I found out about Throwaway Ponies from a friend when I expressed a desire to own a horse. I went out to the ranch and saw how so many horses, abandoned and abused were loved, cared for, rehabilitated and adopted out when they w.ere ready. Karen Bander, the owner, is knowledgeable about everything horsey and helped me find a horse suitable for me.
I adopted Licorice , a Tennessee Walking Horse and little Houdini, a miniature horse in April and brought them home in May. Karen let me keep Licorice at TAPS while getting my land refenced and my donkeys gelded. She has made herself available to me to answer any questions I might have. She really goes the extra mile with all the horses in her care and I can't thank her enough for caring for my horses while I was looking for them!
Paula Baker
One of my places I like to donate when I can. This place is a real special haven for horses. The volunteers that work directly in the feeding and caring of these animals put so much time and devotion into what they are doing. It's great to know they are out there and helping where they can. A great organization to support.
I had a horse that developed a health issue that I was not able to care for. Karen took in the horse and gave him the medical attention he needed. I am so extremely grateful. I am the kind of person who considers it a lifetime commitment to an animal when I adopt one, so I felt like a failure that I could not care for my gelding. Karen came to my rescue.
It is very hard to find a rescue to take a horse when you are the owner and trying to do the right thing. Many of the rescue organizations are so overwhelmed that they only take extremely abused or abandoned horses. So I was so relieved that Throwaway Ponies helped me.
After I donated my horse, Karen gave me periodic updates on him. Eventually, he was adopted by another family who can give him the special care he now needs. I feel good about that because Throwaway Ponies has a thorough application process. They make sure the horses go to good homes.
The reason Throwaway Ponies could help me when other couldn't is because they are such a well-run organization. They have lots of very committed volunteers. They work hard not only to care for the horses, but also to help raise funds. They have been in business a number of years and are a full-scale rescue. Karen is very honest and kind. She has impeccable integrity.
Throwaway Ponies came to my rescue by taking my beautiful horses that I was physically unable to care for. Karen rescued me. I couldn't stand the thought that my beloved Gambler wouldn't be with me. I brought him into this world, saw his first breath, and knew I'd be there for his last. Through TAPS, Gambler was adopted by a wonderful family--another little girl and spunky boy who will love Gambler as much a I still do. Our mare, Sue, has flourished with the love and attention from the outstanding volunteers. This organization uses each penny donated for the benefit of the animals they rescue. But they also rescue people.
Throwaway Ponies is the best part of my week. I have have seen the difference they make in the lives of the animals they take in along with those that spend time at their facility. I am so thankful I found them
Throwaway Ponies is a place of compassion and healing., for horse and humans alike.
I volunteer on weekends , as I can and never thought I would be so touched to see the kids get so excited , laughing about, interacting / connecting with their horse and becoming confident in their classes.
It's also good for the spirit to see an animal that's never known kindness , respond to your voice or touch.
THe volunteers really work hard, and are the definition of "team work" . Everyone, and their contribution matters; all of it goes back into the program,
Please consider donating your time , money, or both!
I had been a stay at home mom for over 25 years. I felt a little lost when when last daughter moved out. I spent a lot of time praying and trying to figure out what I wanted to invest my time and passion. My daughter's best friend mentioned she volunteered at a horse rescue. I had a horse as a child and those are some of my fondest memories of childhood. I decided to go out to Throwaway Ponies with her and the I immediately felt at home. The people were friendly and enthusiastic about what they were accomplishing. The more I was there, the more I loved. I haves been volunteering at TaPs for almost two years now. I have learned so much ab out the care and the love horses have for others. I have learned so much about myself and have discovered the fulfilling passion I find in horses. The program's foundation is developing horses and people alike. The owner, Karen Bander, makes you feel like an important member of this family. She is a true inspiration to the volunteers. Please consider helping and giving to this great Rescue. I will be eternally grateful for this season in my life.
We visited Throwaway Ponies just to see this wonderful organization, and visit with the horses, hoping to some day adopt. Well after being there and seeing for ourselves what they do, we were compelled to keep coming back. We fell in love with a couple rescue horses, and even though we were going through some rough financial times, Throwaway Ponies made it easy for us to adopt them. If you are looking for a good cause to donate to, please help Throwaway Ponies, all the donations benefit the animals.
I volunteered with and donated to TaPs last year. Every dollar donated is directly benefitting the horses, people and other animals served by this organization. The experience was awesome and the people are amazing. No horse, person or animal should be thrown away - TaPS gives all a place to be useful and valued. Love Throwaway Ponies!
