Owning a Horse is a COMMITMENT.

(Damian writing)

I don't own a horse, but I do own other pets.  As a matter of fact, before I became involved in ATOL, I didn't know much about horses.  But I do know that owning a horse, much like other pets, is a HUGE commitment and should not be taken lightly.  I would never get a horse or other pet unless I was absolutely sure I could take care of it.  FOREVER.  And I would make sure that if for some reason I could no longer care for said animal, someone I knew would be willing and able to do so.

The sad truth is that many people do not understand the commitment involved in owning pets.  That is one of the reasons rescues like ATOL exist.  While I am committed to helping Stephanie with this truly wonderful cause, I envision a world in which there is no need for such an organization.

Please, people.  If you are thinking about getting a horse, whether from ATOL, another rescue, a breeder, or wherever - make the commitment to care for it.  I don't want to see your horse wind up at ATOL - or worse - because you were too short-sighted to realize what a commitment it is to care for it.

**Winn** - A 10 year old Belgian gelding**

Winn is an 18 hand Belgian that is 2,000 lbs. and is very fit and handsome. He has great feet. He is around 10 years of age. He was abandoned in Minnesota, so his past is a mystery. He is missing his left eye and has partial vision in his right. He is broke to drive and probably ride.

He is uncomfortable with his sight loss which makes him a little jumpy but would definitely overcome this with time and trust! In my experience, horses with sight loss are even more amazing! They learn to trust their human and horse friends and live amazing, full lives!

E-mail me for more details and pictures! He is another horse I'd keep for myself but he has to stay in Wisconsin or surrounding states! I know I have some followers from there! Let's get him a forever home!!!

**Cephey - 5 year-old Reg. Clydesldale Gelding**

When we decided to start ATOL we intended to help improve the quality of life for all drafts, not just the ones that we see at our rescue.

Cephey is a 5 year old registered Clydesdale gelding located at St. Francis Rescue and Rehabilitation in Wisconsin.

He is a big boy (over 17 hands) and has the disposition of a puppy but he is NOT for the beginner. With the proper training, he has unlimited potential. He's smart and wants to learn. He has been started under saddle and is green broke. This horse is amazing. If I lived closer to WI, I'd adopt him as a brother for Ajax! I know that there are some fans of him!

There are more pictures and information on him. To qualify you must be in Wisconsin or the surrounding states. E-mail me at info@atonoflove.org if you're interested!!!

The Weston Chronicles - Part 2

(Stephanie writing)

When Damian and I decided that blogging would be an awesome way for donors and supporters to see the progress of rescued horses, our intent was to write frequently with updates. 

The only problem with that is -- Weston is not a typical rescue.

Since the minute we took him out of the Camelot auction, he has been a joy. He has no bad habits. (Knock on wood.) He wasn't sick. Our farrier, the AMAZING Angelo (That sounds like a circus act! He'll get a kick out of that!) said that Weston's feet were great. He eats good. He doesn't push the fence. I mean, I've done very little rescuing for this rescue. (Again, a MAJOR knock on wood.)

We're in the market for a western saddle for him. We only have draft saddles.

Today for the first time, I walked into the paddock and he came right over. Normally, Ajax and Sophia come and Weston lingers in the back. He was genuinely happy to see me. What an awesome feeling! He makes it worth all the challenges and drama that come with a horse rescue and then some.

Feeding A Draft

Feeding a Draft Horse

Finding detailed information about what and how much to feed a horse can be an exhaustive search. When I was preparing for the arrival of my two and a half year old Clydesdale, Ajax, I wanted to make sure that I had everything I needed to get started on the right foot.

**Note: We are in no way affiliated with any of the companies mention. We are not advertising for them. These are personal preferences, as to what works with us and our horses. If you chose to follow our feeding procedures, you do so at your OWN RISK!!**

I am lucky enough to have experience with draft horses from a position where I trained and cared for horses at a Therapeutic Riding barn that had draft horses of all sizes and breeds which gave me a good jumping off point. I did a web search on feeding a draft horse – to see if I could add some more insight on keeping my big guy happy and healthy.  Every article I found was vague and non-committal.

I am going to play into the legality of today’s society and state that all of my advice is based on personal experience and should be referenced only as a guide to what works for my particular situation.

According to the Draft Horses: An Owner’s Manual by Valentine and Wildenstein, draft horses need to eat between 22,500 and 45,000 calories of food per day, depending on their size, work-load, and environment.  This works out to be about thirty five pounds of food. Most of the feed that draft owners favor has about 1000 calories per pound. First cut hay has about 800 calories per pound. The average sweet feed has about 1,300 calories.

