This fund was setup to help HRRRF be able to react to emergency situations. Many times we get calls about injured horses and abused horses that not only need rescue but also need medical attention. Some veterinarians are great at giving their time but often we have to go to UGA or other places to get the right kind of medical attention, and it costs money. Most of our money goes to feeding, caring and the normal activity of keeping rescue horses.

This fund will allow us to better react when emergencies arise without having to consider how we are going to pay for the immediate care. It is a decision that has to be made instantly. We take care of the horse and worry about raising the funds later. That can be a burden which affects other things we are doing.

Please take time to read about Acey and Pumpkin. Their influence and journey brought about the idea of this fund. And, please donate to the fund. Your money will be used to help us save horses in emergency situations.

$50 DONATION
Received a signed print of painting by Henry Patton

Wtih a $50+ donation to the AP Emergency Fund, donators will receive a print of the watercolor painting of Acey and Pumpkin by equestrian artist Henry Patton. The print is suitable for framing and signed by the artist (see image to right). Just make your $50+ donation, and the print along with a certificate of appreciation will be mailed to you.

Acey came to the Rescue on October 29, 2005, from another rescue in Georgia. She is a Thoroughbred mare, about 8 years old. The rescue group called and asked if we could take Acey because she is blind. They new we had taken in blind horses before. They didn't feel they were equipped to deal with a blind horse.

When she arrived, she was recovering from a bad accident. Her face was torn down to the cartilage and her shoulder and leg were badly injured. Acey's face is still vulnerable, a slight scratch will cause it to bleed. The cartilage is still slightly exposed but she is still beautiful. Acey hadn't been blind for long time and was still adjusting. She has become very trusting at the rescue. She is a sweet horse who loves to lick you. She likes your hand whether you have a treat or not.

Acey is most comfortable with a human at the end of the lead rope, rather than being by herself. Volunteers take her out so she can walk and graze. She was gaining weight and we figured she was getting more food and hay than she was burning off. A wonderful family in Tennessee planned to adopt Acey. The transportation was being planned and to make sure Acey would be safe and comfortable they hired a professional semitrailer hauler to pick up Acey. Our vet came out to do a health certificate so Acey could cross state lines. The vet said Acey couldn't go anywhere, she was too pregnant. It was 11 months (gestation period for a horse) when we found out from the vet that she was pregnant. We were shocked. We don't breed and have little experience with pregnant mares. The vet said Acey looked great and the baby was healthy.

Yes, Acey was ready to foal, really ready. Our volunteers stepped in to take care of Acey and make ready for her foal. And then came the baby ... about 2 am on Saturday, October 7, 2006, a beautiful chestnut boy was born. Volunteers were there to help her along as well as to cheer her along. Many others watched on the internet live on a web cam.

Within a couple of days, Acey and her foal, Pumpkin, had to be separated to keep Acey from accidentally stepping on the foal. She had managed to kick or step on the foals legs and a vet was called to look at Pumpkin. There was a little swelling on his legs, the vet put a soft cast on one and took blood samples. We soon learned that Pumpkin had sepsis, a blood infection that was showing up in the joints for his legs. It now became very important to keep a close eye on Pumpkin. The volunteers had already taken over, milking mom and feeding Pumpkin with a bottle.

Pumpkin continues to do well, his legs are improving, his cast has been removed and he gets to go out into the arena and run with his momma. It has also given him a chance to nurse from momma. It's a wonderful moment that they can both share and has helped to calm Acey and keep them close together. We put a bell around Pumpkin's neck as he runs around the arena followed by Acey, a volunteer in tow so she doesn't run over him.

The vet pronounced that Pumpkin was doing great and ready to travel. The people that adopted Acey wanted Pumpkin also and will keep them together. They moved last week to a wonderful forever home with other blind horses. Pumpkin will go along as a sighted guide. They are being well taken care of in a terrific facility.

Pumpkin & Acey on Channel 11 - A Wes Side Story

8 days old

1 day old



4 days old