Fillmore “55” Equine Rescue Update

TRUHAVEN RANCH
23677 CABLE AVE
WINSTED, MN 55395
320-485-2449
TruhavenRanch.org
IN THIS
NEWSLETTER
Fillmore “55” Update
Page 3
Trail Challenge Clinic
Calendar
Spring Roundup Dance
Page 4
Sponsor a Horse Form
Membership Form
Page 5
Scandia Riders Saddle Club
MHARF OFFERS $9,000 in
Prize Money
Page 6
We Are Horse People
Corporate Sponsor Program
Page 7
Mulligan”s Minute
SOPHIE - is now all fattened
up, trimmed and off to her
new home!
Fillmore “55” Equine Rescue Update
Since our article in early January,
many people have asked for updated
information on the rescue. We have tried
to return all emails, calls and FB
messages, but some have slipped through
without our noticing. How can that be?
Umm, let me see now. . . . turns out that
the actual rescue and bringing them home
was the easy part.
The past three months have been
filled with many hours of extra work:
feeding, watering, cleaning up manure,
buying more hay, halter training,
veterinarian work, farrier work for 20+
more animals than we had planned for
this winter.
The support of equine lovers all over
the nation have made us incredibly proud
of what we do and the difference we can
make. The deluge of love and support, the
new friends and acquaintances we have
met, the ongoing assistance. . . This
makes what we do feel like it really
matters, people really care.
Pregnancy checks, eye surgeries and
castrations came first, then Coggin’s tests
and vaccinations plus another round of
deworming.
Some have now been adopted and
have gone to their new homes. Some are in
foster care for awhile yet. A few others are
now ready to be considered for adoption
while still others will be here quite a bit
longer as their rehabilitation and training
continues.
Daisy Mae, our sweet, gentle giant
has safely arrived at her new forever
home. She left March 6.
Sophie, the donkey, went home with
her person on February 16. She didn’t like
DAISY MAE - Dec. 2, 2012
At the end of the day, though, it is
the look of contentment on the face of a
well fed animal, it’s the greeting of those
now sure they will get fed, it’s the
curiosity and trust of the scared animal
who is now comes up to the humans
feeding them. The tentative touch of a
velvety nose saying thank-you, an eye
slowly calming with your approach . . .
This is why we do what we do.
All of the animals, both here and at
MN Hooved Animal Rescue have been
gaining weight steadily. Veterinary work
is slowly being finished for the remaining
forty-three.
Come and See Us at the MN Horse
Expo. Booth #329 in the Cattle
Barn and at the Wright Co. Fair
Stalls in the Main Horse Barn
DAISY MAE
3/2/2013
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TRUHAVEN CHRONICLE
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Fillmore “55” Equine Rescue Update
Sugar & Spice - a pair of
young Haflinger mares in
foster care.
the horses at her new home, but decided she
should mother the young steers.
A cute pair of Haflinger mares, Sugar and
Spice are back to full weight and ready to go to
work. They are currently in foster care and will
soon be evaluated on their training. We think
that they may have been driven together. They
are quiet and easy to handle, but with a bit of
spice thrown in.
As these animals gain weight and begin to
trust us, personalities begin to show up. We
have also realized that two ponies had been
severely abused at some time. Their story will be
ongoing for quite some time as we try to get
through their fear and turn them into useful
animals.
GQ is a beautiful, bay, 4 year old Hackney
Casey Tibbs, a 4 year
old john mule has lost
his starvation belly and
is looking pretty pleased
with himself.
He is now halter broke
and has had dental and
farrier work done.
Casey Tibbs is a
candidate for the
2013 MN Hooved
Animal Rescue Trainer’s
Challenge
pony gelding with the most amazing high
stepping motion. He got his name when Candy
asked Sarah , “What do you call a handsome
guy?” She said, “He’s GQ” and the name stuck.
With a body score of 1,
GQ was brought into the barn
GQ
for extra feed and care as
soon as we could get him
sorted out. We soon found
out that he is deathly afraid of
people, especially if you are
carrying a pick to clean his
stall. When we first stalled
him, he would come at you
with teeth bared and front
legs striking, if you
continued into the
stall, he would kick. If
that failed to get you
out, he would cower in
the back corner,
shaking from head to
toe, then try to climb
out the back if you
moved toward him. He
was a stallion when we
got him and we are
assuming that he was
stalled separately and beaten with the stall
cleaning tools.
Candy has spent hours talking to him and
moving around him. He has been more and
more curious as people stop to talk to him.
Finally, on March 4, he actually stayed facing
her and touched the pick handle in her hand. A
minor thing, but a huge step for GQ. His
rehabilitation shows promise but it will be a
long journey. He will need sponsors to help
care for his costs while we work with him.
MERRYLEGS an
adorable 46”, 12 year old
POA mare came with a
cute little mule at her
side. His name is A.L.F.,
he is a year old, halter
broke, gelded and ready
for someone to take him
home and love him. He
will mature about 13 hh.
Merrylegs, however, is a different story.
She was
deemed
dangerous
by everyone
who knew of
her. The
story is that
she had
been at Wilbur Schmoll’s for 6 years, had
been roped and sold numerous
times, but she was always brought
back. She strikes and bites when
you touch her head, she has been so
traumatized that she shakes in fear
when you catch her. Her big, gentle
eyes tell us that she wants to try, she
will take a treat from your hand. We
think she was trained at an earlier
time in her life. Our goal is to help
her trust again.
In addition to the Fillmore
Equines, we have been
involved in rescuing several
other animals this winter,
including 3 goats, one of which
is ready to have babies any day
now. Now, back to buying hay,
manure removal, picking up a
rescue equine, etc. Everyday
there are new challenges and
new accomplishments here at
Truhaven Ranch. More to follow next issue.
FRIENDS OF
TRUHAVEN RANCH
Thank You! Thank You!
Everyone!
We appreciate everyone’s support!!!!!
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Message From Board President, Sarah Smith
The Fillmore Rescue. It is hard to
believe three months have passed since
the Fillmore rescue. As most of you
know, this has been an enormous
undertaking for Truhaven Ranch,
especially going into the winter months.
On behalf of the Truhaven
Board, I would like to take a
moment to express my
sincere thanks to everyone
who helped with this
remarkable effort. Your
kindness and generosity will
never be forgotten. I would
also like to give you quick
update on a few of the Fillmore rescues
who have made Truhaven their home the
past few months:

