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Another rescued Maine pony gains strength

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Honey Update, Christmastime, 2009

I'm happy to report on Honey's complete recovery thanks to the loving care at Thanksgiving Farm in Durham. Honey lives there with three other horses and has found a comfortable place in the herd. She now weights about 900 pounds and has a fatty reserve running along her mane. Congratulations to Jim and Barbara Stanley on her recovery and perpetual well-being!

Maddy B. Gray

By Sonia Theobalds, June 2009

HONEY'S JOURNEY CONTINUES ....
Photos from top to bottom: Floyd and Eli Annis at their farm in Enfield; Barbara Stanley prepares to unload Honey at Thanksgiving Farm; Honey samples the grass at Thanksgiving Farm; Dr. Lila Solomon checks out Honey from head to toe.
Every now and again there is a horse or pony with a story that really gets under my skin. It happened to me three times last year.
First there was the pony I went to buy but turned out to be such a total emotional train wreck it was too dangerous to risk trailering him. It still haunts me that I left him behind but I know my limits and he was it.
Then there was the little skinny pony who looked at me over his right shoulder and said "Get me the heck out of here". He came home willingly and is the nicest pony I have ever met. I am blessed.

Then there was Honey.

Honey is a pony with a tale to tell. I still get choked up when I think about the video of her, about the tell-all photos, about the time we went to meet her. She is one of the lucky ones and she has fought to stay in this world and share her story.

The latest news about Honey is that the woman who neglected to feed her did go to court and was charged with animal neglect.
I spoke with Margaret Gray, Assistant District Attorney in Newport, Maine (no relation to Maddy Gray), who told me that the woman was fined and had to pay the initial veterinary bill, as well as some money to Floyd for his months of 24/7 care. It is a small amo unt, payable at the rate of $25.00 a month starting June 10th.
It is not common for these cases to actually go to court, so this is a small milestone in itself. Ms. Gray wanted me to know that the woman seemed extremely remorseful and said it was a situation that spiraled out of control.

I kept in touch with Floyd Annis about once a week to hear about Honey's progress. Honey has been out on grass for a month now and is able to lay down and get up by herself. She no longer needs the sling and is perky and stronger.

Last week, Floyd called me to say that he is having some serious health issues and was very concerned about Honey's future. He is friends with her original owner and wanted me to let our 4-H girls know that she would be taking the pony if he was unable to care for her.

When our 4-H Club began accepting donations on Honey's behalf, we received a very generous check from Barbara Stanley, a woman who has rescued other horses. Enclosed with the check was a note which read: "If Honey ever needs a forever home, we would love to take her". I reminded Floyd of this note. He gave me Honey's original owner's telephone number and I called her and told her about the note and about how Barbara came highly recommended and would love and adore Honey for the rest of her life. We discussed Honey's future and she agreed that Honey would do well with Barbara and her family.

Honey headed to her new home at Thanksgiving Farm this week!

And so, as I "hand over the reins" of Honey's story to Barbara, our 4-H Club would like to sincerely thank Maddy Gray and NickerNews.net for publishing these articles. Thank you to all the people who supported Honey and Floyd on their journey. And, most of all, thank you Floyd for all you have done.

Honey's story will stay with all of us for the rest of our lives.

Sincerely,

Sonia Theobalds and The Hill-N-Dale-Farm 4-H Club.

By Sonia Theobalds, April, 2009

Honey recovers...

First of all, on Honey's behalf, “Thank You” to all of you wonderful, kind people who have written positive comments and sent words of support for this little red mare with a tremendous will to live.

These are the horsemen and horsewomen we are proud to know and they set a fine example for the horse world and for our 4-H kids. Do good and good will come to you. And it has.
Thank you to the people who have generously sent in a donation to HELP FOR HONEY. As promised, the money will go directly towards Honey's veterinary bills and good quality hay.

