Double L Stable

In The News

2010-02-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/adamsturf/archive/2010/01/22/rescue-and-sanctuary-a-second-chance.aspx
Rescue and Sanctuary - A Second Chance

Thanks to Shannon Hahn’s Argyle, N.Y-based Double L Stable Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, a gray racehorse who lost an eye in a track accident has found a happy ending—albeit after a long road—with a caring owner and a new career.

In the midst of all the news about neglected horses and slaughter-bound ex-racers, it’s always encouraging when a rescue organization passes on a story such as this. While it might not happen often in comparison with the alarming number of unwanted horses that turn up each day, the encouragement from these stories of success always brighten my spirits gives me hope for a better future.

I actually first wrote about Hahn’s stable Saratoga Springs when she related this story http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/48966/inside-track-second-chances to me last year about a rescued mare and her newborn foal, who is now working as a therapy horse.

Hahn’s operation is one of the many rescue facilities throughout the country that—especially in light of the struggling economy—need our help to survive. During this Valentine’s Day season, Double L is holding a fundraiser contest and asking the public to send Valentine’s Card to its rescue horses with a $1 bill inside (or more if they wish).

The cards will be hung in the barn for visitors to see, and on St. Patrick’s Day one name will be selected to receive a $20 gift card to Tractor Supply Co. Cards can be sent to: The Horses, Double L Stable Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, 9 Tilford Rd, Argyle, NY 12809.

As a little pick-me-up for fellow rescues and fans alike, Hahn wanted to relate the story of the aforementioned one-eyed gelding named Best At Law. Double L originally adopted out the horse to a woman in Pennsylvania, who had to return him a year later due to her own health issues. Sent back to Double L, Best at Law was next adopted by a Vermont-based family, which renamed him Orion.

Unfortunately, due to the family’s farm going out of business a year later, the gelding was once again returned to Double L and in need of a new home. Not giving up hope, Hahn reposted Orion for adoption for the third time, and a young girl named Ashley who was searching for a show horse wound up taking him.

“(Ashley’s) trainer at the time did not want her to adopt a one-eyed horse as a show prospect—he didn’t think (the horse) would be able to learn the work and said the judges would not like him,” said Hahn. “Well, this one-eyed wonder has proved them all wrong! Orion is doing wonderful and winning ribbons with the best of them.”

Photo: Best At Law and Ashley Dorey in dressage

“This horse is a grand example of what an ex-racer can do and what wonderful horses are available through rescue,” Hahn continued. “Through no fault of his own this horse was adopted out three times, but finally found his forever home. In order to continue our work we need all the help we can get in these hard times.”

Double L Blog Link

Filed under: Adam's Turf, retirement, therapeutic, Esther

Georgia

2009-08-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hello friends.
I just wanted to let you all know that our big old wonderful, slightly goofy, St. Bernard died this morning and is resting under one of her favorite spots in the yard. Some of you knew her and a few of you never had the chance to meet her. She was 14, a very very very old age for a ST. B. I had Georgia about 13 years. She was a marvel with the kids when they were young. Eli was only 6 months old when we got her and everyone said we were crazy. I believe some animals come into our lives for a very specific reason. Angles in disguise. Georgia saved Eli from choking to death when he was just barely a year old. When he was walking and would bolt toward the street she took off running with me and usually reached him first snagging him by the seat of the pants or back of the shirt. She never left a mark on him. When Adam would go sledding on the hill out front she was always grabbing the hood of his coat to 'rescue' him if he went down on his belly. No kids face down in the snow on this dogs watch! Big as she was, she loved to ride in the truck. She traveled all over with me to where ever I was headed. She picked up the kids at school or waited on the front porch for the bus to come by and drop them off. She moped the first day of school every fall. As she aged she was not quite as quick and a bit unsteady on her feet sometimes. She starting laying right by the door or near the outhouse so she could she see the front and back doors at the same time. Ever the guard dog. As the farm grew and our visitors become more and more she took on the job of being a hundred pound one dog welcome wagon. When my handicapped kids are here she would lay in the barn isle and keeps watch over everyone. This seemed important to her so I let her. Most of you know my 'no dogs in the barn' rule because of our mule. She was just so old and so tired and ran out of steam. Really, could we ask more of her? I don't think so but I will surley miss her.
Shannon

