January 2024 Newsletter

Comi's Comeback Concert

We did it! Because of all of your help and that of all of our wonderful supporters The Petty Nicks Experience Comi's Comeback fundraiser concert was a hit. We SOLD OUT and raised $7,849 (after concert expenses) to get Nuevo Comienzo aka Comi into surgery. We scheduled surgery with Dr. Honnas in January. That being said, Comi and others here at the ranch, have received their annual dental procedures to help them better masticate their hay/grain, helping them meet their nutritional needs and alleviate any oral pain as well. This mostly simple procedure helps horses achieve and maintain balance throughout their bodies... in normal conditions.

Now, imagine how good Comi will feel after having her surgery. I know she doesn't look happy in this picture, but I can promise you she's on the right path to feeling better. Thank you again to all of our wonderful supporters! Our Comi Clan is THE BEST!!

AND....a HUGE shout out to Dr. Shayna Warner and her amazing asst Mikah for taking the time and providing only the best care over the past couple of days to get all of these dental caught up. You guys are THE BEST!!!

Comi's journey

Nuevo Comienzo aka Comi

Comi was surrendered because her performance on the field has become less than par and she had started bucking riders off. She was seen by our veterinarian and confirmed to have a severe case of kissing spine. This condition is extremely painful and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

On January 4 Comi started her Journey to Texas for the kissing spine surgery. Stops were made every four hours to check on Comi's well-being, provide drinks to make sure she stayed hydrated with continual hay.

Follow her continued journey on our Facebook page as we provide her updates.

Our little Lady is doing well in the beginning stages of her rehab. She'll be on stall rest for 2 weeks with 10 minutes of hand-walking. She has started laser therapy as well.

Even though Comi does have some post-surgical pain, she is feeling so much better. Her whole demeanor has changed. She has a lightness to her, her energy is much more positive and SHE'S AFFECTIONATE!! more loving and social. This is what we do here! We fix the WHOLE horse. We rehab the SOURCE ailment, not just the symptoms. We improve the quality of life... We make comebacks bigger than setbacks!!

VIEW video of Comi's current progress.

Ways to Give

Donate through ROUND-UP Program

https://eliteequinerescue.org/#donate

How Round-Ups Work

Connect an Eligible Card - Link an eligible credit card that you'd like to use for your round-up donations
Make Card Purchases - Purchases made on that card will Round-Up to the next dollar as change that is donated
Change is Donated Monthly - "Round-Up" change from your card purchases is donated on the last day of each month

Donate through Kings Soopers Community Rewards

Now you can help our rescue horses every time you buy groceries at King Soopers (or any Krogers brand like Smiths) just by using your loyalty card. All you have to do is register your loyalty card in the Community Rewards Program on the King Soopers website.

Visit: https://www.kingsoopers.com/signin
Log into your existing account
Search for Elite Equine Rescue (Organization KB608) in the “Community Rewards” link in the “My Account Menu”
Click “Enroll”

Success Stories

Happy adoption day, Remi, Pumpkin and Dakota!

Remi was recently adopted by a family that was having their horse rehabbed at Elite Equine Rescue.

Remi is a registered five year-old Quarter Horse gelding. He had a minor coffin bone fracture that is now healed. He had some training but his new owners will enjoy finishing that training.

We are thrilled he has found a new home, but will be missed.

Our barn manager John handed off his buddy, Pumpkin to his new owners! This is the beginning of Pumpkin's happily-ever-after. Congratulations Maddie and Donavon! We couldn't be more happy with this pairing. After coming in significantly underweight, very poor dental health, and a gut of sand and parasites, we were able to get this guy on-track. He gained about 175-200 lbs and a spritely attitude to boot. We're excited to follow their amazing journey together.

We also received news that Dakota has a new home. She is super sweet. She will be going to her new home later this month.

Available for Adoption in Spring/Summer 2024

Lucy

20ish year old Westphalian mare. She will require some maintenance. Available spring.

Jack and LeDoux: Off the track Thoroughbreds that are being restarted as Hunter Jumper prospects.

Barn News

New Outdoor Arena

Our horses now have a beautiful new outdoor arena for training. The arena footing is FINALLY here! It's hard to believe how far we've come in a short time. So many blessings along the way.

Realization: Holding it in my hand and letting it fall through my fingers is very surreal. It's been so long coming. Thank you to all who have supportive this journey!! Now, rehabbing/reconditioning the rescues can happen all the time!

Winter Weather at the Barn

Due to the extreme cold temperatures in January the indoor arena was set up for horses that did not have shelters in their paddocks. This resulted in building corrals for six horses. Horse hotel is officially open for business. A HUGE "thank you" to all of those who showed up to help with set-up, prep, feeding and jockeying horses around to make sure that everyone has a warm cozy spot out of the wind.

Fox21 News came out to visit our Elite Equine Rescue to see how we we were handling the cold weather. VIEW Fox21 story.

Lessons

Lessons are available at Elite Equine Rescue. We have horses that suit all your needs. CLICK HERE for additional information.

Our Wish List

There are other ways to donate to EER other than direct monetary donations. The following are items currently on the EER wishlist.

Extra-large storage totes for blankets
Heavy duty hoses
Hay totes
Gorilla tape
Heaters for grain room
Additional electrical infrastructure for water heaters and rehab equipment
Horse Vibration Plate for rehab such as https://equivibe.com/product/aluminum-equivibe-4080/ or https://equivibe.com/product/aluminum-equivibe-3540/
Topsung 4 Long Range Walkie Talkies Rechargeable for Adults
ATV for manure removal
Outdoor paddock footing materials to mitigate mud for improved hoof health
Outdoor wash rack stall
Ceecoach 2 Duo Rider/Trainer Bluetooth Communication for The Equestrian - Winter Sports - Industrial Intercom System - Unisex
Arena sponsorship banners $300 annually

We could not exist without the kindness of our supporters. Thank you!

Volunteers

Elite Equine Horse Rescue relies on our dedicated group of volunteers to care for our horses every day. We are always in need for volunteers for daily operations and increased horse surrenders. The barn is a family-friendly environment where everyone of all ages can share in the horse experience.

CLICK HERE to view information about volunteer opportunities.

ABOUT US:

Elite Equine Rescue (EER) gives abandoned, abused, and slaughter-bound horses a second chance at a better life. EER is one of the few rescues in the nation that specializes in performance horses rehabilitation due to injury or neglect. We heal all of our horses to their fullest potential then find them a forever home in and around the Pikes Peak Region.

Being one of a few rescues in the nation with this performance specialty and unique rehabilitation techniques, EER has been able to help over 90 horses back to a sound condition, with 98% rehome success since 2018.

Did You Know?

85% of first-time horse owners get rid of their horses within five years.

152,000 horses a year are slaughtered for human consumption abroad.

92.3% of horses going to slaughter are in their prime (7-10 years old), healthy and in good condition.

Website: https://eliteequinerescue.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EERsaves/

Email: eers.outreach@gmail.com

Phone: 719-428-0104

Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers. The Elite Equine Team and the horses that they serve are deeply grateful for the donations that make our meaningful work possible.