The first article about Honey's plight was written to arouse awareness about the problem of neglected and starving equines: the ones who get "thrown away," the ones who are, as my friend Rose would say, "not young enough, not athletic enough, not pretty enough".
There is nothing wrong with asking for help. If you can't house or feed your animal, put out the word, the horse community in Maine is incredibly powerful in a positive way. We will help you. Don't be ashamed and wish it would go away. Please, ask for a helping hand before the situation spirals out of control.
At this point we would like to mention that Honey's rescuer did not ASK for any financial assistance, although he did say some good first cut hay would help a lot.
The 4-H girls want to contribute by accepting donations to help Honey, this is the essence of 4-H, caring about animals and others. What our Club has learned from Honey's story is that we cannot sit idly by and allow this to happen. Step up to the plate and offer a hand. Hay has been ordered and will be delivered to Honey, thanks to your donations.

"Some people wish it will happen, some people wait for it to happen, 4-H people make it happen".

Last Sunday, myself, two friends and two of the girls from our 4-H Club went to Enfield to meet Honey. We couldn't fit any more people in the car or we would have.
But we will be going up many more times so everyone will have a chance to meet Honey. For the entire two and a half hours of the drive, we held our breath.
Although I have regular telephone contact with Honey's new owner, Floyd Annis, and heard that she was doing well, I still prepared the girls: "It's going to be bad, don't get upset, she's improving and she's in a better place than she was but she's still terribly thin, etc., etc.". We felt we all had it together by the time we exhaled and piled out of the car.

Then we saw her. She looked so much better! She was standing on rubber mats with the sling loosely under her belly. She was bright and alert and very interested in meeting us, nickering for treats, sniffing us all over.
It was hard not to shed a few tears of relief, she looked so perky and was extremely friendly. During our visit that afternoon, Floyd removed the sling so we could pet her and see her stand unassisted. His son led her around the heated garage and she walked unassisted without staggering.
"She's coming along", said Floyd, "little by little".
Her hind end is very weak but she can stand on her own. She was steady for the entire hour we were there. To rebuild muscle, Honey now goes for several short walks a day, on a flat surface. The sling is there only as a safety measure, because if she lays down she cannot get up on her own.

A horse doesn't care how much you know until he knows how much you care.
- Pat Parelli

Honey has come a long way since March 26th. But she hasn't done it without a lot of perseverance and dedication. Her care is a 24/7 job. She is excruciatingly thin but she has gained weight in the proper way, slowly and cautiously.
Floyd is doing a very good job bringing this mare back from the brink of death. The case of Honey's neglect is being investigated by the local Animal Control Officer.

Floyd would like to express his gratitude to people who have helped him with Honey.
"Without them", he says, "this would never have been possible". Floyd sends his thanks to the following people: Gary Burmingham of Enfield, for the use of his tractor to get Honey up; Janet Tuttle, for the use of the sling that is holding Honey; the people who formed a delivery chain to pick up the sling and deliver it to Honey (Floyd apologizes for not knowing names); the veterinarians at Foxcroft Veterinary Services; Mel Mathison, for the incredibly generous use of her garage and for putting up with the non-stop stream of traffic in her driveway; Katahdin Saddlery of Newport, for accepting donations on Honey's behalf and for lending rubber stall mats; the kind and caring people who have sent money to help defray the cost of hay and vet care and to all the anonymous donors who put money in a jar because they care. Floyd says, "She would never be where she is today without all their help".

Honey's food intake is closely monitored, as are her urine and bowel movements. Every gallon of water, every flake of hay is recorded and so is every output. She has high quality hay in front of her and more on the way, thanks to your donations. She happily munched on two horse treats and soaked up all the hugs and pets from the group of supporters who came by that day.

A few years ago my mother-in-law passed away suddenly and our lives were thrown into turmoil. At the service, the minister read a short story from a book entitled Kitchen Table Wisdom, by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. (pp. 169 - 172). The service deeply touched me and helped me heal.
The story told how, as a child, the author grew up in a house with parents who loved to complete jigsaw puzzles. Her father would hide the lid with the completed picture to make it more of a challenge. As a three or four year old, the author would play with the hundreds of puzzle pieces. She liked the bright, colorful ones but found the dark, shadowy ones "ugly and a little frightening."
So, she gathered up the ones that reminded her of spiders or bugs and hid them under the sofa cushions. It took a long time for the family to figure out the puzzle and the fact that over a hundred pieces were missing. When the pieces were retrieved and the puzzle assembled, the author saw "the whole picture" and, it was not as frightening as she thought it would be.
The story goes on to say that sometimes we don't know the outcome in the puzzle of life and the ugly frightening pieces are not always pleasant but, in "the big picture", the dark shadowy pieces of the puzzle make up the whole.

The story of Honey is like the puzzle, with both dark ominous pieces and colorful bright ones. As the pieces come together and the positive pieces give light to the tale, the black ugly pieces meld into the picture. If we stuff all the dark pieces under the sofa cushion, we won't see the big picture. And the big picture is that Honey is recovering nicely!

Floyd and Honey welcome all visitors, anyone is invited to go and see her.
Floyd's phone is 290-4402, feel free to call him and set up a time. They'd like that.
And please leave room for Mel to drive into her driveway!

Again, thank you all for your support. Honey will have green grass under her feet this summer.

Hill-n-Dale Farm 4-H Club will continue to accept donations towards Honey's care.
(www.hill-n-dale-farm.com)

Donations to Honey's care can be made to:
Hill-n-Dale Farm 4-H Club
626 Western Road
Warren, ME, 04864

Link to short news blurb by Channel 6, WCSH.

Can you lend a hand?

The following letter was written by a Maine horsewoman and NickerNews reader. She forwarded these photos to illustrate this heart-wrenching case of Honey, a recently rescued pony.

Just last fall, Honey weighed over 900 pounds and looked fantastic.

Now, she weighs less than 500 pounds. When she was taken from the owner, she could not stand. Now, Honey only stands with help from a homemade sling and lots of helping hands.

Please consider supporting the new owners as they work to return Honey to her once-beautiful condition. See details below.

Our NickerNews contributor writes:

Our struggling economy has hit the horse community hard.

We have all heard the horror stories of horses starving this winter, not just in Maine, but in every state. Maine equine rescue facilities have been full since last fall.

Recently, I was deeply moved by photographs I saw of a pony who was starved. The pony has been taken to a new home and is recovering, but it's going to be a long road for her and her new family.

Last week, I got in touch with the new owner (who was given the pony) and asked what I can do to help. His main focus, after rehabilitating this mare, is to educate the public.

He has granted me permission to write about her and I write this article without prejudice. I am not pointing a finger at anyone. But I feel very strongly that this pony has a story that needs to be told. The mare is 13.3 hands and weighed approximately 950 lbs when sold four months ago. At the time of her rescue, she weighed around 400 lbs.

Honey's new owner is doing everything he can to help her. He has excellent veterinary support and he has designed a makeshift sling in his neighbor's heated garage.

She is slung from an I beam with a motor. This system allows her to be moved back and forth for short walks several times a day. Last week she had her first "solo" walk but couldn't stay up for long, due to past muscle atrophy.

Her new owner says, "She has a big heart and she is really trying. If nothing else comes of her story, remember this is a little horse who won't give up. And if you see a thin horse, just pull in the driveway and offer to help". "She has a big heart and she is really trying. If nothing else comes of her story, remember this is a little horse who won't give up. And if you see a thin horse, just pull in the driveway and offer to help".

A few days ago Honey began taking short walks outside a few times a day.

It takes a team of three to keep her up but nobody is giving up on this pony and she is not ready to quit either.

As the saying goes, "It takes a whole village".

If you would like to offer a few dollars for a bale of hay or to contribute towards the veterinary bill, all contributions would be greatly appreciated by Honey and her new family. The 4-H group at our barn is collecting donations for her and we guarantee every penny will go directly to her. Please note: Donations are going to veterinary costs and will not be directed to owner.

Link to short news blurb by Channel 6, WCSH.

View Reader Comments:

Add your comment!

4/14/2009 Nora

God bless you. I pray for her full recovery.

4/14/2009 Nikki Karlsson

The economy has hit everyone hard but that does not excuse people doing this to animals and I disagree with the story, fingers should be pointed. If you can not afford to keep your animal you should place the animal ( horses,dogs,cats it does not matter) with a family that can. Ask for help BEFORE you run out of feed. What did this animal ever do to deserve this? Thank god for good samaritans. Even if you can only afford to send 1.00, between all the horse lovers in Maine that should bring a donation of over 2,000. It's not the amount of the donation, its the thought that counts. Sincerely Nikki & Tony D.L.T Performance Horses, Gray ME

4/14/2009 The Brunswick Tack Consigment Shop

I think each and every one of us knew things were bad out here, and that there are horses suffering. However when this story came out I was stunned, and outraged. How in the love of God, can someone starve a pony nearly to death? And in just 4 months time! I personally want to thank this man that had the guts to take this pony away from this wretched person and try and save her. I have gotten to know the group at Hill N Dale this spring. They have a wonderful 4H group and you can believe it when they say each and every penny will go toward Honey's recovery. Please everyone step up to the plate, if you see an animal in distress do not turn a blind eye, there is help out there, so please help.

4/14/2009 Barbara

It is unfathomable to me that this could happen to an animal in our area and on our watch. We all must do what we can to prevent this from happening. If Honey needs a forever home, I would promise that she would never be hungry and unloved. These photos break my heart.

4/14/2009 susan kendrick

in these times we have seen that it is so difficult to make ends meet. then to take on the needs of a pony from such a difficult situation is a gift for others as well as the pony. bravo!!! for your heart, strength and courage to do so! susan kendrick

4/14/2009 George H.

Just a warning to everyone. I know the person who now has Honey; If you want to donate and be sure your money actually goes to help this poor pony, donate directly to the Vet, NOT to the new owner, not that he will use the vet, but maybe if the vet is paid by donations he will. This rescue is really all about him, as in look at what I did, Im so wonderful and has very little to do with the pony, just go talk to him and you'll see. The vet strongly urged him to put this pony down as it's condition is so bad making it live is almost as cruel as the life she was taken from, but if he did that he wouldn't have all these pats on his back. He has horses on his property that have been underfed and skinny on a regular basis and these are not rescue horses, but his very own personal horses. The hay he feeds is no where near the good quality hay that horses need. This is not a man you want to make "donations" too. There are several very good rescues in Maine that could use the money and would put all of that money to help the horses they have taken in rather then scam unsuspecting people to line their own pockets.

4/14/2009 Cindy

there are no pictures of this pony before he was rescued but seeing the picture where he is in the sling just breaks my heart. Sometimes people's hearts are confusing to me as I see that this poor pony has suffered way too much and euthanizing humanely would be the best rescue for this pony. He looks so depressed with no spirit and will always remember this time of his life.

4/14/2009 AnneW

The time and dedication that goes into a rescue is tremendous, heart breaking and very costly. To do it without help is impossible. I do not know the person who took in this pony, but if his vehicle was repossessed(and so many are in this terrible economy)then it makes him an even bigger man to use what funds he has on this pony that someone else threw away.

4/14/2009 Elsie T

I have to disagree with George H. I emailed these people personally and offered a monetary donation. They said they were all set with that, if I would send my prayers to help Honey that would be wonderful. You can't line your pockets with Prayers, but maybe GH should try praying. God MIGHT forgive him for things he's thinking. Of course, I hold to the thought that everyone has a right to their opinion. I just can't agree with his. God Bless Honey's new owners for the dedication and love you are showing this pony. It's probably the first real love she's seen in a while. By the way, I don't know anything about either of these parties.

