The Finca Bienestar Horse Sanctuary
History and Mission by Fred Busch
The Finca Bienestar Horse Sanctuary began in a very simple and humble way. About two years ago I adopted and rescued from an abusive situation a beautiful little 4 year old mule! This little mule was so sweet and I fell in love with her instantly, but she was skinny and being overworked and underfed. As a vegan and teacher of Plant Based living I did not like what I saw so I offered a small amount of money and arranged to take possession and bring her to Finca Bienestar where she could live in peace with plenty of food and water. I never really imagined I would actually be able to start an actual Horse Sanctuary!
Once I got our little mule my father helped me name her Grape Juice! This is Grape Juice Today:
Once I started to rehabilitate and take care of Grape Juice she started running off the Finca even breaking fences to get to be with other horses or mules. It turns out of course that mules and horses are herd animals and they are very stressed when they are left all alone. So as a result I decided that we had to find another horse or mule so that Grape Juice would be happy.
Juanita – Our First Horse
I learned about a horse nearby that was being worked so hard that it was always bleeding and bright red on neck and back from having to carry wood and extremely heavy loads for great distances. She was thin and overworked and injured as just mentioned. I decided to negotiate a small price to purchase Juanita. We rehabilitated Juanita by letting her do nothing but eat and rest for nine months until all her injuries were healed and comfortable with the saddle again. We ride Juanita about twice a week to keep her in good shape!
Of course once I got Juanita, Grape Juice became the happiest possible mule and the two of them became inseparable as they wondered freely around the Finca eating the plentiful food and drinking from the fresh stream.
Canela – Our 11 Month Old Rescue
I took one look at little Canela when saw her at a livestock fair and I could not believe awful the condition she was in! This kind of stuff breaks my heart…so even though I did not go to that fair looking to get another horse… once again I felt like I had no choice since I have the space at Finca Bienestar and we have so much natural grass for her to eat all day and night!
So again I utilized personal funds to rescue this little angel of a horse. When Canela first arrived at the Finca within 15 minute she fell to the ground and started convulsing and almost died. I called the Veterinarian and she told us how to stabilize the situation and we got her hydrated and some food! We got her special B Vitamins and Anti Parasite Treatments! Canela also came to use with a major infection in her neck that discovered and treated over the next 10 Days! It is truly a joy for me to see these animals heal and get strong and be happy and free! This is one of the reasons I recently decided to just officially create a Horse Sanctuary since that is already what is happening here. I also want other people to be able to share in the joy of adapting and rescuing abused horses or other animals. Here is Canela today:
Champion – Our Newest
Just recently I bought Champion, another rescue! Big and strong genetically that was for sure, but skinny and starving. Champion was kept in a corral where he was kept without access to food or water. My neighbor was horrified and how Champion was being treated and decided to trade a cow for this abused horse. Once I saw Champion at my neighbors property I offered to buy him and assume responsibility for his care. After two months of rest and lots of food and water Champion is putting on lots of weight. I rode Champion today and I it is difficult to describe how strong and powerful he was! Literally he is like a new horse and he loves his new home!
Donate Now – Adopt a Horse
I am presently operating Finca Bienestar Horse Sanctuary with my personal funds…which are limited. The joy I feel from seeing these horse run free as a herd makes all the sacrifice worth while but having said that I would appreciate support if you want to get involved!
Adopt-a-Horse Program
Finca Bienestar Horse Sanctuary animals are up for virtual adoption and caretaking. By adopting an animal you commit to help with the expenses and upkeep of your horse or mule.
Carrots and Grains fed to each horse can cost up to $100 each month. Veterinary attention can cost up to $50 each animal per month. So each animal at our Sanctuary costs us about $150 per month for its care.
Those who enter our Animal Adoption program will receive a picture of your horse or mule as well as certificate of virtual adoption. Also those who are in our Adoption program can come to Finca Bienestar for retreats or trainings and be able to meet and help feed and brush your horse!
Rescue-a-Horse Program
Another option for those interested in helping to reduce the suffering of animals is to be instrumental in the rescue of your own horse or mule. Our rescue program involves the searching for animals in need of rescue, purchase of the animal from the owner or slaughterhouse, veterinary costs, vitamins other supplements needed upon rescue, and monthly carrots and grain cost.
Most horses and mules can be obtained for under $1000. Champion for example cost me personally about $800. The initial veterinarian costs are about $250 and monthly food and vet costs about $150.
So if you would like to rescue a horse or mule and let your animal live at Finca Bienestar happy and free we can make your dream come true!
Just like in our adoption program, those generous souls who are in the rescue program will always have access to their animals upon visiting Finca Bienestar for programs and retreats!
The total cost to rescue a Horse or Mule is $2000 which covers 6 Months of Food and Vet Bills!
Those who enter our Animal Rescue program will receive a picture of your horse or mule as well as certificate of virtual adoption. Once funds are received we will begin the search carefully for the horse or mule most in need of rescue and then send you updates and status reports of their rehab and new life of leisure.