A Post From Shannon

2009-06-14T03:37:00.001-07:00

Recently Double L Stable Equine Rescue and Sanctuary took in a young Saddlebred mare from a kill pen in central NY. We got a call from a friend in the area who spotted the sad emaciated mare among the other horses all destined to be shipped to Canada for slaughter. After much juggling of horses and careful planning we were able to commit to take the horse in. A private party (my wonderful Mom)! paid the horse's ransom to free her from the kill pen. This was done in honor of her mother who recently passed away and loved animals. It was a big surprise but a very welcome one. We named the mare Simone after my grandmother. Our group of handicapped young adults who helps out at the farm with volunteer work surprised me again by raising the money needing to cover the fuel to haul Simone home. Another friend donated some meds she we need. So far Simone has lots of friends and she needs every single one of them. Simone was a 1 on the body scoring chats. So thin you could see her ball joint in her hip rotate when she walked. Her face had been peeled off when a halter several sizes too small was removed. Her beautiful long red mane was tangled and full of snarls and knots. Her rotten fungus covered hide hung on her bones like a wet smelly blanket. To make matters worse for her, once we got her home we discovered it seems she has been beaten. Simone is safe now and will recover to be a lovely mare who will hold her head up proud once again. it is going to be long and very expensive road. This is where she needs the help of all her friends. We are asking everyone to post this at any message boards you might frequent, in your blogs, or on your favorite chat rooms. We are asking people to send a get well card to Simone with a single $1 bill inside. Cards can be sent to Simone @ Double L 9 Tilford Rd. Argyle, NY 12809. Thanks for the help,Shannon and Simone

PS-On a much happier note we would like to share with you all that our much loved Isaac, the TB gelding we rehabbed from the Paragallo case (Center Brook Farm/Paraneck Racing Stables) has been adopted and is going into law enforcement! Officer Williamson of the Roxburry NY police department came and tested Isaac and agreed he has the stuff police horses are made of. Isaac will do mostly parade work and PR and since he is such a ham and loves attention it will be a perfect second career! Isaac during testing. Flag in face with light and sirene and car horn going! Officer Williamson just dismounted from his back.

Valentines!! and Presidents!!!

2009-02-07T01:06:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is 7 days away. There is still time to get your Valentine a special gift that he or she will always remember. How about giving a Valentine's Card to the Horses of Double L Stablein honor of your favorite Valentine? And to top that off!! He or She could win a $25 gift certificate to Tractor Supply. The catch (there's always a catch right) well in your card to the horses include a President. A PRESIDENT?? Well February is not only the month to think about Cupid. But we also celebrate President's Day... So how about a George Washington, or an Abraham Lincoln? Hey an Alexander Hamilton or an Andrew Jackson would not be turned away!! Send a card with your chosen president inside. and the cards will then be placed in a bucket. The winner drawn and a lucky Valentine will receive a $25 gif certificate to Tractor Supply Company. Our address:

The Horses of Double L Stable

9 Tilford Rd.

Argyle, NY 12809

Tell us you saw us here on the blog!!!