Many draft owners do not feed their horses sweet feed at all. They find the high sugar undesirable and choose alternate ways to give the big guys the calories that they need. Personally, we have found that it is a positive part of the feeding process. My drafts love it. I only give them a handful and it is a good way to teach them to be respectful during feeding.

For example, when Ajax arrived he had been in a herd environment and was extremely pushy when feeding. We were able to train him by having him stand quietly away from his food dish while we put it in. I’d say ‘STAND!’ while he was being held near his door. Within a few feedings, he would automatically stand near the door during feeding. No force was required. The only reward – the half of a scoop of sweet feed that he gets on top of his gruel! Now, we can use the ‘stand’ command whenever anyone needs to approach him while in his stall.  

As for treats, we give apples and carrots. We also have some candy that we keep in the barn -- peppermints and gum drops, usually. Occasionally, someone will give us a bag of store bought treats. We use them sparingly. I'm not a big treat person. I think that giving a hug, pat, and kiss on the snout is usually enough of a reward. Ajax gets a lot of love and attention. If he gets too many treats, he forgets his manners and tries to shake people down. Turns out, a horse that weighs almost a ton who tries to stick his nose in peoples coats pockets is an undesirable thing. He forgets all rules of personal space and ground manners. 

I hate when people who we don't know stop and give the horses stuff. By the time I get out there to stop them, they're usually gone and then the horses have eaten stuff that I don't know what it is. It's a part of owning horses that everyone has to deal with.

During the summer, especially like the summer we had this year, grazing and hay were almost enough to sustain the diet. We still feed a half a scoop of sweet feed because he does really seem to love it. We also mix the garlic and ‘Go Max’ year round. Alfalfa pellets as needed.

Brands We Use -

Pennfield Signature Plus 10-10

Purina Equine Senior – Complete Feed

            (Combined together)

Farnam – Go Max
Platform Hoof Supplement
CountryMax Brand:
      Alfalfa Pellets 
      Shredded Beet Pulp with Molasses

Garlic Powder (found in bulk food stores)

Corn Oil (found in bulk food stores)

Note: Our scoops are equal to three quarts.

Summer Feeding

During the day –

            Pasture (weather permitted)

Free Choice of Quality First Cut Hay

            AM/PM Feeding

½ scoop of Sweet Feed Combo
1 tbsp of Garlic (once a day)
3 cups of Oil (once a day)

Winter Feeding

AM Feeding:

            1½ scoops of Alfalfa Pellets

            2 scoops of Shredded Beet Pulp with Molasses

            1 tablespoon of Garlic Powder

                        Mixed into a mash with the consistency of loose oatmeal.

½ scoop of Sweet Feed Combo (on top of the mash)

PM Feeding

            1½ scoops Alfalfa Pellets

            2 scoops of Beet Pulp w/Molasses

            2 ounces of ‘Go Max’ Vitamin Supplement

            Hoof Supplement

            3 cups of Corn Oil (at least)

                        Mixed into a mash

½ scoop of Sweet Feed Combo (on top of the mash)

Question and Answer - About the Rescue

(Stephanie Writing)

This is a detailed QandA that is mandatory for all rescues who are interested in fund-raising and adopting horses that run through the Camelot Auction house on Wednesdays. Camelot Weekly, an organization devoted to networking and finding the horses in the #10 Lot from going to slaughter, has over eight thousand people in their network. They're an amazing system of philanthropists, rescues, transports, etc.

Here is our QandA: 

A Ton of Love Draft Horse Rescue, Inc.

120 Miller Road

Guilford, NY 13780

(607)764-8252

http://www.atonoflove.org/

1. As the person completing this questionnaire, what is your position with regard to the rescue?
Stephanie Hanchett - Director

2. Is the rescue incorporated? If so in what state? Please provideonliine link to State's website showing your incorporation.

New York State, Department of State, Records and Corporations Division

Link to Our Articles of NY's Website


If so, do you have the legal authority to speak for the Board of Directors?

Yes.

Who are the members of the Board of Directors (please provide an email or other contact information; if your website provides this information, please identify your website URL in this answer) (Note: The names of the Board of Directors for incorporated businesses may be validated by calling the office of the Secretary of State.)

Stephanie Hanchett

Susan Beach

John Hanchett

Lucille Creighton

Damian Bozzacco

Linda Hanchett

Christopher Hopkins

3. Is the rescue a 501 c 3 IRS rescue? When was this exemption granted? If the exemption has not been granted, when did the rescue commence the application process?

We filed our 1023 with the IRS on 12/20/2010

501(c)(3) status pending.

4. What is the physical address of the rescue (Note: Satellite views of most, but not all, locations are available at www.googleearth.com)?

