Retirement Paradise for Aged Horses

Elysian Fields: The Justin Morgan Association for Retired Equines

Apr 13, 2009

Elysian Fields: The Justin Morgan Association for Retired Equines (EF:JMARE) is an idyllic farm in Peru, Illinois. A 501c3 charity, EF:JMARE provides a pampered retreat for retired horses.

EF:JMARE’s mission is an “active care giving, educational and research association established to preserve and improve the health, dignity, spirit, usefulness, comfort and quality of life of aging horses, with special emphasis on the Morgan Horse, America's own First Breed.”

Operated by veteran horsewoman, Jann Currie, EF:JMARE provides stabling, daily pasture turnout and all the other amenities of good equine care. A national board of trustees composed of horse breeders and trainers oversees the organization.

EF:JMARE’s Residents – Rescues and Retirees

EF:JMARE is supported by donations, fundraising, and initial placement fees paid by horse owners who want the guarantee of a safe retirement for old friends. EF:JMARE’s success is attested by its waiting list. There are currently six horses in residence:

Management of Special Needs of Retired Horses

Aged horses have specific dietary and exercise needs to stay healthy. Some have special problems beyond age.

In 2004 a starved herd was discovered in Wisconsin. Two of these emaciated and terrified horses were mares in the worst shape but clearly bonded to each other. The rescue facility feared that splitting them up would cause more stress than their condition could sustain.

EF:JMARE agreed to accept “Angel” (Cremont Foxanna) and “Tilly” (Traces Diahna) for rehabilitation and permanent sanctuary without a placement fee.

Saving a horse from starvation requires special care. The horse cannot be cured simply by feeding it lots of food. To the contrary, too much feed too soon risks founder, colic, and other health problems. In Angel and Tilly’s case there was also the challenge of regaining their trust in people.

Thanks to Currie’s skilled regimen, both mares are healthy and happy today. They are not the only ones with special needs. Both Glory and Josh (Whitmorr Encore) have Cushings, a disease affecting the pituitary gland. It causes horses to grow a long dry dull coat not readily shed, reduced muscle, and lameness from perennially sore feet.

Glory came to EF:JMARE on Cushings medication and pain killers. She was lame and wore a “Cushings coat.” On Currie’s unique program of natural supplements with the medication and daily exercise, Glory is now sound and shiny. Josh’s owner consigned him to EF:JMARE instead of the euthanasia suggested by others. At EF:JMARE he is doing well.

EF:JMARE has shared its Cushings program with others who face this condition in aged horses. This is the type of “research” that is part of the organization’s mission – learning what works best for aged horses and their conditions.

The circle of life at EF:JMARE also entails saying goodbye. Recently lost to natural causes was revered resident, Valiant Tony, world champion Morgan stallion. Tony arrived with a fused front knee, resulting from a broken leg. Maintenance of a horse with this condition requires special attention.

Currie fondly remembers, “Tony accommodated that leg with courage and style. He had a long, happy retirement despite his handicap.”

Requirements for Placement at EF:JMARE

Currie expects a new resident to arrive soon. The requirements for placement at EF:JMARE are:

Tax Deductible Support

Support for EF:JMARE depends on the kindness of strangers and dedicated benefactors in the form of tax deductible donations. Long range plans include establishing a second facility in another state. The need is great.

The copyright of the article Retirement Paradise for Aged Horses in Horses is owned by Linda Ashar. Permission to republish Retirement Paradise for Aged Horses in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Apr 14, 2009 8:41 AM

Guest :

Thank you Linda for putting this updated info together ~ for the horses and to give the credit to Jann that is due. EF:JMARE has always put the horses first and the original BOD although changed in faces is still supported in many ways and we need to do more to help in that regard. These older horses and their photos represent living - it is a choice and we are blessed to have JMARE to provide the professional care - hard hard work and love that it takes to give those horses their chance to live.

Holly J Butterman, Original BOD member and contributor
Snowview Farm Morgans
Reno, Nevada
www.snowviewfarm.com

Apr 14, 2009 11:41 AM

Guest :

I have forgotten the site who donates a portion of sale proceeds to EF:JMARE. Would you please remind us of who does this and how to do it?
Teri Personeni
Nevada City, CA
www.Terob Morgans.com

Apr 14, 2009 12:30 PM

Linda Ashar :

Thank you Holly and Teri, for your comments.
The site Teri is referencing used to be called Country Supply and is now Horse.com; they sell all kinds of horse and barn supplies, tack, blankets, etc. I have bought many things there and purchased a gift certificate there for my vet. for Christmas last year. She liked it too. When the donation value from designated purchases reaches $50.00 they send a check to EF:JMARE.
Their Link is: http://www.horse.com/Default.aspx?
On checkout a box comes up where a purchaser can enter the charity's code and they will send a portion of the purchase to EF:MARE. The code is "efjmare." :) This does NOT add to the cost of your purchase. Horse.com is making the donation from its revenue on the purchase.
De-wormer purchases are not eligible for donation credit.
EF:JMARE appreciates all your support.
Happy Trails,
Linda C. Ashar