Pride and Joy Rescue

Do you know the differences between timothy and foxtail? 🌾🌾

Timothy is a desirable perennial forage with seed heads that lack awns (left).

Foxtail is a weedy, annual grass with awns on the seed heads (right). Awns are bristle-like structures, which can embed into the horse's lips, mouth, gums, and gut when eaten. Foxtail seed heads tend to be a greater problem in hay than pasture since horses cannot easily sort them out.

For more information on foxtail, visit https://extension.umn.edu/horse-pastures-and-facilities/plants-cause-mouth-blisters

‼️SCREWWORM UPDATE 06/08/2026 ‼️

As of June 8, 2026, there have now been multiple New World Screwworm detections in Texas, with one being in a county bordering New Mexico. Livestock movement restrictions are in place in Texas and information can be found here: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/



Currently, the US-Mexico border is closed to all livestock exports from the US to Mexico for any reason. This includes all horses. All livestock imports from Mexico to the US are still closed as well. Further, Canada is now restricting all imports of any livestock, including horses, from Texas, and prevents any livestock from entering Canda that have resided in or transited Texas in the previous 21 days prior to importation to Canada.

For updates, make sure to check our website: https://horsecouncil.org/screwworm/

Thank you Shelly Hakanson for the dog and cat toys!

🌡️🔥 Hot weather can increase the risk of heat stress in horses. Knowing what's normal for your horse — like their typical temperature, heart rate, and behavior — can help you spot early warning signs and take action before things get serious.

Help your horse beat the heat by:
💧 Providing free access to fresh, cool (45 to 65 degrees F) water.
🌳 Making sure horses have access to shade throughout the day.
🧂 Providing free access to salt to promote drinking.
💦 Rapidly cooling hot horses by applying continuous cool water over them.
❌ Limiting trailering or exercising horses if possible.

ℹ https://z.umn.edu/heatandhorses

🐴❤️ Rescue life isn’t always glamorous.

This weekend was one of those weekends that reminded us just how much heart, grit, and teamwork it takes to do this work.

We spent our days tending to three rescues away from home base, welcoming two new rescues here at the ranch, working on the duck pond, repairing and improving fencing, and participating in community engagement events to help educate others about rescue and animal welfare.

There were miles driven, feed buckets carried, gates opened and closed, animals checked, questions answered, and countless small tasks that nobody ever sees.

And if we’re being honest… we’re exhausted.

The kind of tired that settles into your bones. The kind of tired that comes from caring deeply and giving everything you have to the animals who depend on you.

But tonight, as we make one last check of the barn, listen to the ducks settle in for the evening, and watch our newest arrivals rest safely, we are reminded why we do it.

Every fence repaired keeps animals safe.
Every community conversation builds support.
Every rescue intake represents a life that now has a chance.

So yes, we’re tired. Very tired.

But we’re also grateful—for our volunteers, supporters, followers, and every person who helps make this mission possible.

Tomorrow we’ll do it all again.

From our barn to yours,
The Pride & Joy Rescue Team 🐴🦆❤️

🐴❤️ Today was a special day for Pride & Joy Rescue! ❤️🐴

We were honored to be invited to Farm Day at St. John’s Lutheran Church, where Sully and Bo got to be ambassadors for rescue horses.

The kids had the opportunity to feed carrots, give gentle pets, and spend time getting to know these amazing horses. We answered all kinds of questions about horse care, rescue work, and what it takes to help animals in need. The curiosity, excitement, and smiles from the children made the day truly memorable.

For many of these kids, this may have been their first time meeting a horse up close. Watching them build confidence, learn respect for animals, and connect with Sully and Bo was a wonderful reminder of why community outreach matters so much.

A huge thank you to everyone at St. John’s Lutheran Church for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to share our mission. Days like today help create future animal advocates and show that every rescue animal has something special to teach us.

And as always, Sully and Bo were perfect gentlemen, soaking up the attention, accepting carrots, and representing rescue horses beautifully. 🥕🐴

From our barn to yours,
Thank you for helping us share the stories of rescue animals, one conversation at a time. ❤️

Meet the staff

Watching Kelsey grow over the years has been something really special. She came to us as a shy kid, quiet and unsure of herself, and has grown into a young woman who can truly handle her own. ❤️

From tackling chores single-handedly to helping with minor first aid and jumping into the everyday chaos of rescue life, she has proven time and time again that she is capable, dependable, and willing to work hard no matter the task. 🐴

And honestly… one of my favorite stories will always be about driving. Kelsey had absolutely zero interest in getting her license — until Dehila came into the rescue. Suddenly, all bets were off once the deal was made: learn to drive and you can get the cat. 😂🐱

Well, she held up her end of the bargain.