4/14/2009 George H

As Elsie T said she does not know the person who now has this poor pony, I DO and am speaking from my one on one knowledge of this man. If he refused your donation then you are the first one he refused. The vet, who was out just one time mind you, told him that this pony should be put down and put out of its misery. This pony does not have that spark of life. In her eyes, she is tired and in pain and ready to leave this world for a better one. I would assume a licensed equine vet would have more of an understanding about this situation and how bad off the pony really is. Especially more so then people who are going by hearsay and have not even seen the pony with their own eyes. If he isn?t going to do what the vet recommended then the pony should be at a vet clinic and receive the type of care it needs to not be suffering. The pony should have been hooked up to IV fluids among many other things, but none of this is happening. You are not rescuing or helping an animal by continuing to allow it to suffer because you can not provide the type of care it needs. The humane thing to do is to put this pony out of her misery and not worry about the atta boys and pats on the shoulders from people. To give him more credit because he is doing this even though he is so broke his vehicle got repossessed is insane. What that should tell a person is that he could not possibly have the resources to care for this pony correctly. A pony in this situation who wont be put out of it's misery due to grandiose behavior should then at least be placed in a veterinary clinic to receive the care it truly needs. This man did not even have shelters for most of his horses until just last year. He now has a few run-ins and very small paddocks. The hay he gets to feed his horses usually is not fit for cows, sometimes not even as good as mulch hay. He has had skinny horses on his property many times and these are not horses who come to him thin, but become that way after he brings them home. I assume that is ok though with the people who think he is a golden boy for doing this with the pony. If you do not know his animals situations first hand then maybe you should not speak out at all. I happen to know them first hand and speak from that knowledge.

4/14/2009 Joy D

It doesn't take a fancy truck, fancy home or a fancy barn to take good care of a horse. Floyd and his family need to be commended for their efforts where Honey is concerned...not made to feel as though THEY have done something wrong. If you feel the need to let off some steam (George H) then maybe it should be done in the direction of whomever let this horse get in this condition instead of the ones trying to save her life.

4/14/2009 in the know

George is correct. This guy is a dealer and sells animals to people who obviously cant afford them...on payments then he goes and resposseses them skinny and sells them again. He doesn't work. He scams off his own step son and steal the poor kids SSI money. DO NOT SEND HIM MONEY! He also shot two horses that he had because he was moving back out west and didnt want to take them with him. His shelters are awful and so is his hay. I hope the pony recovers, but I still wouldn't send him any money.

4/14/2009 Rich Martin

I just met the man taking care of Honey a month ago when I moved here from out of state.I see what he does for Honey,all the nights he stayed up with her.And YES the donations that do come in do go for Honey.Just today a donation of $20.00 came in.And I took him to the bank where he cashed it and do you know what george h.Then I took him to a place where he bought 4 bales of hay for HONEY @ $5.00 a bale.And do you know The Vet. offered him a job last week.Because he is very knowledgable about Horses..The bottom line is that he is helping HONEY she has come along way from when she first arrived. He is not taking the donations for his personal use.

4/14/2009 George H

Mr. Martin..you obviously don't know a thing about horses. I see you are also a well educated man who has a good grasp of the english language, but that is neither here nor there regarding this topic. Your obvious lack of knowledge regarding horses is a valid point however regarding your post being taken at all seriously. I have known the man for years, not just a month and I have had horses of my own for well over 50 years, so I do speak from experience both about horses and this man. So he received 20 dollars today and had to run right back out to get hay for the pony, that says he didn't have any on hand before this check, so what happens when these 4 bales are gone? Hmm can you wrap your mind around that sir? Also, I rather doubt that a vet offered him a job, it's illegal to practice veterinary medicine without a license. The pony should never have gone to a place like his, and the other poster is correct, he has been known to shoot inconvenient horses. Matter of fact he was going to drag Honey out back with his tractor to shoot her when he got her to his home, I wish for the poor pony's sake he had. The man has negativity pointed his way because of how he is and how he takes care of his horses plain and simple.

4/14/2009 disgusted!

this man should not be trusted. good for him that he is taking care of honey....but unless the vet told me himself that he had hired this man I wouldnt believe it. He supposedly also runs a theraputic riding facility and has day camps...this is a total joke. I would highly doubt that this man has the licensure for such a facility! The pictures on his web site are not his place. The state should seize the animal and make sure its getting what it needs. If this guy was waiting for a 20 dollar donation to come in to buy hay, whats his other horses eating?? and what happens when the money stops coming in??

4/14/2009 Estelle

I just wanted to say that if you want to donate, the best bet would be straight to the Vet clinic that is treating this pony..it's Dover Foxcroft vet, you can find it by doing a search online at google and that way if the pony IS getting medical care they will take the donatations directly, if they are not, I guess that answers whether or not the pony is being treated by a vet like it should be.

4/14/2009 seabreeze

I hate to interupt all the disagreements about the person who has Honey now, but it seems the intened purpose for the article is being lost here...Can we please get back to giving the attention the problem that we should be devoting our time to? The neglect and abuse of not only this horse but all of them that aren't lucky enough to be rescued? And realize this article is intended create awareness.This isn't the place to be airing personal gripes about this person,but a place to come together as a whole in hopes that we can make a change...This kind of stuff might actually keep others from going public uncovering other abuse because they will be afraid of getting tarred and feathered in public for trying to do the right thing...I am only hoping this pony makes it and that all the others that are alone, starving, abused and neglected, find a loving bunch of people with integrity like the caregivers Honey has, to save them too.

4/15/2009 Good Karma

I totally agree with Seabreeze. We are getting off the topic. I personally know this 4-H group that is trying to help with Honeys expenses and the money will go directly to the vet that is treating her! As for George H. and In the Know, regardless of what this man has done and will do, he is trying to help. and you know what ,so what if he gets a pat on the back ! If the pony is taken care of, what should that matter. PLEASE do not let this negativity stop you from helping these girls do the right thing for this pony!

4/15/2009 no name

i was there when Floyd pick up the horse. The man never had to beg for any money untill now. The vet had been out to his place 2 time that i knew. she is getting the best care that is man knowe is stuff about horses.

4/15/2009 michelle

I think we need to get back at the topic at hand. i too know the man, known him for years.I have been to his place numerous times and found nothing wrong with the place. i think for those young people that may read these comments, know this I KNOW himand know this honey is getting taken care of, any one is more than welcome to go see her, ask questions...no money is going to the man taking care of her.

4/15/2009 Cindy

Good Karma, Why do you think that teaching these 4H girls to raise money for a poor suffering pony is the right thing to do? Are you aware that the vet has advised the best thing for this pony was to euthanize to finally stop the suffering of this pony? I would pay the entire vet bill to stop the suffering of this pony once and for all! Enough is enough! If he is the "great" horse person you people are saying than he should know that this poor pony is still suffering!

4/15/2009 Sheila

I was made aware of this story and comments by a good friend of mine. It saddened and angered me when I read these comments that are filled with anger, past unfortunate situations, and quite simply ignorance. I will not pretend that I have an abundance of knowledge about the equine world but I have personally witnessed the miracle that is taking place in Enfield . I first saw Honey 3 weeks ago shortly after her heroic intervention. I have been to see her many times since then and I can tell you she is being given quality hay, feed, a warm stable,vitamins, vet care, medication as needed, ferrier care, dental care, grooming, love and nurturance by many caring people. During the first 7 days of her rescue, her caregiver left her side only for very brief periods of time to care for his other horses and personal neeeds. Whether you like the man or agree with the way he lives his life should not be the primary focus. The story and miracle here is the horse and the people that are caring for her at this time. She is far from being completely out of danger at this time but I can assure you that in the past 3 weeks of her life she has been loved and cared for and she has brought hope and joy to many. I do not know how you can describe the look in her eyes unless you have looked deeply into them.When I gaze into them I see hope, trust, and a strong will to live there. Please believe me she is doing wonderful. While reading the story carried in the local news I witnessed the man shedding tears. In the story he tried many times not to draw attention to himself but to the others that had helped and assisted him. This should be an uplifting story not a bashing of someone that is trying to do good and bring the plight of some of these animals to light. If you haven't visited Honey PLEaSE DO she would love it as for the negative comments the old adage applies "IF YOU DON'T HAVE SOMETHING GOOD TO SAY THEN KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!!! Thanks

4/16/2009 Good Karma

Well first off. This guy has made the decision to save this pony (This is no ones choice but his). So I would think it would be to the ponies benefit to get the best care the vet can offer at this point. The money raised will help to pay for this. I have seen many vets make mistakes. Even on my own horses. They are only human and this does happen. I feel this pony deserves a chance. I do see were you are coming from as far as the suffering, but the choice is not ours to make. As far as this person that has Honey goes. I don't know him, but I would think you would be directing your anger about this ponies suffering towards the cruel person who let this happen in the first place!

4/16/2009 Lori

I believe this pony needs to be put out of her pain!!!! And anyone giving to keep this poor thing suffering is NOT doing her any favors.. I myself resuced a horse but lucked out that i got him in time to save him. I asked for no money and did it myself.. He now is with me and happy. If he was this bad off I would have saved him to bring him home to heaven where this pony needs to go.. Heaven is the best place for this pony!! I am horrified that people think this is right to do..

4/18/2009 Trea King

I'm so glad Honey is in good hands. I volunteer at stable and we a rescue too, although he's not as bad as Honey. A little gray Arabian who was practically ignored in someone's back yard. He's has gained almost 100 pounds in a month. I applaud anyone who takes on a rescue and unfortunately, there seems to be alot of them this year.

4/21/2009 Maine 4-H'er

I don't see why the man who saved this poor pony's life is being eaten alive on here. Its disguisting to see how many people are being so nasty towards this poor man! It should be about how much effort, time, and faith he's put towards Hunny, not what he can afford to drive, or live in. He did this poor pony a favor, took a chance, put a lot of effort into her and saved her life. If anyone needs to be angry at ANYONE it should be towards the heartless people who let this poor pony rott away in a field, and let her lose so much ground, and almost her life. Cut the man some slack. He saved a horses life! Instead of canabilizing him, Help him. You'd want people to help you if you were in that situation, right? Use your heart. "Somewhere behind the athlete you've becoome, the coaches who pushed you, the people who believed in you, the long hours of schooling, the dirt beneath your nails, the falls you've taken, the ribbons you didn't win, the tears you've cried and the horses you've given your heart to, is the person who fell in love with a horse, and never looked back. Ride for him."

4/30/2009 sonia

Another update on Honey's condition: I spoke with Floyd today and Honey is now going for walks outside and grazing on grass for short intervals! She is getting steadier on her feet every day and is even copping a real "pony attitude"! A sure sign she is feeling better! 40 bales of excellent quality first cut hay was delivered to Honey yesterday, thanks to your donations. You have no idea how much your help is appreciated, thank you all so much. This Saturday, May 2nd, Floyd is inviting all 4-H groups to meet Honey. All 4-H leaders are invited to bring their Clubs to meet Honey. No need to call ahead, just go and meet her. Everyone is welcome, any time. I am sure you will agree, she is quite a character!

