Lady Jane clowns around in her new home.
(Press Release)—Our Mims Retirement Haven welcomed a new mare to its facility in Paris, Kentucky on November 8, 2014.
The name and identity of the gray Thoroughbred mare is unknown. She was donated by a person who saved her from a kill buyer, but that person was not able to provide proper care, and the mare’s condition had begun to deteriorate.
According to Dr. Travis Burns of Park Equine Hospital in Lexington, the mare appears to be about 25 years of age. He scored her a 3 on the Henneke horse body condition test.
“Until we know who this mare is, we’re calling her Lady Jane,” says Cheryl Bellucci, Director of Fund Raising and Promotion for OMRH. “We will be sharing everything we know about her on our web site.”
Jeanne Mirabito, farm manager for OMRH, has been caring for the mare since Lady Jane’s arrival. Says Mirabito: “I look at Jane and tear up.
While it may be some time before we know her whole story, she wears psychological scars that tell me she has had more than her fair share of trauma. That she was saved from slaughter and her identiy stripped away is only the tip of the iceberg. I can see it in her eyes.
The hard times are behind her now. Love, care and heaing are all she will know from this day on. I look forward to the day when I can look into her eyes and see she knows she is safe.”
Since her arrival, Lady Jane has been bathed, had an overall health assessment, and had her teeth floated. She has settled down from some initial skittishness. The mare is currently being kept in a separate barn from the other Ladies and Elmhurst, but she will be moved to the bigger Haven barn when she is stronger.
Our Mims welcomes a 25-year-old mystery mare they are calling Lady Jane.
The Haven is taking donations for Lady Jane’s care. Donors can either send money directly to Our Mims Retirement Haven, 2810 Millersburg Ruddles Mill Rd, Paris, KY 40361 or through the Haven’s web site: www.OurMims.org. Those interested can also find a list of items needed by the Haven on the web site.
Our Mims Retirement Haven is also in need of volunteers to clean stalls. Mirabito sustained a shoulder injury shortly after Lady Jane’s arrival and is unable to work in the barn. If you live in the Paris, Kentucky area, have your own transportation, and are interested in working with the Ladies and Gent, please contact Jeanne at (859) 227-6304. The Haven is also soliciting funds to pay for help if volunteers are not available.
OMRH became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2006. Featured in Barbara Livingston’s More Old Friends, the Haven specializes in “restoring health and spirit in aged mares.” The Haven is supported through donations, eBay auctions, and its online shop.
Our Mims Retirement Haven is home to Princess Royale, Missy White Oak, Blue Viking, Ms. Royal Flagship, Trail Guide, Dogwood Patty, Exciting Bucket, and “Lady Jane.” Our Mims’ grandson, 1997 Breeder’s Cup™ Sprint winner Elmhurst, arrived in October of 2011. ♦
Oh my, what a blessing she has found in Jeanne and Our Mims. I wish I lived closer to help. She will find peace and security with you. Thank you Susan for spreading the word. I hope you do eventually find out the name of this sweet older mare.
Bless this beautiful horse. Wishing with all my heart and soul her fears subside sooner rather than later…
It would be wonderful to find this mare’s name and pedigree. She is the old style Thoroughbred with big bones, strong good feet and look at her shoulders! Even in the condition she is now – she is the model for classic TB!
Thanks to the person who rescued her!
Susan….thank you for doing this wonderful rescue story!!
Jeanne and Our Mims rescue are so incredible!
Thank you for taking care of these mares and making them happy and making them happy and healthy!!!
Susan, thanks for noting the need for barn help at Our Mims. People may want to reach out to the equine rescues in their own vicinity as well. They might be in need of occasional barn help, minor repairs to fences or gates, grounds and parking areas, trailers, general clean-ups, etc.
It’s up to the rescue to decide if they’re comfortable with that kind of participation, but you don’t know until you ask ’em.
What a beautiful mare! I will go to your site and donate for her. So glad she is safe now. Thank you for taking her in!!
Jeanne, I hope you will be able to find out who she is. We took in an elder TB gelding a year ago. We were able to see the first letter in his tattoo but unable to determine all the remaining numbers. The JC, because he is so old, was unable to tell us who he is because the digital records didn’t go back that far. We have named him “Rocky” and he will be 29 years old this coming January. He was less than a week from death when we got him and is now a sanctuary horse with us and trotting around healthy in the paddocks with the rest of the boys. Thank you for what you do for them !!!!!!!
Thank you, Susan! As always, you are wonderful.
My heart breaks for this mare. She has such a haunted look in her eyes. She is becoming quite agreeable but she still is unaware that she is safe. I can see her worry and feel her fear.
It often easier to heal the body than the mind.
Jeanne,
My pleasure. Not only did you guys write the whole thing — ahhhh— but it’s a great story. I’m sorry about your injury though. Geez.