That’s a Wrap on Legacy 2023!
Thank you SO MUCH to all volunteers, interns, attendees and everyone for a successful 2023 Legacy Summer Camp! We had a great season and it is all thanks to every single person who participated who made it so special!
Here’s to you!
Trial in West Virginia on appeal. Awaiting date to be set in Circuit Court.
(Winnifred, Xackery, Yara, Zafrina, Auntie Ann, Billy Bob, Colton's Creed)
Court case support.
(Watson, Xino, Yumi)
Jefferson County, WV
Charges pressed. Pending trial.
(Glitzy Gemma, Hometown Halsey, Idle Isla, Knightly Knox, Loyal Lance, Jesting Jax)
Jefferson County, WV
13 charges of failure to provide pending trial.
Owner was charged with 3 misdemeanors of failure to provide. Trial scheduled late September.
1 count aggravated animal cruelty –felony level and 7 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Pending trial.
(Ernest, Frankfurt)
Owners entered a plea agreement for 7 counts each of misdemeanor failure to provide charges. The case is closed.
(Chipmunk Carl, Dewey’s Decimal, Happy Hilda, Ivery Isle, Just Joking, Lando Lake)
(Gallant, Hobbit, Iffy, Jackpot, Khaleesi, Letty, Mochi, Nifty, Offelia, Poppy Seed, Qelty, Rosa, Scooter)
Forest (fondly known as Muley) was a transfer from Heart of Phoenix in March of 2022 as an intact mule with little to no social skills!
He currently hangs out with his bestie, Squirrely Dan, and loves ‘singing’ to people when they bring him his full hay nets. He’s a bit of an awkward salmon, you’ll know what I mean if you stop to watch him walk around! He is doing quite well in his groundwork sessions, he has a short term goal of going to a mule clinic and the long term goal of finding a pretty sweet home to live at.
He randomly gets a hair up his butt and you’ll know it’s coming because he looks a little like a tapir (look it up if you don’t know what I’m talking about…) with four awkward legs moving at random. His upper lip gets really tight and curls over his bottom lip…it’s hysterical. He’s got a big belly and scrawny legs with giant eyeballs…maybe not the most attractive fella on the farm but he does have a nice, shiny red coat and a cute bray.
Forest lives for scratches on his withers and likes snacking on the long grasses that are handpicked for him. Go Muley!
“Go Muley!”
Mistletoe Miracle “Mira”
(adopted)
Sterling (adopted, pictured)
Walker (adopted)
Ivery Isle (adopted)
Dewey Decimal (RIP)
Sweet Savannah
(pictured)
Red Rooster
Tiki Torch
If you recall in early 2022 we absorbed the Maryland Equine Transition Service (METS), aka Owner 2 Owner (O2O) program. This statewide equine safetynet initiative provides responsible alternatives for horses needing homes, and assists owners with identifying and selecting the best transition options for their horses. While the goal is to facilitate horses transitioning directly between owners, there are rare instances where the best option for the horses is to first come to DEFHR for stabilization and care before moving into a new home.
This was the case with Sweet Savannah, Red Rooster and Tiki Torch, all of whom we took in on August 21st. The owner was experiencing financial and life challenges, leading her to have to choose between her children and her animals, so she turned to our program for help. After our assessment, we felt strongly that it was in the horses’ best interest to offer for them to come directly to DEFHR, to which the owner gratefully agreed.
The horses arrived to us with a large amounts of sand throughout their gut due to the soil where they were being housed on the Eastern Shore. After aggressive veterinary treatment to clear the sand from their gut, they’re much more comfortable. Though their prognosis is still guarded, there is hope that they’ll fully recover.
This situation perfectly illustrates the intention behind the METS/O2O program: to serve, with compassion, as a resource for owners, ensuring that horses can have a safe, healthy transition, whether directly between owners or with a temporary stop at DEFHR for some extra care before going on to new homes.
How long have you volunteered with DEFHR?
I began volunteering at the farm in June of 2022.
Did you have any previous equine experience(s) before volunteering with DEFHR? What was it?
I have been horseback on many trail rides in National Parks with a guide. My first hands-on experience with horses was at DEFHR.
I enjoy being with the geldings in the afternoons. I love Turvey, my grooming sponsee, Barney, and the other Ambassador horses! I truly care for all the horses.
