Arabian Rescue Mission

Once upon a time, there was a horse of such importance to the Arabian breed. He was brought to America by a group of enterpreneurs, including such legends as Sal Vergopia, Gene and Ray LaCroix and Mike Nichols.

Terry met Sal when she obtained a wonderful Russian stallion, RD Tamoukir, from him. In 1992, he asked her to return to his, then vacant, farm in Warwick to identify a horse left in his abandoned barn.

Upon entering the barn, Terry found a dirty, thin grey Arabian stallion of such dignity, presence and grace that she immediately fell in love. In describing him to Sal she was informed his name was Prudent.

Prudent came to live with Terry to be rehabilitated and reconditioned for sale. Not having enough money to buy him, he was sold a month later and left for Washington. Terry promised him she would get the money, find him and bring him home.

In 1997 Terry lost Tam to EPM and began her search for Pru in earnest.

In 2002 after years of investigation he was located, but was not for sale. She was offered a couple of mares bred to him. When their pictures arrived, Terry could not believe the condition they were in and feared for Pru's safety.

One evening while tending to a choking horse, the owner, CJ, told Terry she was looking to find a barn where she could teach and train part-time between business trips. Terry shared with her the dream of getting Pru and the rest of them out of there. So began a partnership and The Arabian Rescue Mission.

Realizing this endeavour would cost more money than they had, Terry and CJ started a year long road of fundraisers, solicitations for donations and looking for a place to lease.

In October, 2003, everything started falling into place. A barn was found in Stillwater, a price was negotiated on the release of the horses in Washington, trailering was arranged and enough money was raised to begin.

On 11/30/03, Pru, Elle and Sierra arrived in NJ. The sight of Pru, just over 600lbs. was devastating and the girls weren't much better. How could anyone allow these animals to get like this?

By spring of '04, all three were well on the road to recovery. By summer they were fat, healthy and quite stunning. Elle let us know she was ready for a job, so was bred to Pru. The 2nd trailer arrived from WA bringing Rosie.

In 2005 Pru and Elle's daughter, Emma, was born and she exceeded our expectations. We opened our doors to other breeds and took in over 20 rescues, placing many of them. The 3rd trailer brought the last of the WA herd, Bekas-a magnificent Polish stallion, Negoukir-daughter of Terry's mare, Negaa and half sister to Tam, and Prudenta, Pru's daughter. We also realized we had outgrown the barn we were at and began the search for a bigger place.

Winter 2006/2007 found us buying the new farm in Colesville and moving everyone over there.

In August of 2008, Pru was diagnosed with lymphoma. Struggling bravely, he fought back and recuperated enough to survive the year, claiming "he had not had enough time with his heart and other half, Terry".

Like most heroes, Pru knew when to retreat. He surrendered and laid down for the last time in the arms of Terry and CJ.

Most people get a heart for Valentine's Day, this year, Terry lost hers!