Rescues

This week, I had two people contact me wanting advice about getting involved with rescue groups.

The first gal, Kortney, I know only through a barrel racing discussion board, e-mails and Facebook, but we have a good relationship. Kortney was asked to join the Board of a newly formed (or forming) Rescue Organization and wanted to know what she was getting into. Since I have limited experience in this area, I gave her what limited advise I could - to check out and Google the other potential members (to make sure they were trouble transplanted from another state) and to contact experienced rescues for advice and assistance. I recommended she contact Save A Forgotten Equine, specifically Jaime Taft, who is the President and co-founder. Jaime has extensive experience in how to create a rescue from the ground up and also, sadly, has experience with horrific faux rescues. SAFE has become a well respected rescue in Western Washington and has helped hundreds of horses. I am very pleased to be a part of the SAFE "Family" - this is where Roger came from through SAFE-Assisted adoption.

The second gal is Georgette. She contacted me through the same barrel racing discussion board but her interests were a little different. She wanted to help by fostering a rescue horse, but was unsure how to go about it, and what her costs would be. I contact Jet with SAFE who sent me a link to a vet-based organization that could put Georgette in touch with a reputatable rescue in her area. Again, here is where a reputable, respected rescue is a blessing.

Rescues network and talk to each other. In this network, there are very few secrets. They all know who is on the up-an-up, who is a little shady, and who is creating a train-wreck. One thing I have also learned is that if they can't help (due to funding, location, or other reasons) they have contact information for someone who can help. And they share this information gladly. They don't see other rescues as competition, they see them as a resource for helping horses. And that's why they were formed in the first place - to help horses.

I look forward to hearing from Kortney and what she decided on taking the Board position. Her love of horses and her youthful energy makes her a smart choice in my book. And she is just out-spoken enough to call "bullshit" if something goes a little off plumb.

I also look forward to seeing Georgette's new foster. I have fostered several horses and I think that this is my favorite thing to do. I accept a horse, give it love and security, ensure they never know hungry, then when they are physically and mentally put back together, I return them to their owners (the rescue) so they can begin the next chapter of their lives.

My second favorite this to do is board retirees. I get to love on these sweet older horses, but there is no pressure to ride.

Now go hug your horses! If you don't have any, you are welcome to come hug mine!