets Desserts for having such a great money making fundraiser available.  We would definitely recommend this fundraiser to other organizations....and will undoubtedly be running this fundraiser again in the future!  Enjoy all of your delicious desserts...we can't wait for them to come!! Mmmmm good! 

Thanks again everyone!!

If you would like to be a part of Hoof 'n Hearts' email list, please post your email address on our Guestbook, or send Candace an email at CMS7286@aol.com.  Hoof 'n Hearts regularly sends out new information and notifies our supporters about website updates.  If you have not already noticed, there is always something going on with Hoof 'n Hearts!!  So come on, join the crew!

We are very excited to say that we just might have stalls in the next few weeks for all of our rescue horses!!  This is thanks to some very, very generous friends and supporters of Hoof 'n Hearts.   We are planning on putting up eight 12x12 shed row stalls, and finish off the "run-in shed" as the four stall barn it was originally intended to be.  Needless to say, Candace and the horses of HnH are thrilled at the idea of them having actual stalls that they can be in to escape the winter weather.  Hoof 'n Hearts wants to thank its supporters (who certainly know who they are...) for their unbelievable support and contributions. 

We need YOUR help!! 

In order to get these stalls up and running and quickly as possible, Hoof 'n Hearts is tentatively planning to have a "Barn Building Bash".  We are asking that anyone willing and capable of helping us build these stalls to come out and volunteer their help!  Don't worry, you do not have to be a carpenter or a big strong man to come and help...there will be plenty to be done by everyone.  In return for everyone's time, energy, and support, Hoof 'n Hearts will provide food, beverages, and a jolly good time!!  Please invite your friends and family to come and help...the more the merrier!  We have not yet decided on a date or time for this to take place, but we will be sure to post it and send out an email as soon as we know.  

Please let Candace know if you are interested or planning on coming to help at our "Barn Building Bash".  We need to get a total count so we know how much food and beverages will be needed to feed our hungry helpers!  Thank you so much!!

Hoof 'n Hearts is running a fundraiser on Fundable.com in order to cover our extensive veterinary bills due to two recent surgeries, and other accumulated vet bills.  Our current goal is to raise $7,000 on fundable.com and we only have 28 days to do it!!! Fundable.com makes it very easy for people to donate and help our cause without the inconvenience of writing any checks and mailing it.  Donations can be made through Paypal or credit cards.  The donated money if only accepted and withdrawn if the goal of $7000 is MET...if not, the fundraiser failed and no money is accepted.  Please help us to have a successful fundraiser...any little bit helps!!  Help us spread the word by emailing the fundraiser link to your friends and family, and try to encourage them to forward it and pass it on!!  The more people who see it, the better chance our goal will be reached!!  Thank you to everyone who is helping us in this struggle...it is greatly appreciated! 

The link you our Fundable is Hoof 'n Hearts Fundraiser Page. 

**Check back soon, we will also be running a fundraiser with Sweet Street Desserts shortly.

On October 22, 2007, Luna suffered a traumatic injury to her left eye.  Our local veterinarian was called out immediately and after examining her eye, he referred us to New Bolton Center.  Once there, they did an ultasound and a thorough exam of her eye.  Unfortunately, her left eye is completely ruptured and is not repairable.  She goes into surgery today (the 23rd) to have her eye enucleated, or removed.  It is very, very unfortunate and sad that this happened.  Luna undoubtedly has a lifetime home with Hoof 'n Hearts.  There are many horses out there that lead happy, healthy lives with only one eye... and some are even successful enough to be ridden and compete!!  Hopefully Luna is this lucky.  Luna was skittish and timid to begin with, and something like this can only make her more insecure.  Once she is home, we plan on working with her extensively to help get her used to the loss of her eye and the vision that went along with it.  We hope to build her trust and confidence. 

Please keep Luna in your thoughts.  ANY donations towards her surgery and hospitalization are GREATLY appreciated!  Her surgery costs approximately $3,000, ontop of Sweet Pea's surgery and hospital bills of nearly $4,000!!!  Anything helps and your generousity in greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much!

