Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses

Lorelei

2011-09-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

I was raised by a horse-loving mother, and a father who fell off (almost) every horse he ever rode. I took lessons, I went to shows. I worked for my training by mucking stalls. I volunteered at therapeutic riding centers. I made detailed check-lists of equipment I would need when I had horses of my own. And as I got older – when the time I spent dreaming about my perfect horse became time studying or job hunting – I simply filed away my desire to have that perfect equine partner until the time was right. Fast-forward a first job, a big move away from home and several years trying to figure out how to be a grown up... and finally I landed in Charlotte, NC – running my own business and volunteering as a certified instructor with a therapeutic riding center, Mitey Riders.

I knew from the beginning that my “next” horse would be a rescue of some kind. I knew of the tragedies within the racing industry; and the effect the economy had on thousands of once-wealthy “horsey” families. I knew that the number of horses brought to slaughter through the U.S. is in the high six-figures, and I knew how many amazing animals are left to fend for themselves due to their owner's finances or lack of concern. If money, land and time were un-ending, I would have a farm full of horses who need a second chance.

Lucky for me - and for hundreds of four-legged souls - there is a farm full of horses who need, and receive, a second chance. One email exchange and a three hour drive later and I found myself at Brook Hill Farm in VA, looking at a big gray mare with a deep, dark eye named Lorelei.

In my head, my “dream horse” was going to be bay. And a gelding. And most likely, an off-the-track thoroughbred. Svelte, light off the leg and deceivingly fragile. As it turns out, my “dream horse” is actually gray. And a mare. And the farthest thing from a “track” horse that you can find. There is nothing svelte about her, but she is perfect, in every way. And truth be told, I did not choose her, but the other way around. As I drove home from Brook Hill that day, I said to my close friend and colleague on the phone – She's the one.

Lorelei arrived at Misty Meadows Farm in Weddington, NC on a weekday night at 10pm. She walked calmly off the trailer, stood in the cross-ties while I groomed her, and settled into a stall with a pile of hay for the night. She nickered at me through the bars when I walked into the barn the next morning, and from that day on, she has always given me 110% of herself, unconditionally.

Horses have always been, and will always be, a part of my life. I am a big believer in the horse-human relationship, and my belief has been further strengthened the more I have learned about the United Neigh program at Brook Hill Farm. Over the last year that I have stayed in touch with BHF, I have had the pleasure of meeting the girls who are part of the UN program; to see them care for “their horses” and to hear their stories of how they have grown as individuals since coming to BHF; to see those girls, helping horses with broken hearts, all the while repairing their own, unknowingly. Each of those girls will be a role model for some other little “horse girl” in the future, and will be amazing, beautiful women who contribute positively to society. It's a humbling and inspiring program to be a part of, and I hope to spend even more time with them in the future.

Since the start of my relationship with Lorelei and BHF, my passion for programs like United Neigh has truly been re-ignited. (Yet another thing I can thank that big gray mare for.)

One might say that, by adopting through BHF, I have made a difference in the life of a horse. But the truth is that Lorelei, and the people I met who surrounded her, have made a bigger difference in mine. Thank you to every one at Brook Hill Farm – what you are doing is beyond inspiring, and if the example you set was followed by everyone, the world would be a more peaceful, compassionate and non-judgmental place.

"A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful - and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence." -- Pam Brown

Erica A de Flamand – Charlotte, North Carolina
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor at Misty Meadows Mitey Riders – www.miteyriders.org
Owner/Designer/Photographer at The Summer House – www.the-summerhouse.com

2011-08-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of year – when little girls’ fancies turn to owning a horse…. mind you, for the truly horse-crazy little girls (and boys) of every age, no season is immune to this desire.

If you’re considering joining the ranks of the 2 million plus horse owners in the US (according to a 2005 study by the American Horse Council), there are lots of places to acquire your new friend. If you’ve shown any interest in things equine on Facebook, ads are likely to appear in your sidebar, there are classified ads at the back of most local and regional equine publications, photos and descriptions fill the billboards at tack and feed stores – it can be a bit overwhelming to even know where to begin.

The purpose of this article isn’t to help you establish your criteria for a new horse, prepare your yard for a new occupant or find a safe boarding facility – that would require a book (but stay tuned for info on said book – it’s in the works). The purpose of this article is to offer you a few reasons to consider horse adoption and to give some pointers on locating your perfect equine partner – and literally saving his life.

