about arabian rescue mission inc. (arm)









Here at ARM, our mission is twofold:







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Here at arm, our mission is two fold:



1. To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses,specifically Arabians, who have been neglected, abused, unwanted, or where life situations change drastically, in permanent, loving, responsible forever homes.

2. To educate people in the care, nutrition and responsibility of horse ownership and the commitment that relationship requires.


We do things a little differently here at the Arabian Rescue. We do not ask for donations daily for the maintenance of our horses. We run fundraisers to create the income to support them. We only network for donations for specific targets, like herds or horses in immediate need, emergency situations, specific projects or the gelding of stallions we are placing.


We whole-heartedly believe in what ARM is doing and have put everything on the line for that cause.


In 2003 when ARM opened, we started with no donors, no supporters and no help. Terry financed the purchase/rescue of Pru, Bekas, Sierra, Elle, Rosie, Prudenta and Nega, had them transported from WA to NJ and paid for all of their expenses. We leased a farm for ARM and took in 2 OTTBs. The original WA herd was maintained daily by the personal funds of Terry Figueroa, the founder, up until they were either adopted or crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Those adoption fees were then used for the other rescues being rehabilitated. It wasn't until 2009 that ARM started asking for donations and then ONLY for specific at-risk horses! Even though we were a 501(c)3 in 2007. All other rescue expenses were paid for by fundraising events or out of pocket.


We do not ask for help because we can, we do it because we must.


We also attempt to negotiate the "soft release" of distressed herds, prior to authoritative actions. In many cases, the conditions of herds decline due to life changes such as age, health or economic factors. In times like these ARM tries to help the owners reduce the number of horses in their care to what they can reasonably manage. We then monitor the horses remaining for future difficulties. We are there to help both the horses and the owners. There is no embarrassment in asking for help. LIFE HAPPENS! and when it does ARM can help. Please ask.





OUR GOALS



Our first and foremost goal is the responsibility we owe the animals that we have domesticated. Too often that horse is forgotten or unintentionally neglected because our life situations have changed. In the wild, horses could withstand some very tough living arrangements. With domestication, we have forced changes on the horse that are contrary to its natural digestive and emotional processes. To that effect, isn't it our responsibility to see that these animals get to live their lives with the respect, dignity and love they deserve?


We, at the rescue, believe every horse deserves a job, a person and a comfortable, happy life. We strive to attain for these animals that which their owners will not or can not do for them. With donations from the private and corporate sector and proceeds from our various endeavours, we have succeeded in making that, our first goal, a reality!


Our second goal is inherently more difficult. We strive to educate people in their responsibility and commitment to providing a safe, healthy and happy environment for the animals they choose to live with. We offer advice, clinics, consulting and contractual agreements to achieve this end.


Education, in and of itself, is often difficult. People have to want to learn. In some cases a horse can be a difficult lesson, if one is not open to the experience and knowledge others have to offer. Because a horse is a living, breathing, feeling being, they are often the one hurt in this learning process.


It is our job to teach, to petition listeners and to nurture the new generation of horse owners. We will lecture if you are willing to listen, we will testify if you are willing to vote, and we will help if you are willing to give.


Help us help them!


Making a difference, Everyday!


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How We Started:
Pru's Story


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A TRIBUTE TO GREATNESS



Once upon a time, there was a horse of such importance to the Arabian breed. He was brought to America by a group of enterpreneurs, including such legends as Sal Vergopia, Gene and Ray LaCroix and Mike Nichols. Terry met Sal when she obtained a wonderful Russian stallion, RD Tamoukir, from him. In 1992, he asked her to return to his, then vacant, farm in Warwick to identify a horse left in his abandoned barn. Upon entering the barn, Terry found a dirty, thin grey Arabian stallion of such dignity, presence and grace that she immediately fell in love. In describing him to Sal she was informed his name was Prudent. Prudent came to live with Terry to be rehabilitated and reconditioned for sale. Not having enough money to buy him, he was sold a month later and left for Washington. Terry promised him she would get the money, find him and bring him home.



tHE BEGINNING



In 1997 Terry lost Tam to EPM and began her search for Pru in earnest.


In 2002 after years of investigation he was located, but was not for sale. She was offered a couple of mares bred to him. When their pictures arrived, Terry could not believe the condition they were in and feared for Pru's safety.


One evening while tending to a choking horse, the owner, CJ, told Terry she was looking to find a barn where she could teach and train part-time between business trips. Terry shared with her the dream of getting Pru and the rest of them out of there. So began a partnership and The Arabian Rescue Mission. Realizing this endeavour would cost more money than they had, Terry and CJ started a year long road of fundraisering events, side jobs and refinincing Terry's house, while looking for a farm to lease. In October, 2003, everything started falling into place. A barn was found in Stillwater, a price was negotiated on the release of the horses in Washington, trailering was arranged and enough money was earned to begin.


On 11/30/03, Pru, Elle and Sierra arrived in NJ. The sight of Pru, just over 600lbs. was devastating and the girls weren't much better. How could anyone allow these animals to get like this? By spring of '04, all three were well on the road to recovery. By summer they were fat, healthy and quite stunning. Elle let us know she was ready for a job, so was bred to Pru. The 2nd trailer arrived from WA bringing Rosie.


In 2005 Pru and Elle's daughter, Emma, was born and she exceeded our expectations. We opened our doors to more rescues, other breeds and took in over 20 rescues, placing many of them, all at our expense with just a little help from our fundraising events. The 3rd trailer brought the last of the WA herd, Bekas-a magnificent Polish stallion, Negoukir-daughter of Terry's mare, Negaa and half sister to Tam, and Prudenta, Pru's daughter. We also realized we had outgrown the barn we were at and began the search for a bigger place. Winter 2006/2007 found us buying the new farm in Colesville and moving everyone over there. We also realized there were many, many more horses in need so we filed for our 501(c)3 status and were approved!


In August of 2008, Pru was diagnosed with lymphoma. Struggling bravely, he fought back and recuperated enough to survive the year, claiming "he had not had enough time with his heart and other half, Terry". Like most heroes, Pru knew when to retreat. He surrendered and laid down for the last time in the arms of Terry and CJ.



Footprints in the sand



A Poem for Pru, Terry's Heart Horse



Thank you to all who were there with me, Kristen, Frank, Robyn & Emily, Anne, and to all those who have been around from the beginning! For Pru, who was my life. When you were sick, I helped you to heal and you did the same for me. With all my love, always in my heart!



Footprints in the Sand
by Mary Stevenson, 1936



One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.


In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.


This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,


“You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”


The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”



Arabian Rescue Mission, Inc.



221 Blowtown Rd.
Leitchfield, KY 42754
(270)230-7266