Remember, any contributions are tax-deductible as we are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 

Update:  10/23/2007  We received a phone call this afternoon saying that Luna is out of surgery and it went very well. She should be able to come home in the next day or two if her recovery continues to run smoothly.  Check back for more updates.

Update:  10/24/2007  So far so good.  Luna's surgeon called and said she is recovery very well from her surgery.  She should be able to come home tomorrow (Thursday) if everything stays the same.  We'll let you know how everything goes!

Update:  10/25/07  Luna came home today...and what a crazy drive home that was.  Anything that could go wrong, went wrong!  Everything is good with Luna, though.  She seems to be adapting very well.

Update:  11/3/07  Luna is still recovering from her loss very well.  She still cannot be turned out with the other horses for another week.  For now, she is stuck with hand-walking and hand-grazing.  She seems to be getting used to her altered vision pretty well. 

Update:  11/15/07  Luna is still improving and getting used to her new skewed vision. She is currently out in individual turn out during the day but hopefully will be out with the "herd" by the end of this weekend.  Yay, Luna!! 

Hoof 'n Hearts in hoping to expand its' operation and be able to rescue and care for more horses.  We are also altering our goals slightly.  When this organization was founded, the main idea was to rescue as many horses as we can and then place them in new, secure homes.  That idea has not changed completely, but has it grown into much more.  Our new plan is to continue rescuing and rehabilitating horses (hopefully more per year) and retrain them for theraputic purposes.  The rescued horses that will work out in our theraputic riding program will stay with us and give back to the community, while other rescue horses will be rehabilitated and adopted out to suitable homes.  We are hoping that by doing this, it will help people to see that these unwanted, discarded horses really are gems.  They just need TLC, patience, and gentle guidance on what is expected of them.  This new idea and goal will hopefully allow us to expand the number of horses we can bring in each year, and also increase the amount of people who will get to experience and learn from horses...especially less fortunate or handicapped individuals. 

We are currently looking into Grants which we can apply for to help get the ball rolling on our new mission.  Candace is hoping to go through a certification program to become a Certified Theraputic Instructor.  If we do receive any grants, we are hoping to be able to put up more pastures, run-in sheds, and maybe even some stalls!!  An outdoor ring equipped with the necessary equipment for theraputic riding will also be needed. 

If you have any suggestions or comments on any of this, please contact Candace through either email, guestbook, or by phone. 

A HUGE THANK YOU TO SANDRA FOR ALL OF HER HELP WITH SEARCHING FOR A GRANT!!  Don't know what we'd do without you!!  Thank you so much!

Sweet Pea was diagnosed with Recurrent Uveitis which is commonly known as "Moon Blindness".  It causes the uvia of the eye to get red and inflammed, often causing the lower anterior ventral to pool with blood. The eye gets cloudy, with a foggy moon-like look, which is where it gets the nickname Moon Blindness.  It is very painful and can spread from one eye to the other.  The usual procedure for Recurrent Uveitis is to remove the eye in order to prevent it from spreading to the healthy eye, causing complete blindness.  Since Uveitis is most prevailent in aged horses, removal of the eye is not such a terrible thing.  For Sweet Pea, however, she is only two years old and to lose her eye so very young would be devastating!  After talking to our veterinarians about our options, they recommended a newer, more experimental procedure that has had a very high success rate, a Cyclosporin Implant.  This is where they make a small incision on the back of the eye and place a small, capsule like implant that time releases Cyclosporin, which is an antibiotic.  The implant lasts four to five years.  It does not cure Uveitis, but helps to reduce the frequency of flare up and the severity of them. 