120 Miller Road

Guilford, NY 13780

5. What is the legal nature of the property upon which the rescue animals reside (personal property, property of the corporation, rented property, other as described.)

Personal Property of Lisa and Michael Algiere – 17 acres in Chenango County, NY

How many foster facilities are associated with the rescue?

At this time, 1 foster facility. Five more have expressed interest in fostering rescues and they are being reviewed by our board.

6. Is the facility a rescue, sanctuary or both?

Both

7. At the time of this questionnaire, how many equines reside at the rescue and any foster facilities associated with the rescue?

Five horses

8. What is the date on which the rescue or sanctuary took in the first animal and since that date, how many have been adopted out or officially transferred to another rescue?

We got our first rescue in December 2010. He is still being rehabilitated and is available for adoption.

9. What is the primary source of financial resources which pay for the maintenance and emergency needs of the rescue’s equine residents? What is the source of any supplemental funding (please separate local fund raising, ABR fund raising and any other internet fund raising such as Facebook)? Approximately what percentage does each source make up for the total funding of the rescue?

50% Personal Income
25% Fundraising events
25% Donations

We have summited applications for several grants but the majority of them will not be decided until March/April 2011.

10. What percentage of your budget do you spend on each of the following: bail; feed. hay and supplements; veterinarian; farrier; land (purchased or rented); maintenance of facility (equipment and structures.)

Bail – 10%, Feed/Hay/Supplements – 75%, Vet./Farrier – 10%, Maintenance - 5%

11. Who physically provides for the care of the rescue’s equines?
I live on property along with my husband. My Aunt is here daily. Other people help when they can.

Is there an attendant at the rescue 24/7? Yes

During an emergency affecting the primary caretaker(s) , who would provide care for the animals.

Susan Beach


12. What information is discussed with the Board of Directors and at what intervals do you have meetings. We meet twice a year formally. However, if something needs to be dealt with, we use the internet/phone as a medium for communication.


13. How many volunteers do you have and what is the nature of duties they perform? How often are you assisted by volunteers?
We have 5 to 10 volunteers. As we head into the spring, we’re going to be getting on a more formal schedule.

14. Who is your primary veterinarian? Is he/she available as a reference?
Rachel Fraser

Leatherstocking Equine Veterinary

Yes, she is available by phone and she is also my friend on Facebook.


15. Who is your farrier? Is he/she available as a reference?

Angelo Mendolia – Yes

607- 349-1095

16. Where do you shop for grain? Who is the manager? Is he/she available as a reference?
Country Max – Norwich, NY

It’s a Family owned business.  I’m the crazy girl with the Clydesdale. They know me. J

17. What is your primary source of hay?

Chuck Frank

Mt. Upton, NY

Amazing First Cut

18. Describe what the status of the animals would be if the primary caretaker(s) became suddenly unable to provide care for both the short-term and long-term?

No change. Status on the people - we'd be some hurtin' puppies!

19. What is your procedure for adopting animals (please discuss your pre-adoption and post-adoption processes.)
                1. Family expresses interest in horse.

                2. Fill out adoption application.

                3. Board Review/Interview – Meet and Greet the Horse

                4. Home Check

20. Once an equine is at the new home, how do you approach follow-up of the animal?
                Facebook, Visitation, Communication, Annual Updates

21. Do you have an adoption contract? If so, how is the subject of breeding handled?
Yes, we have a detailed adoption contract. In general, breeding is not authorized. However, an exception may arise and we reserve the right to make a decision on a case to case basis.

22. Once an animal is taken into the rescue, how is its level of training evaluated?
First, we evaluate the horse based on ground manners. Leading, voice commands, how they act around humans during feeding and other interactions. Then, we make an individual evaluation plan and progress by starting under saddle, basic commands, W/T/C, Western/English. If necessary, we contact someone who is experienced in a type of riding that we’re not capable of training. We also test for ground driving skills and go from there when applicable.

23. What is the rescue’s program for basic ground training of equines that have that initial level of need?
All horses get a basic ground training when I bring them on property. We are constantly reinforcing ground training. We use the methods that are used by NAHRA. I am a big fan of positive reinforcement and repetition. I often am complimented on how well my horses behave. J It makes me so happy. I normally don’t brag about it but

24. What is the rescue’s program for starting horses that have that level of need (please include at what age you would start an individual horse.)

We have two separate programs. One is for standard horses and one is for draft horses. We are strict about not starting a horse under saddle before their done growing. This doesn’t mean that we don’t work with them. We do some light round pen work and longing. We also take them for walks on a lead, like a big dog. We find that is an excellent way for a young horse to start paying attention to the person handling him and not the herd that he’s leaving behind. Also, living in a country setting  we can slowly expose them to cars, other animals, cats and dogs.

