"Feature Friday – Central Virginia Horse Rescue -Cindy Smith"

Howdy Folks

All across our great nation, and in fact the world, there are folks who give of their time, their money, their hearts, and emotions to save and heal unwanted, neglected and abused horses. It's hard work, financially, physically and of course emotionally. The work these wonderful folks do with unending love is not always noticed, and not often enough celebrated. Here, in our Coffee Clutch Feature Fridays, we like to celebrate "People & Horses Helping Horses & People," and today let's celebrate, Cindy Smith and Central Virginia Horse Rescue (CVHR).

Cindy has been a horse lover since she was four years old, and has been involved with horses on many different levels her entire life. She's volunteered at numerous rescues over the years. For reasons deeply held, she's always wanted to create a horse rescue of her on. In 2010 she, and a few friends, founded CVHA, the realization of a fifty year long dream. CVHR is a 501(c)3 corporation, dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of needy horses.

When first opening the rescue they expected to save 3-4 horses per year, and were taken completely by surprise at the overwhelming need for horse rescue. CVHR went from 2 rescue horses to 20 in its first year and to 30 by the end of its second year.  By the end of 2011, CVHR was working on becoming verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and received that verification in 2012.

Doug had been tied to a stake in an abandoned mine, left to starve ... Doug is now living in a loving happy home - As he recovered he adopted a little girl who spoke to him - She had suffered severe emotional and physical trauma - She began speaking to Doug- They are now partners in healing each other.

To date CVHR has rescued over 200 horses, and placed 175 in good adoptive homes. They have also achieved Verified status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. And were a Top Rated Non Profit for 2012 AND 2013.

CVHR is proud to be a member of the Wounded Warrior Equestrian Project. They also conduct youth education programs and outreach.

It's not the horse's fault that they become unwanted, abused or discarded. But sadly far too many suffer and languish. Thank God for folks like Cindy and her team at CVHR, who dedicate themselves to easing that suffering, and turning it into happiness for not only the horses, but the happy families who learn of the most powerful love. The love given by a rescued horse.

Visit CVHR on FACEBOOK and on their WEBSITE.

Thanks Cindy, for all you and your team do to help others. Horses and people.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

"Feature Friday – Ride For Their Lives – Robynne Catheron"

Howdy Folks,

 

Languishing in Federal bureaucratic bogs and quicksand is the bill that would end the slaughter of American horses forever. The Safeguard American Food Export (S.A.F.E.) Act, has sat untouched now for almost a year.

Horse lover and advocate, Robynne Catheron is mounting a personal and extraordinary effort to raise awareness of, and help pass the S.A.F.E. Act. She is setting out on a 1,150 mile "RIDE FOR THEIR LIVES" along the American Discovery Trail from Cincinnati, Ohio to Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware starting April 20, 2014. She'll be taking two horses; George is her own horse, and Sampson who is on loan to her from the woman who rescued him from a killpen awaiting slaughter.

A happy Sampson all recovered and loving life!

Sampson was a Big Lick "Performance" horse, his lower legs sored, his hooves padded and chained, and dumped at auction by an owner who no longer found him useful. "Sampson is hoping to find his forever home during this ride. Anyone interested in meeting Sampson (or any of us) please contact me on Facebook." Robynne said.

"The S.A.F.E. Act (H.R.1094, S.541) will not only protect American horses from the nightmare of slaughter, it will prevent toxic horse meat from being shipped overseas for human consumption. Horses in the United States are not raised as food animals. They are routinely given drugs for parasite control, pain, and certain medical conditions that typical food animals are not given. For example, phenylbutazone, or "Bute," a common equine pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, is highly toxic to human bone marrow." Explains Robynne.

Robynne's plans for RIDE FOR THEIR LIVES began several years ago as feelings of helplessness, frustration and sorrow overwhelmed her for America's young and healthy horses being sent to slaughter. "I needed to do something significant to spread the message that slaughter is never an option, whether in abattoirs in Canada and Mexico, or in cattle rendering plants on American soil. I have extensive information to share about horse slaughter, sent to me by several experts in the field. Much of it is the result of undercover investigations." Robynne explained.