Not only did she push herself to drive, but she also worked hard enough to graduate early while continuing to dedicate time to the barn and the animals she loves so much.

The barn has become more than just a place for chores and animals — it became a place where confidence grew, responsibility was earned, and life lessons happened along the way. And Kelsey is proof of that.

We are incredibly proud of the person she is becoming and thankful she is part of the Pride & Joy Rescue family. ❤️

🐴 Pride & Joy Rescue: Our Current Needs List 🐴

Many people ask what the rescue needs most. Every donation matters, but some items are critical to caring for the animals who depend on us every day.

🚨 MISSION ESSENTIAL (Critical to Animal Care & Safety)

🌾 Hay Fund
Our largest ongoing need. The Hay Fund helps provide the hay, forage, and feed necessary to keep our horses healthy, maintain weight, and continue their recovery.

• Hay Fund
• Purina Enrich Plus Ration Balancer
• Beet Pulp
• Alfalfa Pellets
• Veterinary Care Fund large costs every summer for annual needs
• Farrier Fund every 4-6 weeks $55 a horse
• Emergency Medical Fund
• Fencing Repairs and Supplies
• Fuel for Transports and Emergency Response Calls
• Daily Care Supplies
• Volunteer Support

❤️ VITAL NEEDS (Directly Impact Daily Operations)

• Skid Steer (used or donated)
• 3 or 4 Horse Gooseneck Trailer (used or donated)
• Horse-Safe Fencing Materials
• Round Bales
• Feed Tubs and Water Tanks
• Stall Bedding
• Heated Livestock Waterers
• Horse Blankets
• Dog and Cat Food
• Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies
• Bottled Water and Sports Drinks for Volunteers
• Individually Packaged Snacks for Volunteers

🌟 WANTS (Would Improve Animal Care & Efficiency)

• Covered Round Pen
• Additional Paddocks
• One-Ton Dually Truck
• Arena Improvements
• Volunteer Education Equipment
• Youth Program Supplies
• Rescue Signage
• Office and Technology Upgrades

🏡 MISSION EXPANSION GOALS

These projects help us increase our impact and serve more animals and families:

• Safe Haven Kennel Expansion Project
• Additional Quarantine and Isolation Spaces
• Emergency Response Equipment
• Youth Horsemanship and Mentorship Programs
• Community Education Initiatives
• Infrastructure Improvements for Future Growth

☀️ Summer Note: Our volunteers spend countless hours outside caring for animals, hauling feed, cleaning pens, fixing fences, and helping with rescues. As temperatures rise, cold water, sports drinks, and easy grab-and-go snacks help keep our team safe, hydrated, and energized.

💙 Pride & Joy Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All monetary and eligible in-kind donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Whether it’s a contribution to the Hay Fund, a bag of Purina Enrich Plus, a case of water, a trailer, a skid steer, a volunteer hour, or simply sharing our mission, every contribution helps provide a safe landing and a second chance for animals in need.

From our barn to yours, thank you for believing in second chances. ❤️

🚜 Still Dreaming of a Skid Steer… and Still Asking 💙

Running a rescue means wearing a lot of hats. Some days we’re caregivers, some days we’re fence builders, snow removers, hay haulers, manure movers, and emergency responders.

A skid steer would be a game changer for Pride & Joy Rescue.

Right now, every bale moved, every paddock cleaned, every project completed takes extra time, extra labor, and often extra wear and tear on the volunteers who already give so much of themselves. A skid steer would help us:

🐴 Move hay safely and efficiently
🐴 Clean paddocks and shelters faster
🐴 Handle manure management
🐴 Assist with fencing and facility projects
🐴 Clear snow during our brutal North Dakota winters
🐴 Improve the quality of care we provide to every animal that comes through our gates

We’re not looking for brand new. Used is wonderful. Older is okay. If it’s functional and safe, we’d be grateful to explore it.

If you know of a business upgrading equipment, a farmer with one sitting unused, a company that donates equipment, or someone willing to sponsor part of a purchase, please reach out.

Every horse, dog, cat, goat, and volunteer who calls Pride & Joy home would benefit from this one piece of equipment.

Please share this post. Sometimes the right person sees it at exactly the right time. ❤️

As a reminder all donations not just monetary are a tax deduction.

From our barn to yours,

Connie, Rob, and the Pride & Joy Rescue family