First, a few statistics: in the study cited above, it was estimated that 46% of horses were owned by households with incomes of between $25,000 and $75,000 per year. This study was completed 6 years ago, and we all know which way the economy has trended over that time. A CBS Evening News story from May 2009 outlined the growing number of horses being abandoned throughout the country and the fact that many rescue facilities are at or over capacity. I could list instances from every state of owners being forced to give up their animals, but you get the idea – there are a lot of horses out there looking for a home.

Now you may well be thinking “Great – I’m all for saving animals, but I don’t want some starved wreck of a horse who’s on death’s doorstep – I want something I can ride/show/put my kids on/not be embarrassed to have the neighbors see in my backyard. Well, you're in luck. A quick look at the horses currently looking for a new home at Brook Hill should put those worries to rest.

Many people hear the word “adoption” and wonder if the horses from rescue farms are free. This varies by the program – some are free (such as Brook Hill), while other programs require an adoption fee of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Some important things to remember: first – the purchase price or adoption fee is likely the smallest percentage of money you’ll invest in horse ownership. Upkeep costs far outweigh the initial outlay. Lack of awareness of this equation is the reason many horses end up at a rescue in the first place. The second thing to consider regarding adoption fees is that these facilities usually have tremendous overheads – everything from mortgages costs to feed, veterinary and blacksmith expenses; and many non-profit rescues are seeing a decline in their donations at a time when the demand for their services is skyrocketing.

Don’t be surprised if you’re required to complete a detailed application which may ask for references from a vet and a knowledgeable equine owner. Most adoption contracts will actually be leases, with ownership of the horse being retained by the rescue. Typically, adoption contracts also prohibit breeding of mares. These measures are in place to help ensure the horses sent out to a new home are going into a good (and hopefully permanent) situation. Generally, if the new owner is unable to keep the horse at any time in the future, the horse must be returned to the rescue. A return fee may be written into the contract to help defray expenses for the farm.

With all of the horses available for adoption at the moment, your dream horse may just be at a nearby rescue facility waiting for you to appear. Hopefully, the information in this article will encourage you to consider opening your barn doors to a rescued horse the next time you’re looking to add to your four-legged family. It’s a great way to add even more satisfaction to your horsey life.

Maureen "Penny" Hawes

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. ~ Albert Einstein

The Horse | Caring For Horses in Extreme Heat

2011-07-18T03:54:00.000-07:00

This is a recent article from The Horse. A good resource for horse owners about caring for their horse. I know that a big part of the country has been experiencing a big heat wave. Here at the farm we have not had too much trouble so far. We are always vigilant checking the horses for signs of over heating. Let us know what you do to keep you and your horse cool in your neck of the woods. You can post a comment here or on twitter or at facebook.

The Horse | Caring For Horses in Extreme Heat

2011-07-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a busy summer. We have taken in many horses in the past two months and been busy finding qualified homes for those that are ready to go out. People always ask me how can I let these wonderful animals go that come into our life after we have got to know them and worked with them and spent time with them. And my reply is pretty much the same “I am just happy to find them a new happy home”. One of the reasons is that it opens up a spot for another deserving horse to come in and secondly is that now that horse has a home and person of his own and who doesn’t love that.

We have individuals from all walks of life contact us about horses. There are those young people who have the “horsey gene” and participate in 4H or pony club and want a horse to call their own. Talk about a great thing for teenagers, I know it kept my daughter busy, busy, busy. Then there are those who for one reason or another had to put horses on the back burner and now can come back to it in those post kid years. Justin went to a home like that he was a rescue from a nearby county, living on lettuce and potatoes. His new person has a lovely barn and fences and grass galore now that is a happy ending. So I look at the farm as a waystation, a stop on the way to their new forever home.