Belgian, Daisy Mae gained nearly
300 lbs and found a new forever home.
We were all taken in by this gentle mare’s
remarkable courage and spirit especially
during the rescue effort. We also enjoyed
watching her demolish a fresh round bale
and taking naps in the winter sun.

Buttons, a delightful little molly
mule with a larger than life personality,
got a bright, shiny purple halter and loves
to kick up her heels in her paddock. She
has obviously had
previous training and
was a perfect little
lady when she got her
feet done by Farrier
Dan. Way to go
Buttons!

Our white
Donkey, Ghost is
getting better every day and has made
friends with Koko and Kodee, Truhaven’s
mini donkeys. She is particularly fond of
ground hay. Ghost makes us smile every
day with her odd character.

Merrylegs, our POA pony mare,
is becoming more and more interested in
humans and is starting to trust and
establish a rapport with her handlers.
We Need You! I’m thrilled when people ask me about Truhaven.
One question I’m frequently asked is: “How Can I Help?” Below
are a few suggestions:
1.
Buy a Membership. These memberships help further our
efforts at Truhaven and also provide you with updated
information about what’s happening at the ranch. You will
also receive our newsletter as well as e-blasts and special values
on promotional items. Also, please keep Truhaven Ranch in
mind when thinking about a gift for a family member or friend
as buying a membership supports a great cause!
2.
Sponsor an Animal. The estimate to feed and care for an
equine is $3000 per year and can often be more as some of the
rescues need special care and treatment. Your sponsorship is
encouraged to help us care and rehabilitate our equines.
3. Donations. Monetary or in-kind donations are always needed.
In particular, hay, bedding and feed are always in demand.
4. Attend the March 23, 2013 Spring Roundup Benefit
Dance. Our benefit dance is being held at the Blue Note
Ballroom in Winsted on Saturday, March 23, 2012 from 8PM to
Midnight. You are all cordially invited and guaranteed to have a
great time dancing and listening to The Basement Band.
Proceeds from the benefit will help support the on-going
expenses for rehabilitation and training for the Fillmore equines
under the care of Truhaven Ranch and the MN Hooved Animal
Rescue Foundation (MHARF).
I’m truly grateful to be part of such a great organization and I look
forward to seeing everyone at the Spring Roundup Benefit dance in a
few weeks! Until then, happy trails!
Sarah
I love sharing stories about our
remarkable animals. These are but a few
but you can be sure more will be
forthcoming in upcoming
newsletters…..please stay tuned!
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TRUHAVEN RANCH Equine Sponsorship
Make a Difference in an Equine’s Life.