George and Robynne rollin' along

As she rides the thousand miles she'll spread the word of the stuck-in-place S.A.F.E Act and not only raise awareness, but shine the light on the horrors innocent horses face in the overcrowded trucks, pens and brutal slaughterhouses. Her youngest granddaughter, Chelsea, will be gathering with Robynne each night for dinner, and to feed the horses. She'll also be coordinating with media a few days before arriving at each town, so that maximum exposure will be achieved.

This RIDE FOR THEIR LIVES is a wonderful thing. Horses and their people everywhere thank you, Robynne, George and Sampson!

Join them on Facebook HERE – and follow their route. Robynne invites you to join them in camp, or along the trail. Have a look HERE at her fundraiser page.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

Feature Friday - James River VA chapter of Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

Howdy Folks,

Providing second chances for retired Thoroughbred race horses and the men who care for them is the idea behind Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). The James River chapter of the TRF was founded in 2007 at the James River Work Center in Goochland County, VA. It is one of the now ten "Second Chances" programs that TRF has at correctional facilities around the country.

On  left, Nikki Linaman assistant warden in charge of James River work center, Ann Tucker on right.

The national organization was founded in 1983 with the mission to save retired Thoroughbreds from neglect, abuse and slaughter. Since then it has grown to 22 facilities located both at traditional farms and correctional facilities. At every TRF location the horses are assured a lifetime of care, and adoption to loving homes.

Leading the horses through the obstacles

At the James River TRF they've adopted out nearly 40 horses already. Horses who most likely had no promise of love and care in their future. Dozens of human lives have been changed in that time too.

Waiting patiently with his horse in the obstacles

Current President of The James River TRF, Anne Tucker says, "I joined the effort to take care of rescued racehorses that might otherwise not be cared for. I had no idea that working with these wonderful Thoroughbreds would have such an impact on the lives of these men, non-violent offenders who have much to offer if given a chance. We have certified over 50 men, many of whom have been released and are holding jobs both in and outside of the horse industry. Saving a life, how do you put a value on that?"

Offenders selected from a pool of applicants are assigned to the program for a specific period of training, during which they care for the horses on a daily basis – leading in and out, mucking stalls, grooming, feeding, doing round-pen work. This hands-on experience is complemented by classroom training in equine nutrition, physiology, tack and stable management. TRF uses the Groom Elite curriculum, developed by Reid McLellan, Ph.D., and taught at racetracks. Graduates become certified, and the Foundation assists them, upon their release, in finding jobs in the horse industry.

A tender moment between horse & man

"I am so wonderfully amazed at the impact this program has had on the men passing through the program." Anne says. "We are so grateful for our wonderful trainers, Jess Bowen and Brooks Clement, and the hard work of our adoption coordinators. We currently care for 22 horses, including Covert Action, a grandson of Secretariat, and Multiple Choice, a multiple graded stakes winner and great grandson of the big red horse born just up the road.  Both of these horses will be at the Virginia State Fair on opening day, Sept. 27, to help celebrate the legacy of Secretariat at his birthplace."

This is truly a place where horses help men to learn how to give, accept and make the most of second chances. "Of the men in the program now, four new men will begin their course with Dr. McLellan this week, and three men who have been studying for six months will be tested. On Friday we expect to have another graduation, another cause for celebration." Anne explained.

 Mike (on left) adopted "Step" - Kevin (who cared for Step) hands the lead to Mike. Another happy moment.

Thank you Anne and everyone at TRF for caring enough to help horses and men find new beginnings together.

You can visit James River chapter of Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation on the web (HERE) and on Facebook (HERE)

Gitty up ~ Dutch Henry

"Feature Friday- Proud Sprit Horse Sanctuary – Melanie Sue Bowles"

Howdy Folks,

 

Sanctuary. Webster's dictionary defines sanctuary as, "A safe place. A place of refuge and protection." Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary in Lincolnton, GA is exactly that. Currently over fifty horses who have been rescued from all sorts of abuse, neglect and trauma can live out their lives, running free under the watchful eyes of Melanie Sue Bowles and her husband Jim. Never again to worry about hunger, abuse or abandonment they romp together as a family through pastures, streams and woods. Melanie expects nothing of them, except that they enjoy the peace and happiness here. Being one of the few true horse sanctuaries in the country no horse will ever be adopted out. "They've given enough." Melanie will tell you.