In March of 2022 I became interested in learning about horses after watching thoroughbreds race. I read “Horse Heaven” by Jane Smiley, the biography of Annie Wilkins titled “The Ride of Her Life”, and “Out of the Clouds”, the true story of how Stymie, an underachieving small chestnut thoroughbred, became the richest racehorse of the 1940s. Reading about horses whet my desire to experience being around them. I searched online, found DEFHR, and visited for a tour.
Immediately I felt drawn to a big, beautiful palomino draft horse, and surprisingly found out that we share a deep connection as Baltimore City retirees! Officer Barney retired from the City Police Department and I retired from the City’s Department of Education. I knew then I would be back to visit my sweet comrade! I completed volunteer orientation/training and have been continually learning from the patient, helpful and knowledgeable farm staff.
The farm is a pleasant peaceful haven for me. I get away from daily routines and responsibilities for a few hours. I feel useful and purposeful when I help with feeding and grooming the horses, as well as doing various barn chores. My favorite activity on the farm is grooming. I often feel a kinship with the horse as I touch, brush, and clean his body, legs and feet, and comb his mane and tail. It’s a wonderful feeling to realize that the horse trusted me enough to be so close and caring for him.
Areas where DEFHR could use some extra assistance.
As a working farm, there's always something breaking or needing the attention of a fixing hand! Even if you're inexperienced but want to learn more about what it takes to be a "handy man," consider joining our Facilities Operations Team "FOT"!
Email Mattie at volunteer@defhr.org to find out how to get started!
We need help with making sure volunteer groups have a fun, educational and safe time when they visit our farm to help out.
September 6th, 1:303:30pm
Do you love to share your passion for DEFHR with anyone who will listen?
Booths play a vital role in bringing in more volunteer and donation support, as well as educating about our mission throughout our community. If you are interested, we would love to talk with you further about becoming a part of the Booth Volunteer team!
Visitors love to learn about what we do and see it in action when they come to DEFHR. If you have a good foundation of knowledge about what we do or want to learn more, we'd love your help with 1-hour Education Tours that we host as scheduled here at Main Farm. Email Mattie for details!
Saturday, October 9th 2-3pm
Do you have a talent for design? Experience with Adobe InDesign projects? Our development department is looking for a flexible, outside-the-box thinking graphic designer who can help us with some of our marketing pieces.
Email development@dehfr.org if you are able to help!
If you'd like a unique way to get involved with more horses that DEFHR assists consider becoming a METS Volunteer You would be
To register for events, go to www.defhr.org/calendar.
September 9th
September 10th
Beyond the Saddle Clinic, 9am-4pm (see page 14)
Farm Clean Up Day + Social Volunteers Needed (see page 15)
September 14th
September 15th
September 16th
September 28th
September 30th
October 7-8th
Farrier Day
Tink's Tack Shop (ONE DAY ONLY)
Benefit Tribute Concert, 3-9pm (see pages 17-18)
Farrier Day
Scout Day Fall A Volunteers Needed (see page 16)
New Horse Owner’s Clinic (sign up on page 21)
October 28th ??? (see page 22)
November 4th
Volunteer Continuing Education Course: “Case Studies” with DeEtte Hillman
December 9th Santa’s Village (SAVE THE DATE)
Saturday, September 9th 9am - 4pm Sign UpHERE!
Sunday, September 10th, 9am-2pm
It's about that time of year again! We're gearing up for the Benefit Concert! That means we're due for another Farm Clean Up Day! We want to present our beautiful farm to all who enter in special memoriam to Kathy. Some examples from our to-do list are weed whacking, gardening, power washing, painting, repairs and organizing...
Tools will be available, but also feel free to BYOT (“Bring Your Own Tools”) so we have enough for everybody.
We'll be wrapping up with free refreshments from 2-3pm as a "Thank You"
pow-wow. If you’d be willing to help, please RSVP by signing up in Civic Champs so we know you’re coming!
Saturday, September 30th, 10am-12:30pm
Welcome Boy and Girl Scouts of America and help them experience what it means to take care of horses as they pursue their own Days End Farm Horse Rescue merit badge!
Volunteers are needed from 9:45am-1pm for the following:
Grooming Leading Farm Tour
Educational Talk
General (direct groups, as-needed tasks)
Champs!
