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SIERRA VISTA — Every horse that passes through Care for the Horses comes with a story.
Most have endured extreme neglect and abuse. Some have injuries. Others distrust humans.
But one thing is for sure: Care for the Horses gives animals a new lease on life through its program.
Since its inception in 2002, more than 145 horses have been helped by the horse rescue program, a nonprofit organization run by volunteers and overseen by a board of directors.
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“We started the program in 2002 when 11 horses in Hereford were discovered nearly starved to death,” said Ann Jost, the organization’s president. “The horses were rescued, nursed back to health and placed in good homes.”
Care for the Horses works with state livestock officials and other equine rescue organizations throughout the state.
“We take in horses that have been confiscated by Arizona livestock officers,” Jost said. “It’s just heartbreaking to see the condition some of these horses are in when we get them.”
When extremely emaciated horses are rescued, it can take months to bring the animals back to health, said Cynthia McLemore, one of the organization’s volunteers.
“Some of these horses are so emaciated, their condition is dire by the time they come to us,” she said. “We’ve had horses that were wandering the desert, abandoned and abused by drug runners.”
One horse had been beaten so badly that half his face is permanently paralyzed. Horses that have been subjected to that kind of abuse require gentle handling and slow, easy training to help rebuild their trust in humans, McLemore said. Once horses are healthy and have gone through training, they are put up for adoption. Prior to leaving the program for their new home, all horses are examined by a veterinarian, vaccinations are updated, feet are trimmed and teeth are floated.
“The adoption fee ranges between $250 and $350,” McLemore said.
Anyone interested in adopting one of the horses must go through an interview process. In addition, members of the program go to the site where the horse is to be stabled and conduct an inspection.
“We want to be assured that the horse’s needs are going to be met,” McLemore said.
As with most nonprofits, volunteers are always needed. Volunteers do not need previous experience working with horses, as they go through a training program.
Care for the Horses has a facility located at 9001 E. Canada in Sierra Vista. Visits are by appointment only.
All adopted horses go through a 12-month trial period with their adoptive owners. During that time, the horse continues to be the property of Care for the Horses. After the one-year trial, ownership is turned over to the adopter.
In addition to its rescue program, Care for the Horses offers feed and veterinary assistance for individuals undergoing temporary financial hardships. The financial assistance is in the form of an interest-free loan, which goes toward purchasing feed and paying for veterinary care and farrier (blacksmith) services.
A contract is signed to verify that both parties — Care for the Horses and the person requesting assistance — are in agreement as to the kind of financial support that will be provided. The contract specifies exactly what assistance will be given and the length of time it will be offered. Repayment terms, usually in the form of a monthly payment, are outlined as well. All loans are confidential.
“It’s important for people to understand that we offer this kind of assistance,” McLemore said. “We know how expensive veterinary emergencies can be. We will make arrangements to pay a veterinary bill so that care can begin immediately, when it’s most beneficial to the horse.”
There have been cases where horses have died because owners couldn’t afford the necessary medical care.
“When we hear about those cases, it’s really troubling to all of us,” McLemore said. “Especially when we can do something to help. We want to get the word out and let people know where to turn when they’re in those situations.”
REPORTER Dana Cole can be reached at 515-4618 or by e-mail at dana.cole@svherald.com.
EVENTS
As a nonprofit organization, Care for the Horses relies on fundraising projects and donations. The following two events provide fundraising opportunities for the organization:
• Today, the Sierra Vista Riding Club is sponsoring a Toys for Tots roping. The riding club is located on Giulio Cesare Avenue behind the county maintenance yard. Care for the Horses will be at the event selling drinks, shirts and mugs and answering questions about the organization.
• On Jan. 19, Care for the Horses volunteers will be participating in a Fun Day at the Grand Adventures Ranch, 3088 Highway 83 in Sonoita. There is a $5 entry fee. Attendees will have an opportunity to:
• Visit some of the rescue horses that are up for adoption.
• See round pen and ground work demonstrations.
• Watch a farrier trim horses’ hooves.
• Visit vendor booths and shop for gifts.
• Listen to live music.
• Eat at the Care for the Horses food booth and buy items at the bake sale.
• Buy raffle tickets for prizes, with free tickets for kids.
• Bid for items at a silent auction.
WHAT'S NEEDED
Donated items are always needed at the Care for the Horses facility, 9001 E. Canada, in Sierra Vista. Visits are by appointment only.
Items on the wish list include:
• Wheelbarrows
• Manure rakes
• Fencing supplies
• Horse feeders
• Horse panels & gates
• Fly spray & fly bags
• Western saddle (to use when people try out a horse).
• Hay: Bermuda or alfalfa. Senior feed and hay pellets also are needed.
To make a donation, e-mail careforthehorses@msn.com or call Ann Jost at (520) 378-0896.
Monetary donations can be sent to Care For The Horses, P.O. Box 884, Sierra Vista AZ 85636.
There are currently eight horses in the program. For adoption information, or to find out about volunteering for the organization, call Jost at the above number or send an e-mail.