Proud Spirit horses relaxing by the pond

I had the honor and pleasure of interviewing Melanie on Tuesday for a story to be published in my October Heartbeats column in Trail Blazer. They make a practice of saving horses other rescues turn down since they'll never adopt them out, they don't need to be able to be ridden. "Our horses will never see a bit, saddle or any tack again. They've given enough." Melanie said.

Dixie and the Mustangs soaking up the sun

All the horses at Proud Spirit come from one form or another of neglect or abuse. Melanie believes it's quite arrogant for humans to think they are the only species that deserve emotional well being. She and Jim believe and promote that it is just as important to place as much emphasis on the horse's emotional well being as we do on their physical needs. That thought became the cornerstone of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary's philosophy.

Melanie and Jim

Over the past 25 years Melanie and Jim have intervened on behalf of more than 300 hundred downtrodden horses, many of them coming to the sanctuary to live out their lives in peace and dignity, a life that most had never known before.

Melanie began to write down the stories of some of the horses they'd rescued and a friend urged her to publish those stories because they might help others understand how horses need and deserve our compassion. Her first book "The Horses of Proud Spirit" was published in 2003. Melanie has since released two more books, "Hoof Prints" and "The Dogs of Proud Spirit." Over the years the sanctuary has welcomed a number of unwanted dogs as well. The proceeds from all her books help to support the sanctuary. Visit their website  http://www.horsesofproudspirit.org/ to purchase these fine books.

Be sure to watch for my story about this wonderful place in my Heartbeats column of the  October issue of Trail Blazer, and thank you Melanie and Jim for all you do to help horses.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

 Check out Trail Blazer magazine here- http://www.trailblazermagazine.us/ 

"Feature Friday-Wings Of Hope Ranch"

Howdy Folks,

There is a small ranch in Montpelier Virginia where once discarded and neglected horses, now rescued and healthy, help to nurture and heal children who are facing challenges. Children who have suffered abuse, neglect, and any manner of troubles can find peace, growth and love at this little ranch aptly named, "Wings Of Hope Ranch."

You can feel the peace and love at Wings of Hope Ranch

Wings Of Hope Ranch is a Christian based non-profit organization dedicated to offering new and bountiful lives to children and horses by offering a safe environment where the horses can heal and the children can learn about love and caring. Together they help each other start new lives.

Co-founders Jane Yancey and Alison Boyd had a dream in 2006 to help troubled children find their way clear and onto new starts, and that vision included horses as teachers. Both Jane and Alison were lifelong horse lovers and they knew too often horses needed to be rescued too. There plan would be to rescue horses who would then be the healers of the children. Healing together and learning from each other, horses and children each could celebrate new beginnings.

Since its beginning in 2006 the services at Wings Of Hope Ranch have been offered free of charge, and no staff or volunteers are paid. Word spread quickly of the good that is done there and the program grew and grew. Today there are approximately 2700 visits a year by children, people attending services, working and volunteering. The ranch is open 5 days a week and children come to receive services each day.

Many of the children who visit the ranch have been abused, are in family crises, were orphaned, adopted at a late age, have a family member that is dying or recently died, too often more than one of these issues all at the same time. The goal is to continue to rescue and rehabilitate horses in need and utilize these great animals and their gifts to break down barriers humans cannot touch. Many parents or caretakers find Wings of Hope Ranch to be the one thing that "works" for their child.

Wings of Hope Ranch also has an extremely successful mentorship program for the youth who graduate from the program and desire to stay involved and continue to pass on the healing by becoming a leader. It is called the "Youth Leader" program. This program meshes together these graduates with teen leaders from the community who come along side them and work with both the horses and children in the program. "It is a blessing to watch these teens blossom in this special environment." Said Alison.

Youth Leaders carry the healing forward

What a wonderful world exists on that little ranch in Montpelier. A place of love, healing and rebirth. For children and horses. Please visit their website to learn more http://www.wingsofhoperanch.org/ 

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry