Horse Lovers Saddle Up to Raise Money for Mississippi Animal Rescue League

Updated: Monday, 08 Nov 2010, 7:31 AM CST
Published : Sunday, 07 Nov 2010, 9:02 PM CST

• 

  Kristin
  Tallent

OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. - Horse lovers from the Mid-South gathered Sunday afternoon in Olive Branch to take part in the first "Ride For Rescues" trail ride at Kimberlin Farms. Participants saddled up their horses, making donations that would benefit the Mississippi Animal Rescue League, which is a non-profit organization.

"Dogs and cats, you think of them all the time but there's a huge issue with homeless horses here locally. We wanted to bring awareness to the problem," said Ashlee Pigford, a riding instructor in Olive Branch.

Several owners of rescues were on hand to share their success stories. Memphian Bob Harbin was one of those tender hearts in attendance. Harbin rescued a starving horse this past July, a quarter horse gelding he named Mr. Tipton.

"When I got him, he was 600 pounds," said Harbin. "He's right at 900 pounds now. I have to add, I had about a dozen people contribute feed and vet care to this horse."

Harbin credits the team work of his fellow horse-lovers for Mr. Tipton's improvement. He's hoping to find Mr. Tipton a loving, forever home soon.

Pigford rode Popeye in Sunday's trail ride, a 30-plus year old rescue horse that came to Kimberlin Farms malnourished.

"Believe it or not, Popeye was pretty frisky today," joked Pigford.

Popeye and Mr. Tipton's stories are far too common and in a struggling economy, cases like theirs are more prevalent. That's why Sunday's event at Kimberlin Farms was so important for those attending.

"Horses are a very expensive pet to take care of. They require a lot of education and well-informed owners," said Pigford. "We're seeing less and less of that and also people not being able to take care of them in this harsh economy."

If you'd like to learn more about horse rescue, or to make a donation, click on the links attached to this story.

SOURCE: Kristin Tallent/Fox 13 Memphis

Why Rescues Rock

Popeye: 30 yr old Rescue Horse at Kimberlin Farms

Photo by Lauren Pigford of Lauren Pigford Studio

Okay, so horses of all kinds and ages ROCK. In my lifetime with horses (not divulging age here) I’ve stumbled upon a “secret” value to horses that I wish to share with others. This “secret” is quite simply that “Rescues Rock!” Naturally, people attach a value to a horse based on performance, competition value, or riding ability. So what value does ole back-yard Smokey, or Old Geezer Blue, or Lame Jane possibly have to offer? Even if they can be ridden, they aren’t competition worthy. What does that skinny horse down the street in the neighbor’s small, barren pasture possibly have to offer? If they’re skinny that just means their old, right? Old horses get skinny, right? Sure, they look bad, but there’s a reason….they must just be sick. Hum…all of them…that must be it?


Chances are, that skinny horse you drive by is a diamond in the rough just needing a little polishing in order to shine brightly once again. As is the case with the rescue horses I’ve encountered in my lifetime. One being my very first horse, Sampson, an OTTB who’d been “turned out to pasture” and forgotten for years to basically fend for himself in Mississippi. My mom and dad bought him for me mostly because my mom, being a lifelong horsewoman herself, felt sorry for him and the emaciated state he was in. She knew his luck would run out soon, and didn’t want to see him end up at the “killers”—even though he wouldn’t have brought much price for pound because of being so underweight. But, also, she was able to see something in his eyes that others had missed. This is because she’d been taught by horses to look beyond and see the hidden value…..the potential. She’d learned from horses to give chances and to take risks, no matter what others tell you makes sense or doesn’t. She learned from horses to listen to her own heart and instincts…and that voice inside that tells us which path to take.

Well, she was right! Sammy went on to become the most awe-inspiring, wondrous teacher I’ve had to date in my lifetime. I know without a doubt that horse loved me & was GRATEFUL for having found me after going through his rough years of hunger and neglect. This horse was ride able….and show -worthy. He was a self-confidence builder for me and a lesson that hard-work and gritty determination does pay off. It wasn’t easy; many a time did he dump me and challenge me! Many a time did I learn to meet his challenge! He let me know that force would never equal success with him. If a fight was what I wanted, you better believe he’d deliver! I realize now, he “let” me win some….but he eventually taught me how to more effectively “win” his challenges! He showed me through trial and error that true success comes through patience and consistency and not tiresome, yeehaw, stubborn (I’m after all a Taurus)”Horse you WILL do what I ask!” dominance.

Sampson was one of my greatest accomplishments. But far greater than the beauty and wonderful riding horse that he became, which consequently made me a good rider, was the special bond and relationship that we formed. Going through trials and tribulation…the ups and the downs….the humility and the success… my greatest joy was simply walking in the barn, calling out “Sammy Sue” and having him run to his stall door and nicker with wild excitement every time I came in the barn. That horse was ALWAYS happy to see me and let me know it! Every time he greeted me was like the first time he’d ever seen me. He was ALWAYS grateful to have me to his very last day! Anthropomorphize this or that… his unconditional, loyal, and count on me affection….genuine LOVE……warms my soul to this day and is one of the main reasons I’m on such a mission to spread the joy that all horses, but especially rescue horses, have to offer people.

Horses teach lessons in love and the self-confidence and respect that consequently develop from such bonds. Horses teach you the value that lies within your own hearts. They show us our own capacity to love, selflessly, and the rewards of such that feed our souls and help us to inspire, encourage others, and meet the challenges that life throws at us. They teach us that success in life is not railroading down the train tracks rolling over anything and everyone in our path. Sure, we may get ahead that way- for awhile. We may be profitable and successful in terms of society’s standards for success. But how will we “feel” about ourselves? Will our soul’s be at peace, be content, be happy and joyful? You will have to answer this question for yourself. For me, rescue horses have given me my answer.

Rescue horses are special amongst horses. Rescue horses never forget where they came from, what they’ve gone through. Rescue horses communicate more effectively with people. Some words that sum up rescue horses from my own experiences are: grateful, courageous, loyal, and open to communication. I’m not sure I can explain this adequately, but there is something about them that makes them extra special when it comes to being effective teachers. Their own breadth of experience makes them wiser. They are on another plane, a higher level. They see into our own hearts and more quickly reflect our own strengths and weaknesses. They just plain better understand us and bond with people more quickly and more powerfully. They leave us with an experience that we can draw upon long after they’re gone. The value is forever with us as we walk through our own life and meet the challenges that will inevitably come our way. We all have challenges. I have huge challenges ahead, but I’m not giving up. The harder I fall, the longer I’ll climb and the more determined I’ll be to reach the top of where I’m climbing to. But I won’t railroad others along the way. I won’t steam roll on past and not stop when I see reason to slow down! I’ll get where I’m going, and I’ll be proud of it when I get there. I’ll be the owner of my soul because I didn’t compromise my integrity. All of this because of the most true and honest experiences of my lifetime with rescue horses. Experiences that I can forever draw upon for clarity, motivation and inspiration. Experiences which I can share with others in order to pass on the valuable lessons that I have learned. Hopefully, I’ve answered the question as to why I think “Rescues Rock!"

Horse Hero, Alex Brown: Read this "Interview with a Racehorse Rescuer.”

I've decided to periodically spotlight"Horse Hero's" on my blog- or those horse professionals that are helping to improve the horse industry! Those who are compelled to give back to the commodity that has given them a livelihood! Those who recognize that they can use their status and reputation to effect positive change for horses. Those who aren't afraid to speak up, and use their voice to help join the many voices together that want to make a difference to improve this industry.

Here is an excellent example of one such impressive horse professional that is truly, “paying it forward” for horses and my new horse hero! Ever heard of Alex Brown? He’s a well-known racing professional and “academic guru” who has taught Internet Marketing courses for 10 years at University of Delaware, and worked at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He’s making a difference in welfare issues for racehorses, and he knows how to effectively use social media to help this cause!

Click here to read an interview with Alex, and for those of you social media manics, like me…..

Be sure to watch this video

to learn more about how social media is helping to connect like-minded people, and spread awareness about horse welfare issues!

Source: The Equinest

Dark Horse Rescue Now In Memphis Area

For anyone whose ever taken a glimpse into this blog, you've already discovered that I'm a bit "OCD" when it comes to posting about anything to do with "helping horses." I feel compelled to do what I can to "Pay it Forward" and use my "Voice" to speak up for horses who can't speak.... even though us Memphis horse-folk already know horses definitely DO SPEAK.... just not verbally ;)

There's a new horse rescue in town.... Dark Horse Rescue. And, I personally think this group will be able to give Memphis area horses a louder voice! Click on Memphis Horses Examiner to read all about them and how you can help if you have likewise been bitten by the "Pay it Forward for Horses bug."

Hint, Hint..... this is a highly contagious "bug" that I'm hoping you'll catch too!

Memphs Horse Lovers, please Support Horse Rescues

Winter is fast-approaching, and with it brings an increasing need for support for equine rescue groups! With the economy in such dismal shape, more horses than ever need assistance! Please consider contributing to an equine rescue.

I'm sure my fellow Memphis horse-lover's realize how much horses have enriched our lives, and why not give an unwanted horse a second chance to find that owner they've been searching for? When I was a teenager, my parents gave an unwanted horse a chance for me. This horse became my best friend for 17 years and taught me some of my most valuable life lessons. Because of this experience, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for "rescues" and helping them is near and dear to me!

Do you know of any local equine rescues in need? If so, please comment and fill me in! Below is a list of national rescues to choose from:

Another Chance 4 Horses Located in Bernville, Penn., this program focuses on equine rescue, rehabilitation and placement. Black Forest Animal Sanctuary Formerly Hunting Crest Farms Rescue and Rehab, this Colorado based rescue and rehab center helps unwanted or abused horses and ponies. Sponsorship program provides veterinary care, feed and farrier visits for their horses. CANTER The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses has programs in MI, IL, OH, PA and TX and the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions. Provides information and resources for people wishing to purchase ex-racehorses. Colorado Horse Rescue Colorado Horse Rescue rehabilitates neglected and abused horses and finds them new homes. Server can be slow to respond. Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Equine Recsue and Rehabilitation's goal is to match the right horses with the right people in a partnership beneficial to both human and animal. Equine Rescue League Read about the Equine Rescue League, its foster and adoption programs and how you can be a volunteer in a wide variety of areas. Equus Sanctuary This extensive Website is dedicated to educating the public about horse abuse. You can meet the people behind Equus Sanctuary and the horses they have rescued. Front Range Equine Rescue Front Range assists horses in need through its rescue and fire/disaster evacuation programs and offers educational events to promote responsible horse ownership. Habitat for Horses Located in Hitchcock, Texs, Habitat for Horses offers a safe haven for rescued and neglected horses. You'll find information about the programs and sponsorships available. Heaven Can Wait Equine Rescue Located in Ontario, Canada, Heaven Can Wait takes in unwanted and abused horses and finds adoptive homes for them. Horse Advocates Voicing Equine Needs HAVEN, located in Southern Indiana, establishes and provides programs for horses in need to give them a chance at finding a loving, caring and permanent home. Horse's Haven Horse's Haven care for horses and donkeys in need, they accept donated animals and, where possible, retrain and rehabilitate them, ready for adoption. Indiana Horse Rescue IHR is the Equine Division of the Animal Protection Coalition, Inc. Lone Star Equine Rescue Improving the welfare of equines in Texas by educating the public on the proper care of horses, assisting in seizures when necessary and finding new homes for rescued horses. Lost and Found Horse Rescue Working to educate horse owners, legislate the humane treatment of horses everywhere and find homes for abused or neglected equines of all descriptions. Located outside York, Penn. MSPCA at Nevins Farm's Equine Center The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm/Equine Center is dedicated to the welfare and humane treatment of horses through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, foster care, emergency transportation and education programs. Mylestone Equine Rescue Home Page Mylestone Equine Rescue provides shelter, care and rehabilitation for horses in the New Jersey area and is often these horses' last hope. New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program New Vocations offers retiring racehorses a safe-haven, rehabilitation and placement in experienced, caring homes. Also acts as an outreach to disadvantaged youth. Ozland Horse Rescue Ozland Horse Rescue is dedicated to saving horses from starvation, neglect and abuse. Located in the Ozark foothills, the rescue is willing to help horses in surrounding states. PMU Foal Adoption Network PMU FANI is a volunteer, incorporated non-profit foal placement group dedicated to minimizing the number of PMU (pregnant mare urine) foals that end up at auction by facilitating the adoption of these foals into good, loving homes. Rainbow Acres Horse Rescue Located in Carlisle, Penn., Rainbow Acres is staffed by volunteers who take in auction or slaughter-bound horses and help them find new homes. ReRun - Another chance for racehorses This Equine Rescue is dedicated to "recycling" and finding adoptive homes for injured and retired racehorses. Some may be ridden, some not, but all need good homes. Racehorse Outplacement Assistance Network ROAN is a group of individuals who network via the Internet to find adoptive homes for horses who can't race anymore. Second Chance Thoroughbred Adoption Agency Located in Augusta, Mich., Second Chance obtains thoroughbred ex-racehorses from tracks and other locations and finds good homes for them. Second Wind Adoption Program Located at Crossed Sabers Stable, in West Union, W.V., Second Wind finds qualified homes for abused and neglected horses. Standardbred Retirement Foundation This foundation is dedicated to rehabilitating retired standardbreds and finding new home and new lives for them. United States Equine Rescue League The USERL assists in the rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned, abused, and/or neglected equines. White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue The rescue is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused, neglected and at-risk Appaloosas and other breeds of horses, especially those in danger of slaughter.