| Normally, my articles are geared toward personal | | | | it is now at $30,000. A payment plan has been initiated |
| protection. This article will be about another of my | | | | and this tab should be paid in full in 3 years. The store |
| passions, animals, in particular horses. I believe the first | | | | owner has very generously donated space in his store |
| words out of my mouth were "horsey" not mommy or | | | | for a tack shop where people donate tack which is |
| daddy. I was constantly drawing horses in school and | | | | sold and the proceeds go toward feed. Nina spends |
| riding around on my make believe horse made from a | | | | many sleepless nights worrying about where the |
| broomstick. Don't know what makes girls in particular | | | | money will come from to keep the 43 horses going |
| "horse crazy" but I sure had the bug and still do. | | | | that she now cares for. Nina drives to the various |
| It took many years before I actually owned my own | | | | locations of the horses at least twice a day to feed |
| horse and it wasn't the palomino I longed for, it was an | | | | them herself and check on their condition. The 4 H club |
| aged, black gelding who was on his way to "slaughter". | | | | helps with manure clean up and grooming. Sadly, |
| I called him "Mr. Lucky", which he was. He was only | | | | because of the financial burden, Nina is unable to |
| one of many such creatures to come into my life. | | | | accept anymore horses at this time. The horses are |
| They came into my life at a time when I was suffering | | | | available for adoption, but most are not rideable. They |
| the loss of loved ones and facing a life threatening | | | | would make great companions for other horses or just |
| illness. Most of these horses had major health issues | | | | a lovable human companion. |
| themselves and caring for them took my mind off of | | | | You can help by: |
| my problems. For this I will forever be grateful. | | | | * donations of hay, senior food, pipe corrals |
| My "herd" has dwindled due to natural attrition and my | | | | * dependable truck with good gas mileage |
| heart still aches for these wonderful free spirits. | | | | * horse trailer |
| My wish for all animals is that they live their lives in | | | | * become a foster home for a wonderful horse |
| permanent loving homes. And, there would be no need | | | | * provide a permanent loving home for a horse |
| for rescue groups. Unfortunately, this is not the case. | | | | * monetary donations |
| There is a wonderful horse rescue in my area called | | | | You can really help by: |
| Horses Honor, founded in 2000 by a very | | | | * Stopping indiscriminate breeding. There are more |
| compassionate person named Nina Clark. | | | | horses than homes, consequently their fate is sealed. |
| Horseshonor.org became non profit in 2003. Nina has | | | | * Being a responsible horse owner. If you can no |
| loved horses her whole life and has dedicated her life | | | | longer care for your horse, find a loving home, don't |
| to caring for the castaways. She has a real soft spot | | | | take the horse to an auction where they can end up in |
| for the older horses as do I. Horses Honor is not a | | | | the hands of "killer buyers". |
| ranch, Nina uses whatever resource she can muster | | | | * If you are unable to pay for expensive medical |
| up to care for these creatures. Pastures and shelters | | | | treatment for your horse and there is no other |
| are donated for the care of the horses, she now has | | | | alternative, have your horse mercifully put down, with a |
| a very kind veterinarian that donates time to the needs | | | | tranquilizer first. DO NOT send it to a slaughter house |
| of these animals. In addition she has a volunteer | | | | or auction. These animals who have served you so |
| bookkeeper, a volunteer webmaster, a volunteer | | | | well deserve better treatment. Give up a luxury or |
| transporter, and the local farrier school provides for the | | | | work a part time job to pay for the costs. Be |
| horses hoof care. | | | | responsible and caring for these magnificent creatures |
| A very compassionate feed store owner has been | | | | who trust and depend on you. Thank you. |
| carrying a tab for Horses Honor for several years and | | | | |