The two current employees at Brighter Days are angels for this rescue and the horses. I started volunteering there around the Spring of 2017 and will never leave this place. I am not only a volunteer but a sponsor to three of the horses. For a nonprofit rescue and the lack of volunteers currently it is hard to keep up with all of the chores however, everyone works very hard when there to clean up the pastures and stalls. There are many internal issues that need to be corrected immediately; the staff, sponsors and volunteers are working towards the corrections. Give the place a chance before making judgement against an incredible place.
Review from Guidestar
I've been associated with BDHR since November, 2000 as a volunteer, part-time worker, and donor. If horse poop were gold, I'd be King Midas. For the past 27+ years Jeanne and Bill Weatherholtz have devoted their lives to protecting battered, abused and abandoned horses and assorted critters. If it weren't for them most of the horses would have been trucked across the border to slaughterhouses. Did I mention that during the trip the horses get no food or water and are packed so tight they can't move? Megan, Ole Sarge, Nikki, Rocky, Joey, Sunshine, Old Red, Champ, Dutchie, Strider, The Five (donkeys), Big Boy, Cappy, Marina, Cody, Picasso, Beaver, Clipper, George, Pearl, Mio, Spike, Cruiser, Penny, Bravo, Little Lucky, Beauty, Brooks, Dunn, Nemo, Houdini, Sailor, Lilly and a hundred more got a reprieve from that hell, and got to live out their lives at Brighter Days. They got food, water, hay, and , most important, LOVE. When Bill passed on a few years ago the transition was not as smooth as it should have been, largely due to some pursuing their own agendas and forgetting the real reason they were at BDHR. This, combined with the Great Drought and resultant exorbitant price of hay and feed (round bales that once cost $45 were now $160), and the effects of the Recession in regard to donations, made for some lean times. Things are better now, but it still breaks Jeannie's heart to have to turn away a horse because funds are not available to properly care for the animal.
We are truly blessed to have people like Jeanne and Bill, and the others who contribute their time, donations and love, in this world. We would be a much lesser place without them.
I have been involved with Brighter Days in one way or another since 1994. It always saddens and amazes me at the pain humans can inflict on the animals that depend on us for their care. They have helped many horses, donkeys and ponies over the years. Not only have they helped the animals that cannot help themselves, they have helped quite a few people. People have come out to the Refuge to volunteer with a group or organization or just to see the animals and it has been life changing for many.
We recently moved from San Antonio TX to Pipe Creek, TX and I'm thrilled that I live down the road a piece from Brighter Days Horse Refuge. The first day I was there to bring treats to the horses I could feel the love these beautiful animals receive. They are all so well adjusted and cared for. And they do love everyone who works there and they definitely know and love Jeanie. You can feel and see their happiness in the way they move , in their eyes and their over all appearance. Are the struggling there? Absolutely! But aren't we all. The horses are still being well fed an d cared for. There is no neglect of any animal. They are well taken care of.
With the death of Jeanie's husband it's taken a toll on folks at the refuge but not the love and care of the horses. This would be the same for anyone.
It's a joy to drive through the gate and see that they recognize your car and wait for you to bring them carrots and apples. Champ even smiles his approval! I don't know what these animals would do without BD's to give them the love and care they get. These horses are truly happy and well cared for! I hope to volunteer my time to brush and help care for the horses.
God Bless all that work at Brighter Days for the awesome job they are doing for the abandoned, abused, and neglected horses.
When we moved to Texas 10 years ago, I read an article in the local paper about Brighter Days so I took my youngest daughter out for a visit. We've been volunteering and donating ever since. Before I say another word, let me be frank: I do not know what reviewer "K Trotter" does for a living but if she's as sloppy in her work as she is in her reviewing, she'll be out of a job and on the street tomorrow.
Brighter Days is Webster's definition of what a good and honorable charity should be and does. Brighter Days is all about the horses, their well-being and nothing else. Are things difficult for them now? Yes, Bill (who did most of the physical labor) died and donations, due to a struggling economy, are down. Still, they press on. Lives and circumstances change but one thing hasn't: Jeannie, Mary, and Pat's devotion to the horses they keep.
I used to joke with people, when telling them about Brighter Days, "You'll have an easier time adopting one of Jeannie's children than you will one of her horses." The horses know her and get visibly excited when she approaches them. She is their rescuer and "mother" ... and a damn good one at that.
For quite a number of years (my daughter is now older), she and I went out to BD to cut apples, feed them, and brush them. I've sponsored a horse for close to ten years now and have no intention of quitting. In fact, because finances are so tight and Bill is no longer around, I sent an additional donation last month (large by my standards) just to help out because I know they're struggling. I've given and continue to give because I know the money is wisely and carefully spent. Their hearts are truly in the right spot ... unlike "K. Trotter's."
I have owned horses for 65+ years. I raised and showed Quarter Horses and Paint Horses up and down the east coast and nationally at world champion shows. I was a recognized judge in both of these breeds.
I moved from upstate New York to Texas in 1993. I started to volunteer at The Brighter Days Horse Refuge in 1994. I helped to set up the new facility in Pipe Creek, Texas. and was actively involved in moving the horses from Boerne, Texas to Pipe Creek.
When you visit the Pipe Creek facility, you will not find a show place with white board fences and green paddocks. You will, however, find horses in paddocks that have fresh water, free choice of hay, and shelters to accommodate each horse. Each horse is fed grain twice a day and those with special needs are fed accordingly. Take time to visit the feed room to see each horse's feeding requirements.
Notice the horses, most of which were neglected or abandoned. Their coats shine which is the sign of a horse well cared for. They are content and when they come to the fence to see what you brought them, there is peace in their eyes.
Currently I volunteer on an as-needed basis, however I would gladly meet with anyone who has the notion that this organization has anything but the best interest in the care of these horses.
I first visited Brighter Days on Wednesday November 20th and spent the morning with the two individuals that work there. They were so over joyed that i was there and willing to help them and love the animals. I looked over all of the animals and they all seemed to be getting great care and affection from the employees.
While i was there we fed the horses grains, filled all their hay racks and scooped out the manure in their pens. Each one was looked over and watched to make sure that they were okay and in great health. Many of them are still recovering from extreme neglect from the previous owners that they were taken from.
I have since returned every other day to continue lending a hand and give affection to the horses. I bring carrots and peeled apples to feed to the horse and i brush them.
I believe at this point they have 65 horses on the property with 8 ponies, 3 donkeys, 2 goats, and one sheep. They all appear to be very happy and in great spirits. I did not see any of them leaning against anything to hold them selves up.
On one of my visits, the employees and myself saw one mare that had a scrape on its back ankle. The vet was called immediately to care for the mare and make sure that it would not get infected. Ive never seen a vet called so quickly and have them respond so quickly. i was taken back by the concern that was shown.
This place has truly captured my heart and i will be returning every chance that i get.
I was having a hard time in my life before this and i came to this place to help me. At this point its not just the horses that are getting the care and affection that they need but i am also getting the care and affection i was looking for from them. These horses are better than any therapy that money could buy.
I hope that this gives you a better understanding of how wonderfully this place is run and how well take care of these horses are.
Review from Guidestar
Reorganize, Replace Board of Directors, Move Animals
Brighter Days Horse Refuge 682 Krause Road Pipe Creek, TX 78063 830-510-6607 or 830-460-7490
http://www.brighterdayshorserefuge.org/3078.html
Myself and several other of the volunteers have been told that since the original founder, Mr. Bill Weatherholtz died this organization has gone way down hill in just these few months.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Weatherholtz-co-founded-Brighter-Days-Horse-2217696.php
This organization is a 501C3 nonprofit. We have been told but not confirmed the 501C3 is being investigated by the IRS and also by the Texas Labor Board for avoiding paying overtime.
Board of Directors
Mary E. Burton, Vice President
Kay Trevino, 2nd Vice President
Patsy Johnson, Secretary/ Treasurer
The truth is the animals are barely taken care of in my opinion and many other volunteers’ opinion. Brighter Days has eighty plus horses and random other animals crammed on twenty acres.
Saturday, June 9th, a horse Named "Lil Mama", picture attached got sick, tossed and turned, suffered and finally died a very painful death on Sunday, June 10th. This poor suffering horse (supposedly it was colic diagnosed by a staff member) did not receive any Vet care at all. We were told by a paid staff member that they could not get a vet to come out. The story changed and then we were told by this same staff member that a vet could not be called if it cost more than $250.00 per the Board Members. All someone had to do was call my husband and I or other volunteers and this horse would have definitely had Vet care and not suffered an agonizing painful death.
I was there on Friday June 15th; I took a friend with me from SNAP. There were flea invested very sick baby kittens just lying on the ground dying.
One particular kitten was in such bad shape my friend and I wanted to take it to our vet to be euthanized and we were not allowed.
There was a large mare and four or five mini horses in a very small paddock, the minis are very thin, the mare would not let the minis get to the hay. We ask the same paid employee to move the mare to the paddock right next to the one they were in; literally a gate was separating the paddocks. We were told that could not be done. We were there again yesterday, June 18th the same horse with the mini’s still not getting any hay, the paddock next to it completely empty.
We observed two horses that were foundering so bad they could hardly stand up or walk; they are getting NO vet care. Some of the horses and donkeys have not shed their winter coats; this is very dangerous in this heat. We have been told one horse died from overheating. There was a donkey just leaning against a wall holding himself up. The donkeys and other animals that are allowed to roam the property are exposed to open gas containers and all sorts of other debris. Many of the animals are very thin.
These animals are not up to date on any vaccinations, they get no exercise, they are hardly ever groomed, and they rarely have vet care. The paddocks are filled with manure, over grown weeds and there are way too many animals on twenty acres of unkempt property.
A few weeks ago the horses had no hay, not even a strand for six days. One particular Board member told the volunteers this was okay because they were getting grain twice a day. The volunteers got together put their funds together and would not leave the property until the one paid employee went and bought hay. I know of other people that have bought hay also and will again if Brighter Days staff and or Board reach out to them.
On June 18th, I and other volunteers went with the Bandera Sheriff’s Department to file neglect charges; we are waiting on the report.
We have ask the Board to step down so new Board members can be placed that know how to run a 501C3, that want to put in the time and effort and know how to raise funds. The Board has refused even though is it very clear the current Board is not succeeding. The Board members just do not have the business and animal care experience to be successful. Meanwhile, all of these animals are suffering. Also, the more people hear of the circumstance they are not donating funds.
I did not initiate any of these investigations, I was ask to help by other volunteers and a paid employee. The paid employee as of yesterday has decided not to stand behind the information that was given to us; in fact this person said that he would deny everything.
We have ask Mary Burton and Patsy Johnson to let us move these animals to other Animal Rescues, they refuse. This tells us that they are more interested in the power and control than the welfare of these innocent neglected animals.