The Bloodhorse.... A feature Article

2009-01-30T23:06:00.000-08:00

http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/48966.htm?id=48966

Inside Track: Second Chances
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ShareThisby Esther MarrDate Posted: January 26, 2009Last Updated: January 29, 2009
Photo: courtesy of Shannon Hahn
When Windswept Lady arrived at Shannon Hahn’s Argyle, N.Y-based Double L Stable Equine Rescue and Sanctuary near Saratoga Springs with her newborn foal, the outlook looked grim for the granddaughter of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew.Emaciated and weak, the mare had abscesses in both front feet, and her four-month-old colt was more than 100 pounds underweight and suffering from pneumonia. Hahn acted quickly, calling her veterinarian to provide the necessary care for the injured and starving horses, never thinking at the time that their story would someday educate others via a display in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame. “Our goal is for (Windswept Lady’s foal) to make a personal appearance at the museum this year,” said Hahn of the colt, who was later named Willie. “Here is this Thoroughbred baby that was supposed to be a big moneymaker (he was a maternal great grandson of Seattle Slew and a paternal grandson of Conquistador Cielo), he almost dies, and ends up here—nobody’s sure if he’s going to live, and now he’s working with at-risk youth and handicapped kids. We’re hoping he will be an ambassador to show people that Thoroughbreds can do anything, especially when they’re done racing.”Unfortunately, after two years, Windswept Lady’s condition deteriorated and she had to be euthanized. The silver lining is that her situation is now being further studied to help future horses with her same condition. “(Windswept Lady) is missed everyday here,” said Hahn. “I never met a stronger mare with so much determination in my 10 years of rescue work. She had a true mother’s love as she was fighting to stay alive for her foal.”Hahn, a specialist in equine neglect and abuse cases, explained how the mare and foal first came to reside at her farm. Windswept Lady had gone through a small, local auction while carrying Willie and was purchased by a person who recognized her pedigree and thought he could make a profit selling her foal.After discovering the mare’s breeding paperwork had never been filed and being unsuccessful in negotiations with the owner of the stallion (Hammer), however, the buyer, who has been charged with corrupt practices involving animals in the past, apparently stopped caring for the two horses.“The mare had abscess in both front feet, and the vet refused to treat her,” said Hahn. “Instead of the abscesses blowing out the back like they normally do, they ate up into her legs and ate the bones out of her feet.” After being bought by a third party, who had heard about the cruel situation, Windswept Lady and her foal were sent to Double L.Hahn’s veterinarian did the best he could to treat the two horses, along with reporting the abuse. Willie, who is now in training to work as a therapy horse, is featured along with Windswept Lady in an exhibit called “Ride On” at the Racing Hall of Fame Museum. Dedicated to racehorse injury and recovery research, the exhibit was inspired by 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Barbaro, who succumbed to laminitis in 2007. Hahn expressed how Double L had been unable to rescue as many horses as usual lately because of the dismal economy. To help keep her operation going, she is asking for members of the horse industry to send a Valentine’s card to its rescued horses with a $1 donation enclosed to LLSERS, 9 Tilford Rd., Argyle, N.Y., 12809. The cards will be hung in the barn for visitors to see, and in March a winner who will receive a $25 gift card to Tractor Supply will be drawn from the card senders.Hahn explained how 15 of the horses at Double L live permanently at the sanctuary. Local handicapped adults, as well as at-risk youth help do the barn work and care for the equine residents. “Everything we do here is based on gifts and donations,” said Hahn. “We have no paid staff. Every cent we raise goes right into the horses’ care. It’s rehabbed horses, rehabbing people. It is a great full circle program.”

A little Late BUT... LOOK at THIS

2009-01-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

Post Star Article December 2008

By NICK REISMANreisman@poststar.com
Updated: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 6:22 PM EST

ARGYLE — Her cheeks a bright shade of rose, Shannon Hahn bounced around the horse stables and spoke as crisply as the temperature. “I’m probably turning down 12 horses on average, a week,” she said quickly, as a caramel-colored mare nuzzled her. “Oh, hello my dear. They just can’t run fast enough to make people money.”It was a typical Wednesday at the Double L Stable Equine Rescue and Sanctuary — if there is a “typical” day for the Argyle sanctuary for animals that, through abuse, neglect or circumstance, find themselves without a home.Hahn was hosting a group of four high-functioning young adults with disabilities who are part of the Innovations program at Community, Work & Independence (CWI).
The Queensbury-based program is designed to help them become familiar with a work environment, like keeping track of multiple responsibilities.
There weren't a lack of tasks to do on Wednesday, as Hahn’s stables descended into a form of controlled chaos.Horses trotted in from the pastures to happily munch on grains, two cats darted around the barn and a Saint Bernard named Georgia slumped lazily on the floor. Meanwhile, a collection of turkeys and chickens clucked outside, oblivious to the racket inside the barn. Mary Rose Kana, a participant in the program, filled a red plastic scoop with a generous helping of grain and placed the food in a bucket for a horse named Russell.The horse dug his nose into the bucket.
“I love every part of this,” she said. “I love being around animals. When I’m upset or sick, they make me feel better. It just works for me.”Kana works at McDonald’s part-time. She was a little hesitant to work with the large, sometimes unpredictable animals.“I was scared at first,” said Kana as she was sitting in Hahn’s living room, enjoying a warm cup of apple broth near a wood stove. “But I got the hang of it. You have to know what you’re doing.”

Its Cold here

2009-01-15T03:21:00.000-08:00

First Some PHOTOS then a story............

RUBY

Willie very curious about the new dog

Ghengis the Turkey (remember him? he was pardoned on Thankgiving Day)

It looks beautiful but it is still COLD!!!

This photo was a jump out of the truck shot..... The sun was at the right spot and we were in the right location to capture it after yelling STOP STOP I am getting out!!!

Now the Story

AS I write this I am 700 miles south of Argyle. It is 10 degrees out here so I can only imagine what frigid tundra Argyle is experiencing. As noted in the post below Brian and I traveled to Argyle last week to spend a few days with Shannon and Aaron on the farm. (well mostly in front of the fire!!) But I did manage to snap some cool horsey photos! Which I was able to save. I was also able to save the few photos I took in Whitehall. Yes home of BIGFOOT. Brian (Ann's fiance0 is very intrigued with BIGFOOT. When Shannon and Aaron first moved to Argyle we went on a bigfoot hunt!! Night Vision goggles and all. It ended with Shannon and Brian racing back to the house as they got spooked by a mysterious whoooop whoooop noise in the woods. Was it Bigfoot?? We may never know!!!!

Vermont is closed!!!!

2009-01-15T03:16:00.000-08:00

this post is copied and pasted from myadoptiongeography blog. And written for both blogsites. Just did not want to confuse anyone when reading. Ann and Brian are me and my fiance who have been friends with Shannon and Aaron for going on 9 years.

Hoping to recover the photos from my disk and maybe eventually post Vermont photos here!!!

With all due respect to all those Vermonters and New England folks reading I must say phooey! Brian and I have just returned from what is hopefully our last vacation as a family of two. We went to visit our friends from "upstate" New York, Argyle to be exact. Well Brian has been waiting and we have been all just ranting about some things that can be found in Vermont so we scheduled a day to "visit." We found ourselves in what can only be likened to a Griswold adventure in Vermont. There should have been a moose at the Welcome to Vermont sign that said "Sorry folks Vermont is closed on Tuesdays.... and some attractions are closed for the season." We never even gave most of this a thought. Off we went on an hour trek from Argyle to the Vermont Border. The first (and only productive stop) was the Chocolate barn. Here we indulged in way too much sugar and spent a kazillion dollars on chocolate and maple candy. Then off we race for "The Cheese House" only to find a sign in the window that says CLOSED ON TUESDAYS!!! So we are a bit bummed but its just cheese right. So we go of for a light lunch. Next stop..... Hemmings Motor News and Museum. Brian is an avid car fanatic and there is a Mustang (a Shelby GT) on display here. I have stopped on my way to Dog Camp and have told him about the place and he has been jonesing to go. But alas this too was not meant to be.... As the sign in their window said CLOSED FOR THE SEASON!!! The gas station and garage were open for business. I said I was going to walk in and ask if there was any way we could just quickly walk through, but everyone else including Brian just said phooey. So since we are already in Bennington lets go see the revolutionary war memorial. Ok cool...... CLOSED FOR THE SEASON..... At this point we say phooey to everything else and just hit a few local stores. Since everything else is closed. Well one thing Shannon and I enjoy doing is thrift shopping. Ok cool there is a thrift store right on our way home and we KNOW there is a bathroom there and everyone's legs are kind of crossed by this time. So we stop....... BIG SIGN on front of door..... NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS!!! At this point we just all explode in unstopable laughter. There may has well have been a closed on TUESDAYS sign on the door. So we go down the street to the Dunkin Donuts The women's room is LOCKED and no one is in.... So Shannon has Aaron stand guard and uses the men's room. Well she inadvertantly locked the door from the inside and now BOTH bathroom doors are locked!! Aw forget it I was not waiting in line to ask for a key so we head off. Now remind you we are in VERMONT... The night before we were sledding with the kids and Ripley decided to find his herding instinct. He herded the blow up snowtube straight down the hill grabbed it and POP.... That was the end of the snow tube. So I said I would buy a new snow tube. We are in Vermont there is snow and hills everywhere!! Should be easy right? NOT!!! No snow tubes or sleds of any kind to be found in the state of New York or Vermont. Guess the kids there need some cardboard boxes. With tales tucked we head home. Shannon runs a Horse Rescue and she always takes the time to stop in at local shelters when she passes any. Especially if they are small and private run. So we pull up at 3:30 in the afternoon to Second Chance Dog and Cat rescue which I think was somewhere just outside of Arlington before the Vermont/NY state line. Well the big red white and blue open sign was still out front so we pull in to the small front lot. As we do a woman walks out. Shannon gets out greets the woman as the woman proceeds to remove the open flag and tell Shannon in a pretty gruff voice.... "we close at 3:30 on TUESDAYS!!! Shannon asked if she could just take a quick look around. Which was met by a stout NOPE you can come back tomorrow.... OK no donation for you. So sad maybe we both would have left a few bucks donation for this small facility!!! Not a good way to do business.Anyway we head to the Vermont border. I ask to stop and get a photo of the Vermont sign so I can photo shop it and put a closed sign through it or something appropriate for our day. We do,I stop, no big deal. But once I got back to the house to try to download the few photos I actually did get for the day...... ALL THE FILES ARE CORRUPT!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASo much for our day in Vermont..... I will try a few things to repair the photos but I am not promising anything. Next time Brian goes with me to visit We will call the STATE of VERMONT first and ask if by any chance the borders are CLOSED for the DAY. Maybe the whole state of Vermont went south for the winter!!!!!

