I have been associated with The Horse Shelter since 2014 as a volunteer and donor. Although my health prevents me from some of the most necessary vounteer tasks (Mucking and handling energetic horses) I am filled with incredible memories of working with the horses who find themselves, luckily, at the ranch. I sponsored a 27 year old mare, Ria, while she was being rehabilitated after found wandering, abandones, neglected, and hungry along the highway near Chama, NM. We became buddies and ate lunch together while I showered her with affection and spent time leading her around the place. She found a happy home and spent the rest of her days with other Senior companions and a loving owner. One of the great things about the shelter is, they always find a niche for someone like me whose volunteer work may be limited to nurturing these worthy, trusting, and amazing equines. Susan Hemmerle, Director, is an outstnding manager and human being whom I am privileged to know. All the members of the board I have met over the years are very special and dedicated folks. My heart and hat go out to everyone in every capacity at this incredible organization. The photos are of Ria after three months of rehabilitation (which is a big improvement from her condition at intake,) and after one year. Truly one of the miracles which happen at this wonderful shelter.
I've watched this organization evolve for 13 years now. (It's been rescuing horses since 2000 but I only jumped in about 2009.) And what an evolution it's been; from completely volunteer run taking care of 32-35 horses to the amazing organization it is today, still heavily counting on volunteers but now fully staffed with ranch hands, trainers, ranch manager, volunteer coordinator and more to take care of the 70-80 horses(!) now being housed, helped and re-homed there at a given moment! It's always a joy to go help muck, participate in the classes offered to the volunteers or go down for any of the number of events they put together over the years as either fund raisers or just warm and welcoming Open Houses to periodic clinics. It's an amazing organization with wonderful people that love horses and always make you feel welcome while taking such good care of the horses often bringing some back from sometimes very dire situations. That's why it works because of their genuine love for the horses...top to bottom! (Did I mention I have two of their alumni in my barn as I type...?!) :)
I have served on the board of The Horse Shelter since 2004 and I know for a fact what an amazing organization this truly is. Our overhead expenses are kept incredibly low so the largest percentage of dollars possible is used to benefit the horses. We have an amazing group of talented, dedicated volunteers and they help us to keep our payroll costs low. Speaking of payroll, we may have a very small staff but they are incredible! They work tirelessly taking care of the horses, training them and helping them to get adopted out so we can make space for more horses in need of help. It is an honor to work for these majestic animals and to be associated with this incredible not for profit.