Bonnie and Jennifer

2011-03-27T17:06:00.001-07:00

I first heard about Brook Hill Farm after seeing an obviously undernourished horse standing in a small dirt enclosure along a desolate stretch of country road. All the way home, I wondered to myself... what does one do when they suspect a horse is being abused or neglected? Who would you call? It's not like a stray dog or cat. When I got home, I Googled "horse rescue, Lynchburg, VA" and up popped a link to Brook Hill Farm. After looking at their web site, I made an appointment to go visit the next weekend to talk about possibly sponsoring a horse, and what that would involve. I work full-time, live alone, and don't have much spare time or money, so I was hesitant. Then I met Bonnie, or Miss B. as I like to call her. This adorable little horse had been found in a field with a 'healed' broken knee. I thought about the pain she must have endured while she waited for the bones to knit back together, and how frightened she must have been. But clearly this was one strong little horse who, fortunately, was rescued and taken to Brook Hill. I have to say, when I first started working with her, she had a look in her eye that seemed to say, "Whatever - I can't fight you and I just don't care anymore. Do what you want with me." That was April 2009.
So I started going out to see her as often as I could. Since she can't be ridden, all I could do was groom her, but each time I went out, she seemed a little bit less depressed, until one day, I actually saw a sparkle in her eye and when I lead her out of the pasture for her "beauty parlor treatment," I noticed I wasn't leading her -- she was leading ME! I actually had to say "whoa" a few times! That's what Brook Hill does for these horses -- they give them back their lost spirit. They let them know that someone cares. They give them a "herd"
where they can be part of a family and bond with horses of similar ages, temperaments, and disabilities. When I go out to see Miss B. now, I no longer have to cautiously approach her with an outstretched carrot, but can walk into the pasture and call her name and wait until she comes to me! And this is to say nothing about what Brook Hill does for the kids and older horse lovers like myself. As someone once said, there is nothing better for the inside of a person than the outside of a horse.
Whenever I go to Brook Hill, I always come home exhausted, dirty, and smelling like a horse, and oh, so very, very, VERY happy.

2011-03-02T04:19:00.000-08:00

Springtime is coming! We are all looking forward to seeing the green grass return. Though not as bad a winter as last year’s, it will be good to not have to bundle up in so much outerwear to stay warm. It seemed that on some of the coldest days, everything was doubled: 2 pair of socks on, 2 pair of gloves on, 2 layers of clothes under that heavy winter coat. I am very thankful for winter riding boots that kept my toes warm and dry. You would think that activity would slow down at the farm during the winter season, but it’s not so at Brook Hill. Rehabilitative riding continued daily in all but the worst weather. It was with great teamwork that all the volunteers at BHF would blanket the horses when the severe cold/wet approached, then remove the same when the temperatures leveled out. What a great bunch of people I am privileged to work with. Such a family spirit here. We all have our own “chores” here to do, but everyone eagerly helps others whenever the need arises. Every horse is lovingly cared for, each and every day, whether ridden or not.

I was skeptical that I could fall in love again after my previous horse – one I’d spent 15 wonderful years with – passed away many years ago. After that, years of child-rearing precluded any involvement with horses for what seemed a lifetime. Then, I found Brook Hill Farm. I have now come full-circle, and sometimes cannot believe the blessing of being able to once again participate in something that is so deep in my bones. Now being 25 years older than what I was in those good old riding days, I must confess to not being very confident in my riding abilities or physical capability, but slowly it all comes back. I am so thankful to once again have my “own” horse that I’m totally crazy about – and thanks, JoAnne, for your keen eye in matchmaking. Anyone who has loved a horse, lost a horse, and loves a new horse knows that the love you had for the original horse is never replaced; only that your heart expands with new love; it becomes limitless. Ain’t it grand? Love seems to be the common thread at Brook Hill. I can’t think of a single person there who isn’t there simply because he/she LOVES horses and wants to help horses in need.

Come visit us! See the work! Feel the love! If you are thinking about adopting a horse of your own, contact us! If you have horse experience, come and volunteer! We are doing so much with so little, yet we could accomplish so much more with additional funding. We have a wonderful dream for the future to expand our facility in order to help more horses and serve our community. Please consider helping us financially!

2011-02-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

I was afraid it would be a sad sight when I first thought about joining my daughter as a volunteer at Brook Hill Horse Rescue farm. I pictured crippled, bedraggled old nags wandering around needing all kinds of care that I knew nothing about providing. Imagine my surprise to see so much happy activity around 26 to 30 well-groomed horses with plenty of hay and plenty of company to wander the huge fields; good veterinary care and good farrier care; some fine old horses that were retired to live out their days; some with leg or foot injuries, or arthritis problems -- all of which can be treated and perhaps cured with time and rehabilitation work. Imagine, if you will, 15 or so young girls from 12 to 20, several old girls like me (let me tell you, I'm no spring chicken!), such good organization and hands-on supervision by directors Tracy Russler and JoAnne Miller, and a happy, easy atmosphere with doing chores and each of us working with "our" own horse in some way or other. This place and these two women have provided a haven for horses AND for people who love horses. If you're reading this blog, you should give it a try.