5/3/2009 Cassie

Just so YOU people that think Honey is not at a good place... you are wrong! She is very well cared for.. and is making huge gains everyday! How would you like it if you were abandoned .. no food... no water... no sunlight.. and then someone finally came to save you.. and they said... oh lets just put him/her down.. and not give you a fighting chance? Seriously.. you dont just look at something.. and say it should die.. ALWAYS give a chance.. Floyd has been doing a GREAT job.. if u dont know what you are talking about.. maybe you should drive your happy little ass over.. and see for yourself.. rather than sit on here and bash people that are doing great things in to the ground.. dont see you trying very hard... a bullet isnt always the answer just so you know..

5/4/2009 Eli'sMom

I have known this man for 16 years and I can tell you that he is doing what he does for the love of the animal and no other reason. I was married to the man for 15 years, and I know his financials better than anyone. He was not in financial trouble until we got divorced back in December. As for the truck being repossessed partially that was my fault. So you can talk out your butt all you want about the man but those who really know him know that his motives are real and true. Unless you have been in his shoes than I would suggest that keep your negetivity to yourselves.

5/18/2009 Elijah Wood

To all the poeple who love honey for 3 days honey been out on grass and if she lays down she can get back up thank god and she is lost most of her hair but it is coming good and ty for careing for the horse this should nery happen agane but if it happen agung dad and i will be there and plzzz come and see how honey is doing at her new place she will be their until she dies of old age

6/15/2009 Sandi

I have known Floyd all of his life. He has never been looking for fame, fortune or notoriety. He is truly a genuine caring person to animals and to people although he probably prefers the animals lol. If he was starving and you offered him a meal he would say "give it to someone who needs it more than me" There will always be "someone" with nothing to do but put other people down rather than to lend a hand. Go figure!! By the way, although we don't always get along, I am proud of him. I am his older sister.

6/18/2009 Name not provided

George H how dare do you hit Floyd like that. You don't have any idea what you are talking about, he was not the one that did this to Honey. I was the owner of Honey before this person did this to Honey. I try to help a little girl out. You were not there to see what happen! All we new was I was taking Honey home. Thank God Floyd was with us! When we got there I could not believe my eyes! I started to walk Honey out of there and she went down and i lost it. I call out for my friend, she and Floyd got Honey on her feet. I dont remember how but they got her up. Floyd didt hesitate or ask only thing he just got her out of there. He is the one that rescued her form that horrible place. I have had horses for all my life but i did not have the knowledge to care for her in the condition. Thank god for Floyd because her knew what had to be done to save her life. When he got her home he saw her heart and willingness. She did it because she was fighting to stay alive. She was not done here, she wanted to live. And Floyd was not going give up on her so he fought with her. No one has the right to say what they would do or not do. Until they are there watching what really happen. For you to run your mouth and not know the story is wrong! Has for Honey she is doing great! The love and care Flord and his son did for Honey shows now. The people that help Honey get where she is today should take pride and know a bullet is not the only answer. Flord know that. I watch Honey with him, how she has came to love and trust again. Maybe if you put your heart before money, you would unstand alot better. All you did was cut Flord about money if that was the case I would have one HELL of a bill not once did Flord ask for anything. I hope some day you can reach in and find your heart. I know Flord didn't have to reach far to find his for Honey. To all the people that help with Honey I may not know you,but my heart will always hold you in it for what you have done for her! George H If you still have to run your mouth let me know I will tell you in detail the rest of Honey's story! A bullet is not the only answer. LOVE and CARE IS ONE OF LIFE BIGGEST ANSWER the love of honey

6/30/2009 michelle

I'm happy to hear that Honey is in her forever home now and that she is doing well. i too know the people that cared for honey and i won't get into that, but more so i am thankful that she is now with Barbara.. thank you Barbara for stepping up and taking her! God bless you and give her a smootch for me please... i'm sure she will be in GREAT hands with you.

"It is the hardest pill for all of us would-be horsemen to swallow, but it is absolutely true - if the horse is not responding properly, we are doing something wrong" - Mary Twelveponies