Happy Turkey Day

2008-11-27T07:32:00.000-08:00

Kelly and Gingus Turkey have

been granted pardon on this Turkey Day

Residents at Double L Stable have

his to say about this day ....................

" EAT TOFU rkey"

The last few weeks have been busy at Double L Stable. Winter has arrived not quite with the usual vengence but there has been snow and ice on the ground and many cold frigid days. The barn has received a new member into the bunch. An Arab cross originally named Flame has come from the Pennsylvania ASPCA to his perminant residence at the sanctuary. We hope Flame has many many happy years with the sanctuary and becomes just as spoiled and loved as the rest of the residents.

The sanctuary is involved in many activities for the community. We have several groups who come as volunteers at the barn. Most of these groups are made up of adolescents who for varied reasons are in need of social rehabilitation. This rehab starts with the horses. They interact on a weekly basis, not only caring for the horses directly, but learning the responsibilities and discipline involved in caring for animals. The unconditional love is shared from human to horse many times over through the eyes and hearts of these kids. Next week some of the kids will be honored to take part in a newspaper article which runs yearly for the rescue. This article allows the Argyle community to learn more about Double L Stables, but it also kicks off their Annual Christmas Card fundraiser. Each year hundreds of cards pour in from all over the United States with donations of $1,$5,$20, or more. All with cards directly addressed to the horses. This money helps keep hay and grain in the barn during the winter months. If interested cards can be addressed to:

The Horses of Double L Stable Equine Rescue and Sanctuary

9 Tilford Rd

Argyle, NY 12809

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

Calgary

2008-10-01T00:50:00.000-07:00

Yes that is Aaron!! Cool photo... But I am a bit biased.

For three years now Aaron and Shannon have had the awesome opportunity to travel to Calgary, Canada for a raliroad spiking contest. So on Friday September 26 The farm was entrusted to Gail, the kids to their Aunt Gina and Nonni. (ok I will really need the spelling here) Then off for four days. Aaron has been working the railroad for many years. He took a hiatus from the railroad for a few years after an on the job accident. Shortly after movign to New York he found himself again back on the railroad. As soon as I talk to Shannon I will post how the trip was and how the competition went!!!

Open House Saturday October 4!!

2008-09-17T02:42:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Double L Stable will be open for barn tours. Our resident horses will be more then delighted to welcome all visitors. Guests are welcomed to come and bring a picnic lunch, tour the barn, learn our stories, or just hang out for a day on the farm. We are asking a $6 donation on arrival per person. Proceeds will all be used for the horses daily care, nutrition and or vet bills. Hope to see you there!!

Veggie Expo come meet us!!

2008-09-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.nyvegetarianexpo.org/

Veggie Expo was a success. Thanks to this expo we were able to raise money to save a horse from slaughter. This is our goal for this fundraiser. LAst year we were able to save a horse named "GIMME THAT WINE" This horse's photo was displayed at the expo. The horse that will be saved from this years efforts will be displayed on future fundraising outings and at the next veggie expo. We were able to meet many people and make some good contacts. But this was a very very long day. Shannon

Come meet us at the EXPO. On Saturday September 13. Shannon and several barn helpers (and weather permitting some of the residents of the farm) will be exhibitors at the New York Vegetarian Expo in Saratoga Springs, NY. This is the second year they are participating. They use the day to inform EXPO attendees about the farm, and As a day of fundraising. If you go tell them you saw this brand new posting. Shannon will be overjoyed to hear people have heard about the farm and the expo by way of our blogging. I will be there in spirit.(take note of the sweatshirts the girls will be wearing) While I take no credit for the shirts in any way... I did however take some of the photos that are on the shirts!! Again my way of participating from 350 miles away. Take some time to look at the Veggie Expo website!!!

Post One

2008-09-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am not really Shannon.... But since I live so far away from her now I can not help with day to day operations of the farm or the horses. So for the last 4 years I have been the photographer, and the poster of photos on the petfinder website. Now I have become addicted to blogging and I can help the stable in another new way. Once I get this up and running I will add pictures and links to other great stuff. And can keep the world updated as to what Shannon and Aaron are up to on their farm.