A New Year

2011-01-19T16:06:00.000-08:00

As a long term member of the Brook Hill Farm family I am extremely looking forward to kicking in gear and getting ready for 2011! What a great year for rescue and rehabilitation 2010 was. So many horses were given second chances and were placed in loving, caring homes. Though it is only January, it appears that we will be helping just as many, if not more, horses in need find the homes best suited for them.
To those of you new to this page, Brook Hill Farm is a rescue and rehabilitation center that values not only the need to physically rehabilitate a horse but also mentally and emotionally. Individual care and attention is given to each and every horse as they heal and make wonderful companions for others. Regardless of a horses past, at Brook Hill Farm they are a member of a herd of roughly thirty horses where they learn to be a horse again: running, playing and rolling with others. We take caring for our horses seriously and never rush the rehabilitation process. A rehabilitation and exercise plan is established for all horses that may include ground work, work under saddle, or simply some TLC.
This year we already have a couple new additions to our herd with promising futures. One of them is a quarter horse named Chance who came to us late in December. Chance is a wonderful gelding with little work under saddle; however, he is kind and good natured and we expect him to learn the ropes quickly. For more information on Chance and other horses in need at Brook Hill visit our website at www.brookhillfarm.org or keep visiting our blog site for updates on our horses progress. Thank you and have a Happy 2011!

Never Fear

2011-01-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

“Never Fear! The Farm is Here!”
By Nicole Miglis

In life, sometimes we have to step outside of the box and do things that we wouldn’t normally do. We only get to live once, so why not try new things? You never know if you can end up absolutely loving it! It seems as though as we get older we get sucked into the routine of life. It also from time to time appears as though there isn’t much time for fun anymore due to the mundane rituals of life. Let’s be real, how can you honestly say you wouldn’t like something if you haven’t even tried it yet? That is where I decided to make one of the best decisions of my entire life.
I have friends at home who love horses. They absolutely live, breathe, eat, and sleep everything HORSES. I never really understood the hype because I didn’t have the chance to be around too many horses in my lifetime. Not until I came to college did I finally understand what my friends were talking about for the many years that I had known them. A few months back, I was talking to a friend who mentioned to me that she was looking for a place to volunteer where they had large animals on the premises. I told her that I had come across this place online called “Brook Hill Farm,” and I proceeded to tell her that their website had shown that you can learn about horses, get acquainted with them, and even learn how to care for them. We agreed to go out to the farm on a Sunday.
This is where my adventure officially began and that Sunday which was very much anticipated had come very quickly. It was my first time in a long time being around horses. I had done some riding when I was younger, but that was so long ago I couldn’t remember a thing. I forgot how to even approach a horse! Yet, I was interested and curious, but still a little intimidated at the same time. I mean, you would be too if you weren’t used to being around a 1300 pound animal! JoAnne Miller and Tracey Russler were so friendly and welcomed us with open arms. Brook Hill Farm is one big family that works together for the greater good of the horses. This is what attracted me most to the farm.
Brook Hill Farm has truthfully changed my life from the very first day that I decided to go. I feel as though there are times where I feel like I do not fit in with others, but not at Brook Hill. All of the girls there welcomed me with open arms and did think twice about it! I honestly feel like they accepted me into their family and allowed me to just be me. They didn’t judge me, they helped me. Their knowledge about horses far surpassed mine, but they didn’t stick their noses high in the air. They wanted to help me and show me all the things that they knew. If I did something incorrectly they didn’t scold me, they would simply show me the correct way of doing it so that the next time I would do better. Brook Hill Farm really has a fantastic program going on here. I am learning at an exponential rate and I truly am learning how to refine myself.
I just recently became a college intern at Brook Hill. JoAnne and Tracey matched me up with a horse named Solomon. He is a beautiful thoroughbred cross, standing at a whopping 17 hands. I feel like I fell in love with this horse because he is so special to me. He teaches me responsibility, accountability, and most importantly patience. I can see a huge difference in my day to day attitude, as I am much more patient since working with Solomon. Being from the North, having patience doesn’t come very easily, but he changed my demeanor when it came to that specific area of my life. I also honestly feel like he is my buddy. He’s more than a “pet,” he’s a companion.
Being a beginner when it comes to horses can seem nerve-racking or even intimidating, but in reality it’s not bad at all! Brook Hill Farm was amazing, as they were patient and very helpful. Once you understand the basics, it seems like learning anything else! I must warn you, you may fall in love with these majestic animals because they can easily win your heart!

A New Year

2011-01-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Well a new year is here and we are going to work harder here at Brook Hill to get out the word about what we do. This year we are going to have several guest writers who will tell you there story and experiences here at Brook Hill. We hope you enjoy the experiences of the individuals that are part of the Brook Hill family. Our first two posts come from a new person at the farm and someone who has been a part of the farm for several years.

Say Hello to Bonnie!

2010-03-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

Bonnie just got here a few days ago but she is already looking so much better thanks to a Brook Hill volunteer who groomed her to perfection. We don't know much about her history but we can see the deformity in her left front leg that sadly resulted from an unset broken bone. It leaves her limping along but doesn't seem to have affected the sunny gleam in her eye or the sweet disposition this pony exudes, despite it all. We'll be following Bonnie to see just how her arrival here will affect her future....

Rain and Mud

2010-01-23T14:31:00.001-08:00

Wow what a winter it has been so far.....

I feel up to my neck in rain and mud. The volunteers have been real troopers working hard to keep the horses safe and fed and keep the facility up. We couldn't continue without the help of all our volunteers and staff. So a big thank you to you guys.

Our 4-H group is studying for horse bowl and learning all sorts of fun horse knowlege. These kids soak up this stuff.

Brookhill Farm Tuesday

2009-10-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tuesday afternoons at Brookhill Farm is all about horses, girls, work and fun.
That's because Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays are United Neigh days!

A typical Tuesday means arriving after school and doing your assigned chore for the month. This may be mucking out stalls, washing saddle pads, cleaning the wash stall, etc.

Then it's time to gather up your gear and head to your spot. The girls team up to go get their horses from the big field where more than 30 horses are usually grazing.

Before riding each horse has to be cleaned up, brushed and have his hoofs picked- this is known as "grooming the horse". Only after that is he tacked up with his bridle, saddlepad and saddle.

The horses get excercise by being walked or ridden depending on their rehabilitation status. Each rider is responsible for excersizing their horse to both the horses physical condition and their own abilities.

More about the United Neigh Program in the posts to come. Below is a brief slideshow of some of the activities this past Tuesday.

Slideshow goes here

This weekend the girls are participating in several activities that will ultimately help the horses at the farm.

About the Farm and its mission

2009-10-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

At Brook Hill Farm we believe in second chances. Every year, thousands of equine athletes suffer from neglect or potentially career-ending injuries. Many horses are neglected or abused, and are left alone to die in their fields. Horses that appear healthy, but are lame, may end up at auction. These horses are no longer useful to their owners, and they are taken to auction with the hope of being bought by a loving family. The bad news is that lame horses are rarely purchased by horse enthusiasts, and the majority of these animals end up being sold for slaughter. Sadly, the current economic conditions mean that the number of these horses in danger is dramatically increasing.
Brook Hill Farm provides a safe haven for these horses. Besides accepting horses in need from all over the country, the farm serves as the local horse rescue for the surrounding area. Veterinarians, a professional farrier, and a dedicated staff of trained volunteers work together to create and execute a rehabilitation plan uniquely tailored to each horse's situation. After a horse's rehabilitation is complete, it is available for free to a good home, used in the United Neigh program, or it is allowed a well deserved retirement on the property.
Some of our rehabilitated horses have gone on to compete at high levels in various disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, and eventing. Along with their new caregivers, Brook Hill horses participate in the United States Pony Club, 4-H, as well as many USEF and other sanctioned shows and clinics. Horses that do not fully recover remain on the farm to live out their natural life.

Brook Hill Farm Horse Rescue

2009-09-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new blog! This is where you can get up to date info on all the activity at Brook Hill Farm in Bedford, VA.

For more information about the farm and it's mission:
Brook Hill Farm Website