Equine Success Stories

How You've Helped

Each year the MSPCA at Nevins Farm takes in over 7,000 animals, all needing some level of care and attention, and all desperately in need of love. The MSPCA receives no financial support from state or federal agencies. It is only with your help that we can offer the needed care to each animal, placing them on the road to recovery, and eventually, a loving forever home.

At the Equine and Farm Animal Center of Nevins Farm, many of the animals that arrive here need more than routine vaccinations. Some of the horses that we receive have been abused or neglected, or have gone without the basic necessities of life for weeks. We provide a place to heal, and caring staff and volunteers to tend to their medical needs. Often the rehabilitation of horses can take months of slow and methodical steps, until we restore the dignity and grace of these large animals.

Below, read some of our recent success stories, and you just may be inspired to help us, or even to adopt! By participating in a Nevins Farm event, shopping at the Tack Box, or making a donation to Ashton's Fund, you can change the life of a horse in need.

Calli	Mr. Tux	Rusty & Razzy
Oz	Calliope, Shiloh, & Panda

Calli
Calli arrived at Nevins Farm in January 2009, a four year old Rocky Mountain cross mare. Her previous owner had originally found her wandering in a field, and took her in to nurse her back to health. Unfortunately, her owner fell on hard times and could not afford to care for her properly. Underweight, covered in dried feces & dirt, and suffering from rain rot, she needed immediate intervention, starting with a special nutritional plan and vaccinations. We spent hours bathing and shaving off mattes, trying to make her more comfortable.
Today, Calli is an enthusiastic learner, having recovered sufficiently to begin training. Calli is currently in foster care, and is available for adoption; click here to learn more about her.


Calli on arrival	Calli 8 months later

Mr. Tux
Mr. Tux arrived in the spring of 2009, another malnourished, matted horse. An 8 year old paint, severely underweight, he came to us with the help of our Law Enforcement department. When he arrived, you could clearly see his ribs, his hooves were overgrown, and his mane was completely matted and full of burrs. We evaluated him using the Henneke Scoring System, and he scored a 2 (a 1 is near death). Our vet examined him, and we immediately started him on a rehabilitation plan, which included a lot of love from our staff and volunteers!
We were fortunate to find a foster home for Mr. Tux that was able to continue his rehabilitation plan, in a caring and stress-free environment. After several months of foster care, Mr. Tux was well enough for us to start work, and he was an absolute revelation! We were thrilled to find that he had some training under his belt, and we were able to find a perfect match for him. Hats off to his wonderful foster family that was so instrumental to his success!


Mr. Tux on arrival	Mr. Tux just before adoption

Rusty & Razzy
These sweet geldings came to us in the spring of 2008 very thin, with patchy hair and needing much TLC. Health and financial hardships fell upon their previous owner, leaving no money for food or vet care for Rusty and Razzy, who for years were trusted mounts for the children in the family. After months of rehabilitation, Rusty found a special adopter to take on his medical needs. His life is relaxed, living with two rescued miniature horses and calling all the shots. Razzy was still here in October of 2008, and led the way for our Horses Helping Horses Beach Ride as an adoptable horse. This summer, Razzy went to foster at the Plum Grove Equestrian Center, where he met his adoptive family! Razzy, or Razzcal Flats as he is now known, is a member of the Plum Grove Drill Team, and competed in his first show, taking first place in the rescue category. In October 2009, Razzy returned to the MSPCA's Beach Ride with his adopter, to help other horses at Nevins Farm still in need.


Rusty & Razzy upon arrival	Rusty at home with his new friends

Razzy upon arrival	Razzy performing as part of his drill team

I adopted my horse Oz from the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in March 2006. Surrendered with 16 other weanling horses that were not being cared for properly, Oz was underweight and had a variety of health issues. Through the tireless care of the Nevins staff, in a few short months Oz and his companions returned to being healthy, frisky colts and fillies.

Four years and 16 hands later, I still remember the gangly little colt that galloped away with my heart, I can’t imagine not having him as part of my life. Affectionately named ‘Mommy’s Little Monster’, he continues to amaze everyone by what a wonderful horse he has grown up to be. Every stride has been magical- teaching to lead, stand, and crosstie, then lounge and long-line, and finally, this past spring, saddle training! I have never met such a willing, versatile young horse. Whether working in hand, training in the ring, or hitting the trails, he has taken it all in stride. I’m still waiting for Oz to ‘tell me’ what he wants to ‘be’ when he grows up, so who knows what the future holds for us… dressage, reining, eventing, barrel racing… all of the above? One thing is for sure, that we will do it together and love every minute!

I did not think it was possible to develop such a bond and partnership with a horse, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. I know that if not for the dedicated staff at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm this member of my family, and many other animals in need, would not have gotten the 2nd start in life that they deserved. Thank you.

Calliope, Shiloh, & Panda (A Three Time Winner)

Twenty one years ago I adopted Shiloh as a companion to my first horse, Oliver. At the time, she was eight years old and had been surrendered to the MSPCA by a family that didn’t have the time for her. We were both pretty green and were lucky enough to have Oliver as a mentor for both of us. Over the years, we conquered most of our fears and bad habits and put a lot of miles on the trails. She turned out to be a great kids/husband horse putting up with all the beginner’s mistakes without a fuss. She never had a lame day in all the time we’ve had her. Today at almost 30 years old, she is retired to the pasture though when we go for a walk, the younger horses struggle to keep up with her. Shiloh is one of the joys of my life and I am hopeful she will be with me for many more years.

Two years ago, after the loss of one of our horses, we decided we needed to balance out the herd. Because of our good luck with Shiloh, we turned to the MSPCA and were fortunate to be able to bring Calliope home. Calliope was part of an abuse case and had spent her 2nd and 3rd years at Nevins, un-adoptable until the court case was settled. Halter broken, but without much other training, Calliope has shown herself to be both smart and willing. My daughter has spent the last two years training Calliope and she is now a confident trail horse and has begun both barrel racing and polo training. Calliope is fun and brings a level of energy to the herd that helps to keep everyone young.

This past spring, we went back to Nevins to find a companion for Shiloh who could keep her company when we took the other two out to ride or to lessons. Panda, a 25 year old draft pony mare came to live with us and immediately laid claim to the only gelding in the barn. While she and Shiloh have both joined the “grouchy old lady brigade” they keep each other calm when the others leave the property. Somewhat aloof when she first arrived, Panda is now starting to look for affection. When I look out the window to see her laying down for a nap with her pasture buddy, I know she has found her forever home.