Sweet Pea was taken to New Bolton Center (yep...same place where Barbaro went for his surgery and hospitalization....) on Monday, October 8th, 2007 and had her surgery on the 10th.  Her surgery went smooth and she is taking to the implant just fine.  Little Miss Sweet Pea was scheduled to come home today, the 11th, but is forced to stay due to complications.  Her surgery alone costs between $2,000-$2,500 plus her daily hospitalization board fee of $100/day since Monday!!  Depending on her prognosis, she may be there quite a bit longer and need agressive treatment to get her better.  They have said that her treatment, on top of her surgery cost, may cost up to thousands of dollars!!! Poor Sweet Pea!  They are going to re-evaluate her condition this afternoon and let us know what they think.  If all of her blood tests and fecal test come back good, she may be able to come home tomorrow....if not, she may have a long road ahead of her. 

Any donations towards Sweet Pea's surgery and hospitalization are greatly appreciated by Hoof 'n Hearts!  We are hoping we can do some sort of payment plan in order to tackle the enormous bill incurred.  We are willing to do whatever it takes to do the best for each and every one of our horses....despite the hefty costs.  Sweet Pea is a very special little girl, she deserves the best!  Keep your fingers crossed! 

We will keep updating Sweet Pea's condition regularly.  Check back daily for more info, or call Candace if you have any questions or comments.  Once again, donations are greatly appreciated....from Sweet Pea and Hoof 'n Hearts.

Update: 10/14/07  Sweet Pea came home yesterday! Hurray! She is doing much better and is starting to act like her normal self again.  She still must be kept away from the other horses until she is fully recovered, and she receives multiple medication 2-3 times day.  Hopefully, her eye heals and allows her to have many pain-free vision-filled years!  We have not yet received her astronomical vet bill, but we're sure it will arrive sometime this week and be nearly $4,000, if not more!!!  Wish us luck with that!  Contributions are extremely helpful.....thank you for your kindness!!

Update:  10/15/07  Sweet Pea's tests and cultures all came back good!!! Yay!!  It looks like things should go smoothly from here...just lots of medications for three full weeks. 

Once again, Hoof 'n Hearts is participating in the Humane Society's Walk For The Animals.  The Walk takes place on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at Shearer's BBQ Grove off of Rt. 222. The event starts at 10am and the Walk starts at 11am.  We will being setting up an informational stand about our horse rescue at the stand.  Our stand will also be accompanied by some of our favorite four legged friends....Guinness, Goldie, and of course, Sweet Pea!  They will be helping us to spread the word about our horse rescue and to share their rescue stories.  For more information on the Walk, go to the Berks County Humane Society's website!  Come out and help support Hoof 'n Hearts!!!  Hope to see you there!  Call Candace if you have any other questions!

On Saturday, September 8, 2007 Sandra Hale competed in the "Over The Hill Horse Show" in Honey Brook, PA!  The horse show was an unrated, fun show...and it sure was fun!!  Sandra rode Goldie at the fun show and competed in wlk/trot classes and even a Halter class!  Sandra won a trophy and a gift certificate in the Really Ancient Class for being the oldest rider/horse age combination with the grand total being a combined 73 years!!! Sandra and Goldie also got a 5th in the Halter class....and I am sure it would have been a better ribbon, but Goldie didn't want to trot for the judge...ooops!  The horse show was Sandra's second show, and Goldie's very first!  They did an excellent job together and hopefully they can go out and do it again sometime! 

Don't forget to congratulate Sandra in our guestbook!!!  She truly did an awesome job!!!

Houdini was laid to rest two weeks ago, but his grave was not complete without a special touch.  Candace and her friend Patti Roach decorated Houdini's final resting place with flowers, beautiful stones, and a picket fence.  The flowers and stones are laid out in the shape of a horseshoe.  Houdini deserves a beautiful tribute, and that's just what he got.  Some of the flowers used were: a mini yellow rose bush, red rose bush, two azaleas, and several different perrenials.  Wildflower seeds were sprinkled around the outside of "horseshoe" for an added touch. 

We love you, Houdini....