• Volunteer to help during event (email volunteer@defhr.org)
• Share our social media posts/promos with your friends
• Pick up flyers in the main office (or print, email volunteer@defhr.org to get document) to distribute in your area
• Buy your tickets now
• Donate mums to decorate the farm
• Sponsor the event –
Partner with us to help make this event a massive success! Our sponsorships are offered as individual/family and business which is a great opportunity to get your employer involved with DEFHR by sponsoring!!
By sponsoring this event you and/or your business will be recognized as a partner in the equine welfare community. You will receive exposure to the 300+ guests expected to attend, as well as 150,000+ followers across our social media platforms. Attached is our sponsor form detailing the benefit offerings for businesses and individuals.
Youmaysubmityoursponsorshiponlineviathefollowinghyperlink-2023 BenefitConcertSponsorship–PLEASENOTEINMEMOSECTION“2023 BENEFITCONCERTSPONSORSHIP”.Besuretoincludeallyourcontact informationandwe’lltakecareoftherest.Alternativelyyoumayusethe attachedformtoeitherscanandemailtoCarrieatwelcome@defhr.org, snail-mailtheformdirectlytoDEFHR,ordropitoffatDEFHR’sMainFarm office.
Thisyear,anyindividualssponsoringatthe$100levelwillbeconsideredan inmemoriamtributetoKathyandwillberepresentedwithpottedmums throughoutthe“rememberingKathy”touraroundthefarmonthedayofthe event,alongwithanytributemessagesformembersofherfamily,whowill beinattendance.
Saturday, September 23rd @ 11am
Ever hear someone say their horse is foundering, only to wonder what on earth that means? Ever find yourself curious what else makes up the hoof besides the wall and the frog?
Or maybe you’re intimidated by picking feet during grooming time. If any of these apply to you, or you’re curious, or want practice time, come on out to this training!
On Saturday, April 23rd, we'll set to work making sure that by the end of the hour, you’re much more confident in your hoof picking skills!
Saturday, October 7th, & Sunday, October 8th, 10am-4pm
This two-day clinic is perfect for anyone that is, or is thinking of becoming, a new horse owner. Learn all about what it takes to own a horse, from start to finish, so you are prepared and successful.
Sign Up HERE!
We wish all our students and teachers of DEFHR a wonderful and fantastic 2023-2024 School Year! Thank you for your dedication to us and your students! We appreciate you!
All donations are tax-deductible!
If shipping directly to our farm, please ship: "Attn: Lynn" (horse-related) or "Attn: Sarah" (office-related)
Be sure to include your name and contact info in a note or separate email so you can recieve your donation receipt.
Thank you in advanced, and always, for your ongoing support of DEFHR's herd!
Shop #4thehorses
Our horses' needs are constantly changing and their Amazon wish list is constantly being updated. Check out what's what they need to stay healthy and happy!
For every NEW customer referral, we receive $15 directly from Chewy. Be sure to use the referral link below to make the first purchase and donate to the farm!
has been discontinued.
AmazonSmile is Amazon’s charitable giving program through which a portion of certain purchases can be donated to the purchaser’s designated charity. Thanks to our supporters’ generosity, DEFHR has benefitted from this program for years. As you might have already heard, Amazon discontinued the AmazonSmile program on February 20, 2023 in order to narrow the focus of their impact. The good news is that DEFHR will continue to receive donations through the close of the program and we will still maintain our Amazon Wishlist. Amazon will also make a final one-time donation equal to three months of what we earned in 2022. If you have been an AmazonSmile supporter, we thank you and invite you to consider other ways you can support DEFHR through your purchases.
Refresh your wardrobe and support DEFHR, all at the same time! Each design is offered in a range of colors and styles, so there is something for everyone to wear while supporting the horses. Happy shopping!
Show off your DEFHR support wherever you go and get your DEFHR Res-Que license plate today! All you need to do is:
stop by DEFHR's office fill out & submit an application submit $50 fee
Once you receive your new plates in the mail, drop off your old license plates at the MVA or mail them in.
Email info@defhr.org with questions.
OPEN 3rd Saturday and preceding Friday of every month. New and gently used equine tack, equipment, clothing and other related items.
Stop on in and get your shopping fix! You never know what you may find. All sales proceeds go back to DEFHR to continue with its mission.
NEXT SALE DAY: September 15th
Open 9am-4pm.
Open ONE DAY ONLY due to Benefit Concert event on September 16th.
Email info@defhr.org with questions.
Tink's is Open September 15th 9am - 4pm
