Samson
Rescued gelding, 2010-2012

Samson came from a large APHA breeding facility where he spent much of his life stall-bound with limited to no turnout. However, after arriving at Rainbow Meadows, Samson enjoyed the freedom and space to run, grass to eat, and the chance to grow up like a youngster should. Samson was diagnosed with juvenile cataracts that Rainbow Meadows had hoped to have treated before he was lost to a tragic pasture accident. Samson, dear boy, you will be missed.

From Karen Everhart: It is with incredible sadness that I share the news of a tragic loss here at Rainbow Meadows. 

Tonight, as we were completing evening chores, we watched Samson, a coming 2 year old, run and play in anticipation of his dinner.  We were commenting that it would be hard to ride such an athletic horse when all of a sudden Samson slipped and fell.  He jumped right up and I knew immediately that he had broken his leg.  We grabbed his halter and stopped him within a very short time of the accident.  I felt sharp boney points under the skin and could move the leg, below the knee, side to side.  I knew this was a horrible accident. 

Our Vet was here within an hour and confirmed our concerns. The cannon bone and the knee were shattered.  We had no choice but to humanely euthanize him. 

Samson was such a sweet and trusting boy.  The accident happened in less than a second yet it cost him his life. 

Hug your horse at your earliest opportunity.  They can be gone so quickly.

Penrod (a.k.a. Buddy)

Rescued gelding, 1975-2011

When Buddy was almost 30 years old, his owner had mentioned to a neighbor that he was looking for a slaughter auction for the "old black gelding".  Fortunately, this neighbor began a vigilant search for help.  Before long, a team of willing and concerned volunteers had convinced the old rancher that there was a better place for Buddy.  A volunteer for Rainbow Meadows Rescue and Retirement, Inc., pulled her trailer to northern Kansas on a cold March day, then trucked all the way south to Sedan, delivering Buddy to our facility.  He arrived severely underweight, loaded with worms and with a matted hair coat. Luckily, Rainbow Meadows staff worked diligently to rehabilitate him to his healthier, spunkier self and he went on to his wonderful forever home.

Lil' Bit
Rescued mare, 1986-2011

Lil’ Bit was abandoned at an auction in Wichita, Kansas - so thin that no one would even pay the minimum bid of $5.00 for this poor Pony of America mare. At over 20 years of age, blind in one eye and nearly blind in the other, she was covered in lice and filth when she arrived at Rainbow Meadows. She weighed in at less than 450 pounds and in truly pathetic condition. However, after a cleansing bath to kill the lice and another to treat all the skin lesions caused by them, a badly needed hoof trim, applications of various medications, and two good meals, she was already doing better by the end of the day. Rainbow Meadows worked daily to bring her back to good health before she went on to her forever home, where she was a wonderful companion to another blind horse for the remainder of her life.

From Lil' Bit's adopter: Lil Bit stole our hearts the first time we saw her. She was a very sweet old girl and we will miss her greatly. Parting is such sweet sorrow. See you at the Bridge, Lil Bit.

Lil' Bit in August 2011

Black Velvet

Retired mare, 1985-2011

Black Velvet was on the truck to slaughter when she was trampled by the others and could not get back to her feet. When the truck driver found her under the other horses, he decided to leave her at a nearby sale barn with the intentions of coming back later to take her on to the slaughter plant. Thanks to the many concerned donors and volunteers who provided dollars, time and transport, the Arabian mare came to Rainbow Meadows in December2006. She healed well from her scrapes and bruises, and was later retired to the rescue by Team Velvet of the Fans of Barbaro.

Read "Black Velvet: No Regrets," by Karen Everhart

Sterling

Rescued gelding, 1982-2011

A grey Arab gelding, Sterling was estimated at being within a month of death from severe malnourishment when rescued by Rainbow Meadows. He was very weak but willing to cooperate, and upon arrival, indicated that he understood his lot in life had changed. He is a very friendly horse and eagerly anticipates mealtime, but does require a senior diet. Sterling is well on his way to recovery. He has a history of having been a successful 4-H horse and family mount. He was fully back to health by the summer of 2008 when he was adopted into a forever home where he served as a 4-H horse and rodeo queen mount. His adopters will miss him!