Sweet Pea made a guest appearance Thursday, April 26th, 2007 at the Berks County Courthouse.  It was "Bring Your Son and Daughter to Work Day" and Sweet Pea was the mid-day surprise to make the day a little more exciting for the children.  Sweet Pea and Candace did a presentation on Hoof  'n Hearts and told the story of Sweet Pea's rescue from severe starvation and her impending euthanasia.  The children got to come up and meet Sweet Pea and pet her.  Some even got to shake hands with her.  This was the second time Sweet Pea got to ride in an elevator...thirteen floors!!  Sweet Pea is the first horse ever to enter the Courthouse.  Once again, Little Miss Sweet Pea was a smash hit with her adorable looks, her undeniable charm, and quiet demeanor.  Good girl, Sweet Pea!

For the month of April, the student we'd like to feature is Morgan Hresko!!!  Morgan is easily our most active student who would probably live at the barn if given the chance.  Morgan has come a long way with her riding since she has been with us.  In the beginning, Morgan was working on a lounge line, perfecting her trot and canter.  Now, Morgan is on her own, trotting, cantering, and even working over some small fences!! For Christmas, Santa surprised Morgan and gave her the best Christmas present ever...Miya!  Morgan and Miya are a great match, and they even have similiar personalities!  We love them both!  Morgan has been a huge help with Hoof 'n Hearts since day one...she supported us at the Walkathon , made us an awesome donation jar for the Grand Opening, helped with pony rides, and is there for us with every event we are involved in.  Morgan is also a brainiac with horse knowledge, constantly reading up on new horse facts.  Morgan is definitely an asset to our riding program and rescue!  Thanks a bunch, Morgan!!  (P.S.  And her parents are super great also!!!  We love you guys, tons!!)

As student of the month, Morgan gets to pick another horse to ride in her lesson if she chooses.  (We know how much you love to ride Miya...but how about Goldie, Blondie, or even Mia?)

Our lastest rescue, Houdini, passed away early Tuesday, April 17th, 2007.  We found him, already passed on, in his stall around 7am.  It appears as though he coliced, and just couldn't survive it.  He may have suffered from a heart attack due to the stress.  We are all heartbroken with this tragedy.  Houdini only spent three weeks with us, but in that time, we have grown to love and appreciate him as though we have known him much longer.  To meet Houdini, was to love Houdini. He had such a kind, gentle, and giving soul.  He loved his time spent with us.  He improved daily, both physically and emotionally...perking up and acting more cheery with each day that passed.  He loved his time out in the grassy field...he could not get enough of it.  In the short time he spent with us, Houdini was spoiled with oodles of carrots, treats, and TLC.  What makes it so much harder is that death struck without any warning.  There was, sadly, nothing we could do to help him in his time of need.  We laid Houdini to rest at the last place of his happiness, under shady and peaceful trees.  He undoubtedly has crossed Rainbow's Bridge and is now happy, healthy, and youthful again.  Live it up, big guy...your in a better place but you will sorely be missed.  You forever have a place in our hearts, we will never forget you.  Rest in peace, handsome boy.

*Houdini*

1980 - 2007

We love you, forever always...

On Monday, April 9th, 2007, Sweet Pea made the trek to Ursinus College to pose as a Live Art model.  She was an excellent sport, standing for three hours on a pedestal with fifteen plus students gathered around drawing her.  Everyone was very impressed with Sweet Pea's patient and quiet attitude...and of course, how adorable she is.  The art teacher could not get over how well behaved Sweet Pea was....she even waited to go "potty" until her ten minute "potty break".  Sweet Peas was a smash hit with everyone!  The drawings were very interesting to look at.  There was everything from abstract drawing, to very realistic portraits...some of just her face, others of her whole body.  Good job, Sweet Pea!

Our March Student of the Month is George Hresko!!  As you can see by his pose, he is a very thoughtful man who is a big part of our barn crew.  He is always ready to jump in and lend a hand.  Although George wants to ride, his choice of horse won't allow him to...Sweet Pea is just too small!  Sorry, George! George is such a die hard Hoof 'n Hearts fan that he comes to us all the way from Limerick!  Thanks for your support, George! George, who is Morgan and Miya's father, even knows how to tack up and lunge a horse.  Quite an accomplishment for a "Horse Parent", also known as the "Bill Payer".  We are lucky to have George, and we value him for so many reasons...his sense of humor, thoughtful advice, willingness to help, and so much more. 