Working with the horses, donkeys, mules, AND people involved with Throwaway Ponies has been a life-changing experience for me. Volunteering at TAPS has given me a wonderful reason to get off the couch and get busy helping others. One of my jobs is to help special needs children experience the joy of being "way up high" on the back of a gentle therapy horse. It's great to see the kids interact with the horses and, later, with each other.
My favorite part of volunteering at Taps is loving and caring for the rescued horses. It's such a great feeling to gain the trust of an animal that has been abused in some way. Not all of our horses are abused, however. Some of them come to us because, by unfortunate circumstance, their original families can no longer care for them. We love them all: no matter what.
Please consider helping us at Throwaway Ponies to care for our equine friends by making a donation to this worthy cause. And thank you, Karen Bander, for allowing me this opportunity to make a difference.
Sincerely,
Cathi Menges
I began volunteering with Throwaway Ponies March 2012. I knew when I quit working that I wanted to "give back" somewhere . I love horses and people , so I began praying for a perfect place that met my passions. I met with Karen, and felt at home instantly. Throwaway Ponies is family owned and every one that comes out soon becomes part of this family. Volunteers can choose from many areas of service , from scooping poop to computer work. Our mission is to rehab horses and heal hearts. We take in neglected horses , rehab them , then put them up for foster care or adoption. We provide a safe friendly place for people to find comfort and peace while working with the horses within their comfort level. It is so rewarding to see the horses improve along with the handlers and then to see the horses get to go to a forever home. I am very thankful to TaPs for being there for the community , serving a need for both equine and us humans.
Throw Away Ponies has been around for awhile now. I do not live close enough to work with them on daily basis, but if I did, I would. I have spent years working with other rescue organizations and for a time ran my own riding program for autistic children. Doing one or the other is a lot of work, but doing both to help horses and people heal is an astronomical task that few would even attempt, much less acheive. This is exactly what Karen Bander has done with Throw Away Ponies.
I first met Karen years ago when we were both working with a rescue organization for horses. She and I hit it off pretty well. She is an honest, hardworking individual that is not afraid to put herself out there. The amount of people and horses she has helped over the years must reach the hundreds by now. She keeps her organization, working like a well oiled machine. Everyone does their fair share of work, and the end result is magic.
Having run my own program for awhile, I understand the amazing healing power of horses. I have heard nothing but good reports of the work coming from Throw Away Ponies. I donate whenever I can and help out with publicity as much as possible. Whenever there is a call from Throw Away ponies for a need, I know that it is legit. Many organizations, unfortunately, take money for fraudulent
reasons. This is not the case for Throw Away Ponies. The money intake and output is transparent. The animals are well taken care of and there is never any questions as to where the money goes.
I love being associated with these merchants of hope. This is the most awesome group of people and animals you would ever hope to meet. The work they do is so amazing and needed to help others lead a fairly normal life and to still others heal after a tragic event. As you drive up to Throw Away ponies you pass through a gateway of hope, love and redemption. Karen had a great idea many years ago when she first set this place up, now it is a reality and a total dream come true not just for her, but all the living beings she and her volunteers help.
Karen and her group of volunteers do a fantastic job of keeping the public aware of their activities and accomplishments. This is very important in keeping the organization alive and in the public eye. They help themselves when it comes to finding donations and funds. It would really be nice if someone else would reward all this work and allow everyone to enjoy their good works for a few minutes before having to scramble for more funding. If I could support the whole group financiallly I would, but that is not in the cards, so all I can do at this point is to let everyone know that their dollars will go to benefit those less fortunate than themselves, both people and animals.
This is organnization is a godsend. It has been needed for a long time and is finally in place doing what has been needed doing for a long time. If you want to feel good about time or money spent, please consider this organization. You will not be disappointed. Hapy Trails To You!
Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo
author: Pie, An Old Brown Horse
(That Knows What He Is Doing)
My daughter and I volunteer at Throwaway Ponies a couple times a week. Karen has opened her home and heart, not only to the animals, but to the people as well. We may all have various backgrounds and lives, but all come together to do everything possible to make the horses, donkeys or other animals that make their way there, comfortable and happy. Come rain, snow or sunshine, Karen and all the volunteers take care of the animals. This program that helps the horses someday find a forever home, also helps the caregivers mend their own hearts as well. We are so lucky to have other horse lovers in Rockwall, Texas. Home is where the horse is! If you have always wanted to care for horses, be around horses, or just give some of your time, Throw Away Ponies is your place!