Read "Rest Well, Sterling," by Karen Everhart

SDR Alimah Curia (a.k.a. Curi)

Mare, Khemosabi GGDaughter

March 11, 1994 - April 2011

 Registering Organization: Arabian Horse Association

Registration Number: 0524094

Curi was adopted in the fall of 2007. Curi had been generously donated by her loving and compassionate owner with the intention that the proceeds from her adoption would be used to support the efforts of Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement, Inc. The donation provided by her adopter did just that, and she went on to an incredible forever home where she had her very own "girl." She will be greatly missed by her loving adoptive family.

Ny Philli (a.k.a. Nia)

Rescued mare, 1983-2010

Registering organization: Arabian Horse Association

A Legacy Lives On...
By Karen Everhart

On December 28, 2010 we said goodbye to our dear friend, Nia. When we arrived at her paddock for breakfast, she was lying near her run-in, peaceful and still. She was gone from this world but she could finally see again.

Ny Philly, a beautiful bay Arabian mare, was the first rescue horse ever admitted to Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement, Inc. in 2005. She arrived at Rainbow Meadows without fanfare or parades. Rather, she arrived after she received a death sentence, which her executioner refused to carry out.

In the winter of 2004, after years of serving as a broodmare, Nia, blind for many years, was taken to Meadowbrook Veterinary clinic in Andover, KS because she was unable to become pregnant. Already 24 years old, Dr. John Brooks determined that Nia could no longer conceive and needed to be retired from her servitude as a broodmare. The owner, unable to see any value in the mare, authorized her euthanasia when it was clear that no additional offspring could be produced. Fortunately, Dr. Brooks saw an otherwise healthy horse which, because of her blindness, simply needed a ‘safe place’ to live out the remaining years of her life, and refused to put her down. He felt that Nia had something to offer to the right home.

A wonderful woman was notified of Nia’s situation; her owner wanted her euthanized, the Vet did not want to do it, but the mare needed a safe place to land, could she help? As she began searching for opportunities, Garen was told that there was a couple who were planning a small rescue in the near future. That was all she needed to know.

Soon she placed a call to Karen Everhart.  Karen and her husband David were making final preparations for a move in the spring of 2005 to a 240 acre ranch near Sedan, KS. It was their intention to rescue a couple of horses each year of their retirement, rehabilitate them, and they find new homes. Garen was straight-forward:  Could they help Nia?

The idea of a blind horse was intimidating for the Everhart’s. In addition, they had no place to house the horse until their move. They did not feel they could help unless a location for temporary custodial care could be secured until facilities were available at the Sedan location.

Garen immediately began searching for a custodial care location and found an angel in Alex Harmon, an Arabian lover, who agreed to house Nia until she could be transferred to Rainbow Meadows.

On September 15, 2005 Nia was delivered to Rainbow Meadows. A lovely mare, Nia demonstrated a behavior which indicated that she had resided in a small stall for years. She was unable to walk straight at liberty, always turning in a tight 10 foot circle to the right. 

The first order of business was to provide a safe enclosure and to begin teaching her that she was no longer in a stall. She was initially housed in a large oval round pen, and repeated teaching sessions were held to begin expanding her ability to move in a larger circle and, eventually, in a straight line.

After a few days, she was beginning to understand that her world was no longer limited to a 12 foot stall and she began to explore the pen. As a result, panels were added to her enclosure, increasing the space she had available to her. As her confidence increased, she was more and more curious about her new space. Her hay and water were always kept in the same location and she knew exactly where to locate them.

Soon it became apparent that she could move to a paddock of her own. For the first time in a long time, Nia had her own pasture. It was over one acre in size with its own run-in shed. For a time, she had a pasture mate, another blind horse, and they got along very well. Eventually, Rainbow Meadows acquired a third blind horse and a decision was made to partner two of the horses and allow Nia the paddock on her own. She had neighbors and she had access to the pastured herd on 3 sides of her enclosure; she was never alone.