The Sponsorship Program gives you a chance to help the equine you choose with their care and maintenance or rehabilitation.
Sponsors may be listed on the website unless you choose not to be.
Name___________________________________________________________________ Date___________
Address_______________________________ City________________________ State______ Zip________
Contact Number ________________________________E-Mail Address_____________________________
SPONSORSHIP
Individuals or Groups sponsoring an equine will receive a photo of the sponsored animal and updates via e-mail and on the website, for the length of your
sponsorship. Visit and interact with your sponsored animal by appointment
___ $ 75.00 Per Month (helps covers feed)
___ $150.00 Per Month (helps covers feed, Vet, farrier)
___ $500.00 Per Month (helps covers all above plus training

It costs approximately $3,000 per year for care (vet, farrier,
board) for one 1000# equine. Rehabilitation costs are considerably higher.

Each equine may have more than one sponsor or you may
sponsor more than one equine

A donation of any amount is very welcome.
Please Note the name of the equine you wish to sponsor:
Please mail completed form along with your gift in check or money order to:
Truhaven Ranch, Inc.
23677 Cable Ave.
Winsted, MN 55395
Donations may be made
on our website.
TRUHAVEN RANCH Membership Application
Membership for Truhaven Ranch runs January to December. Please Join Us!
Benefits Include:

Satisfaction in providing assistance for our rehab and educational programs for both equines and humans



Newsletters
E-news and E-blasts
Special values on promotional items
Full Name __________________________________________________Date________
Street Address __________________________________________________________
City, State and Zip ________________________________________________________
Phone________________________ E-mail Address _____________________________
____ Newsletters will be e-mailed unless you check here.
Check Membership Level
____ $20 Youth (17 & Under), Sr. (62 & over)
____ $250 Supporter
Or College Student
____ $30 Individual
____ $500 Contributor
____$100 Sustaining Member
____ $1,000 Benefactor
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2013 Update
Scandia Riders Royalty Raises Funds For Truhaven Ranch
Thank You Scandia Riders Saddle Club and
your wonderful royalty
who raised over $1,000
for Truhaven Ranch with
a raffle at their annual
meeting in January.
Below is Kayla Hosler’s
speech for the Queen
competition .
“I believe that being
Scandia Riders Saddle
Club Queen would give me
the opportunity to promote
horses by bringing to light
the gifts horses have to offer people. So often when
people think about horses, they think of competitions,
fancy clothes and tack, and ribbons, prizes or
status. But I have learned that the real gifts horses
offer us have little to do with winning shows. The
following three examples are just a few of the
ways I have witnessed horses change lives.
For the last couple of years, I have
volunteered for an organization called River Valley
Riders (RVR). Throughout the years, I have seen
how horses improve the physical, mental, verbal
and emotional development of adults and children
with various challenges. Not only do horses help
encourage growth, I have seen the immeasurable
joy the horses bring to those students. We
recently returned from winter break and on our
first night back, I was welcomed by the squeals,
hugs, laughter and pure joy that was brought on
by seeing the horses again!
I have also seen how horses can change
the lives of troubled teens. I went to school with a
student who had been in and out of juvenile
detention centers, was deep into drugs and
alcohol, and had been failing out of school for a
couple of years. Then he became involved with
horses. These “friends” did not judge him, taught
him responsibility and trust, and gave him a
purpose. They helped change his path and gave
him a new future.
Horses have also made a huge difference in
my life. I have always been the quiet, shy one.
Working with horses has built me self-confidence
and has taught me that I really can do anything I
set my mind to if I am willing to work a little harder.
Because of horses, I have
made lasting friendships.
Horses have made me the
person I am today.
I believe horses have
so much to offer. I would love
to have the opportunity to
promote horses and horse
activities for the many ways
they can improve the lives of
people.”
Kayla Hosler, 2013 Scandia Riders Queen.
MHARF Offers $9000 in Prize Money
AUGUST 17 - 2013 Trainers Challenge
Applications Now Being Accepted
Hard to believe it is already that time
of year - but the days are getting
slightly longer, the sun a little
brighter, and one of these days the
dreaded ticks and deer flies will be
back. On a happier note, these signs
of returning warmth also bring with
it our call to all trainers interested in
participating in the 2013 Trainers
Challenge!
Applications received and approved before April 1st will be allowed to
pick up their horse two weeks earlier than those entering after April 1st.
For an application go to: http://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/
Keep an eye on the candidates for this year's challenge on our horses page.
Leatherdale Equine Center at the U of MN
Judges: Judy Jenson, Bob Johnson and ??????
ART AUCTION - SILENT AUCTION
(763) 856-3119
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We are "horse people"
You don't have to
understand us…….
 We have no
problem eating a
sandwich directly
after mucking
stalls.
 We know why a
thermometer has
to have a string
attached to the
end and lights and
cords have to be
covered or kept
out of reach.
 We know that all
external medicine is either
waterproof, blue or yellow.
 We are not welcome in
Laundromats.
 We can lower ...or raise our
voice instantly by 5 octaves to
shout at the dog who has
decided to stalk a horse or make
a snack of horse apples.
 We would sooner quit a



relationship than give
up our horse.
 We talk to our truck
to make it up the hill
and believe that a new
truck is a luxury car.
 We know more
about our horse's diet
than our own.
 We buy grain and
hay before buying our
own food.
 It’s
common to see
us wearing
barn clothes in public,
and we wear them with
pride...mud and all.
We know that mucking
a stall is the best cure
for depression.
We get along better with
most animals than
people.
We are quick to lend a
hand in a crisis and we


will always make time for a
friend.
We know that only horse people
understand this special
community we're a part of, and
know we share something
special.
A hand shake is our bond.
Truhaven Ranch Offers Programs For Corporate Sponsors
This year, our corporate
sponsors will have the
opportunity to use
Truhaven Ranch for their
Company events .
Plan your own program or
work with us to create a
truly unique program.
Area attractions include:

Chuckwagon Cookouts

Fire pit

Entertainment

Crow River Winery


Old Victorian Inn
Obstacle Courses

Equine Interaction

Shadow Brook Golf
Course

Meeting Room

Old West Saloon
To discuss available options please Contact :
Cynthia Glock at 773-991-7430.
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Mulligan's Minute
Hello everyone,
My name is Mulligan, I was the first
of many rescued mules at Truhaven
Ranch. For those of you who do not
know who I am, I'm going to tell you
a little story about the happiest day
of my life here on Truhaven Ranch .
My mother used to tell me that
I was a very special boy. I am a
mule, but some humans have called
me a hybrid. I have no idea what
that means but it sure does sound
cool. Anyway my mother told me
that someday I would find my very
own special human. Someone I
could take care of and love
unconditionally and they would
show me the same feelings. So,
imagine my surprise when I finally
saw her on the ranch and knew
instantly that she was “the one”. I
ran up as fast as I could, yelling and
jumping all the way to the gate. She
didn't even notice me. What???
What the heck was going on here?
My momma said my human would
know. I know it's her, why doesn't
she know?
I did everything I could to grab
her attention. I ran the fence line, I
leaped through the air, and I played
hard with the other equines. I even
tried to push my way out of the gate
to hug her every time another
human opened the gate. Apparently
I was being pushy and rude when I
did that...whatever that means.
I had to figure out a way for my
girl to notice me without being this
"pushy and rude" animal. It wasn't
too many hours of eating from the
round bale and the answer came to
me. Well, it didn't really come to
me...it sort of just happened....
My human, her name was Melissa as
I learned from the chickens, had just
brought her pony to the farm and he
was going to be released into our
pen. I glared at him from behind
the shed. I might have been a little
jealous, well, maybe a lot. I walked
up to him to introduce myself and I
might have fibbed as to who I was ...at
the time. I said "I am the
ambassador of Truhaven Ranch and
our pen never receives any attention.
In fact, this is where they put equines
they don't want anymore." This was
probably not the best thing for me to
have said, but I was upset and jealous.
Anyone who knows me is aware that I
sometimes act without thinking
things through. Long story
short...Chaucer (the pony) would not
leave the gate. He cried and cried and
cried. My sense of time isn't always
the best, but I think it was about
zillion years before Melissa came to
the gate to console her whiny, crybaby
pony. She asked him what was
wrong, and why he was so sad. Of
course the tattle tale pony told her
what I said. She looked right at me.
Oh my goodness...she looked right at
me! This is it! She saw me! She
stomped over to me and I panicked, I
knew she was mad about what I told
Chaucer. I quickly tossed my head