After starting under saddle (no earlier than three for a standard horse, and four and half for draft), we would decide on a discipline. In my experience, a horse picks their discipline as much as we do. If further training is required, we’d consider having a trainer come and work with them.

25. What is the rescue’s program for the retraining of horses to make them more adoptable because their present training level is not conducive to adoption (e.g., the OTTB who needs to be training for another activity?)

Currently, we have an OTTB and she now rides English and Western. Our method was simple – we learned what her behavior and training was and used it to help us see that she was trying to do what we wanted her to do. Slowly, we retrain horses. We use our abilities and skills as well as the other horses. We found that Sophia (our OTTB) learned by watching Ajax (a non-rescue). “My body can bend? I don’t have to run straight all the time??”

26. What is your experience with regard to initial training and retraining of horses and other equines that serves to support that you possess the ability to be successful with such activities?

My personal experience toward training comes from my two years training horses for STRIDE of CNY.  STRIDE was a NAHRA sanctioned therapeutic riding facility. I started out as a part time barn help and ended up being the Assistant Director. During that time, I worked with horses of all sizes and disciplines. It was truly a great learning experience.

27. What is the rescue’s program for the retraining of horses that exhibit traits likely brought on by improper training?

We find it very important take each horse individually and evaluate them. The behavior that they’re exhibiting might be from improper training or from the trauma of their past few weeks of being shuffled around. Some horses who were just taught to do something wrong will retrain easily, whereas others have had bad habited ingrained into their daily habit may takes weeks or months to overcome.

28. How does the leadership of the rescue approach end-of-life decision for the equine residents (please discuss the circumstances for which such decisions would be necessary and what life-ending procedure(s) would be utilized?)
When the time comes, we make sure that it is the best and only option for the horse. We would euthanize them (or actually, Rachel would). Then, they’re buried on property with a memorial stone.

29. Would the rescue’s leadership and/or caretaker(s) consider shipping to slaughter as a possible life-ending method?

Absolutely not.

30. Are you open to a request from donors for pictures and/or other information about a rescue animal that has received funding via ABR?

Yes! We have a website and Facebook. www.atonoflove.org Plus, we love visitors and we are open at all times to our friends at Camelot!!!

Weston's New Life, Day 1

(Stephanie Writing)

He's a damn handsome horse! Look at his gorgeous mane. What an amazing guy! We're the lucky ones!!!

Today, I dragged my sorry but out of bed at 5am. I had just gone to bed at 1:45am because I was up playing on line doing various rescue related things. I make it sound like a big deal, but I wasn't going to be able to sleep anyway.

Bob Casse, a family friend, who does Horse Transport *in addition to being on of the FINEST human beings to ever walk the planet*, was kind enough to take me to Camelot Auction in New Jersey on about 15 hours notice. Considering he is Corrections Officer for NYS, Father of seven, grandfather of 16 and great grandfather of 8 -- there isn't a whole lot that anyone could throw at him and find that he couldn't handle it.

Bob has an amazing truck for performance hauling and two nice trailers, a two horse straight load and a three horse slant, so I wasn't worried about the equipment.. which is AWESOME. 

Well, after four and half hours of listening to me talk, (He now is among the privileged few people on this earth that know that Boys from Brazil is one of my favorite novels, I secretly love John Wayne movies, I cry when I talk about Mickey Mantle and know a freakish amount about things like Benjimin Franklin, ice fishing, and a whole host of other things that I talk about after four cups of coffee and no sleep.) we finally arrived at Camelot. 

In a humorous side note: I walked into the 'Office' of Camelot and found four, white haired, scruffy middle aged men smoking cigars and playing poker at 11am on a Monday. I was so happy by this fact, I had a big grin. They must have thought I was a real weirdo. But really, it was just like something out of a 'B' gangster drama about a cop from the wrong side of the tracks who is forced to go under cover in his own family or something.....

Well, I knew Weston from across the room. He was so handsome. Dirty, nervous, a little scared but quiet fetching anyway. 

I met Heather, a fellow Camelotian who I had talked with when looking for transport.

Weston trailered like an old pro! He was a little anxious to get off the trailer. (Wouldn't we all be??) But calmed down as soon as we got him into the pasture! He took a nice drink and then went of in a cute little trot to explore his new surroundings.

After a few more pets and an apple, we headed in to the house. Weston was happily eating hay. (The other horses were staring at him from across the paddock but he didn't seem to care.)

More information on Weston to come~!

THANK YOU JESSLYNN PETERS!!! You're a CHRISTMAS ANGEL!!!!!!! The world needs more people like you.