There were always challenges in the management of a blind horse. But through each challenge, Nia was always steadfast in her willingness to be a stalwart teacher for her care. She was patient when we made mistakes and responsive when we called her name. She would not do more than startle if we came upon her too quietly. She would listen carefully if, when leading, we alerted her to changes in the terrain, and if we failed to prepare her causing her to trip, she would forgive us immediately.

Dr. Brooks was right, Nia had a job to do long after her previous owners wanted her killed; she needed to teach two rescue workers how to properly care for blind horses because blind horses need rescued too. 

So, her legacy lives on and will allow Rainbow Meadows to continue in the care of blind horses forever. Thank you, Nia! We will miss your low nicker each morning as we pass by your paddock. Thank you for teaching us what we needed to know to make you feel safe.

Danger Bay (a.k.a. "D")
Rescued gelding, June 30, 1989-July 2010
American Saddlebred Horse Association registration number: 92522

"Got a ladder?", was often heard when approaching this 16h 3" tall Saddlebred gelding that arrived at Rainbow Meadows in July 2009. Loss of job coupled with chronic and painful illness came to burden the kind and sweet owner of Danger, whom referred to as Big "D". This loving giant was an experienced show ring competitor and behaved like a perfect gentleman even though he spent every previous day of his life in a stall in a Saddlebred show barn. He was visually impaired in his left eye, but was a regal riding partner to his new adopter. Big "D" passed over Rainbow Bridget in July 2010 as the result of a stroke.

From his adopter: Danger Bay was a gift to me, I believe, from my PERFECT HORSE "Trucker" to show me that even though my heart was grieving his loss, I still had enough love to give to big "D" for his short time on earth. I will miss going out to the pasture and before I said anything he would look up and nicker and be the first one to the gate.

His buddy, Squirt, misses him also. Wherever "D" was, Squirt was close by. I think Squirt acted as D's seeing eye pony. "D" was losing sight in his other eye but he never felt he couldn't see. 

He will be missed by Squirt, Mia and Newman, but, most of all me. I know he felt loved at the end because I never left him and my hand was always on him letting him know I was there. I know he is in green pastures with Trucker being able to see everything and no longer hurting. My heart will be heavy with grief but also filled with love for a wonderful friend. 

Buttercup came to Rainbow Meadows as one of the "Lucky 19+4." The "Lucky 19+4" included 19 horses, donkeys, miniature mules and miniature horses (four of which were pregnant) that were seized on March 13, 2008 along with llamas, dogs, sheep, goats, cats, cattle, turkeys, chickens and prairie dogs in one of Kansas's largest cases of animal cruelty. Upon seizure, the horses and donkeys were placed at Rainbow Meadows, where they received the necessary care to bring them back to health. After being granted ownership of the equids, Rainbow Meadows declared them as up for adoption and forever homes were found. Buttercup passed over Rainbow Bridge on July 2, 2010 after nearly two years with her adoptive family when she was lost to acute colic.

Shag
Rescued gelding, 1987-2010

Shag was purchased with fellow gelding, Pepper, at a kill sale in the early 1990's in Arkansas by a wonderful couple who were involved informally in the rescue of dogs and cats. The gelding lived with this couple until the downturn in the economy caused foreclosure of their residence. A widespread effort was made by various rescue agencies to find homes for all the dogs, cats and horses. Rainbow Meadows agreed to step in to care for Shag and Pepper and find forever homes for these great guys. Shag passed over Rainbow Bridge on June 13, 2010 following a pasture accident that left him with a fractured hind leg.

From his adopter: You’ve heard of love at first sight… well, when I visited Rainbow Meadows, I knew right then I wanted to take him home with me and love him forever.

He had a wise look in his eye and the calm, settled look I was hoping to find in a horse for my not-so-young years. At our farm, he discovered many new animals and treated them gently. He sometimes let himself get pushed around, but let me be his champion, making sure he got his share of the food and attention.