over her shoulders and gave her a big
Mulligan hug before she could yell at
me. I just held her until I felt her
relax. She put her arms around my
neck and just held me. Finally my
human noticed me. It only took
forever to get her attention. That
was the beginning of our
relationship, I had found the person
my momma always said I would.
Apparently that was a little
over a year ago
(according to the
humans talking...not a
zillion . . . whatever. . .),
and we have had so
Mulligan
many adventures
and
together since that first
day. Melissa doesn't
Melissa
call them adventures,
she calls them
Connect
"surviving on
Mulligan." I personally
think she overreacts to
some of my decisions
on the trail, but that is a
story for a different time.
Oh, I almost forgot the other
amazing thing that happened that
day so long ago...the animals at
Truhaven Ranch have made me the
"Spokesmule" for the farm because
of my persistence and my fantastic
communication skills. One of my
duties is to keep you folks informed
about the "goings ons" here at the
ranch. The humans decided it
would be best if I told you about a
different resident animal here every
newsletter. I agreed and I hope you
all do too.
So until we meet again I will
leave you with a little tip: Always
snort and swish your tail angrily
when you come upon large rocks.
This lets them know that you will
stomp them if they move suddenly.
In my experience on the trail, this
little tip has scared the rocks into not
moving at all until I am long out of
site.
Take care, until next time,
Love, Mulligan
2013 Community Outreach
Truhaven Ranch reached out to the community at the following events during
January and February.
23677 Cable Ave.
Winsted, MN 55395
320-485-2449
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President
Sarah Smith
4889 Iten Ave.
Howard Lake, MN 55349
612-723-8383
Vice President
Cynthia Glock
5525 Colfax Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
773-991-7430
Secretary
Sandra Peterson
5574 Jeffery Ave
Howard Lake, MN 55349
612-940-3208
Treasurer
Anne LeClaire
8506 210th St.
Silver Lake, MN 55381
320-224-7128
Board of Directors
Darla Eichhorn
4016 Tonkawood Rd.
Minnetonka, MN 55346
612-859-3131
Betsy Kitslaar
6121 Ridgeway Rd.
Edina, MN 55436
612-799-1525
Executive Director
Candy Phillips
23677 Cable Ave
Winsted, MN 55395
320-224-5454
Equine Manager
Melissa Norton
23677 Cable Ave
Winsted, MN 55395
763-639-7883
January 2
Monticello Pizza Ranch Tip Night
January 5
MN Donkey & Mule Club Annual Meeting, Blooming Prairie
January 10
CASA Fundraiser Gala, Minneapolis
January 12
Scandia Riders Saddle Club Annual Meeting, Scandia
January 19
MN Horses Council Annual Meeting, Golden Valley
January 30
AgriNews Interview (Article in Feb. AgriNews)
February 2
Central MN Donkey & Mule Days Annual Meeting, Orrock
February 7,8
MAVT - Vet Tech Conference, St. Paul
February 8
Winsted Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
February 18
Vet-Tech Students from St. Cloud visit Truhaven Ranch
February 22
McLeod County Leaders For Tomorrow tour Truhaven
February 22
ASPCA Rescue Professionals Conference, Fort Worth, TX
February
Featured in Farm Horizons Magazine and in Country Today
NOTE: April 20
CANCELLED
Trail Challenge Clinic
SAVE THESE DATES
September 14
Wild West Day at Truhaven Ranch
October 19
Halloween Trail Challenge Event
TruhavenRanch.org
IN
New Arrivals Since 12/15/12
OUT
Adopted Since 12/15/12
SHILO - 13 yr. old, 14.2 hh, QH mare
MATTIE
SIERRA - 20 yr. old, 15 hh, QH mare
SHAWNEE
PONCHO - 14 yr. old Draft X Gelding
PONCHO
BOONE’S BANDITO - 10 yr. old, 15. 2 hh, Paint Mare
SAIGE
BAXTER - 10 yr. old, 15 hh Mustang gelding
DAISY MAE
SADIE - 14 yr. old, 14.3 hh, Saddlebred Mare
SOPHIE
GEM (aka WILLOW) - 10 yr. old, 15 hh, QH mare
SHILO
SADIE - 13 yr. old, 15.1 hh, Morgan/QH mare
Truhaven Ranch is incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit entity.