20 Nov “Lady Jane” Arrives at the Haven

Our Mims Retirement Haven welcomed a new mare to its facility in Paris, Kentucky on November 8, 2014.

The name and identity of the gray Thoroughbred mare is unknown. She was donated by a person who saved her from a kill buyer, but that person was not able to provide proper care, and the mare’s condition had begun to deteriorate. According to Dr. Travis Burns of Park Equine Hospital in Lexington, the mare appears to be about 25 years of age. He scored her a 3 on the Henneke horse body condition test.

“Until we know who this mare is, we’re calling her Lady Jane,” remarked Cheryl Bellucci, Director of Fund Raising and Promotion for OMRH. “We will be sharing everything we know about her on our web site.”

Jeanne Mirabito, farm manager for OMRH, has been caring for the mare since Lady Jane’s arrival. Said Mirabito: “I look at Jane and tear up. While it may be some time before we know her whole story, she wears psychological scars that tell me she has had more than her fair share of trauma. That she was saved from slaughter and her identiy stripped away is only the tip of the iceberg. I can see it in her eyes. The hard times are behind her now. Love, care and heaing are all she will know from this day on. I look forward to the day when I can look into her eyes and see she knows she is safe.”

Since her arrival, Lady Jane has been bathed, had an overall health assessment, and had her teeth floated. She has settled down from some initial skittishness. Right now Lady Jane is being kept in a separate barn from the other Ladies and Elmhurst, but she will be moved to the bigger Haven barn when she is stronger.

The Haven is taking donations for Lady Jane’s care. Donors can either send money directly to Our Mims Retirement Haven, 2810 Millersburg Ruddles Mill Rd, Paris, KY 40361 or through the Haven’s web site: http://www.OurMims.org. Those interested can also find a list of items needed by the Haven on the web site.

Our Mims Retirement Haven is also in need of volunteers to clean stalls. Mirabito sustained a shoulder injury shortly after Lady Jane’s arrival and is unable to work in the barn. If you live in the Paris, Kentucky area, have your own transportation, and are interested in working with the Ladies and Gent, please contact Jeanne at (859) 227-6304. The Haven is also soliciting funds to pay for help if volunteers are not available.

OMRH became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2006. Featured in Barbara Livingston’s More Old Friends, the Haven specializes in “restoring health and spirit in aged mares.” The Haven is supported through donations, eBay auctions, and its online shop.

Our Mims Retirement Haven is home to Princess Royale, Missy White Oak, Blue Viking, Ms. Royal Flagship, Trail Guide, Dogwood Patty, Exciting Bucket, and “Lady Jane.” Our Mims’ grandson, 1997 Breeder’s Cup™ Sprint winner Elmhurst, arrived in October of 2011.

OMRH Web Site: http://www.OurMims.org
Press Releases: http://www.OurMims.org/news/
(Photo available at press release web site.)

Jeanne Mirabito: (859) 227-6304
Farm Manager, President
jeanne@ourmims.org

Cheryl Bellucci: (937) 776-1904
Director of Fund Raising and Promotion
cheryl@ourmims.org