That awful morning, Shag didn’t come for his breakfast. Finding him with a leg held gingerly in the air and so much swelling, my heart began to sink. A call to the vet and soon my worst fears were confirmed. Shag’s leg was broken and the only thing to do was to free him from the pain.

As I had promised his former owners, I stayed with Shag until his gentle heart stopped beating, rubbing his cheek and letting my tears fall just like the rain that was pouring down. God was crying with me as I helped my Shag pass over the Rainbow Bridge, taking a piece of my heart with him.

Sage
Rescued gelding, 1995-2010

Sage arrived with three others - Saffron, Zatar and Cayenne (the "Spice Gang"). The owner had abandoned them on a small 4-acre pasture in Chautauqua County, Kansas in March of 2009. The grass was quickly overgrazed but warm weather and frequent rains prevented the horses from dying of starvation. With the arrival of autumn, they began to lose weight rapidly. Fortunately, a concerned citizen contacted authorities, who were able to locate the absentee owner and secure the horses through a relinquishment agreement. Rainbow Meadows was asked to step in and admit the horses allowing us to start their rehabilitation immediately. Sage passed over Rainbow Bridge on April 27, 2010 as a result of secondary complications due to choke.

Sweet Pea

Rescued mare, 1975-2010

Sweet Pea arrived with Raven (who was later adopted out to her forever home) as the most emaciated horse the Rainbow Meadows staff had ever seen. Both were to be sold at a killer auction, but Sweet Pea was so thin that the killers refused to trailer her to the slaughterhouse in Texas. The instructions by a seller were to "take her out back and shoot her." Instead, she was saved by two generous Rainbow Meadows volunteers. She arrived with an extremely advanced abscess in her jaw and has severe calcification her rear fetlocks, but they do not cause her any noticeable pain. The staff worked tirelessly to bring Sweet Pea back to good health. She was been ridden on numerous occasions at the ranch, and proved to be a reliable mount to even the more inexperienced of riders, including children. She passed over Rainbow Bridge on April 23, 2010 at 35+ years of age as a result of natural causes.

Trucker

1988-2009

The Rainbow Meadows family lost one of its own in the fall 2009. On October 14th, Trucker - a steady Saddlebred who came to the rescue in a state of severe emaciation - died of rapid onset congestive heart failure. His loving adopter, Darla, was with him at the clinic until the end, when his heart simply gave out.

Darla adopted Trucker in March 2009, along with another rescue, Mia. Trucker was a wonderful partner for Darla, restoring the riding confidence she had lost in a terrible accident. Just the weekend before, they had participated in a Reins of Hope benefit trail ride. He had behaved like a gentleman, and had truly become her perfect horse!

One often fails to understand why things happen, but it is important to remember to have faith. Trucker gave Darla a precious gift - that of trust and confidence. Darla gave Trucker the gift of love. It was a match meant to be!

Romeo

Rescued Curly colt, March 11 - 21, 2009

Seized in a rural Kansas cruelty case in March of 2009, 8 horses (one pregnant) were found neglected and at great risk. Severely emaciated, heavily parasitized, lice infested, and virtually untouched, the "9 Lives" were found in a 5-acre lot which resembled a public landfill. There were carcasses of dead animals littering the property. There was no food to eat and the only water available was from a contaminated pond. However, they were rescued by Rainbow Meadows and were rehabilitated and trained to trust the humans in their life. Romeo was born to his dam, Juliette, only days after the rescue. Sadly, the neglect and malnutrition were too much for him to develop properly making him an ill foal. Despite the efforts of Rainbow Meadows staff, his body was too weak to survive. On March 21, 2009 he passed over Rainbow Bridge.

Trooper

Rescued gelding, 1985-2007

Trooper came to Rainbow Meadows in the summer of 2006 and was diagnosed with EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis). After treatment for the EPM, Trooper recovered sufficiently to be integrated into the herd, on open pasture and able to roam free on 240 acres of rolling hillside. He became the alpha gelding, despite his disability, and was a proud leader of 15 horses. His end came quickly with a severe relapse of his EPM symptoms. We will miss him deeply but are comforted to know that he no longer experiences any discomfort or confusion.

Rainbow

Retired mare, 1975-2007

The inspiration for Rainbow Meadows, Rainbow was a member of the Everhart family since 1981. She was a loyal friend and companion, and even through the age of 32, she always held a special fire in her eye and a willingness to carry her rider to far away places. After nearly 25 years of faithful service, she was retired to Rainbow Meadows Ranch in 2005 and was laid to rest in September 2007. She leaves behind a glorious legacy and many dreams come true...

Ember

Wonderful mother and loyal friend - owned by Dr. Missy Malone

Jeff Rosine

Horse Lover, August 31, 2007

In October 2007, Rainbow Meadows was the recipient of nearly $1,600 in honor of Jeff Rosine from a memorial fund established by his father and stepmother Don and Cheryl Rosine and fiancée Liz Cashner. Jeff passed away suddenly on August 31, 2007 from a brain aneurysm, leaving behind many friends and family.

Rainbow Meadows is blessed to have friends like Don and Cheryl Rosine – and those who supported them - who believe in our work enough to see that Jeff’s passion endures by making a difference in the lives of our horses.

Cameron Alan Ocker

January 25, 1998 - July 24, 2005

From his mother:

Cameron always loved the horses and always helped me clean stalls while the other children played.

We hope to further help Rainbow Meadows in honor of my son.

- Stara

You will be in our hearts, Cameron!

Korki

1994-2009

Loving family member and protective matriarch of the canines at Rainbow Meadows, Korki gave us many years of loyal friendship. She has been a part of the ranch since we first acquired it, and was with us every day that we worked to build our dream. She was patient and kind, and will be missed greatly.

Rescue at Rainbow Bridge 

Unlike most of the sun filled days at the Rainbow Bridge, this particular day dawned cold, gray, damp as a swamp, and as dismal as any day could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never ever experienced a day like this before. But the animals that had been there for awhile and had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge....to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, his head hung low, so very low, and his tail dragging.  The other animals, the ones who had been there for awhile, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far, far too often.  He approached slowly, very slowly, and was obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury of illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again.  As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him.  He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be.  But, alas, it was not to be.  As he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who sadly apologized to him, and then told him that he would not be able to pass.  Only those animals that are with their people could pass over The Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like him, also elderly and infirm.  They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge.  And so he took his place to wait among them, watching the pathway that led across The Bridge.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there awhile to explain it to him.  "You see that poor animal over there, with the others - they are rescues.  He was turned in to a rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding.  Sadly, he never made it out of the rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence.  Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"  As he was about to receive his answer, suddenly, the clouds parted swiftly, and the gloom lifted with a mighty wind.  Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person, and suddenly the group of older animals were bathed in a golden light and they were all once again young and healthy, just as they were in the prime of their life.  A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed their heads ever so low as the person neared closer.  At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears.  Then, the newly restored animals fell into line and followed the person towards The Bridge.  And then, one by one, they all crossed The Bridge together.

"What just happened?" asked the first animal.  "That person was a rescuer.  The animals you saw bowing to the rescuer in respect were those who found new homes because of all their work.  They will all cross over The Bridge when their new families arrive.  Those you saw restored were those who never found homes.  When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one final act of rescue.  They are allowed to escort all those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge."

"I think I like rescuers," said the first animal.  "So does GOD," was the reply from the second animal, "so does GOD."

Author unknown

Source: http://www.geocities.com/angels_among_us_equine_rescue/index8.html

Solace for Your Grief

I'll lend you for a little while
My grandest foal, He said.
For you to love while she's alive
And mourn for when she's dead.

It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months, you see.
But will you, till I take her back
Take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you,
And should her stay be brief
You'll have treasured memories
As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught on earth
I want this foal to learn.

I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
With trust, I have selected you.

Now will you give her your total love?
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come
To take her back again?

I know you'll give her tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should I come and call for her
Much sooner than you'd planned
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And someday you'll understand.

Author Unknown