My son, Jonathan, is diagnosed with Aspergers. He deals with depression and the Psychologist recommended Throwaway Ponies. It was the best recommendation ever! Jonathan began with getting to know the horses, then he began English riding lessons. He made so much progress emotionally, physically, and socially. The horses, environment and Karen Bander taught him well!
I would recommend Throwaway Ponies with the of Highest Recommendations!!!
Throwaway Ponies is by far one of the best equine rescues w importantly a therapeutic riding program that serves horses/donkey's & people that i have ever volunteered for (just social media). Karen helped me out when I was trying to start up my own animal rescue, I can't thank her enough for her support, one of the many reasons I am giving back.
Throwaway Ponies is a wonderful place for abandoned or abused horses, as well as for people.
The dedication, care, and compassion here is outstanding. It is not only therapeutic for the horses, but extremely therapeutic for people of all ages dealing with a multitude of issues. Throwaway Ponies has been life-changing for my children. They have learned trust, compassion, dedication, and the importance of helping others. We feel very blessed to be a part of this remarkable organization.
Throwaway Ponies has been an absolute blessing for my daughter and for myself. TaPs (Throwaway Ponies) is a wonderful place for horses and people of all ages. Humans and horses benefit from each other at TaPs. There are many different ways to help the horses at TaPs just as there are many ways to benefit from it. Not all of the needs at TaPs require strenuous physical work, some needs are paperwork, computer work, phone calls, organizing fundraisers. If you love physical work in the wonderful outdoors then TaPs is a great place for that also. We began at TaPs with my daughter participating in their Kids Club in the Fall 2011 and we are still at TaPs. She was taught right away how to feed, catch, halter, groom, clean hooves, saddle and clean up after the horses. The Kids Club was a fabulous experience for my daughter. Thanks to the time, money and love given to Throwaway Ponies from Karen Bander, her family and all of the voluteers we continue to benefit from Throwaway Ponies as do many other people and horses.
ThrowAway Ponies is a remarkable place, providing a nurturing environment for abused and neglected horses, and, at the same time, allowing opportunities for growth and success for kids of all ages. The compassion exemplified by Karen Bander is fostered in all who come, as they learn all aspects of horse care, as they see horses coming from horrible situations pull through and shine because of the love and care they are shown and given, and as they themselves learn confidence working with animals much bigger than themselves. ThrowAway Ponies sets a standard for horse care that is a model that stands by itself for many to look up to.
Throwaway Ponies is a wonderful organization! It teaches kids self confidence as they learn to groom and saddle a horse much bigger than themselves. In addition, the physical benefits of core strengthening, balance and coordination are addressed when the children ride the horses around the ring, around poles and over the bridge. Children heal by helping the horses heal. The horses love the attention that the kids give them whether grooming, bathing or giving them treats. TaPs is a great organization run by a lady with a big heart for both kids and horses!
Throwaway Ponies is a model of how compassion, caring, and effort can truly save a life. Our family volunteers at TAPS and we have seen the horses saved by this great organization gain strength, love, trust and a positive life again. In addition, the children that participate in the programs offered here are transformed as well. Throwaway Ponies IS "helping horses, healing hearts" I am blessed to be a part of TAPS and in awe of the results of all the work and love shared there! Thank you to the Banders and all the volunteers that give so much to the lives of o
I recently started volunteering here, feeding, and working with the horses when I can. I love horses and if I could I would run a sanctuary of my own, and I would absolutely model it after ThrowAway Ponies! The amount of work and love that goes into these neglected, abused, and forgotten horses is phenomenal! You can truly see it when you encounter each horse! They've come to trust and love humans again.
The children that attend the kids' clubs learn so much, not just about the horses, but to have confidence in themselves. In the short time that I have been volunteering, I've witnessed so many wonderful things, from neglected horses, untrained and forgotten horses, to the children that are learning to work with them! I am a huge fan of TaPs!!
May God continue to bless the Banders with volunteers and funding to help more needy horses!
Throwaway ponies is a great nonprofit organization that helps horses and people of all ages. I first brought my two girls here about a year and half ago to help my oldest with ADD. She has issues with being painfully shy among other things and when we first came, she refused to get out of the car. It took determination and lots of patience from one of the volunteers to get her to the point where she would even sit on the bleachers to watch the other kids. Now, she is out there leading other kids around on the horses and working horses in the round pen. Through the kindness and love from the people at TaPs, my daughter is now more apt to extend kindness and love herself than just sit on the sidelines. And I no longer have to drag her out of the car but she asks to come out to see the horses on a regular basis. The presence of God is truely felt on this land, among the animals, and through the loving hands and hearts of the many volunteers that come and help make TaPs what it is, a safe haven.