As Student of the Month, George can take Sweet Pea for a ride in his truck, Showing off his Best Four-Legged Friend. (Don't forget to cover your seats...accidents happen!)

Gabby Ramerez is our February Student of the Month!!  Gabby is a 14yr. old horse crazy girl who is quite a character.  She is a fun gal...always laughing or making others around her laugh.  Gabby is well loved by everyone at the barn...people and animals alike.  She usually rides Blondie at ler lessons, but occassionally switches it up with Mia or Miya.  Gabby is a good rider, with nice quiet hands.  She is just about ready to master cantering! You go, girl!!

Gabby was also one of the winners of our Costume Contest at our Grand Opening in October.  Check out her costume!

As Student of the Month, Gabby gets to decide which horse to ride in her lessons this month.

Congrats, Gabby!  We Love you!

Everyone who knows Candace knows that she uses her '97 Nissan Altima as a Pony and Dog Express vehicle. The Nissan has carried Sweet Pea, Riley, and Molly together all at once...with Candace and Lindsay also.  The Nissan has finally been filled to its max recently when it was stuffed with Sweet Pea, Riley, Teflon, Josh, Molly...and Candace and Lindsay! Yep, that's right....a pony, three big dogs, one medium dog, and two people...in a Nissan Altima! (To any Cops that may be reading this...we were very careful and we all had our seatbelts on...) Our destination was Nolde Forest for an energizing hike...and boy, do we get some weird looks when other hikers see our crew. This picture is only a taste of what riding in this special Nissan is like...don't forget, this picture is missing two other dogs, and the people!!  What would you think if you saw this driving by? 

Hoof 'n Hearts is offering Gift Certificates for Riding Lessons, Pony Parties, and all your horse needs.  You may purchase a Gift Certificate in any denomination, $25.00 and up.  It's a great gift for all the horse crazy individuals out there!

Willow Tree Farm is hosting its second Day Camp on Saturday, January 13th from 10am to 2:30 pm.  The students who ride at WTF are certainly learning the ins and outs of riding, but they are not learning enough of the horsemanship/barn work side of riding.  This is why the Day Camp has been developed...to teach our students what horses are all about besides riding. Willow Tree Farm is hoping to host one at least one day camp a month, or possibly even twice if students and parents are interested.  Parents are welcome to stay through the day camp if they would like to become a little bit more horse savvy...but feel free to enjoy a "day off" from your kids!  The cost of this Day Camp is $40.00 per/student and lunch will be included (pizza and beverage). A $20.00 non-refundable deposit must be paid by the 10th to secure your spot in the camp, with the remaining $20.00 due the day of the camp.  If any horse-crazy kids would like to participate in the Day Camp and do not take lessons at Willow Tree Farm, please contact Candace...you are more than welcome! 

**This Day Camp is geared more towards kids 6+. 

Any questions, concerns, comments, or suggestions, please contact Candace at (610) 733-4175.

The Walkathon sponsored by the Humane Society was a success!  Willow Tree Farm raised approximately $750.  Good job, guys and thank you to all that donated!  A special thanks to the Scheirer and the Hresko family for all their help before and during the event

Willow Tree Farm's Grand Opening and Open House took place on Oct. 21, 2006.  It was quite a success.  We had pony rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and a costume contest for the kids.  There were equine painted portraits for sale, and a professional re-enactor, not to mention a ton of food.  We had approximately 200 people come and go through out the day.  After hours, friends and family of the Willow Tree Farm stayed and partied around a bon fire. 

Thank you to all of you who made this Grand Opening possible, and so special:  Maureen and Barry Scheirer, Laura Scheirer, Dan Young, Robin Crihfield, Marius Starosciak, Professor Pawling, Professor Hale, Tina Eidle, Patti Roach, Lisa and George Hresko...and Morgan, too, and anyone that I missed.  Thank you so much, from Candace and Lindsay, and all the horses at Willow Tree Farm and Hoof 'n Hearts Horse Rescue.  You guys are the best!