This is the Difference You Make: Betty's Journey of Hope

A few months ago, MVHR received a call from local authorities about a mare who had been severely neglected for a long time and was standing in a pasture with grossly overgrown hooves. MVHR dispatched a trailer immediately and found sweet Betty. Her hooves were so overgrown that we could see them curling up out of the little grass that remained, even as we drove up the road towards her. Amazingly, she could walk, and even trot to avoid human interaction, clearly demonstrating how worried she was about what we, these strange new people, had in mind for her. But within a few minutes, MVHR's trainer earned her trust and was able to halter her and lead her a few steps to the waiting trailer, so that she could begin her Journey of Hope.

Not only were her hooves grossly overgrown, but Betty also battled a metabolic disorder, which had gotten out of hand with no care. Her resulting overgrown coat gave her the appearance of a buffalo and had her sweating and breathing hard even standing still on the cool spring days. Her dull eyes told the story - she did not feel good.

Within weeks of settling in at MVHR, the new Betty began to emerge. Medications and diet management, to help regulate her metabolism, had her shedding her coarse coat to reveal a sleek, black horse underneath. Her initial hoof trims immediately allowed her to stand and move with improved comfort. And most telling of all, a bright twinkle returned to her eye.

This amazing mare continues her recovery (it will take a full year for her overgrown hooves to recuperate), and now embarks on some light training to help her continue to gain trust in humans. She is truly a beauty, almost unrecognizable from that miserable horse we found waiting for help in a pasture just earlier this year. Thanks to your support, Betty's Journey of Hope is well underway!

At MVHR, it is our mission to accompany all horses in our care on their individual Journey of Hope and eventual happy endings with new, caring owners. Today on Colorado Gives Day, you too can be a part of those Journeys.

Colorado Gives Day is the largest day of philanthropic giving in Colorado. Thanks to the Community First Foundation and FirstBank $1.4 Million Incentive Fund, your donations are boosted, increasing the value of every dollar you donate.

Last year, you donated over $54,000 on Colorado Gives Day to MVHR! This year, with 29 Rescues at the ranch right now, and a waiting list that continues to hover at 40+, the demand for our services, our mission are even greater. Please help us meet our 2022 goals by visiting MVHR's Colorado Gives Day page. Your gift -- whether $5, $25, $250, $2,500 or more; one time or monthly -- will help even more horses make their own Journeys of Hope towards happy endings!

With sincere gratitude,

~ The Staff, Board and Volunteers Mountain Valley Horse Rescue