106 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Lauren R. Giannini
Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue, a non-proft 501(c)3 “where the
next chapter of a horse’s life begins,” has helped 1800 horses
since it opened in 2002, thanks to the dedicated efforts of founders
Jennifer Swanson and Brad Gaver and their loyal volunteers. Now
they need the help and support of horse lovers to overcome a
natural disaster.
On August 27, their facility was devastated by severe fooding
caused by torrential downpours dumped by Tropical Storm Isaac
that set a 100-year record in Loxahatchee, Florida. Jen and Brad
were alone, responsible for the hands-on care with no volunteers
scheduled. By 2 p.m. the waters had risen to three and half feet
at the barns. Afraid that some of the ponies might drown, they
opened every stall door, 39 in all.
By Tuesday, animals sheltered at Pure Thoughts had to be
evacuated because it was too dangerous to stay. All their neighbors
were in the same fx. Brad and Jen had to fnd high ground. The
six-horse trailer was stuck in rising waters and they made many
trips with the two-horse to remove horses that concerned them
the most. Many horses, however, had to deal with standing water,
which meant that hay couldn’t be put on the ground. But all of their
animals – horses, ponies, minis – were safe, including the missing
brain-damaged lamb and pig.
People rallied from all over the horse world. Kim Tudor posted
a plea for help on Facebook. Karen Reese of Hilltop Polo Farm in
Aiken took home two babies that were emaciated when rescued.
A group of mares, led by former rescue Dakota, swam to Deer
Run.
Jen and Brad, assisted by their volunteers, have been running
Pure Thoughts out of three farms. They kept the ‘bands’ or sub-
herds together, which reduced stress from the relocations. The
horses, holding good weight, look and act very healthy.
Everything else at the original facility, however, is water-
damaged beyond repair or use: all the hay and shavings, farm
equipment, the essentials horse people take for granted. Isaac
also put an end to Jen and Brad’s plans to dismantle and move
the buildings, barns and fencing to their new property. Persistent
standing waters in mid-September rotted the wood and posed
e
Horse Rescue
health risks from mosquito infestation. The new home of Pure
Thoughts consists of 20 acres on much higher ground about nine
miles east, closer to Wellington.
“It’s a blessing that Jen and Brad had the new land already; but
they need help for the new facility – money, building materials and
also manpower,” said Kolleen Bylciw, who boards her adopted
rescue at Pure Thoughts. “I can’t tell you enough about their
dedication. They work all day, every day. They train horses, take
in rescues, teach riding lessons and youth polo. When I got back
from a trip and saw what Isaac had done, I couldn’t believe what
they had accomplished.”
You can support the efforts of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue in
several ways. You can bid on their regular on-line auctions and also
donate items to be sold. Pure Thoughts maintains both a website
and offcial Facebook page where you can donate via PayPal. If
you want to know where your contributions are going, Jen and
Brad invite you to bring it yourself. Remember, they need more
than money and materials: they need hands-on to prepare the
new facility so they can move all their animals onto one property.
You are invited to their festive fundraiser on December 29,
which will take place at the new Pure Thoughts facility: Brad and
Jen, who have been together for 10 years, are “putting a ring on
it” and getting married.
“We don’t need anything for us, just for the horses,” said Jen.
“We’re inviting everyone, it’s open to the public, but you have to
RSVP by Dec. 15 – we can host 300 people maximum. We’re
having a dinner and dancing to celebrate getting married. There’s
no admission fee – just whatever a person decides to give for the
horses. We’ll have a silent auction and we’re hoping to have a live
auction.”
For more information: http://purethoughtshorserescue.com/
To RSVP for the wedding: Jennifer@pthr.org
Rebuilds After
“Isaac”
Willow – the day Pure Thoughts
arrived to rescue the starving flly.
Jennifer saying goodbye
to rescue horse Willow
who has found a forever
home (along with her
equine friend Jason)
with Karen Reese.
Pure Thoughts’ old location a few days after
Tropical Storm Isaac.
Photos courtesy of Brad Gaver and Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue