BETHLEHEM – Amadeus, a 17.1-hand red warmblood, walks peacefully from his large box stall down the aisle in the barn he shared with two horses, four goats, six geese, five ducks, two chickens and two vocal roosters to the warm late fall sun.

The sun glistens off his red tail and mane while he decides if he will take a nice roll or simply go out to those waiting fields for sweet grazing. It is a far cry from the years he suffered being starved and beaten and is even a farther cry from the days when he thrilled the international crowds gathered to watch him sail over the formidable Grand Prix jumps while representing the United States.

Today, Amadeus is at peace with his quiet world where he has nothing to fear and nothing is asked of him except to be happy and enjoy his time with new friends like Beastie, the miniature horse. That’s because the Martina Foundation in Bethlehem – led by Virginia Scott Devlin – which has willingly accepted the task of rescuing abused and neglected animals.

Amadeus had been retired from the international show world to endure years in a world of a living hell with other, older Grand Prix jumpers. They were starved and when the state of Connecticut finally seized the horses, Amadeus was found beaten, severely ill and close to death.

Amadeus arrived at the Bethlehem sanctuary on January 1, 1999 and even one year later he was still 300 pounds underweight and suffering from demineralization navicular bone in both of his front feet. His condition was further complicated with problems with both of his hocks, resulting from his career as a Grand Prix jumper.

The Martina Foundation raised $1,000 in order to take Amadeus to the New England Equine Practice, Inc., in Brewster, New York, for a complete evaluation by veterinarian Bill Bradley. Soon after, Amadeus – who arrived at the shelter barefoot with bar shoes and three-degree pads – was properly shoed by a farrier.

Finally, after years of abuse, Amadeus was comfortable.

This past August, Amadeus underwent surgery at New England Equine Practice for cancer and was cured. He will celebrate his 30th birthday on January 1, 2005.

Ginny Devlin, 58, was a former pupil and riding instructor of New Canaan Mounted Troop from 1952 to 1964. Sh lived in Rowayton from 1946 to 1995 and attended Rowayton Elementary, West Rocks Junior High School, and Brien McMahon High School. She is a graduate of Mount Ida Junior College.

In 1967, Ms Devlin graduate at the top of her class from The Silvermine School of Horsemanship led by Gincy Bucklin and former United States Equestrian dressage coach Bill Hillenbran.

“It has always been a concern of mine what happens to these horses and ponies when they get used up on the show circuit or find themselves starving somewhere,” said Ms Devlin.

Residing comfortably with Amadeus is Buddy, a white quarterhorse Appaloosa, who was starved nearly to death while missing his first, second and nearly all of his third year of growth. Buddy – who was found in a paddock with no water, no grain, no hay and without even a blanket – arrived at the sanctuary infested with parasites, near death and having never socialized with another animal (let alone a horse).

After being exposed to the elements for so long, it took five years for Buddy to no longer fear weather. Now 11, Buddy has been at the sanctuary for eight years and after being fed properly, watered properly, and serviced regularly by a veterinarian and farrier.

“Buddy has become a beautiful, opinionated, happy and frolicking horses here at the sanctuary with his stablemates,” said Ms Devlin. “His heart is full of sheer joy and glee and he knows love as well as two wonderful treats – apples and carrots.”

Life is good.

The Martina Foundation is located in the historic hills of Litchfield County. Ms Devlin formed it on December 24, 1999, as a tax-exempt, non-profit organization and named it after a thoroughbred mare that did not survive.

“It is a sanctuary that offers hope, love and a permanent home as no animal is ever put up for adoption,” said Ms Devlin. “The sanctuary is open to those animals who have suffered abuse, torture, starvation, neglect and those horses whose owners – through age, illness, death or finances – can no longer care for them.”

The Martina Foundation wants to continue its work with horses and farm animals, but has had to recently turn down two additional horses due to lack of funds. While the sanctuary has received donations of warm winter blankets from All The King’s Horses in Ridgefield and Bevel’s Saddlery in New Canaan, it needs more.

It is hoping to raise $7,500 to keep up with current veterinarian bills and $350,000 to rebuild a barn that collapsed last winter. Three additional barns – at a cost of $60,000 to $75,000 each – are being sought for the chickens, goats and sheep.

Also, the sanctuary is looking to purchase additional adjoining land – some 40 acres to add to the current 12 acres.

“None of this is an easy undertaking,” said Ms Devlin, “but it is vital to the work being done here at the sanctuary for it to thrive and reach as many animals as possible. Eventually, the Martina Foundation would like to include a wildlife sanctuary, as well.”

All of the money raised for the Martina Foundation is used for the animals’ welfare and anyone interested in making a contribution can send a check or money order to The Martina Foundation, Inc., 172 Wood Creek Road, Bethlehem, 06751 or call 203-266-5656 for further information.

“So many animals are put in harm’s way in our society,” said Ms Devlin, “is it not possible to offer hope, shelter, food, dignity, love and sanctuary to those that survive?”