So Many Horses - So Few Homes

Normally, my articles are geared toward personal protection. This article will be about another of my passions, animals, in particular horses. I believe the first words out of my mouth were a horsey not mommy or daddy. I was constantly drawing horses in school and riding around on my make believe horse made from a broomstick. Do not know what makes girls in particular horse crazy but I sure had the bug and still do.

It took many years before I actually owned my own horse and it was not the palomino I longed for, it was an aged, black gelding who was on his way to slaughter. I called him Mr. Lucky, which he was. He was only one of many such creatures to come into my life. They came into my life at a time when I was suffering the loss of loved ones and facing a life threatening illness. Most of these horses had major health issues themselves and caring for them took my mind off of my problems. For this I will forever be grateful.

My herd has dwindled due to natural attrition and my heart still aches for these wonderful free spirits.
My wish for all animals is that they live their lives in permanent loving homes. And, there would be no need for rescue groups. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

There is a wonderful horse rescue in my area founded in 2000 by a very compassionate person named Nina Clark. It became non profit in 2003. Nina has loved horses her whole life and has dedicated her life to caring for the castaways. She has a real soft spot for the older horses as do I.

This rescue group is not a ranch, Nina uses whatever resource she can muster up to care for these creatures. Pastures and shelters are donated for the care of the horses, she now has a very kind veterinarian that donates time to the needs of these animals. In addition she has a volunteer bookkeeper, a volunteer webmaster, a volunteer transporter, and the local farrier school provides for the horses hoof care.

A very compassionate feed store owner has been carrying a tab for Nina for several years and it is now at $30,0000. A payment plan has been initiated and this tab should be paid in full in 3 years. The store owner has very generously donated space in his store for a tack shop where people donate tack which is sold and the proceeds go toward feed. Nina spends many sleepless nights worrying about where the money will come from to keep the 43 horses going that she now cares for.

Nina drives to the various locations of the horses at least twice a day to feed them herself and check on their condition. The 4 H club helps with manure clean up and grooming. Sadly, because of the financial burden, Nina is unable to accept anymore horses at this time. The horses are available for adoption, but most are not rideable. They would make great companions for other horses or just a loveable human companion.

You can help by:

* donations of hay, senior food, pipe corrals

* dependable truck with good gas mileage

* horse trailer

* become a foster home for a wonderful horse

* provide a permanent loving home for a horse

* monetary donations

You can really help by:

* Stopping indiscriminate breeding. There is already an overpopulation of horses and without homes their fate is sealed.

* Being a responsible horse owner. If you can no longer care for your horse, find a loving home, do not take the horse to an auction where they can end up in the hands of a killer buyers.

* If you are unable to pay for expensive medical treatment for your horse and there is no other alternative, have your horse mercifully put down, with a tranquilizer first. DO NOT send it to a slaughter house or auction. These animals who have served you so well deserve better treatment. Give up a luxury or work a part time job to pay for the costs. Be responsible and caring for these magnificent creatures who trust and depend on you. Thank you.