The number one priority for us is to provide Rehabilitation, Training, and if needed Sanctuary to Hurting and Problem Horses.
Our goal is to supply food, shelter, medical care, training, and lots of human love... in hopes of finding a permanent home for each horse in need.
This is only made possible through the generous donations of folks like you and an adequate number of foster homes.
|
HORSE ABUSE
How You Can Make a Difference
If you see a case of animal abuse, call the police or your local animal control. Don't assume someone else will call. You call. Don't wait until later. Do it now. Don't worry about what the neighbors will think. Save the horse. Make the call. Take pictures. Write down the address, time, date, and owners name. If the police or animal control do not respond, call again, have neighbors call, or contact a local rescue.
Neglect, abandonment, and physical abuse are all different forms of abusive behavior. People who abuse horses (or any living being) should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. It is up to us as individuals to stand up for the type of community we want to live in and taking the initiative to report abuse sends a strong message that this kind of treatment will not be tolerated.
|
 |
| zoe sept 9, 2007 |
|
|
THE RESCUE PROCESS
In some cases, we pick up the horse and bring them to a foster home and in others the horse is either brought to us or we pick the horse up at animal control. Whatever the case, we take the horse in, have a vet evaluation done within a few days of arriving, and soon after, a farrier, and whatever additional special care is deemed necessary is provided.
It is also important for each horse to have another horse (or donkey, goats, etc) within close proximity, as it provides a sense of security and allows them to relax more quickly in their new environment.
As part of the rescue process, we also assist law enforcement in making sure the people who abuse horses are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
|
THE REHAB PROCESS
The rehabilitation process for abused horses varies on each individual case. However, the Rehab process for the majority of cases centers around nourishing and healing the horse physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The physical recovery focuses on nourishing and healing the tissues/cells of the entire body and is perhaps the "easiest" condition to rectify. I say that because often times, as with people as well, the mental and emotional condition remains long after the physical issues have been resolved. These "issues of the heart" are addressed through consistent feed times, care, and leadership, along with consistent positive interactions emphasizing respect, trust, relationship, and rapport (Natural Horsemanship principles).
|
 |
| Zoe Sept 18, 2007 |
|
|
VET & FARRIER CHECK
A vet check should be scheduled ASAP to evaluate the horse and run blood work and poop tests to determine the over all condition of the horse. It is also very important to have their teeth checked and get them taken care of ASAP as well.
A farrier appointment is also needed to assess their feet and begin the process of rehabilitation.
|
|
|
BUILDING SECURITY & TRUST
Our horses were also depressed and either fearful or completely shut down emotionally. I found that being consistent with their feed schedule, over all care, and maintaining a positive attitude enabled them to give me the opportunity to gain more and more of their respect and trust over time.
As the months passed, their eyes began to come alive again and they became more interested in figuring out what I was about... slowly, the seeds of safety and trust that were planted when we first met are beginning to grow and although, they each still have issues (fear or insecurity), we are making progress.
|
|
THE REWARD
It takes time and a lot of patience and love, but the experience of bringing a horse back from the brink is incredibly rewarding. The is nothing like seeing a shut down horse slowly fill back up with life again,
and become the horse she was meant to be.
If you would like to be a part of this process, please check out the rest of the website for ways you can participate or contact us by email below.
|
|
